Irvine, CA – August 27, 2022 – Hyundai (OTCMKTS:HYMTF) and its subsidiary Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) are recalling 281,447 SUVs that may catch fire while driving or parked. This increases the risk of crash, injury or property damage.
The recall comes on the heels of several fires and includes the following SUVs:
- 2022 – 2022 Hyundai Palisade
- 2020 – 2022 Kia Telluride
Recall summary
Affected vehicles are equipped with a tow package, which, in addition to the tow hitch itself, has a wiring harness and a control module. The module may overheat and, in extreme situations, cause the vehicle to catch fire.
The cause of the issue is an electric short caused by moisture and other elements ending up on the tow hitch circuit board during the manufacturing process. The circumstances of how that occurs are currently under investigation.
Recall risks
A burning vehicle may damage surrounding structures and vehicles and result in injuries to the car occupants.
Recall background
The recall comes on the heels of at least five vehicles catching fire in the bumper area, as well as multiple “melting” incidents and warranty claims.
Other Hyundai and Kia Telluride recalls
This Hyundai Palisade recall is the latest in a series of fire-related recalls the Korean manufacturer has been experiencing lately. However, most of the previous Hyundai fire risks were caused by faulty ABS modules or fuel leaks.
Separately, aside from this Kia Telluride tow hitch recall, the 2022 model-years were also subject to a recall about a year ago due to blank instrument clusters, as reported.
Repair
Both manufacturers are still developing the repair for this Kia and Hyundai tow harness issue.
In the meantime, dealers are set to inspect the tow hitch wiring on suspected vehicles and remove the corresponding fuse which will effectively disconnect the tow module. This and future repairs will be offered free of charge.
Kia will send the affected owners letters with more information on October 17, 2022, while Hyundai will do the same on October 17, 2022.
Safety tips
Owners should park their vehicles away from structures until the repair is done.
Is your vehicle part of this recall?
These Hyundai and Kia electrical issues are affecting more than a quarter million SUVs. To do a Hyundai recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. You can use the same tool to do a Kia recall check.
