Hyundai and Kia Recall 3.3 Million More Vehicles for Fire Risk, Warn Drivers to Park Outside
This new fire-related recall includes popular vehicles such as the Hyundai Elantra, Santa Fe, and Sonata, and Kia Sorento, Soul, and Sportage
Hyundai and Kia are recalling over 3.3 million vehicles from the 2010 through 2017 model years because they might catch fire. The automakers are also warning drivers to park outside and away from structures until they can get the recall problem repaired at a dealership, free of charge.
There have been at least 22 fires and 21 reports of smoke or melting in Hyundai vehicles, and 13 incidents in Kia vehicles related to the recalls, according to documents both automakers provided to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). None of these incidents have caused crashes or injuries.
In This Article
Photo: Kia Photo: Kia
Hyundai and Kia Fire Recall Details
Vehicles Recalled
These are the 1.6 million Hyundai vehicles and 1.7 million Kia vehicles included in the recall:
• 2012-2015 Hyundai Accent sedans and hatchbacks
• 2012-2015 Hyundai Azera sedans
• 2011-2015 Hyundai Elantra sedans and hatchbacks
• 2013-2015 Hyundai Elantra coupes
• 2014-2015 Hyundai Equus sedans
• 2011-2015 Hyundai Genesis coupes
• 2013-2015 Hyundai Santa Fe SUVs
• 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport SUVs
• 2010-2013 Hyundai Tucson SUVs
• 2015 Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell SUVs
• 2011-2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid sedans
• 2012-2015 Hyundai Veloster hatchbacks
• 2010-2012 Hyundai Veracruz SUVs
• 2010-2019 Kia Borrego SUVs (only sold in U.S. Territories)
• 2014-2016 Kia Cadenza SUVs
• 2010-2013 Kia Forte and Forte Koup sedans and coupes
• 2015-2018 Kia K900 sedans
• 2011-2015 Kia Optima sedans
• 2012-2017 Kia Rio sedans and hatchbacks
• 2010-2011 Kia Rondo hatchbacks
• 2011-2014 Kia Sorento SUVs
• 2011-2013 Kia Soul hatchbacks
• 2010-2013 Kia Sportage SUVs
The problem: In Hyundai vehicles, a faulty O-ring in an ABS module may leak brake fluid, which could cause an electrical short circuit. Kia is still investigating the root cause of the problem, but says that a leak in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) could cause a fire. Both parts are made by Mando, a Korean automotive component manufacturer.
The fix: Dealerships will install a lower amperage fuse to prevent a short circuit. As with all recall repairs, the fix will be free of charge.
How to contact the manufacturer: Owners may contact Hyundai at 855-371-9460 or Kia at 800-333-4542.
NHTSA campaign number: For Hyundai vehicles, the recall is 23V651. For Kia vehicles, it’s 23V652. Hyundai’s own number for this recall is 251, and Kia’s number for this recall is SC284.
Check to see whether your vehicle has an open recall: NHTSA’s website will tell you whether your vehicle has any open recalls that need to be addressed.
If you plug your car’s 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) into NHTSA’s website and a recall doesn’t appear, it means your vehicle doesn’t currently have any open recalls. Because automakers issue recalls often, and for many older vehicles, we recommend checking back regularly to see whether your vehicle has had a recall issued.
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