(CNN) — Hyundai and Kia they warned the owners of nearly 500,000 cars and trucks in the United States to park outside and away from buildings due to a possible defect that can cause vehicles to spontaneously catch fire even when they are not lit.
The problem is that due to” foreign contaminants, ” the ABS computer control module can cause a short circuit and possibly cause a fire in the engine compartment. Hyundai issued a call for review for the 2016-2018 Santa Fe model trucks, 2017-2018 Santa Fe sports trucks, 2019 Santa Fe XL models, and 2014-2015 Tucson trucks. Kia called for review the 2016-2018 K900 sedans and 2014-2016 Sportage pickups. In total, Hyundai called for overhaul 357,830 vehicles, while Kia called overhaul 126,747.
Dealers will inspect vehicles ‘ anti-lock brake control module, a small computer system that controls the vehicle’s emergency anti-lock brake system, and may replace it with a new one. Dealers will also replace a fuse that controls electrical current to the anti-lock brake control unit at no cost to owners. The new fuse will reduce the amount of energy entering the module.
Hyundai and Kia in USA
Hyundai and Kia, car manufacturers from South Korea, are closely related. Hyundai Motor Group, Hyundai’s parent company, owns a majority stake in Kia, and the two companies share much of the engineering on their various models. In the United States, however, they operate as two completely separate companies.
In documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Kia said it has knowledge of three vehicles that have caught fire. The companies also said owners can continue to drive vehicles safely, but must park away from any building or structure.
Kia owners who believe their vehicle may be involved may contact a Kia dealer or the company’s customer service department. Owners can also check the NHTSA’s automotive safety website.
