Hyundai And Kia Recalling Over 3 Million Vehicles For Fire Risk

Korean automakers Hyundai and Kia have issued a recall of a long list of their models for being a fire risk, even when parked.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over three million units are potentially involved in this issue: 1,642,551 Hyundais and 1,730,192 Kias.

The Kia issue stems from a faulty hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU). According to the safety recall report, this component could experience an electrical short circuit resulting in excessive current, eventually leading to a fire in the engine compartment. The exact cause of the electrical short circuit has not been disclosed.

Included on the recall list are 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte/Forte Koup, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima (Hwasung plant), 2012-2013 Optima (Kia Georgia plant), 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, 2011-2013 Soul, 2010-2013 Sportage, and 2010-2011 Rondo.

Hyundai's problems stem from faulty anti-lock brake system (ABS) modules that could leak brake fluid, which could eventually cause a short circuit over time. The recall document cited some early warnings, including smoke from the engine compartment, a burning or melting odor, and MIL and ABS light illumination.

For this issue, the automaker is recalling 2012-2015 Accent, 2012-2015 Azera, 2011-2015 Elantra, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2011-2015 Genesis Coupe, 2013-2015 Santa Fe, 2013 Santa Fe Sport, 2010-2013 Tucson, and 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell.

The faulty components may differ for the two brands, but they share a common denominator: the supplier. Mando - a Korean parts manufacturer that also provides brakes for the Tesla Model Y - supplied the HECU and ABS modules for the affected models.

While the affected units were built in the past decade, Hyundai Motor Group has upped its game in terms of reliability since, even securing top marks in last year's JD Power Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS).

But that doesn't mean newer Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis cars are safe from trouble. They even received a class-action lawsuit for overheating charging ports earlier this year.

Returning to the recent recall, Kia will start sending notification letters to owners from November 14 to 23, while Hyundai will do it on November 21. Both automakers are advising owners to park outside until a remedy is found.