ATLANTA — Recalled Hyundai and Kia vehicles remain on the road despite warnings about the risk that they could catch fire. The automakers issued the recall months ago but it’s been a slow process to actually get all the vehicles in to be repaired.
The millions recalled include multiple Hyundai and Kia models from 2010 through 2019, including the Hyundai Santa Fe SUV and the Kia Sorrento SUV.
“They were having some issues with the car catching on fire,” said Steven Braxton of Braxton Auto Repair.
He said there are concerns that the Kia and Hyundai vehicles included in the recall could burst into flames whether the engine is on or not.
“The root cause of the problem in the ABS module was the result of an O-Ring actually, and caused brake fluid to leak into the module internally and get on some circuitry, which would cause a direct short, which would cause an overcurrent situation, which creates heat and thus a fire,” Braxton explained.
He said his shop in West Midtown has seen firsthand the issue with the anti-lock brakes module, a safety feature that prevents wheels from locking up and decreasing your chance of skidding or turning over.
“I would not want any of my family members or just anyone to be driving that car on 285 smell smoke, and a situation present itself," Braxton said.
The recall affects 3.3 million vehicles. Both companies initially told news outlets that progress on the repairs had been slow because they were unable to obtain enough parts. However, when 11Alive reached out to both on Tuesday, Hyundai indicated the repair is available now for certain models, and additional parts will be expedited to the dealer network over the next two months.
Kia also said it got word Tuesday that the parts to repair impacted vehicles are now available.
“The exciting news is that we now have the parts supply necessary to help provide this recall quickly to affected owners and we will be contacting them, actually starting next week,” said James Bell with Kia Motors.
When the recall was issued in September, the automakers reported the defect had caused 56 vehicle fires or issues. It does not appear any injuries have been reported.
However, they are advising drivers not to park affected cars close to or inside buildings until the issue is fixed.
To find out if your car is impacted, visit the Hyundai or Kia website.