Hyundai and Kia models recalled over fire risk

Two Korean automakers, Hyundai and Kia, have recalled nearly 485,000 vehicles in the U.S. due to a fire risk, The Associated Press reported. 

The two automakers have told owners of the recalled vehicles to park their cars outside due to the risk of them catching on fire, even if the engines have been completely turned off. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) added that owners should park vehicles outside and away from structures until repairs are made. 

The main problem of the recall is from a contamination in the antilock brake control module that can cause an electrical shortage, according to the AP. 

The affected vehicles included Kia’s Sportage models from 2014 through 2016 and its K900 sedan from 2016 through 2018. 

Hyundai has recalled Santa Fe models from 2016 through 2018, Santa Fe Sports models from 2017 and 2018, 2019 Santa Fe XL models, and 2014 and 2015 Tucson models, according to the AP. 

Both automakers have reported 11 fires in the U.S. but no injuries from the incidents. 

The NHTSA recently announced in November 2020 that the two automakers must pay $137 million in fines for safety improvements due to them moving slowly to recall more than 1 million vehicles with engines that could fail at any time. 

Kia was able to pay $27 million in the NHTSA fines and invest $16 million in safety performance measures, the AP reported. 

The agency also said that another $27 million payment will be deferred as long as Kia meets safety conditions. 

Kia had denied NHTSA’s allegations against them, saying that it hoped to avoid a protracted legal fight, the AP noted.