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2026 Subaru Crosstrek ReviewKia and Hyundai Recall Nearly 3.4 million Cars for Fire Risk
Nearly 3.4 million Kia and Hyundai cars are being recalled because of an identified fire risk. Owners are being told to park the recalled models outside.
Kia and Hyundai Recall on Nearly 3.4 million Cars
Kia and Hyundai have issued a recall on nearly 3.4 million of their cars after identifying an issue with the antilock brake system that can cause the vehicles to catch fire while parked. Hyundai has identified these models as being affected by this recall: 2011 to 2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, and Sonata Hybrid, the 2012 to 2015 Accent, Azera, and Veloster, the 2013 to 2015 Elantra Coupe and Santa Fe, the 2014 to 2015 Equus, the 2010 to 2012 Veracruz, the 2010 to 2013 Tucson, the 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and the 2013 Santa Fe Sport. Kia has also identified these models as being affected by this recall: 2010 through 2019 Borrego, the 2014 to 2016 Cadenza, 2010 through 2013 Forte, Forte Koup and Sportage, the 2015 to 2018 K900, the 2011 to 2015 Optima, the 2011 to 2013 Optima Hybrid and Soul, the 2012 to 2017 Rio, the 2011 to 2014 Sorento, and the 2010 to 2011 Rondo.
What’s the Kia Hyundai Recall About?
The antilock brake system being used by the identified Kia and Hyundai vehicles may leak brake fluid and create an electrical short through the brake module fuse. This creates an increased risk of combustion while the vehicle is unattended. The cause of the leak in the antilock brake system is said to be a failed O-ring within the antilock brake motor shaft that can lose its ability to seal properly overtime. The leaking fluid may interact with the antilock brake fuse causing a fire.
Hyundai has reported 21 instances of affected vehicles catching fire while also reporting another 22 thermal incidents where parts melted or were burning as a result of the antilock brake issue. Kia reported 10 vehicle fire and melting incidents related to the affected vehicles. Hyundai has advised owners to take their affected vehicles to their local dealership to have their fuse replaced in the brake system module. Kia has yet to announce a fix for its models. Neither manufacturer has announced a fix for the O-ring causing the leak as of yet.
What Should I Do If I’m Affected by This Recall?
Kia has plans to notify affected customers by letter on November 14th while Hyundai will follow shortly thereafter on November 21st both of which are nearly two months away. If your vehicle is listed as being affected by this recall, address the fire issue early and heed Hyundai and Kia’s advisement to owners to park their vehicles outside until further notice. This may pose a problem for some owners though, as a majority of the affected vehicles are still being targeted for car thefts after the “KiaBoyz” TikTok trend that became a nationwide issue. Owners should utilize a steering wheel lock, park in an easily monitored area, and make sure that no belongings of importance are left within the vehicle.
