Due to the possibility of engine compartment fires, Hyundai and Kia are recalling roughly 3.4 million vehicles in the U.S. and advising owners to park them outside.
Due to the possibility of engine compartment fires, Hyundai and Kia are recalling roughly 3.4 million vehicles in the U.S. and advising owners to park them outside. Numerous automobile and SUV models from the 2010 to 2019 model years are included in the recalls, including the Santa Fe SUV from Hyundai and the Sorrento SUV from Kia.
The anti-lock brake control module, according to documents published on Wednesday by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, can leak fluid and result in an electrical short, both of which can start a fire while the cars are being driven or parked.
As long as repairs are pending, the automakers advise owners to park outside and away from buildings. Owners will not be charged to have the anti-lock brake fuse replaced by dealers. According to paperwork, Kia will begin notifying owners of changes on November 14. Nov. 21 is the day for Hyundai.
According to the records, Hyundai recorded 21 fires in the impacted vehicles in the U.S. and an additional 22 “thermal incidents” that included smoke, burning, and part melting. Ten flames and melting accidents were recorded by Kia.
In a statement, Hyundai claimed that owners can keep operating the cars and that no accidents or injuries have been reported. The carmaker claimed that the recall was being carried out to guarantee customer safety.
The manufacturer said that with time, due to the presence of moisture, debris, and dissolved metals in the brake fluid, an O-ring in the antilock brake motor shaft can lose its ability to seal, leading to leaks. According to the statement, the new fuse regulates the braking module’s operational current.
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In a statement, Kia warned that an electrical short that generates too much electricity might cause an engine compartment fire near the brake control unit. According to the statement, there have been no accidents or injuries, and the precise cause of the short circuit is unknown.
The charity Center for Auto Safety’s executive director, Michael Brooks, questioned the firms about why they haven’t fixed the leak issue and why they’re taking so long to notify owners. One fuse must be replaced with another as a fix, but brake fluid can still leak and possibly compromise safety, according to Brooks.
Why not solve the issue, he questioned. “What you aren’t doing here is repairing the O-ring and the leak that first caused the issue. Without addressing the fundamental design problem, you are merely addressing a symptom or part of the issue.
In addition, Brooks questioned why owners aren’t receiving interim letters warning them of a major issue right away and why NHTSA is allowing the companies to just change a fuse. He remarked, “You’d think you’d be telling those owners right now that they shouldn’t be parking in their garages or their house might catch fire.”
Both companies’ statements don’t explain why the fluid leaks aren’t being fixed or why owners won’t receive a letter of notification for roughly two months. Both firms’ spokespeople stated they would look into the queries.
According to NHTSA, automakers have a choice as to how to rectify a flaw under the federal motor vehicle safety act. According to the government, it will keep an eye on how well the fixes are working and, if necessary, launch an investigation.
In addition, automakers have 60 days to deliver notices to owners of recalled vehicles, but the EPA noted that mailings sometimes take place sooner. Additionally, the NHTSA published a statement on Wednesday advising owners to leave their cars outside while they are getting repairs.
The affected Kia models are the Borrego (2010-2019), Cadenza (2014-2016), Forte (2010-2013), Forte Koup (2011-2013), Sportage (2010-2013), K900 (2015-2018), Optima (2011-2015), Optima Hybrid and Soul (2011-2013), Rio (2012-2017), Sorento (2011-2014), and Rondo (2010-2011).
Hyundai’s 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, and Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe and Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, and 2015 Tucson are all included in the recall. Owners can check if their vehicle is affected by a recall by visiting www.nhtsa.gov/recalls and entering their 17-digit VIN.
Since 2015, fire issues have plagued Hyundai and Kia. The Center for Auto Safety successfully petitioned U.S. regulators to request recalls in 2018 and reports on its website that, excluding the recalls announced on Wednesday, automakers had recalled more than 9.2 million vehicles for fires and engine issues. Over 20 vehicles from the model years 2006 through 2021 were involved in more than two dozen recalls.
NHTSA is also looking into 3 million vehicles produced by the automakers between the 2011 and 2016 model years. According to NHTSA, there have been 161 reports of engine fires, some of which have happened in automobiles.
According to NHTSA, owner reports of more than 3,100 fires, 103 injuries, and one fatality were received in June 2018. In 2020, the NHTSA fined Hyundai and Kia for taking too long to recall cars that were prone to engine breakdowns.
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