Hyundai recalls Kona and Ioniq vehicles that may catch fire

Hyundai recalls Kona and Ioniq vehicles that may catch fire

March 31, 2021 Ken Boyd

Fountain Valley, CA – May 26, 2022 – Hyundai North America has remedied issues with 3,159 vehicles including the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Electric dealing with short-circuit problems caused by their lithium-ion batteries. Additionally, 62 of these Hyundai Ioniq EV’s have been categorized as unreachable and 9 have been removed from the recall. Three groups of these 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Electric with Lithium-Ion Battery Issues were remedied during 2021 and one group in 2022.

Fountain Valley, CA – March 31, 2021 – Hyundai North America (NASDAQ:HYMTF) has recalled 4,696 vehicles equipped with lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. The batteries may short circuit and potentially cause an engine fire. The recall includes Hyundai Kona 2019 and 2020 Electric vehicles (EV) and 2020 Hyundai Ioniq EV sedans.

Recall summary  

Due to a manufacturing error, the Li-ion batteries in these Hyundai Ioniq Electric and Hyundai Kona EVs may short-circuit and lead to an engine fire. 

The U.S. recall is being conducted as part of a global recall announced by the manufacturer last month. Among the included countries is South Korea that recently launched its second recall on the back of at least 11 Kona EV fires.

Fire reports

In 2019, three parked Hyundai Kona EV sedans caught on fire in Korea, two in Canada and one in Europe. In each case, the parked vehicle had a full battery charge. Seven more fires were reported in 2020. In each case, Hyundai suspected that the fire was caused by an electrical short in the Li-ion battery. The cause of the issue was identified earlier this year and turned out to be incorrectly folded battery cells.

South Korean recall and subsequent fire

In October of last year, the manufacturer issued a recall South Korea for more than 25,000 Kona Electric vehicles due the risk of fire. After a recalled and repaired Kona caught fire, Hyundai issued another recall in the country.

Warning signs 

The electrical short may take place when the vehicle is parked or while driving. The driver may smell smoke or a burning/melting odor when a battery fire occurs. Additionally, the malfunction indicator (MIL) or the battery lights may come on.

Risks

A fire can injure occupants and a crash due to a fire may injure other drivers or pedestrians. For tips on what to do in the event of a fire, please refer to this recent article about a different Hyundai recall. 

The repair

The recall is set to begin on April 30. In the short-term, the repair is a software update that the owners can conduct themselves or through their dealer.

The long-term repair is for dealers to replace the Battery System Assembly (BSA). This work will be performed once parts are available.  It is important to note that the recalled Kona EV that caught fire in South Korea only received a software update, but not the battery replacement, according to press reports.

Until the repair is completed, do NOT park your car inside. Instead, park it away from structures, including your home, garages and carports.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 4,600 vehicles are included in this Hyundai recall. To perform a Hyundai recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Ken BoydHyundai recalls Kona and Ioniq vehicles that may catch fire
Hyundai Tucson recall expanded due to risk of engine fire

Hyundai Tucson recall expanded due to risk of engine fire

January 26, 2021 Ken Boyd

Fountain Valley, CA – January 26, 2021 – Hyundai Motor Company (NASDAQ:HYMTF) expanded its September 4, 2020 recall of certain Tucson vehicles, due to an issue with the anti-lock brake system. The recall, which totals 652,024 vehicles, now includes 2016-2018 Tucson SUVs. The original recall involved Hyundai Tucson 2019 and Hyundai Tucson 2020, as well as the 2021 model year for the same car.

Recall summary  

The issue does not directly affect the brakes in the Tucson Instead, it concerns a hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU), which is a component of the anti-lock brake system. A defective circuit board inside the unit may corrode and cause an electrical short. This may result in an engine compartment fire.

For warning signs related to this issue, please see the article describing the original recall.

