Millions of Hyundai and Kia vehicles recalled for dangerous defects are still circulating in the US

Hyundai and Kia Issue Recall Warning

Risk of Fire in Some of Their Vehicles

Delayed Repairs Concern Owners

Hyundai and Kia issued a recall notice in September for 3.4 million of their vehicles in the U.S. with a warning:

The vehicles should be parked outdoors and away from buildings due to the risk of catching fire, whether the engines were on or off.

Six months later, most of these vehicles are still on the road, yet to be repaired, according to information from Associated Press.

But before you continue reading, we invite you to listen to the new podcast Tu Mundo Hoy, by CLICKING HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE PODCAST CLICK ON THE IMAGE

PHOTO: MundoNOW

Vehicle Owners at Risk

Millions of Hyundai and Kia vehicles recalled for dangerous defects still circulating in the U.S. / PHOTO: Shutterstock

For this reason, the owners of these vehicles, as well as their families and perhaps others, are in danger due to fires that could spread.

Hyundai and Kia acknowledge there is little hope of repairing most of the affected vehicles until June or later.

This is approximately nine months after they announced the recalls.

Hyundai owns part of Kia, though the two companies operate independently.

What Causes These Fires?

PHOTO: Shutterstock

Both Hyundai and Kia attribute the delays, in part, to the vast number of vehicles affected.

They represent one of the largest recalls they have ever made.

The fires, they claim, have occurred when brake fluid leaked onto the circuit boards of the anti-lock braking systems.

This can cause an electrical short circuit and ignite the fluid.

Some of Their Best-Selling Models are Among the Affected

Millions of Hyundai and Kia vehicles recalled for dangerous defects still circulating in the U.S. / PHOTO: Shutterstock

The companies state they have been unable to obtain the necessary parts to repair most of the affected vehicles.

Among them are some of their best-selling models between 2010 and 2017:

Hyundai’s Santa Fe SUV and Elantra car, as well as Kia’s Sportage SUV and Forte sedan.

Hyundai and Kia have urged vehicle owners to contact the companies or dealerships if they see warning lights.

They Claim It’s Still Safe to Drive These Vehicles

Millions of Hyundai and Kia vehicles recalled for dangerous defects still circulating in the U.S. / PHOTO: Shutterstock

When they announced the recall in September, Hyundai and Kia reported that the defect had caused 56 vehicle fires and «thermal incidents.»

No injuries or deaths have been recorded, either before or after the recall.

However, automotive safety advocacy groups complain that the repairs are taking much longer than usual.

Typically, these repairs start within 10 weeks or less, although some can take longer.

A Hard Hit for Hyundai and Kia

PHOTO: Shutterstock

The delayed repairs represent the latest in a long series of recalls due to engine fires in Hyundai and Kia vehicles.

According to Associated Press, a total of 13 million of their vehicles have been recalled for engine problems since 2010.

Automotive safety groups wonder why the two companies are taking so long to obtain the necessary fuses.

Some critics believe the companies are trying to save money by identifying the solution through a new fuse.