Hyundai, Kia recall over 2 lakh vehicles in the US; advises owners to park cars outside due to fire risk

Hyundai and Kia Motors has issued an recall of over 2 lakh vehicles; advising the owners to park their large SUVs outdoors and away from buildings after reporting 25 fire incidents in the US and Canada.

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After multiple cases of four-wheelers catching fire, Hyundai and Kia have informed owners to park some of their large SUVs outdoors and away from buildings. The Korean automakers and part of same auto group are recalling more than 281,000 vehicles in the US because of this problem. However, the carmakers are yet to figure out on how to fix it. The automakers reported 25 fires or melting incidents in the US and Canada caused by the problem, but no crashes or injuries. The recall covers more than 245,000 Hyundai Palisade and over 36,000 Kia Telluride SUVs from the 2020 through 2022 model years.

In documents posted by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the companies said debris and moisture can accumulate in a circuit board in the tow hitch wiring. That can cause an electrical short, which can lead to a fire.

Hyundai said that dealers will inspect the wiring and remove a fuse as an interim repair. Kia doesn't have an interim repair. The companies say a final repair is being developed.
In addition, dealers from both automakers have stopped selling the affected SUVs until repairs are made.

This is not the first tome Hyundai and Kia has issued an recall over fire in the vehicles and earlier also a recall was issued.

(With inputs from PTI)