Millions of Hyundai and Kia models with alarming fire risks continue to circulate on American roads, despite having been removed from the market more than six months ago.
In September, the two automakers issued a recall for 3.4 million of their U.S. vehicles amid fears that a failure in anti-lock brake control could cause fires while the vehicles are parked or running.
However, most remain unrepaired on the roads, putting homeowners, their families and potentially others at risk of fires that could spread to garages, homes or other vehicles.
This is partly due to the scale of the retreat, which is one of the largest they have ever undertaken. Hyundai owns part of Kia but the two companies operate independently.
Both said most affected vehicles will not be repaired until June or later, about nine months after the recall was issued.
Millions of Hyundai and Kia models with alarming fire risks continue to circulate on American roads, despite having been removed from the market more than six months ago. Pictured: a 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe
These include some of its best-selling models for the years 2010 to 2017, including Hyundai’s Santa Fe and Elantra and Kia’s Sportage and Forte. In the photo: a Kia Forte
It is not known exactly how many remain to be repaired, but more than 500 complaints related to the delays have been registered.
The problem centers on brake fluid leaking onto the circuit boards of the anti-lock brake systems, causing an electrical short and igniting the fluid.
The companies say they have not been able to obtain enough necessary parts (fuses that reduce electrical currents in dashboards) to repair most of the affected vehicles.
These include some of its best-selling models for the years 2010 to 2017, including Hyundai’s Santa Fe and Elantra and Kia’s Sportage and Forte.
Hyundai and Kia have urged vehicle owners to contact the companies or dealerships if they see warning lights on the dashboard or smell something burning.
Meanwhile, both companies say that, despite the current risks, the cars remain safe to drive.
At the time of the recall, there had been 56 vehicle fires and “thermal incidents” (including burns, melts and smoke) related to the breakdown. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
While waiting for repairs, owners of affected vehicles should park outside and away from other vehicles to minimize risks.
But safety advocates have expressed concern about automakers’ response to the dangers.
Michael Brooks, executive director of the nonprofit Center for Auto Safety, said, “They’re putting a Band-Aid on this.” It seems like it’s a cheap fix instead of repairing the entire anti-lock brake system.’
It’s the latest in a long series of engine fire recalls for Hyundai and Kia vehicles that have plagued the two Korean automakers since 2015. In total, 13 million of their vehicles have been recalled for engine problems since 2010. .
Hyundai and Kia have urged vehicle owners to contact the companies or dealerships if they see warning lights on the dashboard or smell something burning. Pictured: Randy Parker, CEO of Hyundai Motor America
Safety advocates have expressed concern about automakers’ response to the hazards.
Regulators at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have not forced companies to fix the leaks.
An NHTSA spokeswoman said the agency is monitoring the effectiveness of the recalls and “is working with automakers to ensure the highest level of safety.”
Hyundai said in a statement: “Accelerate the remedy.” We are working closely with multiple suppliers, emphasizing the high priority of the recall and ensuring the quality of the replacement fuses.’
A schedule Hyundai presented to the government shows that owners won’t start receiving letters warning them to take their cars in for repairs until April 22 at the earliest. Most of them won’t receive the letters until May or June.
Some owners of affected Kia vehicles may not be notified until late June. the documents say.
Kia said the new fuses it is seeking were developed to prevent fires, “regardless of what the cause of the electrical short may be.” She added that she is working with parts suppliers to speed up production of the fuses.
Both companies said that in addition to adding a new fuse, dealers will repair any brake fluid leaks that may be found during inspections.
If the fluid level drops significantly, Hyundai said, the driver will see a warning light.
Since September, more than 500 owners have filed complaints accusing automakers of taking an excessive amount of time to perform repairs, a review of NHTSA records shows.
Hyundai owns part of Kia but the two companies operate independently
Hyundai and Kia fires continued to occur as owners wait for repairs; At least five whistleblowers have reported fires in the engine compartment.
Several whistleblowers said they fear driving the vehicles and want NHTSA to force companies to loan cars or at least speed up the pace of repairs.
hyundai told the distributors last year that they should offer loans – at Hyundai’s expense – to owners who do not feel safe driving their vehicles. After an inquiry from a journalist, Kia said he would also offer loans.
Both companies said that while fires remain rare, if they occur, owners will smell smoke or see warning lights on the dashboard.
But Brooks, of the Center for Auto Safety, argues that it’s irresponsible for companies to assure owners that vehicles are safe to drive when they know fires are possible.
“There are many (fire) situations where consumers simply weren’t aware,” Brooks said. “That will compromise the time they have to escape the vehicle if there is a fire.”
He urged all owners of a recalled vehicle to look for a loaner car from the companies.