Hyundai and Kia ask drivers to park outdoors due to cars catching fire

Carmakers Hyundai and Kia have issued a warning to drivers of certain models of vehicles to please park outdoors until a recall is issued and repairs are done to the cars to prevent them from potentially catching fire even when not operational.

Kelley Blue Book reports the two brands, which operate as separate companies in the US but are actually both under the Hyundai name, will be mailing recall notices to owners of certain car models after reports that they were catching alight even when not turned on. Researchers have isolated the cause to a faulty anti-lock brake module that can short circuit and lead to fire.

Once the recall is issued to about half a million customers, they will be able to take their cars into a dealer and have a new fuse installed in the anti-lock braking unit to prevent fires in the future.

Vehicles affected include:

• 2016-2018 Hyundai Santa Fe
• 2017-2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
• 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL
• 2014-2015 Hyundai Tucson
• 2014-2016 Kia Sportage
• 2018 Kia K900

Not all models are included in the recall, and customers can check Kelley Blue Book’s Recall Center to check and see if their vehicles are affected.