Hyundai and Kia are recalling 37,327 vehicles to address a fuel pump and rail problem, which could pose a fire danger. According to Consumer Reports, the recalled vehicles include Hyundai Santa Fe and Sonatas and Kia Sorento, and K5 SUVs and sedans from the 2021 and 2022 model years. A faulty fuel pipe connection could cause a blaze within the car.
Possibility of Fuel Leaks
Hyundai officials said that a fuel door was detected in a newly assembled 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe during an end-of-line vehicle inspection in late March. During the ensuing investigation, the automaker determined that there were some vehicles where the pipe connections between the high-pressure fuel pump and the fuel rail were insufficiently tightened to the proper torque setting during assembly.
Kia officials said they received one report of a fuel odor in a vehicle with the same pipe as the Hyundai vehicles affected by this recall. During their investigation, they determined that some fuel pipes did not meet the brands’ specifications. They identified a production lot from early January 2021 that contained faulty fuel pipes. Either condition could lead to fuel leaks increasing the risk of a fire.
Some of the warnings vehicle owners can look out for include fuel odor, smoke, burning or melting odor, and/or illumination of the malfunction indicator light. Hyundai has said it is unaware of any accidents, injuries, or fires linked to these issues. Hyundai and Kia have issued multiple recalls including about 2.5 million vehicles for fire-related issues. When this recall begins, dealers will inspect the vehicle to determine if the fuel pipe is part of the affected production lot. If so, dealers will replace the fuel pipe and tighten it to the proper torque setting at no cost to consumers.
Auto Product Liability Issues
Vehicle fires have the potential to cause catastrophic injuries or even fatalities. If you have suffered injuries due to a dangerous or defective auto, you may be able to seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, cost of rehabilitative treatment, permanent injuries, scarring and disfigurement, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
Those who have lost loved ones due to defective vehicles may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the automaker seeking compensation. An experienced auto defect lawyer can advise victims and their families regarding their legal rights and options.
Source: https://www.consumerreports.org/car-recalls-defects/hyundai-kia-sedan-suv-recall-fuel-pump-fuel-rail-problem-a1106489328/
