Hyundai Fire Concerns Spark Elantra Recall
» Posted February 7, 2020 • Resources | Share This Post
When you buy a new car, it is safe to say that you do not expect the brakes to catch fire.
Hyundai is recalling some 400,000 Elantra vehicles over an antilock braking system issue that could cause a module to go up in flames. That poses a serious safety risk to anyone inside the cars or on the road with them.
“If moisture enters the electrical circuit of the ABS module a short circuit could gradually develop,” Hyundai said in a defect notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “If a short circuit occurs inside the ABS module, there could be an increased risk of a ‘key-off’ engine compartment fire.”
The company told NHTSA that at least three vehicles have experienced fires as a result of the defect. Hyundai said it is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the issue, however.
The recall covers certain Hyundai Elantra Sedans for model years 2006 to 2011 and Elantra Touring wagons for model years 2007 to 2011. The company is offering to replace faulty parts free of charge, beginning in April.
The recall comes as NHTSA continues to look into unrelated engine fires in Hyundai and Kia vehicles that are linked to at least 100 injuries and one death. That investigation covers some 3 million vehicles.
Legal Rights for Car Owners in California
Recalls involving significant vehicle defects are unfortunately common. The truth is that hundreds of thousands of cars roll off of factory floors each year with serious defects that can pose a threat to everyone on the road.
The California lemon law offers some important legal protections to car owners in the Golden State. The law requires a car manufacturer to repair vehicles while they are under warranty. If the manufacturer cannot or will not fix the car, it is required under the law to buy back the vehicle. That includes compensating the owner for the purchase price, financing charges and other related expenses. The manufacturer can instead offer to replace the car, but it is up to the owner to decide whether to accept that option.
Because there is no set number of times that an owner must request repairs before the buyback requirement kicks in, it is important to consult an experienced California lemon law attorney. The law requires the manufacturer to pick up the tab for any legal fees you incur while enforcing your rights.
Consult a California Lemon Law Attorney
If you are a car owner with a defective vehicle, an experienced California lemon law attorney can help you enforce your legal rights and ensure that the manufacturer is made fully responsible.
The California lemon law lawyers at the Bickel Law Firm have represented hundreds of clients in defective vehicle cases in Southern California and across the state. Our lawyers work aggressively to resolve these cases for the people that we represent.
Our offices are conveniently located in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to schedule an appointment to speak with a California lemon law attorney.
