Some Recalled Hyundai & Kia Models Should Be Parked Outside

Hyundai and Kia are now advising owners of certain 2013-2015 model year vehicles being recalled for an issue that could cause engine fires to park their vehicle outside until repairs can be made.

This follows Hyundai and Kia�s recent announcement [see the official recall notices below] to recall more than 600,000 vehicles in the U.S. and Canada to fix a brake fluid leak that could cause the fires.

Here are the models covered under the recall:

• 150,000 Hyundai Santa Fes from 2013 to 2015
• 440,000 Kia Optimas from 2013 through 2015, Kia Sorento from 2014 and 2015.

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.

According to a report by the Associated Press, the company�s North America safety team decided that in an abundance of caution, the Santa Fes should not be parked in garages until the recall is completed.

This week, Kia told Car and Driver that it also advises owners to keep their recalled vehicles outside and away from other vehicles as well.

Kia�s recall starts on Oct. 15, while Hyundai�s begins Oct. 23. Dealers for both companies will inspect the control units for leaks and replace them if needed at no cost to owners.

OFFICIAL RECALL: KIA

Summary

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.

Remedy

Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HECU for leaking brake fluid and replace the HECU if necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin October 15, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia�s number for this recall is SC197.

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.

OFFICIAL RECALL: HYUNDAI

Summary

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module, possibly resulting in an electrical short.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ABS module and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin October 23, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 194.

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.

For more recalls, see our Recall Section each week in the Car Pro Newsletter.