Kia, Hyundai issue 'urgent recall' on 3.3 million vehicles over possible fire risk

Sheri Walsh
·2 min read
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Kia's 2014 Cadenza is part of an "urgent recall" issued Wednesday for 3.3 million Kia and Hyundai vehicles due to a fire risk. File Photo by Brian Kersey/UPI
Kia's 2014 Cadenza is part of an "urgent recall" issued Wednesday for 3.3 million Kia and Hyundai vehicles due to a fire risk. File Photo by Brian Kersey/UPI

Sept. 27 (UPI) -- Millions of Kia and Hyundai owners are being advised to park outside and away from their homes due to a fire risk, as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced an "urgent recall" Wednesday for 3.3 million vehicles.

The Kia and Hyundai recall affects dozens of models, as the NHTSA warned that fires can occur while driving, or even when the vehicles are parked and turned off.

At issue is an anti-lock brake system module that could leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short. According to the carmakers, an electrical short could cause an overcurrent in the ABS module, increasing the risk of an engine compartment fire.

To date, there have been no reports of any injuries or deaths associated with the defect. Hyundai has reported 21 fires and 22 thermal incidents -- involving smoking, burning and melting -- associated with the problem in the United States. Kia said it knows of one engine compartment fire, three fires in the car and six instances of melting components.

Owners of more than 1.6 million Hyundai and Genesis vehicles are being advised to park outside and away from buildings until their vehicles are repaired.

Hyundai's 2013 Elantra is part of an "urgent recall" issued Wednesday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for 3.3 million Hyundai's and Kia's due to a fire risk, as owners are urged to park outside and away from buildings. File photo by Brian Kersey/UPI
Hyundai's 2013 Elantra is part of an "urgent recall" issued Wednesday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for 3.3 million Hyundai's and Kia's due to a fire risk, as owners are urged to park outside and away from buildings. File photo by Brian Kersey/UPI

Hyundai's safety recall includes the 2012-2015 Accent, 2012-2015 Azure, 2011-2015 Elantra, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2011-2015 Genesis Coupe, 2013-2015 Santa Fe, 2013 Santa Fe Sport, 2011-2015 Sonata HEV, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, 2012-2015 Veloster and 2010-2012 Veracruz.

Owners of more than 1.7 million select Kia vehicles are also being advised to park outside until their cars are repaired.

Kia's safety recall applies to the 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2011-2013 Forte/Forte Koup, 2015-2017 K900, 2010-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2011-2017 Rio, 2010 Rondo, 2011-2014 Sorento, 2011-2013 Soul and 2010-2013 Sportage.

Vehicle owners can enter their 17-digit vehicle identification number at NHTSA.gov/recalls to see if their car is under recall, before scheduling a free repair at the nearest dealership.