Engine fire lawsuit and previous recalls

The 2019 Hyundai Tucson equipped with Theta II gasoline direct injection (GDI) engines was among 2.3 million vehicles that were subject to a 2018 class action lawsuit that claimed that these vehicles were at a higher risk of engine fire and stalling, among other issues. The lawsuit was settled in 2019 with Hyundai and Kia – which used the engines supplied by Hyundai- agreeing to a host of remedies, including cash compensation, free inspection and reimbursement, according to a press release.

Both manufacturers subsequently announced several recalls of other cars – some equipped with Theta II engines – also due to the increased risk of fire. Both the recent Kia Optima and Sorento, as well as Hyundai Santa Fe Sport recalls were linked to brake fluid leaking into the HECU causing an electrical short and potentially, a fire. The third recall – conducted by Kia – did not have definitive reasons behind it.

Risks 

For risks related to this recall, see our previous coverage about this Hyundai Tucson recall here.

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will add a fuse kit to the ABS module. Model year 2019-2021 Tucsons will also require an Electronic Stability Control (ESC) software update.

The latest leg of this recall starts on February 19 and the owners will be notified when the repair is available. Until repairs have been completed,  owners are urged to  park vehicles outside and away from structures. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 652,000 vehicles are included in this Hyundai recall. To see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Ken BoydHyundai Tucson recall expanded due to risk of engine fire
Hyundai’s Nexo and Kona cars recalled for faulty brakes

Hyundai’s Nexo and Kona cars recalled for faulty brakes

December 28, 2020 Ken Boyd

Fountain Valley, CA – December 28, 2020 – Hyundai Motor Company (NASDAQ:HYMTF) has recalled 8,176 vehicles, due to a sensor signal malfunction that may “significantly” reduce braking power, increasing the risk of a crash. The recall includes 2019-2020 Nexo Fuel Cell sedans and 2019-2021 Kona Electric SUVs.

Recall summary  

These vehicles operate with an Integrated Electronic Brake (IEB) system which is designed to automatically reduce the speed of a car when the system determines that the risk of a crash is increasing.  

Recalled vehicles’ IEB may receive a faulty “sensor signal,” which may illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp and increase the time it takes the vehicle to slow down after applying brakes.

Hyundai recalled the 2020 Nexo due to a self-parking system issue in April of 2020. Several model years of Hyundai Kona electric vehicles were recalled in 2020 for a battery issue that could lead to a fire.

Risks 

If the brakes do not work as designed, the driver may not brake in time to avoid hitting another vehicle, a pedestrian or a stationary object, such as the curb, railing or a tree. A crash may injure the vehicle occupants or passengers in other vehicles.

An owner of a 2019 Nexo logged a complaint of last year that mentioned that the brakes would intermittently fail, causing the braking power to fall dramatically and the car speed to be limited to 13 mph. The failure also seemed to allow the car to “roll backward when the brake is not applied.” The complaint was logged before Hyundai started its investigation.

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will need to update the IEB software. The repair is free of charge. Hyundai expects the recall to begin on January 22, 2021. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 8,100 vehicles are included in this Hyundai Kona Electric and Nexo recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Ken BoydHyundai’s Nexo and Kona cars recalled for faulty brakes
Hyundai recalls over 120,000 cars over faulty engines that may catch fire

Hyundai recalls over 120,000 cars over faulty engines that may catch fire

December 16, 2020 Rebecca Rand

Fountain Valley, CA – January 31, 2022 – The U.S. government auto safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration  (NHTSA),  is currently conducting an investigation to see if the remedy offered in this recall was adequate. Please bookmark this page and come back for any updates. You can find more information about why this is happening here or use our free vehicle lookup tool to see if your car is part of a recall.

Fountain Valley, CA – January 20, 2022 – Hyundai (OTCMKTS: HYMTF) Hyundai has remedied issues with 49,948 vehicles at risk of engine fire such as the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. Additionally, 4,773 vehicles have been deemed unreachable and another 11,039 vehicles have been removed from the Hyundai recall.

