DETROIT (AP), Hyundai and Kia have advised owners of over 571,000 minivans and SUVs in the U.S. that they should park their vehicles outdoors as the tow hook harnesses could catch fire while they’re being driven or parked.
Korean automakers have recalled the vehicles and warned people to keep them from any structures while repairs are done.
The 2019 to 2023 Santa Fe, 2021 to 2030 Santa Fe Hybrid, 2021 to 2023 Santa Fe Hybrid and 2022 to 2023 Santa Fe Hybrid are all affected Hyundai vehicles. Only affected Kias are the Carnival minivans from 2022-2023. All vehicles have original or dealer-installed Hyundai or Kia tow hook harnesses.
According to documents filed Thursday by U.S. safety regulators, Korean automakers claim that water can enter a circuit board via the hitches and cause short circuits even though the ignitions are off.
Hyundai reports one fire and five heat-related incidents without injuries. Kia reports no injuries or fires.
Dealers will first remove the fuse, tow hitch computer module and wire extension until a solution is found. They will then install a new fuse, wire extension and waterproof connector. The owners will be notified beginning May 16.
For a similar problem, Hyundai recalls more than 245,000 2020-2022 Palisade SUVs.
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