South Korean car manufacturers Hyundai and Kia issued a recall order for 3.3 million cars in the United States due to their risk of catching fire.
In a statement dated Wednesday, September 27, the automakers noted that the cars exposed owners to the risk of catching fire suddenly.
“Until these recalled vehicles have been repaired, the safest place to park them is outside and away from homes and other structures,” the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stated in a statement.
“Fires can occur whether the vehicle is parked and turned off or while driving,” the statement added.
Among the vehicles listed in the recall order included 1.64 million from Hyundai and Genesis, concerning 2010 to 2015 models, and 1.73 million Kias, ranging from 2010 to 2017.
According to the South Korean manufacturers, the problem emanates from the vehicle’s anti-lock brake systems which could leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short
“Hyundai plans to notify owners to bring their vehicles to the nearest dealership to replace the ABS module fuse,” the agency stated.
Neither company knows of “any crashes, injuries or fatalities associated with this defect.”
Dealers will replace the antilock brake fuse at no cost to owners. Kia said in documents that it will send notification letters to owners starting November 14. For Hyundai, the date is November 21.
