Millions of Hyundai, Kia vehicles recalled due to fire risk

Hyundai and Kia are two of the most popular car brands in the U.S. 

A VERIFY reader recently asked our team whether any Hyundai and Kia vehicles are currently under recall because of engine fires.

THE QUESTION

Have some Hyundai and Kia vehicles been recalled due to the risk of an engine fire?

THE SOURCES

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
• Hyundai
• Kia

THE ANSWER

Yes, millions of Hyundai and Kia vehicles have been recalled due to the risk of an engine fire.

WHAT WE FOUND

Millions of Hyundai and Kia vehicles have been recalled in the United States due to engine fire risk, according to the automakers and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The recalls cover multiple Hyundai and Kia models from 2010 through 2019, including the Hyundai Santa Fe SUV and the Kia Sorrento SUV.

On Sept. 27, 2023, the NHTSA told Hyundai and Kia drivers that the companies issued “park outside” recalls for more than 3.3 million vehicles because of the risk of an engine compartment fire.

According to documents sent to the NHTSA in late September, the anti-lock brake control module in the recalled vehicles can leak fluid and cause an electrical short, which increases the risk of a fire.

Hyundai and Kia are advising owners to park the recalled vehicles outdoors and away from structures until repairs are completed because “fires can occur whether the vehicle is parked and turned off or while driving,” the NHTSA says.

The NHTSA said no crashes, injuries or fatalities associated with the defect had been reported when the recall was issued. However, Hyundai reported 21 fires in the affected vehicles in the U.S., and another 22 “thermal incidents” including smoke, burning and melting of parts, the documents say. Meanwhile, Kia reported 10 fires and melting incidents.

Hyundai’s recall applies to the following vehicles and model years:

• 2012-2015 Hyundai Accent
• 2012-2015 Hyundai Azera
• 2011-2015 Hyundai Elantra
• 2013-2015 Hyundai Elantra Coupe
• 2014-2015 Hyundai Equus
• 2011-2015 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
• 2013-2015 Hyundai Santa Fe
• 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
• 2011-2015 Hyundai Sonata HEV
• 2010-2013 Hyundai Tucson
• 2015 Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell
• 2012-2015 Hyundai Veloster 
• 2010-2012 Hyundai Veracruz

Kia’s recall applies to the vehicles and model years below:

• 2014-2016 Kia Cadenza
• 2011-2013 Kia Forte/Forte Koup
• 2015-2017 Kia K900
• 2010-2015 Kia Optima
• 2011-2013 Kia Optima Hybrid 
• 2011-2017 Kia Rio
• 2010 Kia Rondo
• 2011-2014 Kia Sorento
• 2011-2013 Kia Soul 
• 2010-2013 Kia Sportage

In November, the NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation said it was reviewing 16 Hyundai and Kia recalls conducted since 2016 that involved more than 6 million vehicles for potential anti-lock braking system module fires.

To see if your vehicle is under recall, you can visit NHTSA.gov/recalls and enter its 17-digit vehicle identification number. If your vehicle has been recalled, the NHTSA recommends contacting your local car dealership immediately to schedule a free repair.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.