The automobile manufacturers, Hyundai and Kia, have initiated a recall notice for a broad range of their vehicle models, cautioning drivers to park at a safe distance from buildings. This step comes as a precautionary measure due to a lurking potential fire risk incident.
Hyundai disclosed that the recall is for an extensive 326,942 vehicles in Canada, while an enormous number of 1,642,551 vehicles are affected in the U.S. Specifically, this recall notice targets various 2010-15 models featuring the Accent, Elantra, Tucson, Sante Fe, and several others.
The triggering issue, as the notice conveyed, is with the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) installed in these vehicles, which over time, could potentially leak brake fluid. This leakage, in turn, could eventually lead to an electrical short, which could ignite a fire while the car is parked or even during driving. Fortunately, no cases of injuries or fatalities have been reported in relation to this issue, as confirmed by Hyundai.
Simultaneously, Kia has also followed suit, recalling multiple models, including the Optima, Forte, Soul, Sportage, Rio, among others, from 2010 to 2017. This decision comes after a short circuit was discovered in the brakes. Kia confirmed a total of 276,225 vehicles in Canada are affected by the recall, and the company is strongly advising owners to park these vehicles outside as a precaution.
Both Hyundai and Kia have advised drivers to park their recalled vehicles outdoors, away from buildings, amid concerns of potential fire risk, until the recall actions are fully executed. They have reassured that owners can carry on driving their vehicles. The manufacturers also encourage affected vehicle owners to visit a dealership for a thorough inspection and necessary replacements. Hyundai plans to reach out to the impacted vehicle owners by mid-November.
Vehicle owners who are unsure if their vehicles are part of the recall can search for the recall information by using their vehicle identification number, or VIN.
