New Fire Warning Issued by Kia and Hyundai

Recently and in the past, Kia and Hyundai have issued a lot of warnings and recalls due to fire risks. You are most likely thinking, “not another fire warning.” Regardless of how many warnings and recalls these car manufacturers issue, they still continue to have problems with fire risks.

According to a recent article published by CNN, around 90,000 Hyundai and Kia passenger cars and SUVs are being recalled across the country due to the risk of fires. These car companies are suggesting that even if your vehicle model is not on the recall list you should still park it outside as well as ensure that it is away from businesses, houses, garages, and other automobiles or structures to prevent fires.

The reason behind the recall/ warning is an electronic problem within the transmission oil pump. These cars have an “Idle Stop and Go system” that completely turns the engine off when the car makes a stop. Once the driver lifts their foot off the brake pedal, the vehicle will start again, which is a new feature that many cars now have. However, issues within this new feature in Hyundai and Kia vehicles is causing the electronic elements to overheat. As a result, some of the parts are melting, which is a serious fire risk.

So far, four Hyundai drivers and six Kia drivers have reported thermal events, but no injuries, accidents, or fatalities have been reported. A few of the signs that these vehicle owners should keep an eye out for are smoking, burning smells, and warning lights. Here are the models that are currently being recalled for these fire risks:

Hyundai:

• 2023 Elantra
• 2023 Tucsons
• 2023 Sonatas
• 2023 Konas
• 2024 Palisades

Kia:

• 2023 Soul
• 2023 Sportage
• 2023 and 2024 Seltos

The recall will be officially announced in September. Afterward, these car owners will need to have their oil pump properly replaced, which the dealerships will handle for free.

Haven’t Kia and Hyundai issued several other warnings and recalls?

Hyundai and Kia have issued a lot of different warnings and recalls within the last several years. In fact, a little over a year ago, around 500,000 Hyundai and Kia owners were warned about parking their cars close to structures due to electronic problems within the anti-lock brake control system. The following are a few other similar recalls that Hyundai and Kia have issued due to fire risks:

• In 2022, Kia and Hyundai recalled over 200,000 vehicles. They also warned owners to park their vehicles outside away from structures due to wiring problems in trailer hitches.
• In 2021, Kia issued a warning alerting almost 400,000 vehicle owners to park outside because of a problem with the electronic circuits under the vehicles’ hoods.
• In 2021, Hyundai issued a recall on more than 80,000 vehicles because of a lithium-ion battery issue, which could cause the vehicles to suddenly and randomly begin burning even while parked or not in use.
• In 2020, Kia recalled about 300,000 cars because of the possibility that they could catch on fire due to leaking fuel.

After seeing these similar and continuous recalls/warnings, you may be wondering if there is a correlation between Kia and Hyundai. The answer to this question is that Kia and Hyundai are considered two different companies in America, but they are both actually part of the Hyundai Motor Group in South Korea. Therefore, they have many of the same or similar parts.

Car fires can cause excruciating and disfiguring burn injuries

Individuals who experience burn injuries due to their car catching on fire often experience intense pain and suffering, infections, permanent scarring, amputations, respiratory problems, and even PTSD. In addition, some people who have very severe burns succumb to their injuries and pass away. Burns are one of the most painful injuries that a person may experience. Sometimes, the burns are so deep that they may even reach the person’s bones.

Therefore, if you suffer a serious burn injury, it is crucial that you seek medical attention right away. A physician or burn specialist will be able to assess your injuries and determine if they are first, second, third, or even fourth degree burns as well as create a proper treatment plan to help you start recovering. Some people may need to stay overnight in burn centers to get the personalized care that they need.

Why should I choose KBG Injury Law for my car fire case in Lancaster, PA?

If you have been injured due to a car fire, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses. Our Lancaster personal injury attorneys can assist you with a product liability claim. We are the perfect fit for individuals looking for experienced, skilled, and knowledgeable lawyers who know and understand the laws surrounding these types of cases. While you focus on your healing journey, our team will handle the ins and outs of your claim, which includes:

• Investigating your case
• Determining liability
• Locating and gathering evidence
• Hiring expert witnesses
• Communicating with insurance companies
• Working with professionals to develop a fair compensation amount
• Building an aggressive and convincing argument
• Preparing to go to trial

The Lancaster product liability attorneys at KBG Injury Law have been helping clients for nearly four decades. We highly value and respect each client who comes into our office. Therefore, if you have been severely injured due to a negligent manufacturer or company, we will do everything possible to hold them accountable for their actions. Please call our office or submit our contact form to schedule your free case evaluation today. We are located in York, Lancaster, Hanover, Harrisburg, and Gettysburg for your convenience.