Both Kia and Hyundai were plagued by recall campaigns back in the late 2010s tied to potential fire risks. The trend now continues in 2022 with nearly 500,000 vehicles affected.
This includes select Kia Sportage units made in 2014 through 2016, some 2016-2019 Kia K900, the 2016-2018 Hyundai Santa Fe, 2017-2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL and 2014-2015 Hyundai Tucson. All owners of the cars produced in the years stated above are advised to keep them parked outside away from other cars, buildings and structures until the repairs can be carried out. The spontaneous combustion may even occur with the engine stopped, the companies admit.
The Hyundai cars affected trace their issues back to the ABS system, which can apparently short-circuit if the wiring malfunctions. The Kia also has a short circuit problem, but it is caused by the HECU unit (engine control), rather than ABS.
All affected car owners will receive mail notifications and will be able to make service appointments starting in late March 2022.