Hyundai, Kia recall over 91,000 vehicles due to fire risks

South Korean car manufacturers Hyundai and Kia announced they are recalling more than 91,773 vehicles in the US on Thursday (August 3), over concerns that damaged components in electric oil pump controllers could overheat and catch on fire.

The recall affects several models and stems from an issue with an electrical component in a transmission oil pump, which could overheat.

The companies advised owners of the vehicles to park outside and away from buildings until they are inspected.

According to Reuters report, about 52,000 Hyundai vehicles and nearly 40,000 Kia vehicles are covered under the recall.

Kia reports 6 mishaps, Hyundai has 4 similar cases

Kia said it has six reports of potentially related thermal events but no accidents or injuries while Hyundai has four similar reports. The automakers informed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that they eliminated a suspect part from production in March.

As a safety precaution, Hyundai advised dealers to provide rental vehicles to concerned customers until recall fixes are available. If owners detect a burning/melting odor, they were urged to avoid driving and instead tow the vehicle to the nearest Hyundai dealer.

In addition to the fire risk, heat damage could trigger a short circuit impacting other onboard vehicle controllers, Hyundai said.