Hyundai, Kia recall vehicles due to fire risks from potentially damaged components

Hyundai Motor and Kia are recalling more than 91,000 newer vehicles in the United States owing to fire risks from potentially damaged electrical components, with owners advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until repairs are completed.

Nearly 52,000 Hyundai vehicles and 40,000 Kia vehicles are part of the recall, Reuters reported. The set of models likely to be recalled includes Hyundai 2023-2024 Palisade, 2023 Tucson, Sonata, Elantra, and Kona vehicles and 2023-2024 Seltos and 2023 Kia Soul, Sportage vehicles.

Korean automakers raised concerns over a potential problem with the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly’s electronic controllers, which may overheat and trigger a fire. Owners will be notified next month and dealers will inspect and replace the problematic component as needed.

Kia has shed the spotlight on six reports of potentially related thermal events but no injuries or accidents, while Hyundai said it has four similar reports. They informed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of removing a suspect part from production in March.

As a safety precaution, Hyundai urged owners to avoid driving if they detect a burning or melting odour and instead tow the vehicle to the nearest dealer. Meanwhile, the automaker advised dealers to offer rental vehicles to concerned customers until fixes are available.

In addition to the risk of fire, there is a possibility of a short circuit impacting other onboard vehicle controllers, Hyundai warned. In December, it raised alarm over a report of a 2023 Hyundai Palisade vehicle exhibiting heat damage, prompting it to open a probe.