Kia, Hyundai recall more than 3 million vehicles for engine fire risk

WASHINGTON — Kia America and Hyundai Motor America are recalling more than 3 million vehicles in the U.S. for separate issues that could cause an engine compartment fire.

Both automakers are urging vehicle owners to park outside and away from structures until repairs are completed.

The Kia recall covers the following vehicles: 2010-19 Borrego; 2014-16 Cadenza; 2010-13 Forte, Forte Koup and Sportage; 2015-18 K900; 2011-15 Optima; 2011-13 Optima Hybrid and Soul; 2012-17 Rio; 2011-14 Sorento; and 2010-11 Rondo.

The recall affects about 1.7 million vehicles for an issue with the hydraulic electronic control unit, or HECU, that could cause an electrical short, which can trigger an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

Kia told NHTSA it was not aware of any injuries, crashes or deaths.

“It is believed that over time, the HECU experiences an electrical short circuit condition that results in excessive current, thereby increasing the risk of an engine compartment fire while driving or parked. However, the exact cause of the electrical short circuit remains unknown,” Kia said in a statement Wednesday.

To fix the issue, dealers will replace the HECU fuse.

Korean auto supplier Mando makes the HECU, according to a recall report submitted Sept. 25 to NHTSA.

Dealers will be notified on Nov. 10. Vehicle owners will be notified starting Nov. 14.

Hyundai, Kia's Korean sibling company, is recalling about 1.6 million vehicles in the U.S. for an issue with the antilock brake system module. In Canada, the recall affects about 327,000, Hyundai spokesperson Ira Gabriel said.

The module could leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, resulting in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

The affected vehicles are the 2011-15 Elantra, Genesis Coupe and Sonata Hybrid; 2012-15 Accent, Azera and Veloster; 2013-15 Elantra Coupe and Santa Fe; 2014-15 Equus; 2010-12 Veracruz; 2010-13 Tucson; 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell; and 2013 Santa Fe Sport.

Hyundai told NHTSA there have been 21 vehicle fires and 22 "thermal incidents," such as smoking, melting or burning, in the U.S. based on reports received from June 15, 2017, through June 1, 2023.

The automaker said there have been no crashes, injuries or deaths.

Mando also supplies the antilock brake system assembly, according to a recall report submitted Sept. 22 to NHTSA.

To fix the issue, dealers will replace the antilock brake system fuse.

Dealers and vehicle owners will be notified by Nov. 21.