Hyundai Motor America and Kia America have announced “park outside” recalls for more than 3.3 million vehicles, citing a fire risk. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a warning regarding these vehicles. The automakers advise owners to park their vehicles outside and away from homes and other structures until the necessary repairs have been made.
It is important to note that fires can occur while the vehicle is parked and turned off, as well as while driving. The cause of this fire risk is a potential leak of brake fluid internally within the vehicle’s anti-lock brake system (ABS) module. This brake fluid leak can lead to an electrical short, which in turn can cause an overcurrent in the ABS module. This overcurrent significantly increases the risk of an engine compartment fire, whether the vehicle is in motion or parked.
To address this safety issue, Hyundai plans to notify owners about the recall and instruct them to bring their vehicles to the nearest dealership for the replacement of the ABS module fuse. Kia is still in the process of finding a suitable remedy for the problem.
Fortunately, there have been no reported crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to this defect. However, there have been 22 incidents of vehicle fires in the United States, as well as 22 thermal incidents involving visible smoke, burning, and melting.
For more information on this recall, please contact the automakers directly.