Fountain Valley, CA – December 16, 2020 – Hyundai (OTCMKTS: HYMTF) is recalling 128,948 cars because connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear down and cause engine damage, increasing the risk of stalls or fires. The recall includes:

  • 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe SUVs
  • 2011-2013 and 2016 Hyundai Sonata hybrid cars
  • 2015-2016 Hyundai Veloster hatchbacks

Recall summary

The recall concerns the vehicles’ engine rod bearings, which help reduce friction between two moving parts in the engine. These cars’ bearings could become worn, which could damage the engine. The damage may even cause the engine rod to snap and the vehicle to stall.

Separately, engines in these recalled cars can catch fire after being punctured by the rod.

High rates of fires

The recall comes a week after NHTSA issued Hyundai a consent order requiring them to clean up their act in regards to safety, by developing better resources, tools, and practices for catching vehicle safety problems early. The consent order was the result of a three-year probe into Hyundai’s behavior regarding recalls of 2011 model year vehicles.

NHTSA is disciplining Hyundai for moving too slowly to recall vehicles with engine issues and high rates of fires, and for reporting inaccurate information to NHTSA regarding the recalls. According to the consent order, Hyundai must create a US safety office, develop better data analytics programs to detect safety issues, and build a new safety testing facility in the US.

Safety concerns

Stalling and fires are both significant safety issues. Owners of recalled cars should watch out for abnormal knocking noises from the engine, reduced engine power or hesitation, the check engine light, the oil pressure light, a burning smell, a visible oil leak, and smoke, which all may be signs of trouble with the rod bearings.

For tips on what to do if your vehicle catches fire, please see the following page.

Repair

This Hyundai engine recall is set to start in late January of next year. Dealers will inspect the engine  for any damage to the rod bearings. If it is damaged, the whole engine will be replaced. Hyundai will also be installing a software update designed to detect engine issues.

Is your vehicle affected by this recall?

Nearly 130,000 cars are included in this Hyundai motors recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandHyundai recalls over 120,000 cars over faulty engines that may catch fire
Hyundai issues second recall of Veracruz SUVs for oil leak

Hyundai issues second recall of Veracruz SUVs for oil leak

December 4, 2020 Rebecca Rand

Pleasanton, CA – January 28, 2022 – Hyundai (OTCMKTS: HYMTF) has remedied issues with 60,097 2007-2012 Hyundai Veracruz vehicles that had failures with an engine oil leak. Additionally, 3,432 of these Hyundai vehicles have been categorized as unreachable and 4,832 have been removed from the recall. All these vehicles that presented a Charging System Failure Caused By Oil Leak were remedied during the third quarter of 2021.

Pleasanton, CA – December 5, 2020 – Hyundai (OTCMKTS: HYMTF) is recalling 60,097 2007-2012 Veracruz SUVs to repair an oil leak that could cause the car to stall.  This is the second time these cars have been recalled for this issue.

Recall summary

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) contacted Hyundai in September after receiving multiple complaints about an issue that should have been resolved by a 2014 recall. As happened in 2020 with the Kia Sedona Minivans, engine oil may be leaking through a faulty rubber gasket on the engine cylinder, where it could drip on the car’s alternator, disabling it. Without the alternator, the car cannot charge itself while running, which will eventually result in a stall.

NHTSA determined that 1% of the vehicles repaired during the first recall went on to have oil leaks due to mistakes made by the dealers during the previous round of repairs.

Safety tips

Even though Hyundai says it knows of no crashes or injuries caused by these failing alternators, stalling does raise the risk of accidents, injuries, and worse. Veracruz drivers should keep an eye on the airbag, battery, and check engine warning lights, which may illuminate if the alternator is in trouble. Even if the vehicle does not stall, drivers may notice their cars surging or hesitating as the charging system dies.  Here are some tips on what to do if your car stalls.

