More than 500,000 Hyundai Vehicles Recalled Over Electrical Problems and Fire Risks

The NHTSA warns that moisture intrusion into a key circuit board can lead to electrical problems and fire risks.

Federal highway officials have announced a recall of more than half a million Hyundai vehicles equipped with a defective tow hitch harness, which may be prone to electrical shorts and create a vehicle fire risk.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the Hyundai tow hitch harness recall on March 22, after determining that the harness design can allow water to accumulate on the module’s printed circuit board (PCB), which can cause a short-circuit and fire hazard.

Officials are warning that the tow hitch harness can catch on fire, even if the vehicle is in park. As a result, owners are being instructrd to keep the vehicles parked outside, away from any structures until a full remedy is announced.

The recall impacts approximately 567,912 vehicles equipped with faulty tow hitch harnesses which were pre-installed, or were added as an accessory through a Hyundai dealership. The recall includes the following make and model years;

• 2022 through 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz
• 2019 through 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe
• 2021 through 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
• 2022 through 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid

As a temporary solution, Hyundai dealers will provide free inspection and removal of the tow hitch module, if necessary. Owners will also receive a new, complimentary fuse and wire extension kit when parts become available.

The action is an expansion of a prior Hyundai Palisade recall announced August 18, 2022, which affected all 2020 through 2022 Hyundai Palisade vehicles. Approximately 40,480 tow hitch accessory wiring harness assemblies were reportedly impacted.

For more information, owners can contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460 and reference recall number 244. They can also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.