Hyundai issues umpteenth recall for car fires, tells owners to ‘park away from structures’

Fountain Valley, CA – March 7, 2024 – Hyundai (OTCMKTS: HYMTF), who also owns the Genesis brand, is recalling 90,907 cars that may burst into flames while parked and switched off.

This recall comes on the back of multiple “thermal incidents” and is the latest in the string of countless fire-related recalls issued by Hyundai and its sister company Kia.

 The following models are affected by the latest round: 

  • 2017 – 2019 Genesis G80
  • 2017 – 2019 Genesis G90
  • 2015 – 2016 Hyundai Genesis
  • 2019 Genesis G70

Recall summary  

The starter is a component that cranks the engine when the driver presses the ignition button. It works in conjunction with the so-called starter solenoid, which is an electromagnet which sits on top of the starter and relays a “large electric current through the starter, which in turn sets the engine in motion.”

In the affected vehicle, the solenoid may develop a short as a result of moisture getting into it. This may cause it to overheat and catch fire. 

Recall risks

All risks posed by a vehicle fire are well-documented in many previous recalls, such as this one from December 2023, which affected hybrid Jeep Wrangler SUVs.

Warning signs

Apart from the obvious – fire coming from under the hood – a short could cause burning smells and smoke or prevent the engine from starting.

Safety tips

For safety tips regarding this recall, please see an article about a large scale Kia and Hyundai recall for the same issue.

Background of the recall

This recall comes on the heels of 12 “thermal incidents.” No injuries or crashes have been reported.

Other Hyundai fire recalls

Car fires have been a thorn in Hyundai and its sister company Kia’s side for several years.  Both companies are subject to an an ongoing U.S. government investigation which aims to evaluate the adequacy of the existing recalls and determine if more cars need to be recalled, as reported.

Just recently, Hyundai recalled Kona SUVs over a wiring that may get damaged in a crash and cause the vehicle to burst into flames

The repair

Dealers will install an additional relay kit in the vehicle’s electrical system, which should prevent the short circuit and consequent fire. This repair is free of charge.

Owners should receive letters with more information on April 13, 2024. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Hyundai Genesis fire recall affects more than 90,000 compact cars. To do a Hyundai recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicHyundai issues umpteenth recall for car fires, tells owners to ‘park away from structures’

Hyundai recalls Kona SUVs over fire risk 

Fountain Valley, CA – January 29, 2024 – Hyundai (OTCMKTS:HYMTF) is recalling 10,984 2024 Hyundai Kona compact SUVs because they may catch fire following a crash. The defect increases the risk of injury and property damage.

Recall summary  

The car battery is connected to the vehicle’s electrical system with two cables, one for the positive post and the other for the negative. In the affected SUVs, the positive battery cable may come in contact with surrounding metal brackets during a crash. This can damage the cable and cause a short circuit. 

Recall risks

An electrical short can lead to a fire, increasing the risk of an injury. 

Warning signs

Should a short circuit occur, the occupants may notice a burning smell or smoke coming from the engine compartment. 

Other Hyundai recalls

Both Kia and Hyundai have struggled with their cars catching fire, leading to multiple recalls spanning millions of vehicles

They are also both subject to an ongoing U.S. government investigation to evaluate the adequacy of the existing  recalls and determine if more cars need to be recalled, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will fix the issue by adding a “protective sheathing” on all potentially vulnerable segments of the battery cable free of charge.

Owners should receive letters with more information by February 23, 2024.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Hyundai crash fire recall affects more than 10,000 compact Kona SUVs. To do a Hyundai recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicHyundai recalls Kona SUVs over fire risk 

Kia and Hyundai recall 3.4 million cars that may burst into flames while parked

Irvine, CA – October 7, 2023 – Hyundai (OTCMKTS:HYMTF) and its sister company, Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) are recalling approximately 3.4 million vehicles that may catch fire while driving or parked and turned off. This dramatically ups the risk of a crash and injury.

The recalls follow on the back of multiple fires, “melting incidents” and lawsuits dating back to 2017. Some of the cars involved are also subject to an ongoing US government investigation and have already been subject to fire-related recalls in the past. 

