500,000 Hyundai, Kia Cars Can Suddenly Catch Fire! Owners Advised To Keep Them Outside Their Homes

Hyundai and Kia are recalling nearly 500,000 vehicles in the US after discovering a potential fire risk in the engines.

They have advised owners of vehicles part of the recall to park outdoors and away from buildings.

Risk Of Fire Even At Idle State

An electrical component in the vehicles’ anti-lock brake systems could short circuit and cause a fire in the engine compartment.

The problem may occur even if the vehicles aren’t running.

Therefore Hyundai is recalling 357,830 vehicles, while Kia is recalling 126,747 automobiles.

They have received 11 reports of fires in the country but no injuries.

Second Recall In A Month

Kia had earlier issued a recall on February 2 for its 2014-2016 Kia Sportage SUVs and 2016-2018 Kia K900 sedans.

So had Hyundai for its 2016-2018 Hyundai Santa Fe, 2017-2018 Hyundai Santa Fe, 2019 Santa Fe XL, and 2014-2015 Tucson SUVs.

There was an electrical problem within the airbag control unit (ACU) which determines whether to deploy airbags in a crash.

The company said that the cover of the ACU may come into contact with a memory chip which could damage the electrical circuit.

As a result, airbags may fail to activate and deploy in the event of an accident and cause serious injuries to the occupants.

Owners To Be Notified

The US’ National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said that both companies will notify owners by mail.

They will send out instructions to bring the affected vehicles to a Kia or Hyundai dealer for a free repair. 

Kia will mail its letters by March 31 and Hyundai by April 5.

Park Outside Till Repairs Complete

The dealers will install a fuse designed to mitigate the risk of fire

Until the repair is complete, the vehicle should be parked outdoors away from other vehicles or structures.

US Operations

Hyundai Motor Group owns a controlling stake in Kia

While both hail from South Korea and share some manufacturing facilities, they operate independently from each other in the US.

Owners can check whether their vehicle is part of the recall list by visiting the NHTSA’s recall website  or calling NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 and entering their 17-digit vehicle identification number.