Hyundai Calls Back Tucson SUVs Over Fire Risk
» Posted November 6, 2020 • Resources | Share This Post
Hyundai says it wants to take another look at certain Tucson sport utility vehicles that are already long gone from the factory floor. The problem: a circuit board defect that could cause engine fires.
The company is recalling some 180,000 Tucsons at risk of electrical shorts and engine fires, Hyundai recently told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The snafu has already caused fires in at least 12 crossover SUVs, according to the company.
“The subject vehicles are equipped with Anti-lock Brake System (“ABS”) modules that could corrode internally and cause an electrical short over time, resulting in an engine compartment fire,” Hyundai told NHTSA.
The recall covers certain 2019-2021 Tucson vehicles produced in Korea and sold in the U.S. Hyundai began notifying owners of recalled cars in late October, asking them to take their vehicles to a local dealer for a fix, free of charge.
The company says owners of the affected vehicles can generally continue driving their cars. But they may notice smoke from the engine compartment, a melting odor, or the ABS light or check engine light illuminated, Hyundai warned.
“Owners should park their vehicles outside until the recall repair is completed,” Hyundai said in a sample notice that the company planned to send to owners. “If the Malfunction Indicator Light is illuminated in your vehicle, you should seek service at your Hyundai dealer as soon as possible.”
Defective Vehicles and Legal Rights for Owners
Hyundai appears to be having some trouble keeping its cars from catching fire these days
The Korean automaker in February announced it was recalling some 400,000 Elantra vehicles over a different antilock braking system that the company said could cause an engine fire. The company said at the time that it was aware of at least three such fires.
Hyundai is not alone. Every year, millions of vehicles are recalled for a wide range of defects that put everyone on the road in harm’s way.
In California, the good news is that car owners and lessors have some valuable rights under the state’s lemon law. The Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act makes car manufacturers generally responsible for repairing vehicles while they are under warranty. The law forces the company to buy back - or, in some cases, replace - covered vehicles that it is unwilling or unable to fix.
How a Los Angeles Lemon Law Attorney Can Help
If you are a California car owner with a defective vehicle, it is important that you consult an experienced lawyer to consider your rights and options. Los Angeles lemon law attorney Brian Bickel and his team at the Bickel Law Firm have represented hundreds of clients in defective vehicle cases in Southern California and across the state.
Our offices are conveniently located in Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco. Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a Los Angeles lemon law attorney.
