Hyundai and Kia are recalling a total of 3.37 million vehicles in the United States due to the risk of engine fires. This can be caused by a short circuit caused by a leak in the brake fluid system. Owners of the vehicles in question must not park their vehicles near buildings or indoors in a garage (parking) until the necessary repairs are made.
Dozens of accidents since 2017
The problem has been going on for about six years. At least that can be inferred from Hyundai’s statement that it has a total of 21 reports of vehicle fires since 2017, as well as 21 other thermal incidents, related to the recall. Reuters reported that there were about ten accidents at Kia. It is not known whether the problems can also occur in European models of Hyundai and Kia. We’ve tried contacting the brand, but there’s been no response (yet).
The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) in vehicles can cause a short circuit due to leaking brake fluid. This short circuit may cause a fire in the engine compartment. This can happen while driving or when the car is parked, depending on the car manufacturer.
3.37 million Hyundai and Kia vehicles need repair
Hyundai is recalling 1.64 million Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, Accent, Azera, Veloster, Santa Fe, Equus, Veracruz, Tucson, Tucson Fuel Seal and Santa Fe Sport from 2011 to 2015 model years.
The Kia recall in the United States affects 1.73 million Borrego, Cadenza, Forte, Sportage, K900, Optima, Soul Rio, Sorento and Rondo vehicles. The recall covers several model years of each vehicle from 2010 through 2017, according to a filing with NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).
Hyundai has now found a solution to the problem and will soon inform owners of affected cars that they should take their car to the dealer to have the ABS module fuse replaced. Kia is still working on resolving the issue.
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