Hyundai and Kia are recalling a combined 3.37 million vehicles in the United States due to the risk of engine fires. Owners have been advised to park outside and away from structures until repairs are completed. It has been confirmed that internal brake fluid leaks can cause an electrical short, which could lead to a fire. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said owners of the recalled vehicles should follow the advice of automakers and park vehicles outside until repairs are made.
Kia recall in America includes 1.73 million Borrego, Cadenza, Forte, Sportage, K900, Optima, Soul Rio, Sorento, and Rondo vehicles. Per NHTSA, the recall covers different model years for each vehicle from 2010 through 2017. Per Kia, the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) in the recalled vehicles may experience an electrical short as a result of brake fluid leaks, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Hyundai is recalling 1.64 million Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, Accent, Azera, Veloster, Santa Fe, Equus, Veracruz, Tucson, Tucson Fuel Cell, and Santa Fe Sport vehicles from model years covering 2011 through 2015. Per Hyundai, the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Hyundai has reported 21 fires and 21 other thermal incidents since 2017 which are related to the recall. Kia has reported at least 10 confirmed fires and melting incidents. According to NHTSA, neither Hyundai nor Kia has reports of any crashes, injuries or fatalities, or crashes related to the recalls. Hyundai intends to notify owners to bring vehicles to a dealer to replace the ABS module fuse. According to NHTSA, Kia is still working on a solution.
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