Hyundai and Kia are recalling more than 3.3 million vehicles at risk of engine compartment fires. The automakers are also advising owners of the recalled vehicles to park outside until they can be repaired.
The recalls involve brake fluid leaks that could potentially cause electrical short circuits while either parked or driving. Hyundai says it's received reports of 21 fires and 21 other thermal incidents since 2017 related to the recall. Hyundai's chronology of events dates back to reports of an overheated ABS module in an Elantra in June of 2019. Kia began its investigation in July 2023 upon learning about Hyundai's issue. Kia says it has reports of at least 10 confirmed fires and melting incidents.
Letters to owners won't be mailed to customers until mid to late November. Hyundai will replace the ABS module fuse for free while Kia is still working on a remedy.
In its press release, the NHTSA says neither automaker is aware of any crashes, injuries or fatalities associated with this defect.
Vehicle owners can visit NHTSA.gov/recalls and enter their 17-digit vehicle identification number to see if their vehicle is under recall.
Here's a complete list of the recalled vehicles:
Hyundai - 1.64 million vehicles
2011-2015 model year
Hyundai's issue as explained n documents on the NHTSA Recall website : "The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving."
Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.
Hyundai
- 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid
- 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster,
- 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe
- 2014-2015 Equus
- 2010-2012 Veracruz
- 2010-2013 Tucson
- 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell
- 2013 Santa Fe Sport
Read the official NHTSA notice here →
Kia - 1.73 million vehicles
2010- 2017 model years
Kia's issue named in NHTSA documents: "The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving." Kia documents say the cause of the leakage isn't known and that even though its investigation is not complete it's decided to issue a recall.
Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542.
- 2010-2019 Borrego
- 2014-2016 Cadenza
- 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage
- 2015-2018 K900
- 2011-2015 Optima
- 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul
- 2012-2017 Rio
- 2011-2014 Sorento
- 2010-2011 Rondo
Read the official NHTSA notice here →
