Hyundai, Kia Recalling More Vehicles Due to Brake Issues

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FOUNTAIN VALLEY/IRVINE, Calif. – Hyundai Motor America and Kia Motors America are recalling an additional 180,000-plus vehicles also suffering from potential brake issues which could lead to engine-compartment fires.

This recall of 180,000 model year 2019-21 Hyundai Tucson SUVs and 9,443 Kia Stinger sport sedans follows on another recall of approximately 600,000 vehicles from the Korean automaker for a brake-system-related problem which could also lead to engine-compartment fires.

In addition, a Hyundai spokesman said Sept. 11th owners should park their Tucsons if the ABS warning light comes on and then should disconnect the cable from the positive battery terminal.

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The latest recall centers around potential electrical issues in the anti-lock-brake (ABS) circuit board which could result in a fire within an affected vehicle’s engine compartment, according to a pair of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) safety recall reports (20V-543 for the Tucson and 20V-518 for the Stinger). Corrosion internal to the ABS brake hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU) is the root cause of a short circuit which could lead to the fire, added the Hyundai report.

Other NHTSA documents indicate Hyundai is aware of 12 engine-compartment fires related to this defect: nine in model year 2019 vehicles, two in 2020 and a single fire in a 2021 Tucson. The same documents revealed Hyundai first learned of such fires in May 2019, at which point the company began an investigation.

Kia acknowledge nine Stinger fires.

Owners who park their vehicles as per the initial warning from the company will be provided a loaner from a franchised dealer. Official notification will begin Oct. 20th for Kia Stinger owners and dealers, Oct. 30th for Hyundai Tucson owners and dealers.

The earlier recall was also concerning brake issues but is not related to this round of recalls.

Mike Geylin
Mike Geylin

Mike Geylin is the Editor-in-Chief at Hagman Media. Geylin has been in automotive communications for five decades working in all aspects of the industry from OEM to supplier to motorsports as well as reporting for both newspapers and magazines on the industry.