Over 3.3 million US Hyundai and Kia vehicles are being recalled due to the potential for engine compartment fires. Owners are being instructed to park their cars outdoors.
Hyundai's Santa Fe SUV and Kia's Sorrento SUV are just two of the many cars affected by the recalls, which span from 2010 to 2019 model years.
Engine Compartment Fire Risk
According to a news release published by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on Wednesday, September 27, leaks of fluid and electrical shorts caused by the anti-lock brake control module may start fires when the cars are parked or being driven.
Vehicle manufacturers recommend drivers keep their vehicles away from buildings until maintenance can be completed.
The anti-lock braking system's fuse may be replaced at no charge by authorized service centers. According to the paperwork, Kia will begin sending out letters to owners on November 14, while Hyundai is on November 21.
Reportedly, in the US alone, Hyundai received complaints about 21 car fires and 22 thermal incidents, including smoke, burning, and melted components. Kia recorded ten occurrences of fire or melting.
Hyundai issued a statement reassuring customers that their cars are safe to continue driving, as reported by AP News. The carmaker justified the recall as necessary to protect its consumers.
According to the manufacturer, an O-ring in the antilock brake motor shaft might develop leaks over time if the braking fluid contains moisture, debris, or dissolved metals. The new fuse regulates the current output of the braking module.
Meanwhile, Kia issued a statement saying that an electrical short resulting in a high current might cause a fire in the engine compartment near the brake control unit. There have been no reported accidents or injuries, and the reason for the short circuit is still under investigation.
Dissatisfaction With Automakers, Regulators
Center for Auto Safety director and safety advocate Michael Brooks expressed frustration that the firms had been slow to address the leak issue and to provide letters to affected customers.
Even though switching out the fuse fixed the issue, Brooks noted that brake fluid might still leak and pose a safety risk. "What you're not doing here is fixing the O-ring and the leak that's causing the problem in the first place. You're combatting a symptom or part of the problem without actually fixing the underlying design issue."
Furthermore, Brooks questioned the NHTSA's decision to allow corporations only to change a fuse and the lack of interim letters given to owners alerting them of the significant danger.
It is unclear from the firms' statements what is delaying the repair of the fluid leaks and why it would take around two months to inform owners by letter.
NHTSA said manufacturers have discretion over addressing safety issues under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Act. The government has pledged to monitor the progress of the fixes and launch an inquiry if necessary. The agency also noted that although manufacturers have 60 days to send out recall letters, mailings often occur sooner.
