Hyundai and Kia have a warning to over 90,000 cars and SUVs owners, park the vehicles outside, away from structures and other vehicles because they could catch fire.
The new recall is the latest in a chain of other fire-related Hyundai and Kia vehicles recalls in the past few years.
This specific recall affects numerous models, from an issue that stems from the electronics in a transmission oil pump, a part of the vehicles’ “Idle Stop and Go” system. A common function in new cars, the car’s system shuts the engine down when the vehicle comes to a complete stop, then starts back up when the driver lifts their foot off the brake. In the recalled Hyundai’s and Kia’s vehicles, there are findings that the electronic components can overheat, which causes damage that can increase the risk of “localized melting,” and in worst case scenario, result in a fire.
Hyundai has been made aware of at least 4 “thermal incidents” related to this issue. There have been no confirmed crashes or injuries. Kia knows of six incidents of “localized melting” and again no crashes, injuries or death.
What To Watch For
Car owners should watch for possible warning signs:
-Various warning lights in the gauge cluster.
-Watch for smoke coming from underneath the vehicle
-Watch for burning or melting odors
Car Models Involved
Hyundai is reporting there are 52,000 of their vehicles included in this recall in the United States and 11,000 in Canada. Kia is reporting 40,000 vehicles on the recall list.
The following models are involved in the recall:
Hyundai
2023 Elantras
2023 Sonatas
2023 Tucsons
2023 Konas
2023 and 2024 Palisades.
Kia
2023 Kia Soul
2023Sportage
2023 and 2024 Seltos
Both Hyundai and Kia will begin notifying car owners about the recall in late September. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicles to a dealership to have the oil pump replaced, at no charge.
In addition to the list of recalls that both car manufacturers have released, both Hyundai and Kia have been the target of auto thefts because due to the earlier models lacking common anti-theft technology. Hyundai and Kia have been working equip those models with anti-theft hardware and software.