Other Hyundai recalls

In 2018, Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) recalled certain 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles for airbags issues. The Side Curtain AirBag (SCAB) mounting bolts may interfere with and damage them during deployment.

In another 2018 recall, Hyundai recalled several vehicles including the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe SUVs potentially equipped with defective steering assemblies. The campaign affects two sport utility models.

Repair

Hyundai will send updated repair instructions to dealers, who will fix the leaky gasket for free. Hyundai will also reimburse owners of recalled cars who have already paid to have the gasket fixed. The recall should begin in early January 2021. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 60,000 cars are included in this Hyundai recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle recall lookup tool to check your car for open recalls.

Rebecca RandHyundai issues second recall of Veracruz SUVs for oil leak
Hyundai Tucson recalled for faulty brake system and fire risk

Hyundai Tucson recalled for faulty brake system and fire risk

October 16, 2020 Ken Boyd

Pleasanton, CA – March 4, 2022 – Hyundai Motor Company (NASDAQ:HYMTF) has remedied issues with 495,532 2019-2021 Tucson SUVs dealing with anti-lock brake system problems. Additionally, 11,593 of these Hyundai Tucson models have been categorized as unreachable and 7,877 have been removed from the recall. One group of 2019-2021 Hyundai Tucson SUVs were remedied in 2020 and four groups were remedied in 2021 for this issue with the ABS Unit that may cause an engine compartment fire.

In 2021, Hyundai informed about expanding this recall to 2016-2018 Tucson SUVs due to a similar issue with the anti-lock brake system and a risk of engine fire.

Pleasanton, CA – September 4, 2020 – Hyundai Motor Company (NASDAQ:HYMTF) has recalled 180,000 Hyundai Tucson SUVs that operate with an anti-lock brake system (ABS). A component within the brake system may corrode and cause an electrical short.

A short may cause an engine compartment fire, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. The recall includes:

  •  2019-2021 Hyundai Tucson SUVs

Recall summary  

The anti-lock brake system includes a hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU). A defective circuit board on the 2019-2021 Hyundai Tucson Suvs may corrode internally and cause an electrical short. This type of electrical issue may result in an engine compartment fire.

There are several situations that may indicate an engine compartment fire. If the driver sees smoke from the engine compartment, smells burning or melting, a fire may be taking place. If the vehicle’s malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) or ABS warning light is illuminating (or both lights are on), there is a risk of engine compartment fire.

Statista estimates that there were 189,500 highway vehicle fires in the US during 2019. On the other hand, Hyundai has documented 12 engine compartment fires related to this defect. 

Risks 

An engine fire can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle which may result in an accident. Causing injuries to passengers, pedestrians, or to occupants in other vehicles.

If your vehicle has an engine compartment fire, the National Fire Association Council recommends that you do the following:

  • Pull over as quickly as you can into a safe location, such as a rest stop or breakdown lane.
  • Turn off the engine
  • Make sure that all occupants get out of the vehicle
  • Move everyone at least 100 feet away 
  • Call 9-1-1 and explain the situation

The repair

Hyundai will notify owners and replace the defective components. To eliminate the risk of an electrical short circuit, dealers will need to replace the anti-lock brake hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU). The recall is expected to begin October 30, and is free of charge.

Other Hyundai Tucson Recalls

In February 2022, Hyundai recalled several SUVs models including the 2014-2015 Hyundai Tucson due to a risk of fire inside their engine compartments. The models included on the recall are equipped with ABS, which is short for the anti-lock brake system.

Back in 2011, Hyundai recalled several 2011 Tucson vehicles due to a possible transmission fluid leak caused by a badly produced hose. This recall affected models manufactured between July and October in 2010.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Up to 180,000 vehicles are included in this Hyundai ABS recall. To see if your SUV is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle identification number look up tool.

