Hyundai and Kia Recall 91,000 US Vehicles Over Fire Risks: Actional Takeaways

August 03, 2023: Hyundai Motor and Kia have issued a recall for over 91,000 newer vehicles in the United States due to potential fire risks associated with the oil pump assembly. The recall covers several models, including Hyundai’s 2023-2024 Palisade, Tucson, Sonata, Elantra, and Kona vehicles, as well as Kia’s 2023 Soul, Sportage, and 2023-2024 Seltos vehicles.

Actional Takeaways:

1. Owners are urged to park their affected vehicles outside and away from structures until repairs are completed to ensure safety.
2. The recall is prompted by the potential overheating of electronic controllers in the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly, which can lead to fires.
3. Approximately 52,000 Hyundai vehicles and nearly 40,000 Kia vehicles are covered under this recall.
4. In late September, owners will be notified of the recall, and dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller as needed, free of charge.
5. If any burning or melting odor is detected, owners should not attempt to drive the vehicle and have it towed to the nearest Hyundai dealer.
6. Heat damage could cause a short circuit affecting other vehicle controllers onboard, making immediate inspection crucial.
7. Hyundai advises dealers to provide rental vehicles to customers who feel unsafe driving them until the recall fix is available.
8. For any inquiries, Kia owners can contact 1-800-333-4542 (reference number SC275), while Hyundai owners can call 1-855-371-9460 (reference number 246).

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) can be reached at 1-888-327-4236 for more recall information.

Hyundai and Kia’s owners must heed the recall notice and take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety and prevent potential fire incidents. As dealers work to inspect and replace the oil pump controllers, prompt action by the owners is crucial in mitigating any risks associated with the recall.