Hyundai and Kia have announced a recall for nearly 600,000 vehicles worldwide. Affected models are from 2013 through 2015 model years. The recall is to fix a problem with a fluid leak in the hydraulic control unit of the anti-lock brakes.
The brake fluid leak issue was first reported in 2018. The automaker had been investigating the situation since. Hyundai said an engine fire could happen, even if the car is not turned on. Affected vehicles include 440,370 Kia vehicles, including 283,803 Optimas from 2013-to-2015 and 156,567 Sorentos from 2014 and 2015. There’s also another 151,000 Hyundai Santa Fe SUVs from the 2013-to-2015 model years.
Earlier in 2020, Hyundai recalled a bunch of 2006-to-2011 Elantra and 2007-to-2011 Elantra Touring models. That issue was an electrical short-circuit involving water getting into the anti-lock brake computer unit. Once again, it raised the possibility of an engine fire.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been investigating the Korean automakers since April 2019.There are complaints of more than 3,000 engine fires and 103 injuries that were unrelated to crashes.
Owners of these models of Kia or Hyundai vehicles should check the NHTSA recalls website to find out if their vehicle is impacted. Alternately, Kia owners will be notified by the automakers starting on October 15. Hyundai owners will get their letters starting a week later.
Dealers will replace hydraulic electronic control units found to be faulty at no charge.
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