Hyundai and Kia Latest Engine Fire Updates

Hyundai and Kia are still having problems with engine fires.  The manufacturers are now telling owners to park their vehicles outside of their garages and carports because their vehicles can suddenly ignite even if the vehicles have not been driven.  The warning applies to approximately 485,000 vehicles in the U.S.  The problem is with the antilock braking system module which can leak fluid and cause an internal short circuit that leads to a fire.  This recall now includes 2014 – 2016 Kia Sportage, 2016 – 2019 K900 Sedans, 2016 – 2018 Santa Fe SUVs, 2017 – 2018 Santa Fe Sports, 2019 Santa Fe XL, and 2014 – 2015 Tucson SUVs.  Dealers are supposed to replace a fuse and if necessary the anti-lock brake control module.  Kia is expected to begin notifying owners beginning on March 31^st and Hyundai owners will be notified beginning on April 5^th.  We have previously reported on this issue and the articles are still available for review.  The articles are in the following posting sates: Feb 2020, Sept 2020, Jan 2021, May 2021, and Dec 2021.  The articles can be accessed by clicking on the month and year located on the right side margin and scrolling through the page after it loads.  For additional information, about the recalls, owners can contact Hyundai or Kia by phone or email as listed in the articles.   

Ford F 350 Engine Fire

In our last blog update, January 7, we talked about the recall issued by Hyundai regarding faulty antilock brake and hydraulic electronic control units.  In that blog, we also discussed the recall of thousands of Tucson SUVs that contained a defective ABS/HECU control circuit board.  The circuit board has a tendency to corrode, short circuit and cause an engine fire.  A recent investigation into an engine fire in a 2017 Ford F350 showed that a similar ABS/HECU was installed in that vehicle at the factory.  The vehicle was purchased new by the insured/owner and as a result, the ABS/HECU had never been replaced.  A photograph of the ABS/HECU is shown below.  When compared to the photograph of the ABS/HECU in the previous blog entry, the units are identical.  Although it is unknown if the unit in the Ford truck is the same as the recalled unit in the Hyundai Tucson, corrosion could still be the reason why the engine fire occurred in the Ford vehicle.  Engine fires attributed to the faulty ABS/HECU units can occur without warning.  That is, there are no instrument panel warning lights that illuminate prior to a fire.  In this particular case, the warning that the owner got was that the engine lost power (since it was a diesel engine).        

ABS/HECU found in Ford F 350

Combustible Hoverboards Still Out There

Back in 2016, the Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled thousands of hoverboards due to a problem with lithium ion batteries.  The batteries would short circuit and cause the hoverboards to ignite.  Because most of the brands used cheap materials and were made overseas, the market pretty much disappeared overnight.  However, hoverboards that have some age on them are still in use.  Recently, one was encountered in the investigation of an apartment fire.  The condition of the hoverboard is shown below.  Spontaneous ignition of the hoverboard was determined to have been the cause of the fire.  More specifically, the lithium ion batteries  appeared to have self-short-circuited resulting in excessive heat buildup (thermal runaway) that ultimately led to the ignition of the product.  If you have an older product, it is recommended that you replace the batteries with batteries or a battery pack certified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL).  Make sure that the batteries or battery pack has been tested according to UL standard 1642 or 2054.  The product should carry a label showing what standard has been met.   For new products made this year, 2020, the product should have been tested according to UL standard 2272.  Look for a label on the product indicating that the product has been certified accordingly.       

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. 

Holiday Fires

This is the time of year when everyone gets excited because Christmas is almost here.  It’s also the time when happiness can turn to disappointment in the blink of an eye.  Disasters caused by fire don’t take a holiday just because it’s Christmas.  This is a time when we need to be especially careful when hanging lights and decorating our trees.  If your strings of lights are frayed, bare or arcing, don’t use them.  If you are using ornaments that contain internal lighting, be sure that the wires are not pinched, the insulation is not cracked and that the bulbs are securely in place.  In addition, be sure that the plugs are in good condition and the prongs are not loose or broken.  Be careful using extension cords.  If you are hanging exterior lighting and you need an extension, be sure to use an extension approved for exterior use.  Do not use an interior extension cord with exterior lighting as they are typically not weather proof.  Rainwater entering the connection can easily cause a short circuit.  Keep an eye on timers and automatic switches to make sure that they turn on and off at the appropriate times.  Just some food for thought…

Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season.

Ford Recalls Trucks Due to Fire Hazard

The Ford Motor Company is recalling its full sized pickups due to a problem with an engine block heater.  The recall involves approximately 874,000 trucks.  More specifically, the recall applies to 2015 to 2019 F150, 2017 to 2019 F250, F350, F450 and F550 “Super Duty” models.  The problem with the heater is actually in the heater connector cable.  Water and other contaminants can get into the connector causing corrosion to occur and subsequently short circuit the cable.  Short circuiting of the cable can lead to a fire.  Dealerships will inspect and repair or replace the cable, at no charge.  The recall was expected to begin on January 7^th of this year.  For additional information, consumers can contact Ford by calling 1-800-392-3673 or visiting www.ford.com and clicking on recalls at the bottom of the page.  Ford’s identifying number for this campaign is 18S45. 

