Toronto, Ontario — Hyundai and Kia aren’t allowed to play with the other kids for the time being, as the South Korean automakers have announced a recall involving 80,000 Canadian vehicles that could pose a fire risk.
As a result, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is recommending drivers of the following vehicles park outside and away from others whenever possible: 2014-2016 Kia Sportage; 2016-2018 Kia K900; and 2016-2018 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles.
In Canada, the recall covers 13,571 Kia vehicles and 67,355 Hyundai vehicles.
The NHTSA noted in the recall that “the manufacturers believe an electrical component in the anti-lock brake system may experience an internal electrical short circuit that could increase the risk of fire both while the vehicle is being driven or parked.”
Hyundai and Kia said that the issue lies specifically in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) module and that dealers will install a new fuse for the circuit board to address the fire risks.
No injuries have been linked to the recall thus far, however, 11 fires have been reported.
