Detroit — Hyundai has recalled more than 390,000 vehicles in the United States and Canada on two issues that could cause an engine fire. In one recall, the owner is told to park the car outdoors until repairs are made.
The largest recall targets more than 203,000 Santa Fesport SUVs from 2013 to 2015. Some have been recalled for the second time. Brake fluid can leak into the antilock braking computer, causing an electrical short circuit and leading to a fire. Owners should park outdoors and stay away from structures until the issue is resolved, according to a document posted Tuesday by the US Department of Transportation Road Traffic Safety Administration.
The dealer will replace the fuse and replace the computer if necessary. Owners will be notified in June.
According to the document, a brake computer problem caused 18 fires in the United States, but no one was injured.
Hyundai Motor states that the recall from the one issued in September 2020 “strengthens the remedy.” The company continued its investigation after the September recall and said it found that replacing the fuse reduced the safety risk. “Hyundai is implementing this new recall to ensure customer safety,” the company said in a statement.
Another recall covers nearly 187,000 Elantras in 2019 and 2020, and Conas and Velostar from 2019 to 2021. All are equipped with a 2-liter engine.
The piston rings may not have been properly heat treated and may cause engine damage, oil leaks and fire. Hyundai says the ring is too stiff and chipped, which can scrape off the engine cylinder. According to the document, a piston problem caused five fires, but no one was injured.
The dealer will inspect and replace the engine as needed. It also installs piston noise detection software. Owners will be notified in late June.
The engine failure and fire problems of Hyundai Motor and Kia, a related automaker in South Korea, have plagued companies for more than five years and affected more than eight million vehicle owners.
Last month, Kia recalled more than 147,000 Soul and Seltos SUVs in 2020 and 2021 due to piston ring issues. The automaker said there were four reports of fires that could be related to the problem.