         

Haier Recalls Freezer Refrigerators

Haier Appliances in cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Comission, has recalled 137,000 combination freezer/refrigerators due to a fire Hazard.  The units contain an electric component that can short circuit resulting in a fire.  The company has not identified the component but, recommends that consumers unplug and stop using the affected units.  The units involved in this recall are 10.1 cubic feet models, sold at Lowe’s and independent retailers.  The units were sold between September 2014 and September 2018.  Three models have been identified: HA10TG31SB, HA10TG31SS, and HA10TG31SW.  Consumers will also have to check their unit’s serial number in order to make sure it is part of the recall.  Both Haier and the Consumer Product Safety Commission have set up web pages with the applicable model and serial number information.  For Haier: go to www.haierappliances.com click on recalls at the bottom of the page.  The next page that appears will prompt the user to enter model and serial number information.   The page will then tell the user whether the recall is applicable to their appliance.  For the CPSC: go to www.cpsc.gov, enter Haier recalls in the search box at the top of the page.  The next page will show the recall for this unit.  It is currently the first recall listed.  Click on the title of the recall and the specifics will then appear.  Scroll down until the page shows the applicable model and serial numbers.

Currently, Haier is providing free repairs or offering a $150 rebate toward the purchase of a new Haier refrigerator.  To schedule a repair, owners can call 1-888-364-2989.  A photograph of one affected model is shown below.

Power Steering Recall

Roughly two years ago, Chrysler recalled approximately 442 Dodge Ram pick up trucks for a problem with the electric power steering (EPS) module.  The recall applied specifically to 2015 -2016 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured between January 22, 2015 and September 13, 2015.  The problem had to do with short circuiting of the EPS circuit board that would cause the loss of power steering and increase the risk of a crash.  Since that recall was put in effect, reports have been received that indicate that the short circuit is not enough to cause the 100 amp fuse, that is supposed to protect the module, to open.  As a result, the short circuits are causing wiring to overheat and ignite resulting in vehicular fires.  It should be noted that overheating of the wiring has not been addressed and is not part of the original recall.  The original recall is identified as NHTSA campaign # 16V16700 and Chrysler recall # S19.  A copy of the recall is attached below.  The second page shows a wiring diagram and the connection between the EPS module and battery through the 100 amp fuse that is in question.  Also shown is the connection between the battery and the power center.  If a fire occurs, the origin appears to be in the area of the battery and power center, both of which are located on the driver’s side of the engine compartment above the left front wheel well.  Complaints regarding vehicular fires related to this recall should be reported to NHTSA through their website at www.nhtsa.gov.

Fiat Chrysler Recalls 4.8 Million Vehicles

Fiat Chrysler has recalled approximately 4,800,000 vehicles because of a problem with the cruise control.  If the control short circuits, the driver might not be able to deactivate the control in order to reduce speed.  Use of the malfunctioning cruise control increases the driver’s risk of a crash.   The following vehicles are involved in this recall: 2014-2018 Chrysler 300 sedans, Dodge Charger sedans, Journey and Durango SUVs, Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks, Ram 3500 trucks (greater than 10,000 pounds), 4500 and 5500 cab-chassis trucks, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee SUVs; 2014-2019 Ram 1500 trucks, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger sedans, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200 sedans, 2016-2018 Ram 3500 (less than 10,000 pounds) cab-chassis trucks, 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica minivans, and 2018 Jeep Wrangler SUVs.  The recall applies to those vehicles with automatic transmissions and gasoline engines.  Fiat Chrysler is advising drivers to stop using the cruise control.  If the driver cannot disengage the cruise control once engaged, the driver should press firmly on the brake pedal and shift the transmission lever from drive to neutral.  Let the vehicle coast to a stop while steering safely to the side of the road and then placing the shift lever in park once the vehicle has come to a complete stop.  Owner notification will begin on or about July 6, 2018.  Owners should then take their vehicles to their local dealer for a free repair.  For additional information, owners can contact Fiat Chrysler by calling 1-800-853-1403.

BMW Recalls

BMW has recalled issued two recalls for approximately one million vehicles.  The first recall involves a defective PCV valve heater that can short circuit and cause a vehicle fire.  The recall applies to 2008 through 2011 model 128i; and 2007 through 2011 models 328i, 525i, 528i, 530i, X3, X5, and Z4.  The second recall is for a defective blower motor wiring connector that also poses a fire hazard.  The connector can cause the wiring to overheat and ignite.  The recall applies to 2006 through 2011 models 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, and M3; 2007 through 2011 model 335is; and 2009 through 2011 model 335d.  Vehicle repairs are expected to start on December 18 and will be fixed free of charge.  For additional information, consumers can contact BMW by calling 1-800-327-4236.