Ken BoydHyundai Tucson recalled for faulty brake system and fire risk
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport recalled for risk of engine fire

Hyundai Santa Fe Sport recalled for risk of engine fire

October 9, 2020 Ken Boyd

Pleasanton, CA – January 3, 2022 – Hyundai (NASDAQ:HYMTF) repaired 75,650 2013 to 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Models dealing with ABS brake module failures that may cause engine fires. Additionally, 3,540 of these Santa Fe Sport models have been categorized as unreachable and 6,204 have been removed from the recall. One group of Hyundai Santa Fe Sport was remedied in 2020 and the other two groups were remedied in 2021 for this risk of an electrical short in the ABS module.

In 2021, Hyundai expanded a similar recall of the 2016-2021 Hyundai Tucson due to a faulty circuit board within the ABS module that can cause an electrical short.

Pleasanton, CA – August 27, 2020 – Hyundai (NASDAQ:HYMTF) has recalled 151,205 Santa Fe Sport vehicles due to the risk of an electrical short in the anti-lock braking system (ABS), which may cause an engine compartment fire. The recall includes 2013-2015 Santa Fe Sport vehicles.

Recall summary  

The 2013-2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sports are equipped with ABS that may leak brake fluid into the module due to a design issue. Over time this can result in a short circuit and potentially catch fire.

Fire presents a high risk to car occupants, Santa Fe owners should have their vehicles evaluated and repaired as soon as possible.

Risks 

Drivers and passengers may be harmed by “toxic gases and other hazardous substances,” if an engine compartment fire occurs. There is also a risk of “flying debris” or an explosion. 

If you notice the ABS indicator light or the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) turn on or smell “smoke or a burning or melting order,” your Santa Fe vehicle may be at risk of an engine compartment fire. 

What to do in the event of a fire

 If you suspect that the car may be on fire, you should:

  • Pull over as soon as possible.
  • Turn off the engine.
  • Exit the vehicle immediately.
  • Call 911.
  • Avoid opening up the hood.

The repair

The dealer will inspect the ABS system and, if necessary, will replace it free of charge. Hyundai expects to begin the recall on October 23.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

To date, fifteen engine compartment fires related to the Hyundai anti-lock brake recall have been documented. Over 150,000 vehicles are included in this Santa Fe Sport recall. To see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle recall lookup tool.

Ken BoydHyundai Santa Fe Sport recalled for risk of engine fire
Sonata Low Pressure Fuel Pump May Overheat And Crack

Sonata Low Pressure Fuel Pump May Overheat And Crack

February 28, 2020 Marshall Earley

re: NHTSA campaign 20V121000

Laguna Hills, CA – June 30, 2022 – Hyundai has remedied 117,574 2013-2014 Hyundai Sonata that was dealing with fuel leaking issues caused by a crack in the low-pressure fuel hose. Additionally, 8,451 of these Hyundai Sonota models have been identified as unreachable and 22,412 have been retired after the recall. Two groups of these 2013 – 2014 Hyundai sonatas with fuel leak issues were remedied in 2020, four groups were remedied in 2021, and one group during the first quarter of 2022.

Laguna Hills, CA – February 28, 2020 – 2013-2014 Hyundai Sonata low-pressure fuel hose may crack and leak due to high temperatures around the engine. If the low-pressure fuel pump overheats it may crack and leak fuel, increasing the risk of fire and inhibiting the ability to operate the vehicle normally.

The potential number of affected units is 206,896.

The defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) has recalled over 200,000 2013-2014 Hyundai Sonatas whose low-pressure fuel pumps may crack and leak fuel when subjected to high temperatures. The low-pressure hose connects the low-pressure fuel pump to the direct injection fuel pump. If the low-pressure hose cracks, fuel may leak from the hose and cause a fire. A slight fuel smell may develop if the fuel hose starts to leak, if vehicle occupants start to smell fuel they are advised to stop operation of the vehicle immediately and have the vehicle inspected.

