Nearly 485,000 Hyundai and Kia vehicle owners have been instructed to park outside because their vehicles could catch fire, even if the engines are completely shut off.
These vehicle owners are part of a recall that affected the following vehicles:
- 2014–2016 Kia Sportage SUV
- 2016–2018 Kia K900
- 2016–2018 Hyundai Santa Fe
- 2017–2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
- 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL
- 2014–2016 Hyundai Tucson
According to the recall, the engine compartment fires are caused by internal electrical shorts that occur when the antilock brake control modules are contaminated.
Typically, these fires occur in the location of the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit.
Drivers may notice the illumination of the ABS warning light, a burning or melting smell, and/or smoke coming from the engine compartment.
This recall comes after Hyundai and Kia being plagued by fire-related defects and recalls for the past six years. Hyundai and Kia state that they have 11 reports of fires in the United States.
According to documents submitted to U.S. safety regulators, owners should park their vehicles outsiders and away from other vehicles or structures until their vehicles are repaired. Dealers will install a new fuse with a different capacity to prevent “an overcurrent condition in the HECU’s electrical circuit board,” which is responsible for the electrical shorts.
Source: Detroit Free Press, NHTSA.gov
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