Vehicle Burst Into Flames Only Days After the Kia and Hyundai Recall

What: Vehicles impacted by the recall include the Hyundai Palisade, Tucson, Sonata, Elantra, Kona, Kia Soul, Sportage, and Seltos.

Who: Kia and Hyundai Motor Group.
 
Why: A defect in a transmission oil pump causes an increased risk of fire. 

When: Kia and Hyundai Motor Group announced the recall on August 2, 2023.

Where: The recall currently takes place in the United States and Canada. 

How I can identify the recalled vehicles: Owners of the listed Kia and Hyundai vehicles can identify if their vehicle(s) are affected by the recall by heading to the NHTSA’s website and entering their car’s 17-character vehicle identification number (VIN) or by contacting their local Kia or Hyundai dealership.

Earlier this month, Hyundai Motor and Kia released statements saying they are recalling more than 113,000 of their newer vehicles in North America due to the fire risks. Roughly 52,000 Hyundai vehicles and nearly 40,000 Kia vehicles are covered under the recall in the United States, along with another 11,000 Hyundai vehicles and 10,700 Kia vehicles in Canada. 

The Korean automakers claim that the issue stems from the electronic controllers for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly, which may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump to overheat. The vehicle companies also urge owners to park their cars outside and away from structures until the proper repairs are made available. 
Since the recall began, Kia said it has had six reports of potentially related thermal events, but there have been no accidents or injuries reported. Hyundai has only received four similar reports. The automakers informed National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) they suspect the part causing the issues was eliminated from production in March of this year.

Hyundai reported they opened an investigation into the vehicles after it received a report regarding a 2023 Hyundai Palisade vehicle that exhibited heat damage on the wire harness/connector of the electric oil pump. Kia said it received a report of melting in a 2023 Soul in June. 

Hyundai is also warning owners of the recalled vehicles to watch out for a burning/melting odor. If they notice the odor, they should have the car towed to the nearest Hyundai dealer and not attempt to drive. Additionally, heat damage can cause a short circuit that can impact other onboard vehicle controllers.

Kia Vehicle Bursts into Flames Moments After Passenger Exits

Earlier this month, only days after the Kia and Hyundai cars and SUVs were recalled due to fire risks, a woman in Charlotte, North Carolina, reported an incident that almost took the life of her daughter. According to the report, Sabrina Morrison had recently bought the 2013 Kia Optima for her daughter and assumed the vehicle had the proper repairs. However, earlier this month, her Kia burst into flames in the parking lot of their South Charlotte apartment complex.
 
According to the news report, the flames were so intense that they melted the tires, gluing the 2013 Optima to the parking lot. Her daughter was able to exit the vehicle before the fire started. While the new recall does not cover the 2013 Kia Optima, there are multiple recalls that date back to 2018 concerning fuel line issues that should have Kia drivers taking the cautious route to get their vehicles inspected for any potential hazards. 

Kia and Hyundai Vehicles Involved in the Recall

According to the reports, Hyundai will mail notification letters to owners by September 25, 2023. Until then, customers can bring their vehicles to their local Hyundai dealerships for a free inspection and replacement. 
The recalled Hyundai vehicles include the following:

• 2023 Hyundai Elantra
• 2023 Hyundai Kona
• 2023 Hyundai Sonata
• 2023 Hyundai Tucson
• 2023-2024 Hyundai Palisade

Kia will mail notification letters to their vehicle owners by September 28, 2023. Until then, customers can bring their vehicles to their local Kia dealerships for a free inspection and replacement. The recalled Kia vehicles include the following:

• 2023 Kia Soul
• 2023 Kia Sportage
• 2023-2024 Kia Seltos

Kia and Hyundai Drivers Will Receive Free Inspections and Repairs

Hyundai told dealers a rental vehicle should be provided to customers who do not feel safe operating their vehicle until a recall fix is available. As mentioned, Both Kia and Hyundai vehicle owners will be eligible to receive free inspections and repairs of their cars if they have been affected by the recall. For more information on the Hyundai recall, drivers are urged to contact their local dealership. Drivers can also contact Kia customer service at (844) 886-9411 or Hyundai customer service at (800) 633-5151. 

If you believe you are in possession of one of the previously listed recalled vehicles or have suffered an injury, do not hesitate to contact a Morgan & Morgan attorney today. Speaking with an experienced attorney can help you better understand what your legal options are and if you are eligible for financial compensation. To learn more, complete our free, no-obligation case evaluation form today.