Hyundai Fire Risk Results in Recall for 88,000 Sonata, Azera Vehicles

Amid concerns about a risk of overheating engines and vehicles fires, thousands of Hyundai Sonata and Azera vehicles are being recalled, due to problems with certain electrical components, which may pose a risk even when the vehicle is turned off. 

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the Hyundai Azera and Sonata recall on January 9, following several warranty claims indicating a module in the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) overheated. To date, no injuries or fires have been reported.

The affected vehicles are equipped with an ABS module that remains powered on even when the vehicle is turned off. According to the recall notice, moisture may enter the ABS module over time and cause an electrical short circuit, even when the vehicle’s ignition is turned off.

If the control module short circuits, it could overheat, potentially resulting in an engine fire that could cause smoke, and burn injuries.The manufacturer is advising customers not to park their vehicles inside of home garages or other confined structures to prevent house or building fires.

Hyundai first learned of the issue in December 2016, when a report from Korea indicated an overheating event in the engine component around the ABS control module. Hyundai opened an investigation and subsequently received an additional report in June 2017 from within the United States.

Hyundai recovered the damaged parts of the vehicles in November 2017 and after consulting with the ABS control module supplier found that moisture entering the ABS control module caused a short circuiting event. On January 3, 2018, Hyundai Motor America concluded the investigation and issued a safety recall.

The recall includes an estimated 87,854 model year 2006 through 2011 Hyundai Azera vehicles manufactured from October 20, 2004 through December 10, 2010, and model year 2006 Hyundai Sonata vehicles manufactured from May 11, 2004 through December 25, 2005.

Hyundai will begin notifying affected customers of the issue by February 23, 2018, and will provide instructions on how to schedule a free repair at a local licensed Hyundai dealer. Dealers will be instructed to install a relay in the vehicle’s main junction box, so the ABS module will power down when the ignition switch is turned off.

Customers with additional questions or concerns regarding the recall are encouraged to contact HMA at 800-633-5151 and reference the recall number 172.