Fire Risk Sparks Another Massive Recall for Hyundai and Kia

After a recall last week, another massive recall has exploded, bringing unease to domestic consumers

Hyundai and Kia are once again stepping into a large-scale recall. It hasn’t even been a week since Hyundai announced the recall of its main models, including the Grandeur and Santa Fe. The announcement of another recall on the 18th has further exacerbated consumer anxiety.

Kia’s recall of 110,000 Niro vehicles has led to an overall decline in trust in domestic cars. Criticisms have been intense as issues with quality and defects have been ongoing with Hyundai and Kia.

The Niro is under recall for 110,000 vehicles due to a risk of fire

Firstly, Kia’s Niro, which has the largest recall, will recall 110,1307 units across two models, including the hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. The recall will be carried out on plug-in hybrid models produced from April 25, 2017, to June 29, 2020, with a relatively small number of 1,122 units.

However, 110,185 hybrid models, which make up the majority, are being recalled. The recall will be carried out on models produced from March 21, 2016, to December 22, 2021. The issue with the Niro arose from foreign materials entering during the manufacturing process of the engine power transmission control device. It was reported that the foreign materials could cause an electrical short, leading to a potential fire.

In the United States, lawsuits have been filed, and there has been an explosion of dissatisfaction with the manufacturer’s response

Recalls had previously taken place in the United States due to the same symptoms. On the 11th, a consumer group filed a class-action lawsuit against Kia in a California court. Consumers who suffered fire damage argued that they should be compensated not only for the product damage but also for Kia’s illegal activities.

In the United States, the Niro recall began in December last year due to related issues, so the procedure has progressed significantly. This has led to discontent among domestic consumers. Despite being a domestic manufacturer, the opinion is that recalls always follow in the United States. Criticism has also been that compensation for consumer damage is not correctly carried out.

Headlamp defects have also occurred, and there’s a recall for the K9

In addition, 7,287 Niro HEV and Niro PHEV models have also revealed a problem where the headlamp status is fixed due to insufficient durability. The fixed headlamp status can cause glare to oncoming and preceding vehicles, potentially causing accidents while driving.

Meanwhile, Hyundai’s Accent, with 37,059 units, and K9, with 21,770 units, are also being recalled. The recall is due to defects in the K9’s Electronic Control Hydraulic Unit (HECU). Due to sealing defects, foreign materials may enter, potentially leading to a fire.