09:50, 25 Mar 2023, author: Ermakova M.

Park outside: Hyundai, Kia recall vehicles due to fire hazard

Hyundai and Kia are advising owners of more than 571,000 SUVs and minivans in the U.S. to park them outdoors because the towbar wiring harness can short circuit even with the ignition off.

Hyundai and Kia are advising owners of more than 571,000 SUVs and minivans in the U.S. to park them outdoors because hitch belts could catch fire while parking or driving.

Subsidiaries of Korean automakers are recalling vehicles and warning people to park them away from buildings until repairs are completed.

Hyundai vehicles affected include 2019-2023 Santa Fe, 2021-2023 Santa Fe Hybrid, 2022 and 2023 Santa Fe Plug-in hybrid and 2022 and 2023 Santa Cruz. The only Kia affected are the 2022 and 2023 Carnival minivans. All are equipped with Hyundai or Kia towbar seat belts that came as original equipment or were installed by dealerships.

Korean automakers say in documents released Thursday by US safety regulators that water can get on circuit boards in couplers and cause a short circuit even when the ignition systems are turned off.

Hyundai has reports of one fire and five incidents of heat damage with no casualties. Kia has no reports of fires or injuries.

Dealers will first remove the fuse and computer module from the hitch until a solution is found. Subsequently, they will install a new fuse and extension cord with an improved waterproof connector. Owners will be notified from May 16th.

Hyundai recalled more than 245,000 Palisade SUVs from 2020 to 2022 last year due to a similar issue.