Hyundai’s recall affects 1.73 million cars, including the following models: 

  • 2012 – 2015 Hyundai Accent
  • 2012 – 2015 Hyundai Azera 
  • 2011 – 2015 Hyundai Elantra 
  • 2013 – 2015 Hyundai Elantra Coupe
  • 2014 – 2015 Hyundai Equus 
  • 2011 – 2015 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 
  • 2013 – 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe
  • 2011 – 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  • 2010 – 2013 Hyundai Tucson
  • 2012 – 2015 Hyundai Veloster
  • 2010 – 2012 Hyundai Veracruz 
  • 2013 Santa Fe Sport
  • 2015 Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell 

Kia’s recall affects 1.64 million vehicles, including the following models: 

  • 2010 – 2019 Kia Borrego 
  • 2014 – 2016 Kia Cadenza
  • 2010 – 2013 Kia Forte
  • 2010 – 2013 Kia Forte Koup
  • 2015 – 2018 Kia K900
  • 2011 – 2015 Kia Optima
  • 2011 – 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid
  • 2012 – 2017 Kia Rio
  • 2010 – 2011 Kia Rondo
  • 2011 – 2014 Kia Sorento
  • 2011 – 2013 Kia Soul
  • 2010 – 2013 Kia Sportage 

Recall summary

All listed vehicles are equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), which prevents the wheels from locking up in slippery conditions. This is done by the ABS module – or Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), as Kia calls it –  which adjusts the brake force to each wheel. 

In affected vehicles, the ABS module may experience an “electrical short” which may cause it to catch fire. This may happen while driving or when the car is parked and its engine shut off. 

Recall risks

You can find out more about fire-related risks in this article about a November 2022 Kia recall over the same issue.

A 2020 class action lawsuit filed against the manufacturers for ABS fires related to previous recalls describes hair-raising situations involving “the entire garage” catching fire due to an Elantra vehicle combusting into flames and vehicles bursting into flames “after being turned off for hours.”

Warning signs 

The malfunction indicator or the ABS light may come on the dashboard in the event of a fire. The occupants of the car may also notice smoke or a burning smell.

Safety tips

If your car catches fire, please follow the safety tips laid out in this article about a related GM recall

The manufacturer recommends parking the vehicle “outside and away from structures” until the repair has been conducted.

Background of the recalls

The recalls come on the heels of at least six lawsuits, 66 fires and “melting” incidents dating back to 2017. No injuries, fatalities or crashes have been reported.

Some of the affected vehicles are subject to an ongoing U.S. government investigation that has been looking into the adequacy of fire-related recalls Kia and Hyundai have conducted so far, as well as the need to recall more vehicles. It is not clear, however, if the present recalls are directly related to this investigation.

The recalls do appear to involve previously recalled vehicles or serve as expansions of recalls conducted for ABS fires in the past.

The repair

Both Kia and Hyundai dealers will remedy the defect by replacing the ABS fuse with one that has a lower amperage rating.

It is possible that your vehicle will need this remedy performed even if it was repaired under a previous fire-related recall.

All repairs will be conducted free of charge.

Kia will notify the owners between November 14, 2023 and November 23, 2023, while Hyundai will do the same on November 21, 2023. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This large-scale Hyundai and Kia fire recall affects almost 3.5 million vehicles. To do a Hyundai or Kia recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool

Bojan PopicKia and Hyundai recall 3.4 million cars that may burst into flames while parked

Hyundai recalls Elantra HEV hybrids that may accelerate on their own   

Fountain Valley, CA – September 2, 2023 – Hyundai (OTCMKTS: HYMTF) is recalling 37,997 2021-2023 Hyundai Elantra HEV hybrid cars because they may speed up on their own. This ups the risk of a crash, injury or property damage. 

Recall summary  

All these cars are hybrids, meaning that besides a gas-powered engine, they also have an electric motor. This motor’s operation is regulated by a computer called the motor control unit (MCU).

In the affected vehicles, the unit may malfunction because of a software error. This would cause the vehicle to accelerate once the driver lets go of the brake pedal.

Recall risks

A car that suddenly accelerates on its own may crash into other vehicles, pedestrians or objects before the driver manages to put it under control. 

Other Hyundai recalls

About a 1,000 gas-powered Elantras were among cars affected by a November 2022 recall caused by the risk of stalling, as reported.

Separately, over the last six years, millions of Kia and Hyundai vehicles have been recalled due to non-crash related fires. Both manufacturers are also under a U.S. government investigation to access the adequacy of these recalls and determine if more vehicles have the defect that will require them to be recalled to prevent from catching fire.

The repair

Dealers will update the MCU’s software free of charge. 

