Not Again: Over 600,000 Hyundai, Kia Vehicles in Canada Could Catch Fire
Hyundai and Kia are once again under fire (pun intended, of course) due to a safety problem that may result in vehicles catching fire. A bit more than 600,000 units in Canada now have to be recalled.
This includes 326,942 Hyundai vehicles, to be exact. Affected models are the 2012-2015 Accent, 2011-2015 Elantra, 2014-2015 Equus, 2011-2015 Genesis Coupe, 2013-2015 Santa Fe, 2013 Santa Fe Sport, 2010-2013 Tucson, and 2010-2012 Veracruz.
- Also: Hyundai, Kia Expand Trailer Wiring Recall to Prevent Possible Fires
- Also: Braking Issue Forces Hyundai to Recall Nearly 300,000 Cars in Canada
In some cases, brake fluid could leak into the control module for the antilock brake system (ABS) and cause it to short circuit. This could create a fire risk, even when the vehicle is parked and turned off.
Owners need to stay alert to the ABS warning light turning on or a burnt odour or smoke coming from under the hood. Hyundai advises them to park their vehicle outdoors and away from other vehicles or structures until the recall repairs have been completed by a dealer. It’s nothing more than replacing the fuse for the ABS module.
A similar issue forced a recall back in February 2022, affecting other models than the ones listed above.
As far as Kia is concerned, the latest recall involves 276,225 vehicles in Canada. We’re talking about the 2010-2011 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, 2015 K900, 2010-2015 Optima, 2012-2017 Rio, 2010-2017 Rondo, 2011-2014 Sorento, 2011-2013 Soul, and 2010 Sportage.
The problem here is that the braking system’s hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU) could short circuit and start a fire, once again even when the vehicle is stopped and the engine is turned off.
For this reason, Kia also recommends owners to park their vehicle outdoors and away from other vehicles or structures until the recall repairs are done. Dealers will simply replace the fuse(s) for the HECU.