Hyundai and Kia, two of the biggest car manufacturers in the world, have issued a recall for more than 600,000 vehicles in the United States due to a risk of fire. The recall affects certain models of Hyundai and Kia cars that were produced between 2015 and 2021. The issue is related to a faulty brake fluid leak that can cause an electrical short circuit, leading to a fire.
The recall affects several popular models, including the Hyundai Santa Fe, Sonata, and Tucson, as well as the Kia Optima, Sorento, and Sportage. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the affected vehicles may have a brake fluid leak that can cause an electrical short circuit in the hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU). This can result in a fire in the engine compartment, even when the car is turned off.
Hyundai and Kia have said that they are aware of at least 15 fires related to this issue, but no injuries or fatalities have been reported. The companies are urging owners of affected vehicles to park their cars outside and away from structures until they can be repaired.
The recall is expected to begin on April 30th, 2021. Hyundai and Kia will notify owners of affected vehicles and dealers will inspect and replace the HECU if necessary, free of charge. The companies have also said that they will reimburse owners for any expenses related to the recall, such as rental cars or towing fees.
This is not the first time that Hyundai and Kia have had to issue a recall due to fire risks. In 2018, the companies recalled more than 1 million vehicles due to a similar issue with faulty engine parts that could cause fires. The recalls have been costly for the companies, with Hyundai setting aside $440 million in 2019 to cover the costs of recalls and warranties.
The latest recall highlights the importance of car manufacturers taking responsibility for potential safety issues with their vehicles. It also emphasizes the importance of owners staying informed about recalls and taking action when necessary to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road.
In conclusion, Hyundai and Kia have issued a recall for more than 600,000 vehicles in the United States due to a risk of fire caused by a faulty brake fluid leak. The recall affects several popular models produced between 2015 and 2021. The companies are urging owners of affected vehicles to park their cars outside and away from structures until they can be repaired. The recall highlights the importance of car manufacturers taking responsibility for potential safety issues with their vehicles and owners staying informed about recalls to ensure their safety on the road.
