Hyundai & Kia Fire Risk Recall Expanded

Hyundai and Kia are recalling another 180,000 vehicles in the U.S. because of problems with the antilock brake system, which may result in an electrical short and vehicle fire.

The newly recalled vehicles are:

• 180,000 Hyundai Tucson compact crossovers from the 2019-21 model years. According to NHTSA documents, to date, Hyundai is aware of twelve (12) engine compartment fires related to this defect. Hyundai is aware of 9 fires in model year 2019 vehicles, 2 fires in 2020 model years and a single fire in a 2021 model.
• About 9,400 Kia Stingers from the 2019 model year. NHTSA documents show that there are six related fire complaints but no crashes or injuries related to the issue.

The recall notice comes after the two automakers already recently recalled more than 600,000 vehicles for a similar issue, where brake fluid may leak into the hydraulic electronic control unit, which could cause an electrical short over time and a vehicle fire. Those recalled vehicles were:

• 2013-15 Kia Optima sedans
• 2014-15 Kia Sorento crossovers
• 2013-15 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport crossovers.

In documents posted by the U.S. safety regulators, Hyundai said that to date, it had 15 reports of engine fires caused by the fluid leaks, while Kia reported eight. There are no reports of injuries.

Click here to see the earlier official recall notices.

Hyundai spokesman Michael Stewart informed Automotive News that the Tucson recall �is to address a potentially defective circuit board in the ABS brake hydraulic electronic control unit. This can result in internal corrosion and cause an electrical short over time,� he said. �The Santa Fe Sport recall identified an issue of internal brake fluid leaking within the ABS module.�

Hyundai is advising Tucson and Santa Fe owners to park them outside until the recall repair is completed.

NEW RECALL: HYUNDAI

Summary

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Tucson vehicles. The Anti-lock Brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) could corrode internally and cause an electrical short, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the HECU, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. The recall is expected to begin October 30, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 195.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

NEW RECALL: KIA STINGER

Summary

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2019 Stinger vehicles equipped with 3.3L T-GDI engines. While driving, an engine compartment fire may occur in the area where the Anti-lock Brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) is located.

Remedy

The remedy for this recall is still under development. The recall is expected to begin October 26, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC196.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.