U.S. auto security regulators stated Monday they’d opened a probe into 16 separate recollects issued by Hyundai and Kia masking 6.4 million autos regarding brake fluid leaks that might lead to fires.
The Korean automakers have issued a string of recollects since 2016 for antilock braking system and Hydraulic Digital Management Items (HECU) points manufactured by the identical elements provider and fires.
The Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration stated it was opening an audit question to judge the timeliness of Hyundai and Kia’s defect choice making “and adherence with reporting necessities; and perceive the various defect descriptions and cures between these recollects.”
Hyundai and Kia didn’t instantly reply to requests for remark Monday.
In September, the Korean automakers recalled a mixed 3.37 million autos in the USA as a result of threat of engine fires, telling homeowners to park exterior and away from constructions till repairs are full.
The automakers stated inside brake fluid leaks could cause {an electrical} quick that might result in a hearth.
In September, Hyundai stated it has reviews of 21 fires and 21 different thermal incidents since 2017, whereas Kia has reviews of at the very least 10 confirmed fires and melting incidents.
Kia stated the Hydraulic Digital Management Unit (HECU) within the autos could expertise {an electrical} quick on account of brake fluid leaks. Hyundai stated the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could leak brake fluid internally and trigger {an electrical} quick.
The September recall lined 1.73 million Kia Borrego, Cadenza, Forte, Sportage, K900, Optima, Soul Rio, Sorento and Rondo autos from varied mannequin years for every automobile from 2010 via 2017.
Hyundai in September recalled 1.64 million Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, Accent, Azera, Veloster, Santa Fe, Equus, Veracruz, Tucson, Tucson Gas Cell and Santa Fe Sport autos from varied mannequin years from 2011 via 2015. (Reporting by David Shepardson Modifying by Bernadette Baum and Louise Heavens)