Hyundai and Kia have recently announced a recall of over 113,000 newer vehicles in North America due to fire risks, urging owners to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the necessary repairs are completed. The recall affects several models, including the Hyundai 2023-2024 Palisade, 2023 Tucson, Sonata, Elantra, and Kona vehicles, as well as the 2023-2024 Seltos and 2023 Kia Soul and Sportage vehicles.
The reason behind the recall is related to potential issues with the electronic controllers for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly. These controllers may contain damaged electrical components, which can lead to the oil pump overheating. As a result, both Hyundai and Kia will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller as needed. Owners can expect to be notified about the recall in late Septembe
In the United States, approximately 52,000 Hyundai vehicles and nearly 40,000 Kia vehicles are affected by the recall, with an additional 11,000 Hyundai vehicles and 10,700 Kia vehicles impacted in Canada. Thankfully, there have been no accidents or injuries reported, but both companies have received reports of thermal events related to the issue. Hyundai has had four such reports, while Kia has had six.
To ensure customer safety, Hyundai has advised its dealers to provide rental vehicles to customers who do not feel comfortable operating their vehicles until the recall fix is available. They have also warned owners that if they experience a burning or melting odor, they should immediately have their vehicle towed to the nearest Hyundai dealer and refrain from attempting to drive it.
The fire risk is not the only concern, as heat damage could potentially lead to a short circuit that may affect other vehicle controllers onboard. Both Hyundai and Kia are committed to resolving the issue promptly and have already eliminated the suspect part from production in March after identifying the problem.
The recall highlights the importance of diligent safety measures within the automotive industry and serves as a reminder for owners to stay informed about potential recalls affecting their vehicles. The automakers are cooperating with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to address the matter effectively and ensure the safety of their customers.
