Hyundai and Kia recalled more than 3.3 million vehicles over fire concerns on Tuesday, a federal filing shows. The automaker says affected vehicles should be parked away from homes and other structures.
“The vehicle’s anti-lock brake system module could leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short,” a National Highway Highway Traffic Safety Administration filing says. “An electrical short could result in significant overcurrent in the ABS module, increasing the risk of an engine compartment fire while driving or parked.”
Hyundai said owners can continue to drive the vehicles and that it’s not aware of any crashes or injuries due to these issues, Reuters reports. To date, Hyundai says it knows of 21 related vehicle fires and 22 “thermal incidents” (visible smoke, burning, and melting) in the United States. Kia also reported 10 incidents of fire and melting.
Affected vehicles include 1.64 million Hyundai models: 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, and Sonata Hybrid; 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, and Veloster; 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe and Santa Fe; 2014-2015 Equus; 2010-2012 Veracruz; 2010-2013 Tucson; 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell; and 2013 Santa Fe Sport. Kia’s recall encompasses the 2010-2019 Borrego; 2014-2016 Cadenza; 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup and Sportage; 2015-2018 K900; 2011-2015 Optima; 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid and Soul; 2012-2017 Rio; 2011-2014 Sorento; and 2010-2011 Rondo.
Owners of any of these models should see their local dealer for a replacement fuse once they receive a letter via first-class mail with instructions.
Contributing Editor
Kristin Shaw fell in love with cars while visiting dozens of auto shows as a kid, which explains her love for big-finned 1950s cars and 1960s Corvettes. She competed in her first Rebelle Rally, an all-female off-roading competition, in the fall of 2022 in a lifted Hyundai Santa Cruz and will participate again in 2023. Her words have appeared in numerous publications like Popular Science, Edmunds, The Drive, GearJunkie, U.S. News & World Report, Forbes Wheels, Today, The Washington Post and more.