Hyundai Recalls More Cars Over Fire Risk
» Posted May 24, 2021 • Resources | Share This Post
Hyundai is once again recalling cars over fire risks, becoming the latest major auto manufacturer to tell drivers and federal regulators that vehicles could burst into flames unexpectedly.
The company is recalling more than 390,000 vehicles in the U.S. and Canada as a result of possible engine fires, CBS reports. The move comes as General Motors has struggled to find a permanent fix for Chevy Bolt battery fires and Volkswagen is fixing a loose bolt defect that the company says could cause engine fires.
The Hyundai recall includes 203,000 Santa Fe Sport SUVs from 2013 through 2015, some of which are being called back for a second time. The company says anti-lock brake system computers could short and spark fires if brake fluid leaks into a computer.
“An electrical short in the ABS module could increase the risk of an engine compartment fire while parked or driving,” Hyundai said in a defect notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Hyundai has cited a similar malfunction for recalling some 1.5 million vehicles around the world, according to Car and Driver. The company is also recalling 187,000 Elantras from 2019 and 2020, and 2019 through 2021 Konas and Veloster vehicles.
The company said it will begin notifying owners of recalled cars in June, asking them to take their vehicles to a local dealer for a fuse replacement and new computer, if necessary. In the meantime, Hyundai is warning car owners to park outside until their vehicles are fixed.
“Customers can continue driving these vehicles; however, due to the possibility of a fire originating from the ABS module while parked, Hyundai recommends parking these vehicles outside and away from structures until the recall remedy is completed,” the company told NHTSA.
Driving a Defective Vehicle? Know Your Rights
The latest Hyundai recall is yet another example of the serious safety risks that defective cars pose for everyone on the road. Fortunately, car owners and lessors in California have some valuable rights and protections under the state’s lemon law.
The Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act requires car manufacturers to fix a wide variety of issues with vehicles while they are under warranty. It also requires those companies to buy back - or, in some cases, replace - cars that they are unwilling or unable to properly repair.
The law additionally requires manufacturers to pay any legal fees that owners and lessors incur while enforcing their rights.
Speak with a California Lemon Law Attorney
A California Lemon Law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli can help you fight back against defective vehicle manufacturers. We are tireless advocates, dedicated to ensuring that car manufacturers are held responsible when they do not live up to their responsibilities.
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 California lemon law attorney today.
