More About Hyundai and Kia Engine Fires

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced that it is continuing its investigation of engine fires in Hyundai and Kia vehicles.  NHTSA has reportedly opened a new engineering analysis that covers in excess of 3 million vehicles.  It should be noted that some of the vehicles have already been recalled.  The vehicles in question are 2011 through 2016 Hyundai Elantra, Santa Fe and Sonata; and, Kia Optima, Rio, Sorento, and Soul.  These are the same engine problems that were reported in September of 2020 and again in January and May of 2021 on our blog.  All of the vehicles involved in the investigation are equipped with one of the following engines: Theta II GDI, Theta II MPI, Theta II MPI Hybrid, NU GDI, and Gamma GDI. For additional information, owners can visit NHTSA’s website at www.nhtsa.gov or contact their Hyundai/Kia dealer.       

Hyundai Recalls Elantra and Elantra Touring Vehicles

Hyundai Motor America has announced that it is recalling 429, 686 Elantra vehicles for a problem with the ABS (antilock braking system) module that can cause an engine fire.  The vehicles involved in this recall are: 2006 through 2011 Hyundai Elantra manufactured between August 26, 2005 and November 23, 2010; and 2007 through 2011 Hyundai Elantra Touring vehicles manufactured between June 21, 2007 and December 6, 2010.  It should be noted that the recalled vehicles are no longer in production.  The problem with the ABS module is that moisture can enter the module and cause the circuit board to short circuit.  The short circuit CAN occur even if the vehicle is turned off.  Hyundai Motor America plans to notify owners and request that they return their vehicles to their dealers for repair.  The repair will consist of the installation of a relay in the main junction box.  The intent is to deenergize the ABS module when the vehicle is turned off.  This repair will be performed at no cost to the vehicle owner – Hyundai plans to reimburse owners for out-of-pocket expenses.  It is recommended that owners communicate with their dealers and make sure they understand what allowable charges are and what will be reimbursed.  Notification of owners and dealers will begin in April 2020.  For additional information, owners can contact Hyundai by calling 800-633-5151 and referencing manufacturer recall number 188. 

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