Hyundai and Kia Recalled Millions of Vehicles Due to Fires

When you buy any type of car, you not only expect it to get you to wherever you need to go, but you also expect the vehicle’s manufacturer to uphold their part of the agreement from the day that you purchase the car and hand over the money. Therefore, many individuals who recently purchased or own a Hyundai or Kia vehicle may have been alarmed by the news of several of these vehicles being recalled.

Why did Hyundai and Kia issue a recall?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in late September, Hyundai Motor America and Kia America recalled over three million of their vehicles because of a fire risk. While this specific recall may have caused individuals to become afraid to drive their vehicles, it also affected their ability to park in parking decks, garages, near homes or buildings, and more. The reason that Hyundai and Kia issued the recall is because the cars involved have an anti-lock brake system that may leak fluid internally, leading to an electrical short.

The NHTSA explains that when this happens, it “could result in significant overcurrent in the ABS module, increasing the risk of an engine compartment fire while driving or parked.” As a result, Hyundai and Kia warned owners of these vehicles to park them away from any homes or structures and to only park them outside until they can get them repaired.

As of late September, Hyundai developed a plan to inform owners of the recalled models to get their vehicles repaired and their ABS module fuse replaced as soon as possible at local dealerships. However, Kia is still trying to develop a plan to fix this issue. Hyundai and Kia were both unaware of any injuries or fatalities due to this auto defect, but Kia has received complaints about other auto defects, such as one complaint of an engine compartment fire, six complaints of melting elements within vehicles, and three fires in the units.

Which Hyundai and Kia models were recalled?

If you are an owner of a Hyundai or Kia, you most likely are curious to know if your model is included in this recall. The models that were recalled are listed below:

Hyundai:

• Accent: 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015
• Azera: 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015
• Elantra: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015
• Elantra Coupe: 2013, 2014, and 2015
• Equus: 2014 and 2015
• Genesis Coupe: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015
• Santa Fe: 2013, 2014, and 2015
• Santa Fe Sport: 2013
• Sonata HEV: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015
• Tucson: 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013
• Tucson Fuel Cell: 2015
• Veloster: 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015
• Veracruz: 2010, 2011, and 2012

Kia:

• Cadenza: 2014, 2015 and 2016
• Forte/ Forte Koup: 2011, 2012, and 2013
• K900: 2015, 2016, and 2017
• Optima: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015
• Optima Hybrid: 2011, 2012, and 2013
• Rio: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017
• Rondo: 2010
• Sorento: 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014
• Soul: 2011, 2012, and 2013
• Sportage: 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013

What are the potential consequences of a car fire?

When individuals’ cars catch fire while they are driving or parked, there is a very high possibility that the driver and passengers who are inside at the time could suffer severe personal injuries, which could lead to mental distress, emotional trauma, and hefty medical bills. While a car fire could cause a serious car accident which may result in injuries such as broken bones, bruises, and lacerations, one of the worst injuries that may emerge from a car fire is a burn injury.

Burn injuries are extremely painful and can take many years from which to recover. In fact, if you experience a fourth-degree burn injury, there is the possibility that it may never fully heal. Instead, you could develop contractures, severe scarring, or even need an amputation or recurring surgeries. As a result, you may never be able to work again and may need physical and occupational therapy or around-the-clock caregiving for the rest of your life.

Signs that your car may be on fire

If you have not found the time to get your car repaired yet or simply would like to know and be aware of certain signs that may indicate that your car is on fire, here are three signs to keep an eye out for:

1. Flames: When your car is on fire, you may begin to see flames on the inside or outside of the vehicle. These flames could occur on the front of the vehicle or the back, which is why it is important to keep an eye out on all areas of your vehicle while driving. If you notice any flames, you should park and get out of the car promptly. This is crucial because the flames will likely only get bigger and could cause your entire vehicle to explode within minutes.
2. Odd smells: Another common sign that your car may be on fire is if you smell odd smells. These smells might smell like a bonfire or something burning, which most people have smelled sometime in their life before. If you become aware of any odd smells in your car, it is highly recommended that you pull over as quickly as possible and make your way out of the vehicle.
3. Loud sounds: Some people may think that their vehicle is making loud sounds because the exhaust is simply backfiring. However, sometimes loud sounds mean that your car is on fire. Therefore, next time you hear a loud sound, it may be beneficial for you to come to a complete stop somewhere safe and check to make sure your vehicle is actually not on fire.

If you suffered injuries in a car fire or because of a car defect, the Phoenix car defect lawyers at Plattner Verderame, PC are here to help you take legal action. Our team will take the time to listen to your experience, collect valuable evidence to support your claim, and build a strong and convincing case on your behalf. We have the experience and skills to handle these types of claims and will never steer you wrong about what to do or where to turn when things become complex and challenging. Call our office or submit our contact form to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation at our Tempe or Phoenix office today.