Hyundai, Kia recall over 91,000 U.S. vehicles over fire risk

Hyundai Motor and Kia are recalling more than 91,000 vehicles in the U.S. due to potential fire risks.

New Hyundai cars are displayed on the sales lot at San Leandro Hyundai in San Leandro, California. [AFP/YONHAP]

Hyundai Motor and Kia are recalling more than 91,000 vehicles in the U.S. due to potential fire risks.

Similar recalls may be issued in Korea, though the automakers said a decision is yet to be made.

The Korean carmakers on Friday said they have submitted their recall reports to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The recall covers about 63,000 Hyundai vehicles including 2023-2024 Palisade SUVs, 2023 Tucson SUVs, Sonata sedans, Elantra sedans, and Kona SUVs and around 28,000 Kia vehicles including 2023-2024 Seltos SUVs and 2023 Kia Soul, Sportage SUVs.

"The transmission electric oil pump in the subject vehicles might have been assembled with printed circuit boards [PCB] that were damaged during manufacturing. A damaged capacitor on the pump controller PCB could impact electrical operation leading to heat damage to the electric oil pump circuit board, connector and wiring harness," Hyundai said in a statement.

The heat damage at the pump "increases the risk of a vehicle fire in addition to a network communication disruption for multiple onboard controllers."

Kia said it has six reports of potentially related thermal events but no accidents or injuries while Hyundai has four similar reports.

The carmakers also said the owners are available to continue driving their vehicles, but recommend "parking their vehicles outside" and "away from structures until the recall remedy is completed."

Hyundai Motor and Kia are scheduled to send notices to the owners by the end of September and dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller for free, as needed.

BY SARAH CHEA [chea.sarah@joongang.co.kr]