After several cases of four-wheelers catching fire, Hyundai and Kia are asking owners to park some of their larger SUVs in and outside buildings. Korean automakers are recalling more than 281,000 vehicles in the US because of the problem. However, car makers are yet to figure out how to fix it.
Automakers reported 25 fires or meltdowns in the US and Canada due to the problem, but no accidents or injuries. The recall covers over 245,000 Hyundai Palisades and over 36,000 Kia Telluride SUVs from the 2020 to 2022 model years.
In documents posted Tuesday by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the companies said debris and moisture can accumulate in a circuit board in tow hitch wiring. This can cause an electrical short, which can cause a fire.
Hyundai said dealers would inspect the wiring and remove the fuse as an interim repair. Kia does not have interim repairs. The companies say a final repair is being developed.
Also, dealers of both the automakers have stopped selling the affected SUV till the repairs are done.
(with inputs from PTI)