Affected models include the 2019-2023 Santa Fe, 2022-2023 Santa Cruz and 2022-2023 Kia Carnival.
Kia and Hyundai are recalling 570,000 vehicles that pose a fire hazard when parked. Affected models include the 2019-23 Santa Fe crossover, 2022-23 Santa Cruz pickup, and 2022-23 Kia Carnival minivan, totaling more than 570,000 vehicles.
Water accumulation and magnetic retention can cause an electrical short, which can cause a fire. Hyundai and Kia have warned owners of more than 570,000 vehicles across many makes and years to park away from homes, due to the risk of fire.
The 2019-2023 Hyundai Santa Fe models are at risk, as are the 2022-2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz and Kia Carnival models. The risk of fire arises from defects in equipment installed as original equipment or purchased as equipment from a dealer.
A fire hazard can arise from water accumulating on the circuit board, which can cause an electrical short and ultimately a fire. Hyundai reports a total of 567,912 affected vehicles across models, although the estimated percentage of vehicles with the fault is only 1%. NHTSA documents show Kia reports 3,555 vehicles may be involved, measuring a 1% accident rate.
NHTSA documents show that Hyundai identified six incidents in total related to the recall, as well as one fire report and five reports of isolated heat damage to the trailer.
NHTSA documents also show that there is no dry ignition in the Kia Carnival. No manufacturer has identified any injuries related to any recall.
Owners of any affected vehicles are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from any buildings or other vehicles until repairs are completed.
Documents indicate that Hyundai plans to inspect the affected vehicles and remove the magnetic clutch if necessary to work on a long-term solution. Once the final repair is in place, dealers will install a new fuse and wiring harness.
Kia’s documentation shows a plan to check if the car has a genuine Kia accessory hook and install a new fuse and wire extension kit if necessary.
A letter to the owner will be sent to the affected parties in May 2023. Affected owners can always check their VIN numbers on the NHTSA website.
