Nearly 3.4 Hyundai and Kia vehicles in the United States have been recalled due to risk of engine compartment fires. Owners are advised to park outdoors and away from buildings until the repairs are completed for their vehicles.
The affected models have an anti-lock brake system module that may leak brake fluid internally, causing an electrical short. This can lead to significant overcurrent in the ABS module, which increases the risk of an engine compartment fire while the vehicle is driven or parked.
Affected Models
The Hyundai recall is for the following vehicles:
- 2012-2015 Accent
- 2012-2015 Azera
- 2011-2015 Elantra
- 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe
- 2014-2015 Equus
- 2011-2015 Genesis Coupe
- 2013-2015 Santa Fe
- 2013 Santa Fe Sport
- 2011-2015 Sonata HEV
- 2010-2013 Tucson
- 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell
- 2012-2015 Veloster
- 2010-2012 Veracruz
The Kia recall applies to:
- 2014-2016 Cadenza
- 2011-2013 Forte/Forte Koup
- 2015-2017 K900
- 2010-2015 Optima
- 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid
- 2011-2017 Rio
- 2010 Rondo
- 2011-2014 Sorento
- 2011-2013 Soul
- 2010-2013 Sportage
If you own one of the affected vehicles, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for getting the issue resolved. So far, Hyundai and Kia are unaware of any crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to the defect. However, there have been 21 related Hyundai vehicle fires and 22 thermal incidents in the United States. There has been one Kia engine compartment fire along with three fires in the unit and six melting components instances.
Kia is also recalling over 300,000 vehicles in the US (Optima 2016-2018, Optima hybrids and plug-ins 2017-2018, Rio 2016-2017) due to a problem that can prevent the trunk latch from being opened from inside. This could leave people trapped in the trunk.
Notifying Owners
Kia and Hyundai will notify automobile owners of the issue through notification letters in mid-November. Hyundai released a statement that owners can continue to drive their vehicles in the meantime, as no injuries or crashes have been reported. Automakers have 60 days to send a letter to notify owners of vehicle recalls, but often the letters are sent sooner. Since this issue could lead to fire in an enclosed environment such as a garage or near a home, it’s very important for owners to be aware that they need to park outdoors and away from buildings. While there haven’t been any serious injuries or fatalities reported related to this issue yet, that could change at any moment.
As a vehicle owner, it’s a good idea to regularly check for recalls. You can go to www.nhtsa.gov/recalls and type in your 17-digit vehicle identification number to see if your vehicle is currently under recall.
If you or a loved one has been injured, contact the Schuerman Law office today. Schuerman Law has been working with personal injury claims for over 40 years. John Schuerman will compassionately advocate for injured individuals as well as their families while fighting for full compensation of their claims. Schuerman Law offers evening and weekend appointments in addition to home and hospital visits. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 1-800-274-0045.
