Hyundai and Kia Recall Over Fire Risk; Owners Park Outside

Hyundai and Kia Recall Over Fire Risk; Owners Park Outside

Tow Hitch Short Circuit May Cause Fire

Hyundai and Kia are alerting owners of roughly 571,000 SUVs and minivans about a serious fire risk from tow hitch harnesses and instructing them to park outdoors.

The tow hitch harnesses are not waterproof and could possibly shirt circuit and catch on fire when parked or driven on roads, highways or freeways, according to a federal safety report.

The Korean automakers warn that motorists with certain vehicles should not park them near any structures until after repairs are completed.

The following Hyundai and Kia vehicles are affected by the fire risk defect:

  • Hyundai 2019 to 2023 Santa Fe
  • Hyundai 2021 to 2023 Santa Fe Hybrid
  • Hyundai 2022 and 2023 Santa Fe Plug-in hybrid
  • Hyundai 2022 and 2023 Santa Cruz
  • Kia 2022 and 2023 Carnival minivan

These vehicles are all equipped with Hyundai or Kia tow hitch harnesses installed as original equipment or by dealerships. The Korean auto manufacturers acknowledged to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that water may seep into the circuit boards on the hitches. If this happens, there can be a short circuit and fire whether the ignition is on or off.

Hyundai and Kia Recall Over Fire Risk; Owners Park Outside

There are five reports of heat damage and one for a fire in Hyundai vehicles, but fortunately there were no injuries. There are no reports of fire or heat damage in any Kia vehicles.

The dealerships are being instructed to remove the fuse and tow hitch computer module and replace them once there is a fix available. At that time, the repair shop will install a new fuse and wire extension with a waterproof connector.

Under California lemon law, also known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, consumers are protected when they purchase or lease a new or used vehicle that has significant defects.

Find out if you qualify to file a lemon law case in California by contacting Attorney James Johnson at Johnson Attorneys Group 1-800-235-6801.

California Lemon Law Attorney James Johnson

Tesla Autopilot May Fail to Detect Motorcycles, Feds Investigating

If you purchased a defective Hyundai or Kia with repeated problems or a safety issue, it may be time to call for help.

California Lemon Law Attorney James Johnson will review your case and let you know if it qualifies as a lemon.

We recommend that you obtain an invoice for all repairs and recall visits from the dealership. These documents will support your potential case.

Should the vehicle experience repeated issues or become a safety risk, these documents support the Lemon Law Claim. Contact us for a free case review at 1-800-235-6801.

James Johnson ESQ
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