Investigation into Hyundai and Kia Recall Over Brake Fluid Leaks and Fire Risks

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated an investigation into a series of recalls encompassing 6.4 million Hyundai and Kia vehicles due to brake fluid leaks that pose a potential fire risk. The safety regulator’s announcement on Monday revealed that the audit query will scrutinize 16 individual recalls dating back to 2016, all related to antilock braking system and Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) issues manufactured by the same parts supplier, which have been linked to incidents of fires.

The primary focus of the NHTSA’s investigation is to assess the timeliness of the defect decision-making by the Korean automakers, evaluate their adherence to reporting requirements, and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies offered in these recalls.

The safety regulator can initiate an audit query if a manufacturer’s recall exhibits a low completion rate, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that necessary actions are taken promptly to address safety concerns.

In September of this year, Hyundai and Kia collectively recalled 3.37 million vehicles in the United States due to the potential for internal brake fluid leaks that could result in electrical shorts, ultimately leading to fires.

Hyundai’s recall affected 1.64 million vehicles, including models such as Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, Accent, Azera, Veloster, Santa Fe, Equus, Veracruz, Tucson, Tucson Fuel Cell, and Santa Fe Sport from model years 2011 through 2015. While Hyundai reported 42 recall-related incidents since 2017, no crashes, injuries, or fatalities have been linked to the issue.

Kia’s recall covered 1.73 million vehicles, including Borrego, Cadenza, Forte, Sportage, K900, Optima, Soul, Rio, Sorento, and Rondo models from model years 2010 through 2017. Kia’s safety office confirmed one engine compartment fire in September, along with three localized fires and six localized melting incidents. Fortunately, no crashes, injuries, or fatalities have been reported in connection with the identified problem.

As part of the recall remedy, dealers will replace the ABS and HECU fuses in the affected vehicles. The NHTSA’s investigation underscores the importance of addressing safety concerns promptly and comprehensively to ensure the protection of consumers on the road. Owners of the affected vehicles are urged to stay informed about recall notifications and take appropriate action to address the identified safety issues.