DETROIT (AP) — Hyundai and Kia have given the owners of nearly 92,000 vehicles in the U.S. unwelcome news that the should to park their vehicles outside, due to an oil pump electronic controller’s potential to overheat and cause fires.
The affiliated Korean automakers are recalling the vehicles and also are advising owners to park them well away from any structure until repairs can be made.
The recalls cover certain 2023 and 2024 Hyundai Palisades, as well some 2023 Tucson, Sonata, Elantra and Kona vehicles. Affected Kias include the 2023 Soul and Sportage as well as some 2023 and 2024 Seltos vehicles.
In documents posted Thursday by U.S. safety regulators, the companies said that a capacitor on a circuit board in the transmission oil pump assembly may have been damaged during manufacturing; that potential short-circuit could increase the risk of a fire.
Kia says that thus far it has six reports of melting components, but no fires or injuries. Hyundai says it has confirmed four “thermal incidents” and no injuries. Dealers will inspect and replace the oil pump controller if necessary.
Hyundai owners will be notified by letter on Sept. 25. Kia will notify owners starting Sept. 28.
