Hyundai and its affiliate, Hyundai Kia, have announced a recall of more than half a million vehicles in the United States due to concerns about engine fires. The recall comes after a series of incidents in which vehicles manufactured by the South Korean automakers caught fire while being driven on the road.
The recall affects approximately 534,000 vehicles in the United States, including certain models of Hyundai’s Santa Fe Sport SUV and Hyundai Kia’s Soul hatchback. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the recall is necessary because the vehicles’ engines may have been improperly manufactured, which can lead to a buildup of debris and oil in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
When will it take place?
The recall is set to begin on April 30th, 2021, and will involve dealerships inspecting and, if necessary, replacing the engines in affected vehicles free of charge. Hyundai Kia have also pledged to increase their efforts to inform customers about the recall and the potential risks associated with their vehicles.
“We are committed to the safety and well-being of our customers, and we take all concerns about our vehicles seriously,” said Hyundai’s director of corporate communications, Michael Stewart. “We will work closely with our customers to ensure that their vehicles are inspected and repaired as quickly as possible.”
This is not the first time that Hyundai Kia have had to recall vehicles over engine fire concerns. In 2019, the companies recalled more than 168,000 vehicles due to a similar issue, and in 2018, they recalled more than 500,000 vehicles due to a different engine problem that also posed a fire risk.
What does it say about the safety of car owners?
The latest recall is likely to raise questions about the safety of vehicles manufactured by Hyundai and Kia, which have gained a reputation for producing reliable and affordable cars. Both companies have enjoyed significant success in the United States in recent years, with Hyundai’s sales increasing by 2.6% in 2020 despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and Kia’s sales increasing by 5.5%.
The recall is also likely to put pressure on other automakers to improve their safety standards and take proactive steps to address potential safety risks in their vehicles. With consumers increasingly concerned about the safety of their cars and trucks, automakers are under growing pressure to demonstrate their commitment to safety and take action to address potential safety issues.
Despite the concerns raised by the recall, Hyundai and Kia are likely to emerge from the crisis relatively unscathed. Both companies have a strong track record of customer service and are widely regarded as being responsive to consumer concerns. Moreover, the recall is unlikely to have a significant impact on their financial performance, as the cost of repairing the affected vehicles is expected to be relatively low.
Overall, the recall is a reminder of the importance of safety in the automotive industry and the need for automakers to take proactive steps to address potential safety risks. While Hyundai and Kia are likely to weather the storm, the recall serves as a warning to other automakers to remain vigilant and proactive when it comes to safety.
