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There may be the potential for a class action lawsuit against Hyundai and Kia due to a suspected defect that can cause the vehicles to spontaneously catch fire even when not running. Almost 500,000 cars and SUVs are being recalled to fix for the issue.
Attorneys working on the case believe that legal action may be necessary to provide drivers with the compensation they deserve.
What Hyundai and Kia Models Are Catching Fire?
The February 2022 recall over a potential fire risk affects the following models:
2014-2016 Kia Sportage SUVs
2016-2018 K900 sedans
2016-2018 Santa Fe SUVs
2017-2018 Santa Fe Sports
2019 Santa Fe XLs
2014-2015 Tucson SUVs
Due to “foreign contaminants,” the anti-lock brake computer control module can short circuit and possibly start a fire in the engine compartment. Hyundai is recalling around 357,830 vehicles while Kia is recalling 126,747 vehicles. Automakers will inspect and replace defective parts with new ones. Dealers will also replace a fuse that controls the electric current to the anti-lock braking control unit free of cost. The new fuse will control the amount of power going into the module.
In documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Kia confirmed about three vehicles that have caught fire and asked owners to park vehicles away from any buildings or structures.
Beyond the Recall: How a Class Action Lawsuit Could Help Drivers
Hyundai and Kia both agreed to provide free fuse replacement to fix the issue but this may not be enough for those forced to deal with the inconvenience of waiting for a fix and owning a car that’s a potential fire risk. This is where a class action lawsuit could come in.
The automaker may offer reimbursement for repairs, lifetime warranties, inconvenience payments, payments for loss of value, money for loss of vehicle by fire, and free diagnostic inspections but every case is different. It’s possible that those affected by the most recent recall could be owed money for additional damages, such as rental car costs and loss of vehicle value.
How Do I Check To See If My Hyundai or Kia Has a Recall?
To check if your Hyundai or Kia vehicle is affected by this or any other recall, visit the website of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and enter your vehicle’s VIN number. This number can be found on your registration, insurance card, or on the lower left of your car’s windshield.
Why Are Hyundai and Kia Vehicles Catching Fire?
As previously stated, the problem stems from the vehicles’ anti-lock brake system (ABS), which could malfunction and cause an electrical short. As of February 8, 2022, at least 11 fires have been reported in connection with the ABS issue.
Automakers urged drivers to park vehicles “outside and away from structures” and instructed them to look out for smoke from the engine, a burning smell, or an ABS warning light.
Final Thoughts
If you are an automobile owner and have manufacturing issues, you can contact us regarding your involvement in this or any potential class-action lawsuit. Serious vehicle problems require serious legal representation, especially when you are bringing a claim against a major automaker.
At the Lemon Firm, our experienced Attorneys have been able to successfully recover compensation for our clients who were sold a vehicle with manufacturer defects, and we can do the same for you. Call (833) Lemon-Firm to speak with a Lemon law expert today.