Large Recall, Park Outdoors: Hyundai & Kia Warn 570,000 House owners of Hearth Threat

Hyundai and Kia have simply recalled greater than half one million autos. Water can accumulate within the wiring of the tow-hitch trailer harness, which may result in a fireplace. The automakers warn prospects to park exterior and away from buildings till the matter is resolved.

The recall impacts 567,912 Hyundai fashions and three,555 Kias. Included Hyundai fashions are the 2022-2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz, 2019-2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, 2021-2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, and 2022-2023 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV. As well as, the recall applies to the 2022-2023 Kia Carnival.

The trigger is identical for all of the affected autos. In accordance with a Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) doc dated March 17, 2023, the issue is with tow-hitch wiring harnesses. The recall impacts tow-hitch modules and wiring harnesses that have been put in as authentic manufacturing facility tools in addition to these bought, or put in as vendor equipment, by Hyundai or Kia.

Water Ingress Can Trigger Corrosion

The priority, says the NHTSA paperwork, is that water can get into the tow-hitch harness module by the four-pin tow-hitch electrical connector harness. That water gathering on the tow-hitch harness module’s printed circuit board could cause {an electrical} brief that may end up in a fireplace.

Whereas Kia has not reported any incidents of fireside, Hyundai has. As a part of the recall discover, the automaker stated it was conscious of “one report of fireside and 5 stories of thermal harm remoted to the trailer harness module.” Hyundai additionally stated that there are not any confirmed crashes or accidents associated to the recall.

For now, each Kia and Hyundai warning homeowners in opposition to parking their autos indoors or close to buildings.

Notices Go Out in Might

Kia’s repair is for sellers to examine and confirm that the car has a Real Kia accent tow-hitch meeting. If the car does, the vendor will set up a brand new fuse and wire extension package, all at no cost to the client. The brand new harnesses have an improved connecter the businesses say will forestall water ingress.

Kia says it’ll mail proprietor notification letters on Might 16. House owners can contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542; the recall quantity is SC265.

Hyundai can also be sending out notifications in Might. However the automaker has introduced an interim repair for patrons till the brand new fuse and wire extension package can be found. Hyundai sellers will take away the fuse for the tow-hitch module till the total repair might be carried out. It will take away the danger of fireside whereas driving or parked. Nonetheless, the trailer hitch wiring harness won’t be practical till the brand new fuse and harness are fitted.

Hyundai homeowners might contact Hyundai customer support at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai’s quantity for this recall is 244. This recall is an enlargement of the earlier recall quantity 22V-633. That recall was issued on Aug. 18, 2022, and concerned 2020-2022 Hyundai Palisade fashions.

House owners of any car who need to verify for a recall can search the NHTSA web site and enter their VIN.