Owners should receive letters with more information on  October 17, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Almost 40,000 vehicles are affected by this Hyundai sudden acceleration recall. To do a Hyundai recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicHyundai recalls Elantra HEV hybrids that may accelerate on their own   

Hyundai recalls Palisade SUVs with faulty wipers following US government investigation

Fountain Valley, CA – April 2, 2023 – Hyundai (NASDAQ: HYMTF) has recalled 167,085 2021-2023 Hyundai Palisade SUVs because their windshield wipers may fail to operate. This reduces visibility, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

This recall, which comes on the heels of an ongoing U.S. government investigation, is an expansion of a previous one conducted for the same issue in August 2022. 

Recall summary  

Windshield wipers are held in place and moved with a metal arm, which is mounted to the wiper mechanism with an electric motor. 

In affected vehicles, snow and ice may build up around the wiper arm’s base and obstruct its movement. This may result in the wipers stopping to work.

The component causing this recall is the driver’s windshield wiper arm, with part number 98311-S8000. 

Recall risks

Inoperable windshield wipers will reduce the driver’s visibility, especially in harsh weather, which increases the risk of a crash and injury.  

Background of the recall 

This windshield wiper problem was first spotted on Hyundai Palisade models made before the end of November 2020 around three years ago and was addressed during a recall in August 2022. However, soon after, the U.S. government auto safety regulator, the National Transportation Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched an investigation to access the adequacy and scope of that recall as it was revealed that SUV made after November 2020 were also potentially affected. The present recall is a direct result of the investigation.

Other Hyundai recalls

Apart from this Hyundai Palisade recall, vehicles made by this manufacturer have been plagued by various issues causing them to catch fire.  Aside from this, the manufacturer is currently dealing with an ongoing issue with its seat belt pretensioners, which so far resulted in seven recalls.

The repair

Dealers will replace the driver’s windshield wiper arms with an upgraded version, which is not prone to snow and ice accumulation. The repair will be free of charge.

Owners will be notified on May 16, 2023. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 160,000 SUVs are recalled over this Hyundai windshield wiper failure. To do a Hyundai recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool

Bojan PopicHyundai recalls Palisade SUVs with faulty wipers following US government investigation

Hyundai under investigation for recent Palisade windshield wipers’ recall

Fountain Valley, CA – December 18, 2022 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is investigating Hyundai (NASDAQ:HYMTF) regarding “the scope and remedy” of a recent recall conducted for faulty windshield wipers.

The investigation could result in a recall of an additional 126,081 cars, including the following:

  • 2021 Hyundai Palisade
  • 2022 Hyundai Palisade
  • 2023 Hyundai Palisade

Investigation summary

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), has opened a probe on December 2, 2022 on the back of six complaints about windshield wiper failures in winter conditions. According to these complaints, the wiper motor would work intermittently or malfunction due to accumulated snow or ice. 

Hyundai previously initiated 2020–2021 Hyundai Palisade recalls involving 122,919 vehicles in August 2022 over the problem. However, the vehicles included in the present investigation were not part of that recall.

Risks

Defective windshield wipers prevent drivers from seeing the road clearly when driving in rainy or wintry conditions, increasing the risk of the vehicle crashing.   

Other Hyundai recalls

In September, NHTSA placed Hyundai and sister company Kia under investigation for an estimated 5.2 million vehicles over allegations of a sudden and severe oil leak that can lead to the engine stalling and an increased risk of an accident. In November, Hyundai also recalled 14,928 electric and plug-in vehicles over exploding seat belt pretensioners that pose an increased risk of fire.    

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

More than 126,000 vehicles could be recalled as a result of this Hyundai windshield wiper investigation. To do a Hyundai recall check for your vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloHyundai under investigation for recent Palisade windshield wipers’ recall

Hyundai issues seventh recall for vehicles with pretensioners that may explode

Fountain Valley, CA – November 15, 2022 – Hyundai (NASDAQ:HYMTF) is recalling 14,928 electric and hybrid vehicles whose seat belt pretensioners – which remove the slack from the seat belt during a crash – could explode while deploying, injuring the car occupants. This is the manufacturer’s seventh recall for this issue.

The latest edition includes the following models: 

  • 2023 Genesis G80 Electric 
  • 2021 – 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid  
  • 2022 – 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid  

Recall summary  

All listed vehicles are equipped with seat belt pretensioners, whose job is to tighten the seat belt during the crash, additionally protecting the occupants’ torso. The working principle behind this device was already explained in one of the previous Hyundai recalls

In affected vehicles, front driver- and passenger-side pretensioners may deploy incorrectly, shattering their housing into pieces and sending pieces of metal flying through the cabin. 

