Hyundai and Kia recalled 3.4 million vehicles in September because they could catch fire, whether the engines were on or off. But even after six months, most of these cars are still on the road without repairs. This puts their owners and others at risk of fires that could spread to buildings or other vehicles.
Hyundai and Kia say they won’t be able to fix most of the affected cars until June or later. The delay is because they need a lot of parts to make the repairs. These parts are called fuses, and they help prevent electrical shorts that could start fires.
The affected vehicles include some of Hyundai’s top-selling models like the Santa Fe and Elantra, and Kia’s Sportage and Forte. The companies have told owners to watch out for warning lights or burning smells. But they still say it’s safe to drive the cars, despite the fire risk.
Normally, car repairs from recalls happen within 10 weeks. But this time, it’s taking much longer. While waiting for repairs, owners should park their cars outside and away from other vehicles. If too much brake fluid leaks, it could make braking less effective and increase stopping distance.
Hyundai and Kia recalled 3.4 million vehicles in September because they could catch fire, whether the engines were on or off
This isn’t the first time Hyundai and Kia have had problems with engine fires. Since 2015, they’ve recalled 13 million vehicles for engine issues. Safety advocates are wondering why it’s taking so long for the companies to fix the problem this time.
Some people have complained to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) about the slow repairs. They’re worried about driving their cars and want NHTSA to make the companies fix the issue faster.
Hyundai and Kia say they’re working on getting more fuses and other parts. They’ll start sending letters to owners about repairs in April, but most won’t get them until May or June. In the meantime, both companies have promised to fix any brake fluid leaks found during inspections.
Despite the delays, the companies say they’re committed to safety. They’re also offering loaner cars to owners who don’t feel safe driving their cars. But some owners are frustrated with the slow pace of repairs and worried about their safety. They’re hoping the companies and NHTSA will take action soon to fix the problem for good.
