Hyundai, Kia Recall 3.3 Million Vehicles Due to Fire Risk

By Chris Wack

Hyundai Motor America and Kia America have issued "park outside" recalls for more than 3.3 million vehicles due to the risk of fire, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Wednesday.

Until these recalled vehicles have been repaired, the automakers said the safest place to park them is outside and away from homes and other structures.

Fires can occur whether the vehicle is parked and turned off or while driving.

The vehicle's anti-lock brake system module could leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short. An electrical short could result in significant overcurrent in the ABS module, increasing the risk of an engine compartment fire while driving or parked.

Hyundai plans to notify owners to bring their vehicles to the nearest dealership to replace the ABS module fuse. Kia is still working on a remedy.

Hyundai and Kia said they don't know of any crashes, injuries or fatalities associated with this defect. There have been 22 related vehicle fires in the U.S., as well as 22 thermal incidents, including visible smoke, burning and melting.

Write to Chris Wack at [e-mail]

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

September 27, 2023 09:53 ET (13:53 GMT)

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