Fire Risk: Hyundai and Kia Recall More Than Three Million Vehicles

Though EV fires receive a tremendous amount of attention in the news, they are far less common proportionally than gas vehicle fires. Sure, we’ve seen a few massive recalls for EV fires in recent years, including a massive campaign involving every Chevy Bolt and Bolt EUV made between 2017 and 2023, but gas vehicles are still more likely to catch fire. Hyundai and Kia are the latest manufacturers to issue a fire-related recall, this time for millions of gas vehicles with faulty hydraulic electronic control units (HECU) and antilock brake modules. 

The affected Kia vehicles’ HECUs can experience an electrical short as they age, which causes excess electrical current, increasing the fire risk. The automaker said the exact cause of the short is unknown but noted that fires could occur when the vehicle is parked or in use. In total, the recall wrapped up more than three million vehicles from both automakers, with around 1.7 million Kias and 1.6 million Hyundais.  

Kia’s recalling several models, including:

·      2010-2019 Borrego

·      2014-2016 Cadenza 

·      2010-2013 Forte (includes Koup)

·      2010-2013 Sportage

·      2015-2018 K900

·      2011-2015 Optima (2011-2013 Optima Hybrid)

·      2011-2013 Soul

·      2012-2017 Rio

·      2010-2011 Rondo

·      2011-2014 Sorento

While fire-related, Hyundai’s recall is due to issues with the antilock brake system module. Similar to Kia’s HECU problems, the ABS in some Hyundai models can experience an electrical overcurrent, increasing the fire risk. Recall documentation states that the O-ring material in the ABS can be damaged over time, allowing brake fluid to leak onto electrical components.

 The list of Hyundai models involved in the recall includes:

·      2012-2015 Accent

·      2012-2015 Azera

·      2011-2015 Elantra

·      2011-2015 Genesis Coupe (prior to Genesis becoming a separate brand)

·      2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid

·      2012-2015 Veloster

·      2010-2012 Veracruz

·      2013 Santa Fe Sport

·      2014-2015 Equus

·      2013-2015 Santa Fe

·      2010-2013 Tucson

Hyundai said it is aware of 21 fires and 22 “thermal incidents” (sounds a lot like a fire) related to the problem. Both automakers noted that owners can continue driving their vehicles but advised that they must be parked outside and away from structures. Kia dealers will replace the HECU unit if required, and Hyundai stores will replace ABS fuses if there is a problem.

[Image: Hyundai]

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