US Markets
Wednesday, September 27th, 2023 4:33 pm EDT
Key Points
- Hyundai and Kia are recalling nearly 3.4 million vehicles in the U.S. due to the risk of engine compartment fires.
- The Center for Auto Safety has criticized the companies for not fixing the leak problem and for waiting so long to send letters to owners.
- NHTSA is monitoring the situation and will open an investigation if warranted.
Hyundai and Kia are recalling nearly 3.4 million vehicles in the U.S. and advising owners to park them outdoors due to the risk of engine compartment fires. The recall affects various car and SUV models from 2010 to 2019, including Hyundai’s Santa Fe SUV and Kia’s Sorrento SUV. The issue stems from a potential fluid leak in the anti-lock brake control module, leading to an electrical short that can result in fires while the vehicles are parked or in operation.
Both automakers are recommending owners park their vehicles away from structures until the necessary repairs are completed. Dealers will replace the anti-lock brake fuse at no charge to the owners, with Kia initiating notifications on November 14 and Hyundai on November 21. Despite the recalls, no crashes or injuries have been reported, and both companies emphasize the action is taken to ensure customer safety.
The problem appears to lie with an O-ring in the antilock brake motor shaft, which can deteriorate over time due to moisture, dirt, and dissolved metals in the brake fluid, leading to leaks. The new fuse limits the operating current of the brake module. Critics like Michael Brooks, executive director of the Center for Auto Safety, question why the companies aren’t addressing the fluid leaks themselves and why they’re delaying notifications to owners.
NHTSA (U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) allows automakers to choose a remedy for defects, and they will monitor the effectiveness of these repairs. Owners are typically notified within 60 days of a recall, but the process may begin sooner. NHTSA has also issued a warning for affected owners to park their vehicles outdoors until repairs are made.
A range of Kia and Hyundai models spanning several years is impacted, with owners encouraged to check their vehicle’s status on the NHTSA website. This recall comes after previous fire-related issues faced by both automakers, with over 9.2 million vehicles recalled for similar problems since 2015. NHTSA is currently investigating 3 million vehicles from 2011 to 2016, with reports of engine fires even in previously recalled vehicles. Both Hyundai and Kia were fined by NHTSA in 2020 for slow recalls related to engine failures.
To read the original article on CNBC, please click here: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/09/27/hyundai-and-kia-recall-nearly-3point4-million-vehicles-due-to-fire-risk-and-urge-owners-to-park-outdoors.html
