In a precautionary move to ensure safety and address potential fire hazards, Hyundai Motor and Kia have issued a recall for more than 91,000 newer vehicles in the United States. The automakers are advising owners to temporarily park their vehicles outside and away from structures while awaiting repairs.
The recall encompasses a range of models, including Hyundai’s 2023-2024 Palisade, Tucson, Sonata, Elantra, and Kona vehicles, as well as Kia’s 2023-2024 Seltos, Soul, and Sportage vehicles. Of the total, approximately 52,000 Hyundai vehicles and nearly 40,000 Kia vehicles are affected by the recall.
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The reason for the recall revolves around the electronic controllers for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly. It has been discovered that these controllers might contain damaged electrical components, potentially leading to overheating of the oil pump. To address this issue, Hyundai and Kia are taking proactive steps to replace the electric oil pump controller as necessary.
Owners of the affected vehicles can expect to be notified about the recall by late September. Authorized dealerships will conduct inspections and carry out the required replacements to rectify the problem.
While there have been no reported accidents or injuries, Kia has acknowledged six cases of potentially related thermal events, whereas Hyundai has noted four similar incidents. Both automakers have assured the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that the problematic part has been eliminated from production since March.
In light of these concerns, Hyundai has directed its dealerships to offer rental vehicles to customers who feel uneasy about operating their vehicles until the recall fix is implemented. The company has also issued a clear directive to owners who experience burning or melting odors, strongly advising them not to attempt driving and instead arrange for their vehicle to be towed to the nearest Hyundai dealer.
Furthermore, aside from the potential fire risk, the heat damage could trigger a short circuit affecting other crucial onboard vehicle controllers, adding another layer of urgency to the recall.
The sequence of events leading to this recall commenced in December when Hyundai received a report of heat damage on the wire harness/connector of the electric oil pump in a 2023 Hyundai Palisade. This incident prompted the automaker to launch an in-depth investigation. Subsequently, in June, Kia received a report of melting in a 2023 Soul, further reinforcing the need for comprehensive action to ensure customer safety.
Hyundai and Kia are committed to addressing these issues promptly and comprehensively, working in close coordination with their customers to resolve the situation and maintain their commitment to safety and quality.
