Car Recall: Kia, Hyundai Warn Owners to Park Outside Due to Fire Risk

Kia and Hyundai have recalled nearly 92,000 cars over concerns the electronic controller for the oil pump may overheat and cause a fire.

Until repairs can be made, both companies are advising owners to park their cars outside and away from structures because of the fire risk. Both recalls are connected to the idle stop-and-go oil pump, which saves on gas by shutting down the engine when the vehicle isn’t moving.

Hyundai recalled 2023 Elantra, 2023 Kona, 2023-24 Palisade, 2023 Sonata and 2023 Tucson models.

Meanwhile, Kia recalled the 2023-24 Seltos, 2023 Soul and 2023 Sportage.

Incident warning signs

Warning signs that electrical heat damage may occur in the recalled Hyundai models include:

• Smoke from the car’s underbody
• A burning odor
• Warning light(s) appearing on the car’s dashboard, such as the malfunction indicator light

Owners of the recalled Kia models should look out for:

• Warning lights appearing on the car’s dashboard
• Idle stop-and-go feature stops working
• Car goes into “limp home mode”
• Engine unable to turn off
• Smoke from the engine area 

Hyundai will send recall notification letters to owners Sept. 25, with instructions to bring their vehicle to a Hyundai dealer who will inspect and replace the oil pump controller, as required, free of charge. Until then, the company said that owners can continue to drive their vehicles as long as they remain parked outside. Anyone with additional questions should contact Hyundai’s customer service line at 855-371-9460. The company’s number for this recall is 246.

While Kia did not report if the recalled cars may still be driven, it plans to send letters notifying owners of the recall Sept. 28. Its dealers will then inspect and replace the oil pump controller, as needed, free of charge. Kia’s customer service can be reached at 800-333-4542. Its number for this recall is SC275.