The NHTSA’s investigation will focus on evaluating the timeliness of decision-making by the Korean automakers regarding the defects and their adherence to reporting requirements. Additionally, the safety regulator will examine the varying defect descriptions and remedies provided in these recalls. The NHTSA can issue an audit query if it deems the completion rate of the manufacturer’s recall to be low.
In September, Hyundai and Kia jointly recalled 3.37 million vehicles in the United States due to concerns about internal brake fluid leaks leading to electrical shorts and potential fires. Hyundai’s recall covered various models, including Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, Accent, Azera, Veloster, Santa Fe, Equus, Veracruz, Tucson, Tucson Fuel Cell, and Santa Fe Sport. Kia’s recall included models such as Borrego, Cadenza, Forte, Sportage, K900, Optima, Soul Rio, Sorento, and Rondo.
As of September, Hyundai reported 42 recall-related incidents since 2017, with no associated crashes, injuries, or fatalities. Kia confirmed one engine compartment fire in September, along with three localized fires and six instances of localized melting, all without reported crashes, injuries, or fatalities. The remedy for these recalls involves dealers replacing the ABS and HECU fuses in the affected vehicles. The NHTSA’s investigation seeks to comprehensively assess the circumstances surrounding these recalls and their subsequent actions.
U.S. probes Hyundai, Kia recall into 6.4 million vehicles over fire risks https://t.co/xH2mKqgiWK pic.twitter.com/ZvhsCuQdr2
— Reuters (@Reuters) November 20, 2023
⚠️ U.S. probes Hyundai, Kia recall into 6.4 million vehicles over fire risks
U.S. auto safety regulators said Monday they had opened a probe into 16 separate recalls issued by Hyundai and Kia covering 6.4 million vehicles relating to brake fluid leaks that could result in fires.… pic.twitter.com/lzXF9YVDxh
— PiQ (@PiQSuite) November 20, 2023
