The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced an investigation into 16 separate recalls issued by Hyundai and Kia covering over 6.4 million vehicles due to potential brake fluid leaks that could lead to fires. The probe aims to assess the timeliness of the automakers’ defect decision-making and adherence to reporting requirements, as well as to understand the variations in defect descriptions and remedies across the recalls.
Since 2016, Hyundai and Kia have issued a series of recalls stemming from issues with anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the same supplier. These issues have been linked to fires in multiple vehicles.
The NHTSA’s audit query will examine whether Hyundai and Kia met their obligations to promptly identify and report defects, as well as whether the proposed remedies for the recalled vehicles are adequate. The agency will also seek to clarify the inconsistencies in defect descriptions and remedies between the various recalls.
In September, Hyundai and Kia issued a joint recall affecting 3.37 million vehicles in the United States due to the fire risk associated with brake fluid leaks. Owners of affected vehicles were advised to park their cars outdoors and away from structures until repairs could be completed.
Hyundai reported 21 fires and 21 other thermal incidents related to the defect since 2017, while Kia identified at least 10 confirmed fires and melting incidents. The September recall covered a range of Kia and Hyundai models from various model years between 2010 and 2015.
