Hyundai and Kia have issued a recall for more than 3.3 million vehicles from the 2010s model range due to concerns over fluid leaks that could potentially lead to engine compartment fires, whether the vehicle is stationary or in motion. Vehicle owners are advised to park outdoors and at a distance from structures as a precautionary measure against fire hazards.
Hyundai and Kia, both of Hyundai Motor Group, have recalled over 3.3 million vehicles and are urging ... [+]GETTY IMAGES
Key Facts
Just a month after recalling vehicles due to potentially fire-prone oil pumps, Hyundai and Kia have issued further recalls, this time concerning their anti-lock brake systems.
Hyundai is recalling 1,642,551 vehicles in the U.S. and an additional 326,942 in Canada, as the company’s spokesperson Ira Gabriel informed Forbes. The recall is due to potential leaks in the anti-lock brake system, which could lead to fires, signaled by smoke or a burning smell from the vehicle.
While owners are not prohibited from using their vehicles, Hyundai recommends parking them outdoors and away from structures. The company intends to inform owners about bringing their vehicles to Hyundai dealerships for complimentary replacement of the anti-lock brake system fuse, as stated by Gabriel.
Kia, a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Group, is recalling 1,730,192 vehicles, as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This includes all models with a hydraulic electronic control unit, a component similar to Hyundai’s, following an extensive investigation initiated by concerns over Hyundai fires.
There have been no reports of crashes, injuries, or fatalities, but both companies have faced several recalls this year. Forbes has contacted Kia for additional comments.
A variety of models from both Hyundai and Kia, spanning several years, are included in the recall.
Key Background
This announcement is the latest in a series of recalls by the South Korean car manufacturers this year, with some occurring as recently as last month. In August, Hyundai and Kia recalled approximately 92,000 vehicles, including various 2023 models, due to issues with oil pumps overheating and potentially causing fires. In March, both companies advised owners to park their vehicles outdoors and away from other vehicles and buildings when recalling over 570,000 vehicles manufactured between 2019 and this year due to fire risks. Specifically, Kia recalled 188,912 of its 2021-23 Kia K5 models because of the risk of side curtain airbags deploying improperly during a crash.
Tangent
In addition to the series of recalls, both Hyundai and Kia are facing lawsuits from Chicago and around 17 other cities. The lawsuits allege that the lack of specific security technology in their vehicles contributed to a surge in car thefts. The automakers are advocating for the dismissal of these lawsuits, arguing that other factors such as city policing policies and instructional TikTok videos on breaking into specific models are responsible for the increase in car theft, as reported by Reuters.