If you’ve been around for the past few years, you’ve probably heard of the Kia and Hyundai fire hazard recalls. These recalls cover cars and sport utility vehicles of both makes that could catch fire for various reasons. If you are considering buying a vehicle that might have been affected by a recall, there is a website below where you can check.
Kia and Hyundai fire hazard recalls have affected many vehicles
Consumer Reports went a bit deeper into these recalls for Kia and Hyundai vehicles. Kia and Hyundai have recalled more than seven million cars and SUVs for fire hazards. Since 2010, more than 3,000 Hyundai and Kia vehicles have caught fire.
Those fires left 103 people injured and one dead, prompting an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. While the exact cause of the fires is still under investigation, it could have something to do with both manufacturers’ engines.
Faulty wiring, brake system problems, and battery problems could also increase the risk of fire. NHTSA is not currently investigating these, but they still pose a threat. Consumer Reports says that in the last 12 years, there have been more than seven million car recalls related to vehicles that caught fire.
Investigations are ongoing for Kia and Hyundai fire hazard recalls
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If you’re interested in buying a new car but have heard about Kia and Hyundai fire hazard recalls, it’s good to be informed. Both Hyundai and Kia have been working hard to build reliable vehicles, but they are separate brands.
“Hyundai Motor Company is the largest shareholder of Kia Motors, with 33.88 percent ownership. The two brands share many of the same parts from the same suppliers, including some of the parts at risk of catching fire.”
Consumer Reports
A faulty connecting rod bearing in the engine is one of the suggested causes of the fires. If this fails, you may hear a knock, feel vibrations, or even the motor stall. In the worst case, the dipstick could puncture the engine block, causing an oil leak that could eventually start a fire.
Kia and Hyundai have installed a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) that will hopefully detect a failing connecting rod bearing before any damage can occur. If the KSDS detects a potential problem, the vehicle will eventually slow down and shut off.
Both car manufacturers have implemented some fixes.
There is also a potential problem with the anti-lock braking system (ABS) short circuit. Kia and Hyundai have instructed some owners to park outside, as this can cause a fire, even if the vehicle is parked.
Hyundai offered a statement to Consumer Reports, noting: “Hyundai actively monitors and evaluates potential safety issues, including non-collision fires, with all of our vehicles.” The statement also noted that the number of recalled vehicles does not mean that there were actual fires. Kia said it was continuing to research and evaluate its cars.
Use the NHTSA website to check if there is a recall for your car. You need your car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) in the lower left corner of the windshield. Make sure someone has addressed these recalls before you buy any new or used vehicle.