Korean automakers Hyundai and Kia are recalling 3.3 million used cars because they can catch fire while parked or while driving due to problems with their anti-lock braking system.
Hyundai models being recalled include sedans such as the Accent, Azera, Elantra, Genesis Coupe and Sonata as well as the Tuscon SUV. Kia models recalled include the Optima and Soul sedans and Sportage SUVs. Affected vehicles from 2010 to 2019 models.
A vehicle’s antilock braking system can leak brake fluid and cause a short circuit, which could increase the risk of an engine compartment fire, federal safety officials said. The O-ring in the anti-lock brake drive shaft can lose sealing strength over time due to the presence of moisture, dirt and dissolved minerals in the brake fluid, causing leaks, automakers said.
Owners of these car models should park the vehicle outside and away from structures until repairs can be made, according to the recall advertisement From the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Hyundai reported 21 fires in the affected vehicles in the United States, and 22 other “thermal incidents” including smoke, burning and melting parts, according to recall documents. Kia reported 10 fires and meltdown incidents.
Dealers will replace the anti-lock brake fuse at no cost to owners. Kia said in the documents that it will send notification letters to owners starting on November 14. As for Hyundai, the date is November 21.
Owners can continue to drive the vehicles and no accidents or injuries have been reported, Hyundai said in a statement. Hyundai owners are advised to take their vehicles to their local dealer and have the brake system module fuse replaced. Kia is still working on overhauling its models.
“Why don’t you solve the problem?”
Michael Brooks, executive director of the nonprofit Center for Auto Safety, questioned why automakers don’t fix leakage problems and why they wait so long to send notice to owners. The cure is to replace one fuse with another, but brake fluid can still leak, which could cause a safety issue, Brooks said.
“Why don’t you solve the problem?” Asked. “What you’re not doing here is fixing the O-ring and leak that’s causing the problem in the first place. You’re fighting a symptom or part of the problem without actually fixing the underlying design problem.”
Brooks also questioned why NHTSA only allows companies to replace valves, and why owners are not sent temporary letters warning them immediately that there is a serious problem.
“You might think you should notify these owners now that they shouldn’t park their cars in their garages or their homes could catch fire,” he said.
What models are called?
The recalled vehicles are:
Hyundai
- 2012-2015 Accent
- 2012-2015 Azera
- Elantra 2011-2015
- 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
Kia
- 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
The anti-lock brake recall comes after one month Automakers also recalled 92,000 cars Because the electronic control unit of their oil pumps can overheat and cause a fire. Which He remembers Covers select 2023 and 2024 Hyundai Palisades, select 2023 Tucson, Sonata, Elantra and Konas as well as 2023 Kia Soul, Sportage and Seltos.
Increase in thefts
Kia has also drawn unwanted attention this year due to a surge in thefts linked to a TikTok challenge that urged people to attach wires to vehicles using a screwdriver and USB cable. The thefts have been linked to at least 14 reported incidents and eight deaths. According to To NHTSA. About 9 million cars were affected by the wave of thefts, including Hyundai Elantra and Sonatas, as well as Kia Fortis and Souls.
Pay rise in thefts and accidents Attorneys General in 17 states Urging the federal government to recall millions of Kia and Hyundai vehicles. Automakers have ignored recall pleas, choosing instead to offer free software updates aimed at thwarting thieves. Hyundai and Kia paid $200 million earlier this year to settle a class-action lawsuit from owners whose cars were stolen in a nationwide spate of car thefts.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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