The components in question are seat belt assemblies with pretensioner, with part numbers 888A0-JI500 and 88810-CL000  for the driver’s side and 888B0-JI500 and 88820-CL000 for the passenger’s side. 

Recall risks

Metal fragments flying at high speeds act as shrapnels, potentially injuring occupants if they hit them. 

Background of the recall

This is Hyundai’s seventh recall for this issue. Over 325,000 vehicles have been affected so far and the manufacturer is currently testing additional vehicles that are not part of this recall that may also be affected. The pretensioners in question are made by Korean auto parts manufacturer Samsong, as reported.

In connection with the current recall, no injuries or accidents have been reported.

Other Hyundai recalls

Among previous Hyundai Santa Fe recalls, the most recent happened a few days ago. It was caused by automatic transmissions that may shift out of Drive on their own

There was a Hyundai Genesis recall last year due to the risk of these cars catching fire. Both Hyundai and its sister company Kia have issued a tremendous number of fire-related recalls and are currently subject to a U.S. government investigation over adequacy of the remedies issued under some of these recalls, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will install a protective cap into the pretensioner, which should prevent them from deploying abnormally and shattering its housings. This repair is free of charge. 

Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on December 30,  2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Almost 15,000 cars are being recalled over these Hyundai seat belt issues. To do a Hyundai recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicHyundai issues seventh recall for vehicles with pretensioners that may explode

Hyundai recalls Santa Fe SUVs that may catch fire

Irvine, CA – November 10, 2022 – Hyundai (OTCMKTS:HYMTF) is recalling 44,396 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport SUVs, over the risk of catching fire while driving or parked. This increases the risk of crash, injury, or property damage.

This is the latest in the long list of both Hyundai and its sister company Kia fire-related recalls.

Recall summary  

Affected vehicles are equipped with the anti-lock brake system, or ABS, which prevents the wheels from locking up when braking. Due to the reasons still unknown, the electronic module that controls this system may overheat. In some cases, this may result in a fire inside the engine compartment, where this system is located. 

The component causing this recall is the ABS module with part number 58920-4Z300, made by Korean manufacturer Mando. 

Recall risks

For more on the risks of this recall, please visit the following page about a recent Kia recall caused by the same risk.

Other Hyundai recalls

Just a few days ago, Hyundai recalled a range of their models, including Santa Fe, over the risk of stalling.

Both Kia and Hyundai have recalled countless vehicles due to the risk of fire. You can see a summary of the issues here. Since the publication of that article, another Kia fire recall came out less than a week ago.

The repair

As with previous similar issues, the dealers will replace the fuse for the ABS system with a modified one. This new fuse will blow out if the module starts overheating, cutting power to it and preventing it from catching fire. The repair is free of charge.

Owners will be notified on December 26, 2022. 

Safety tips

Owners should park their vehicles away from structures until the new fuse is installed. For more on what to do in the event of a fire, please visit the following page.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

These Hyundai fire issues are affecting more than 40,000 SUVs. To do a Hyundai recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool

Bojan PopicHyundai recalls Santa Fe SUVs that may catch fire

Kia and Hyundai recall cars that may stall

Irvine, CA – November 5, 2022 – Kia (OTCMKTS: KIMTF) and sister company Hyundai (OTCMKTS:HYMTF) are recalling 69,038 sedans and SUVs whose transmissions may shift out of Drive on their own, leaving the vehicle without motive power. This increases the risk of a crash and injury.  

Only the models with a 2.5-liter engine and 8-speed automatic transmission are affected.

 The following models are included:

  • 2021 – 2023 Kia K5
  • 2021 – 2022 Kia Sorento
  • 2021 – 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe
  • 2021 – 2022 Hyundai Sonata
  • 2021 – 2022 Hyundai Veloster N
  • 2022 Hyundai Elantra
  • 2022 Hyundai Kona N
  • 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz

Recall summary

The transmission of the affected vehicles has an oil pump whose role is to “drive the engine to rotate,” according to Japanese auto supplier Toyo. Due to a manufacturing error, the pump may fail. If this happens, the vehicle will alert the driver and then, within several seconds, shift the transmission out of Drive. This will cause loss of drive power.

The component causing this recall is the electric oil pump with part number 46220-2N510. 

