Hyundai recalls almost 400K vehicles, warning of engine fires

Hyundai and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on Tuesday announced a recall affecting several models due to a risk of engine fires.

One recall, listed on the NHTSA’s website, affects certain Santa Fe Sport SUVs ranging from 2013-2015, which in some cases have experienced issues with the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).

The company is also urging drivers with the affected vehicles to park outside, and reported that the issue is a result from brake fluid leaking into the engine, which can possibly cause a fire due to an electrical short.

“The subject vehicles are equipped with Anti-lock Brake System (‘ABS’) modules that could leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short over time,” a statement provided to The Hill by Hyundai said.

“Owners will bring their vehicles to the nearest Hyundai dealership for inspection of the ABS module and, if necessary, replacement with a new one. In addition to the ABS module inspection, the ABS multi-fuse will be replaced with a revised one to mitigate the risk of a fire caused by an internal electrical short.” 

Owners will be notified by late June if they need to bring their vehicles in for the replacement of a fuse and an onboard computer.

A second recall affects Hyundai Elantra, Kona, and Veloster models from years 2019 to 2021. In these vehicles, an issue with the piston oil rings could cause engine failure.

Owners of these models may require an engine replacement, and should have their cars inspected at a dealership.

The two issues affect roughly 400,000 vehicles in total across the U.S., according to Hyundai.

Hyundai said it is not aware of any injuries or crashes as a result of the malfunctions.

— Updated at 5:00 p.m.