In November 2016, Hyundai Motor America (HMA) decided to conduct an investigation into previous reports concerning a fuel leak in certain model year 2013 Sonata vehicles. Of the previously recorded incidents, none of them indicated engine fire, smoke, or any time of burning odor. Hyundai decided to issue a Quality Information Report (“QIR”) and open an examination into the potential for the leak to cause an engine compartment fire. From December 2016 to April 2017, Hyundai continued to investigate the previously reported incidents as well as new field reports. The new incidents were similar to previously recorded ones – a fuel leak without any evidence of an engine compartment fire. In May 2017, HMA finalized their investigation and decided that the fuel leak in the low-pressure fuel hose was too small to ignite an engine compartment fire. Formally closing the investigation, HMA decided to continually motor field reports from vehicle owners. In February 2020, HMA received news from Kia Motors America that they were to recall certain vehicles that were made with the same fuel pumps as the previously examined Sonata vehicles. Kia Motors America issued a safety recall in the U.S. on certain vehicles whose low-pressure fuel lead line may creak and leak fuel, increasing the risk of an engine compartment fire. Although HMA received no reports of an engine compartment fire in their vehicles, they decided on February 25, 2020, to issue a formal safety recall on 2013-2014 Sonata vehicles with cracked fuel pumps.

The solution

The current remedy to this recall is under investigation. Most likely it will entail a patch to the crack in the lead to the fuel pump or the installation of a completely new fuel pump, but the information provided by HMA is limited. Once the remedy has been decided upon, it will be performed at no charge. If customers have any further questions they are welcome to contact Hyundai customer service at 1 (800) 633-5151.

For more information on this or other recalls past or present, visit MotorSafety.org.

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About MotorSafety.org

MotorSafety.org is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to vehicle safety and assisting consumers with the identification and resolution of vehicle manufacturing recalls and defects. Through education, awareness, government relations, repair facility referrals and strategic partnerships, MotorSafety.org hopes to remove every unsafe vehicle from the road, facilitate its proper repair, and ensure its prompt return to the owner once the vehicle has met the required safety and performance standards. For more information about MotorSafety.org, please email support@motorsafety.org.

Marshall EarleySonata Low Pressure Fuel Pump May Overheat And Crack
Car Fires! Know This:

Car Fires! Know This:

December 6, 2018 Sandra Thomas

Heads up Kia and Hyundai Owners

Make: Kia and Hyundai –  2011-2014 Kia Sorento, Kia Optima, Hyundai Sonata, and Hyundai Santa Fe, and 2010-2015 Kia Soul vehicles

Overview: About 400 complaints of engine fires, engine failures (with and without fires), melted wires. Some cars recalled in 2015, 2017 – others not yet recalled pending a government investigation.

Threat: Cars suddenly catching fire without warning or external trigger, like car crashes. Some crash-related fires as well. Some cars that have been repaired catch fire anyway.

Of Course: It’s free to get a recalled car repaired, but only some fire risk cars have been recalled. Many cars in question have *not* been recalled. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating nearly two million cars and may decide more recall solutions are in order. Car safety advocated group, the Center for Auto Safety, is demanding recalls now of three million cross-over models and sedans.

Right Now:  Check MotorSafety.org’s recall checker  to learn whether your car is under recall. Other makes are recalled for fire risk. Check you car now!

If you smell smoke, melting wires, experience engine failure or see fire —

  • Calmly pull over to the right side of the road. If you’re all the way left, pull off to the left
  • Turn off your car and carefully step out and away
  • Do not stand near your car. You don’t want to be close to a potential fire, of course. And what you may not realize is it’s dangerous on the shoulder where looky-loos often veer toward the direction in which they’re looking – at you on the shoulder! Seriously, people get killed standing on the shoulder all the time. Get away from the car and traffic!
  • Call 911
  • *And if you are driving a Kia or Hyundai and experience engine failure, a fire could follow. Get over, out and away.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sandra ThomasCar Fires! Know This:
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