Hyundai and Kia Issue Recall Due to Fire Risks

In recent months, more and more auto companies have been recalling specific vehicle models due to the risk of injury or fires. Unfortunately, the South Korean multinational automotive company Hyundai Motor Co is next on the ever-growing list of car recalls. On March 22, 2023, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released a recall noting that Hyundai Motor Company would need to recall thousands of vehicles.

Since its release, Hyundai, including its subsidiary, Kia, are now informing its customers, who are owners of over 571,000 SUVs and minivans in the U.S., to beware of their vehicles.

According to the report released on Thursday by the U.S. safety regulators, the issues with the recalled cars revolve around the hitches. The report states that water can get into a circuit board on the hitches and cause a short circuit regardless if the ignitions are on or off. The report also warns the car owners to park the recalled vehicles someplace outdoors due to the tow hitch harnesses' ability to catch fire while they are parked or even being driven. Other instructions for drivers of the recalled vehicles include ensuring that the cars are parked away from any structures until the repairs needed are conducted.

According to the recall, those affected Hyundai vehicles include the following:

• HYUNDAI/SANTA CRUZ/2022-2023
• HYUNDAI/SANTA FE/2019-2023
• HYUNDAI/SANTA FE HYBRID/2021-2023
• HYUNDAI/SANTA FE PLUG-IN HYBRID/2022-2023

The report only indicated that only one Kia vehicle model was affected in the recall, which is the Carnival minivan, including the year models from 2022 and 2023. All affected Hyundai or Kia vehicles have the defective hitch harnesses that came as original equipment or were installed by the dealers.

Hyundai Announces Free Up Coming Repairs after Fire Reports

This isn't the first time Hyundai has taken part in a recall. Last year, the Korean auto company recalled more than 245,000 2020 through 2022 Palisade SUVs for a similar issue. On Thursday, the NHTSA said that the latest recall is a direct result of the agency monitoring the Palisade recall from the previous year, noting that this recall is an expansion of the last recall number, 22V-633.

Hyundai has released reports of one fire and five heat damage incidents with no injuries, while Kia currently has no reports of fires or injuries. Starting May 16, 2023, owners of the recalled vehicles will be notified of any and all options available to them. Until they are able to fulfill those remedies as an interim repair, those car dealers who work with Hyundai will thoroughly inspect the tow hitch module and remove the fuse, as necessary. Once the final repair is made available, dealers will then install the new fuse and wire extension kit with an improved connector that is waterproof. Any and all repairs to the vehicles will be performed free of charge.

For more information, owners of the recalled vehicles are encouraged to contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460 in order to learn more. Hyundai's number for this recall is 244. However, we understand how daunting of a task it can be to navigate the complicated process of a vehicle recall.

To learn more information regarding this recall, or if you are unsure if your car has been recalled, connect with one of our attorneys today. For over 35 years at Morgan & Morgan, our attorneys have been fighting for people just like you. With over 1,000 trial-ready attorneys and capable support staff, we're ready to handle any case you throw our way. Over the years, we've been able to help our clients recover over $20 billion, and we want to help you too. 

If you believe your vehicle may be involved in a recall or if you have been injured due to a faulty part, we may be able to help you. Don't wait; it is crucial for you to speak with a Morgan and Morgan attorney today. Complete our free no-obligation case evaluation form today.