January 18, 2019 — Hyundai and Kia have both announced recalls for millions of 2011-2018 vehicles after hundreds of reports of fires, but most of the recall is just a software update to warn drivers that their engine might fail.
In 2015, Hyundai and Kia recalled 1.7 million vehicles because a manufacturing defect was causing the engines to wear and fail, which could lead to fires. To fix the problem, dealers replaced the engine block.
Both companies now admit that the engine replacements may have been allowing fuel to leak and hit hot engine parts, causing fires.
The recall involves the following vehicles:
- 2011 through 2014 Kia Optima cars
- 2012 through 2014 Sorento SUVs
- 2011 through 2013 Sportage SUVs
- 2011 to 2014 Hyundai Sonata cars
- 2013 and 2014 Santa Fe Sport SUVs
On January 16, Hyundai announced a recall covering approximately 100,000 of the 2011-2014 Hyundai Sonata and the 2013-2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport vehicles with engines that were replaced under the previous two recalls.
“The recall is being conducted to inspect and confirm proper reinstallation of the fuel tube to the high-pressure fuel pump.”
The software update uses existing sensors to continuously monitor the vehicle for signs of an engine failure, called a “Knock Sensor Detection System.”
The system will be installed through a free software update on approximately 2 million vehicles, including all model year 2011-2018 Sonata and 2013-2018 Santa Fe Sport vehicles with engines produced in the U.S.
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