Background of the recall

The recall follows on the heels of 265 Kia and Hyunda incidents alleging vehicles stalling while driving. Some drivers have reported “doing 70[miles per hour] on heavy traffic with a huge truck to [the] right” when “the engine stopped responding.” No accidents or injuries have been reported so far.

Warning signs 

About 20 to 30 seconds before the stall happens, a chime and a message to “Stop Safely” will warn the driver about the issue. The malfunction indicator light (MIL) will also come on.

Recall risks

For more on the risks of this recall please visit this article about a similar RAM recall.

Other Kia recalls

Just recently, Kia recalled some of its Sportage SUVs over loose wiring. This may cause the vehicle to stall or, in some cases, even catch fire

Owners should also be aware of Kia and Hyundai recalls caused by this issue that took place during this year

The repair

Dealers will check the transmissions on affected vehicles and replace them if necessary. In addition, they will reprogram the transmission’s control unit. This repair will be free of charge. 

Vehicle owners will be notified on December 9, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Kia loss of power issue is affecting nearly 70,000 vehicles. To do a Kia recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool

Bojan PopicKia and Hyundai recall cars that may stall

Can your Kia or Hyundai vehicle catch on fire?

Washington, D.C. – October 13, 2022 – The year of the Tiger is proving to be truly “fiery” for both Hyundai (OTCMKTS: HYMTF) and Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF). 

Both manufacturers are subject to an ongoing U.S government investigation that may affect as many as 3 million vehicles due to potential engine failures. In addition, over 1 million of additional makes are subject to unrelated recalls that may also result in a fire. 

Fires greatly increase the possibility of the car occupants – and potentially surrounding motorists  – getting seriously injured. Worse yet, they can occur even when the vehicle is parked or turned off, also upping the risk of property damage.

Read on to see if your vehicle is affected.

The investigation  

In January, the U.S government auto safety regulator, the National Highway Transportation Administration (NHTSA) opened the investigation over potential “inadequate remedies” that both manufacturers implemented for five fire-related recalls that took place as far back as 2017.

In addition to evaluating whether the remedies resolved the risk of fire, the regulator is also looking into whether vehicles that were not part of these recalls will need to be recalled again.

Some of the vehicles involved include:

  • 2013 Hyundai Elantra
  • 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe
  • 2017 Hyundai Tucson
  • 2013 – 2014 Santa Fe Sport
  • 2011 – 2014 Hyundai Sonata
  • 2011 – 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  • 2016 – 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  • 2015 – 2016 Hyundai Veloster
  • 2012 – 2015 Kia Forte

ABS module fires

In  February,  nearly half a million Hyundai and Kia SUVs had to be recalled due to defective ABS modules, which would overheat and burst into flames.

These recalls include the following vehicles: 

  • 2016 – 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe 
  • 2017 – 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
  • 2014 – 2015 Hyundai Tucson 
  • 2016 – 2018 Kia K900
  • 2014 – 2016 Kia Sportage
  • 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL

Fuel-leaking sedans 

Back in 2020, Hyundai and Kia recalled Sonata and Optima sedans over a fuel leak that could cause a fire. However, it appeared the remedy implemented on this occasion was not sufficient, forcing the manufacturers to recall these vehicles once more in February.

Over 73,000 2013 – 2014 Kia Optima sedans and 215,171 2013 – 2014 Hyundai Sonata sedans were affected.

Hybrids with overheating wiring 

In July 2022, Hyundai had to recall some of its Ioniq hybrids over a risk of a vehicle fire caused by overheating relays underneath the passenger seat. In total, more than 10,000 cars were affected by this Hyundai fire recall.  

The following vehicles were affected:

  • 2017 – 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid
  • 2017 – 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid

Tow harness fire

In August, Hyundai and Kia had an issue with their SUVs potentially bursting into flames because of overheating tow hitch wiring. This caused more than 250,000 cars to be recalled

But the number of affected vehicles proved to be higher, resulting in an additional recall earlier in October.  The following vehicles were affected in the second round:

  • 2016 – 2022 Kia Sorento
  • 2021 – 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid
  • 2022 – 2023 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV)
  • 2017 – 2022 Kia Sportage

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

Up to date, Hyundai and Kia fire recalls have affected roughly 4.4 million cars during 2022. To do a Hyundai recall check and see if yours is affected by any of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. You can do the same to carry out a Kia recall check. 

Bojan PopicCan your Kia or Hyundai vehicle catch on fire?