Hyundai is adding about 471,000 SUVs to a September U.S. recall for an electrical short in a computer that could potentially lead to fires. According to an Associated Press news report, the South Korean automaker is also warning vehicle owners to park the SUVs outdoors until they are repaired.
Details of the Recall
This most recent recall covers certain model-year 2016 through 2018, and additional 2020 through 2021 Hyundai Tucson SUVs. The vehicles included in the recall have antilock brake system computers, which could malfunction internally and cause an electrical short increasing the risk of a fire. Tucson SUVs that are equipped with Hyundai’s Smart Cruise Control feature are not being recalled.
Hyundai announced that the recall comes as part of a continuing investigation into the problem. The automaker said it is aware of a dozen fires, but no injuries related to the recalled SUVs. Vehicle owners will receive notifications in the mail in late February to take their SUVs to a dealer, which will replace a fuse on the computer. Vehicle owners can also visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) website and enter their vehicle identification number or VIN to find out if their vehicle is part of the recall.
Back in September, Hyundai recalled about 180,000 Tucson SUVs from 2019 through 2021 to fix the same problem. According to company statements, corrosion can cause a short circuit in defective anti-lock brake circuit boards that can cause a fire even when the vehicle is turned off. This is why Hyundai is asking vehicle owners to park their SUVs outside until they are repaired.
Auto Product Liability Issues
Hyundai and its sister company, Kia, have issued several recalls for various makes and models of vehicles for fire-related dangers. Vehicle fires have the potential not only to cause property damage but also serious or even deadly burn injuries and smoke inhalation injuries.
If you or a loved one has been injured as the result of a defective auto, you may be able to seek compensation for the injuries, damages and losses caused. Injured victims can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, cost of rehabilitation, permanent injuries, disabilities and pain and suffering. Families that have lost loved ones may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit against automakers seeking compensation for damages as well. An experienced auto defect lawyer will be able to advise victims and families regarding their legal rights and options.
Source: https://wtop.com/recalls/2021/01/hyundai-recalls-471k-more-suvs-tells-owners-to-park-outside/
