Kia and Hyundai recall cars that may catch fire

Kia and Hyundai recall cars that may catch fire 

April 16, 2026 Bojan Popic ,

Irvine, CA – April 16, 2026 – Hyundai (OTCMKTS:HYMTF)  and its sister company Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) are recalling 238,792 cars that may burst into flames because of a fuel leak. The defect ups the chances of a crash and injury or property damage.  

The following vehicles are affected:

  • 2022 – 2026 Kia Carnival
  • 2021 – 2025 Genesis G80
  • 2023 – 2026 Genesis G90
  • 2022 – 2026 Genesis GV70
  • 2021 – 2025 Genesis GV80

Hyundai owns 33.8% of Kia.

Recall summary

The fuel in a car is transferred from the gas tank to the engine through a series of pipes and hoses. In the affected vehicles, the retaining bolts on one of the pipes inside the engine were not tightened sufficiently and may come loose over time, causing a fuel leak. 

Recall risks

Leaking gas that sprays onto hot engine components may ignite and set the vehicle on fire, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

In addition, the flames could spread to surrounding objects and cause property damage.  

Warning signs

A fuel leak may generate a strong gas smell or trigger a check engine light on the dashboard. 

Safety tips

You can learn what to do if the vehicle catches fire in this article.

Background of the recall

Leading up to the recall, Hyundai and Kia received 387 reports alleging fuel odor or leak. No fires, crashes or injuries have been reported.

Other Kia recalls

In March 2026, 40,000 Kia sedans and SUVs were recalled because their seat belt buckles would not latch correctly.

In December 2025, Kia and Hyundai recalled 335,000 vehicles that could have caught fire due to a fuel leak. 

The repair

The dealers will replace the fuel pipes if they are leaking. Otherwise, they will tighten the pipe’s retaining bolts. This repair will be free of charge. 

Notifications to the owners will be mailed by June 2, 2026. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Kia and Hyundai fuel leak recall is affecting more than 240,000 cars. To do a Kia recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. You can use the same tool to do a Hyundai recall check.

Bojan PopicKia and Hyundai recall cars that may catch fire 
Hyundai issues umpteenth recall for car fires, tells owners to ‘park away from structures’

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

March 7, 2024 Bojan Popic

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’

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