Hyundai Motor Group is currently facing one of the biggest automotive recalls this year. The recall affects a total of 3,372,743 vehicles from Hyundai and Kia, with a risk of fire due to potential issues with electronic modules. These fires can occur at any time, even when the vehicle is parked and turned off. As a precautionary measure, the automakers recommend parking the vehicles outside until the problem is addressed.
The recall currently includes models up to the 2015 model-year, except for a few exceptions from Kia. The following is a complete list of the affected models from Hyundai and Kia:
| Make/Model |
Model Year |
Number Recalled |
| Hyundai Accent |
2012-2015 |
240,589 |
| Hyundai Azera |
2012-2015 |
29,232 |
| Hyundai Elantra |
2011-2015 |
777,145 |
| Hyundai Elantra Coupe |
2013-2015 |
22,481 |
| Hyundai Equus |
2014-2015 |
6,013 |
| Hyundai Genesis Coupe |
2011-2015 |
51,789 |
| Hyundai Santa Fe |
2013-2015 |
45,322 |
| Hyundai Santa Fe Sport |
2013 |
75,554 |
| Hyundai Sonata Hybrid |
2011-2015 |
83,213 |
| Hyundai Tucson |
2010-2013 |
170,402 |
| Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell |
2015 |
60 |
| Hyundai Veloster |
2012-2015 |
116,911 |
| Hyundai Veracruz |
2010-2012 |
23,840 |
| Kia Borrego |
2010-2019 |
62 |
| Kia Cadenza |
2014-2016 |
30,362 |
| Kia Forte / Koup |
2010-2013 |
179,051 |
| Kia K900 |
2015-2018 |
5,015 |
| Kia Optima |
2011-2015 |
383,382 |
| Kia Optima Hybrid |
2011-2013 |
32,891 |
| Kia Rio |
2012-2017 |
207,746 |
| Kia Rondo |
2010-2011 |
1,596 |
| Kia Sorento |
2011-2014 |
397,163 |
| Kia Soul |
2011-2013 |
349,309 |
| Kia Sportage |
2010-2013 |
143,615 |
The specific problem varies slightly depending on the brand. Both Hyundai and Kia are dealing with potential brake fluid leaks, but Kia is still investigating the exact cause. In Kia vehicles, the issue is with the hydraulic electronic control unit, which has resulted in four fires and six thermal incidents (smoke, smoldering, or melted components) according to the recall documents at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Hyundai has encountered more incidents of fires. Recall documents reveal 21 fires and 22 thermal events in recent years, all believed to be caused by brake fluid leaking internally in the anti-lock brake module. This leakage can lead to a short circuit. Thankfully, no crashes, injuries, or fatalities have been reported as a result of these issues in either Hyundai or Kia vehicles.
Out of the 25 models affected by the recall, the Hyundai Elantra accounts for the highest number of recalled units at 777,145. The Kia Sorento comes next with 397,163 recalls, followed by the Kia Optima with 383,382.
Hyundai Group recommends that owners of the affected vehicles park them outside until the problem is resolved. The remedy involves replacing fuses in the hydraulic electronic control unit for Kia models and the anti-lock brake module for Hyundai models. As this is a safety recall, Hyundai/Kia dealers will perform the necessary repairs free of charge. Owners of affected vehicles can expect to be notified in November.
