Vehicle recalls happen there is a safety defect has the potential for causing serious injuries. In recent weeks, more than a half-million Hyundai and Kia vehicles have been recalled because they may be at risk of catching fire according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Two recent recalls affect the following vehicles: 2013-2015 Kia Optima sedans, 2014-2015 Kia Sorento SUVs, 2013-2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport SUVs, 2018-2020 Hyundai Tucson SUVs, and the 2018-2019 Kia Stinger sedan. Hyundai, the parent company of both brands, will issue recalls beginning October 15th, but you can also check the NHTSA recall database to see if your car is included.
The recall involving the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport and Kia Optima Sedans and Sorento stems from a US-made part that may cause brake fluid to leak inside the ABS on Hyundais and the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) on the Kias. There is an increased risk of fire if either part short circuits.
Hyundai reported 12 engine compartment fires, one crash, and no injuries related to the most recent recall. The earlier recall involved 15 fires in Hyundai vehicles and eight fires in Kia vehicles related to these problems. Some of these fires destroyed the cars and SUVs, but none of them caused injuries, according to the automakers.
Hyundai and Kia Vehicle Recalls Prompt Safety Warnings and Recommendations
If you own one of the affect vehicles, Hyundai and Kia are asking customers to do the following until repairs can be made:
- Park the affected vehicles outside
- Not drive their cars when the anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning light is illuminated.
- Disconnect the vehicle’s 12-volt battery and leave it disconnected until the car is serviced.
Customers are advised to contact their Hyundai or Kia dealer for information about repairs. Hyundai owners with questions can call customer service at 855-371-9460. Kia owners can call Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Dealers may provide rental cars.
“Recalls should always be taken seriously, especially when there is a potential for a vehicle fire,” says Jake Fisher, director of Consumer Reports’ Auto Test Center. “Consumers can’t risk putting this one off, and should have their vehicles repaired as soon as a fix is available.”
Actions to Take If Injured by Faulty Products
It is important to pay attention to recalls and take the necessary steps to have your vehicle serviced to remedy the issue. When faulty products, including cars, cause injuries, it may be possible to bring a product liability case to court in order to recover damages and medical expenses.
Because these are complex cases and you may be going up against a large company, they require the expertise of a qualified personal injury attorney. Our team has handled the full spectrum of personal injury cases over the past 20 years. We are happy to answer your questions and provide the strong representation you need.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a faulty feature on your car or any poorly designed or manufactured product, we invite you to call our office for a complimentary consultation. Please give us a call at (305) 662-6178.
Sources:
Barry, K. (2020, Sept. 11). More Recalls for Hyundai and Kia Vehicles Due to Fire Risk. Retrieved from: https://consumerreports.org/car-recalls-defects/more-recalls-for-hyundai-kia-vehicles-fire-risk/
Neal, D. (2020, Sept. 7). About 600,000 cars to be recalled. Engine-fire chance has automaker saying ‘park outside’. Retrieved from: https://miamiherald.com/news/business/national-business/article245545300.html
Barry, K. (2020, Sept. 3). Hyundai and Kia Issue More Fire-Related Recalls. Retrieved from: https://consumerreports.org/car-recalls-defects/hyundai-and-kia-issue-more-fire-related-recalls/
