• Kia and Hyundai in the US have issued a recall affecting 40 000 and 52 000 vehicles respectively.
• The manufacturers suspect an Idle Stop & Go pump assembly can overheat and cause a fire.
• This recall only affects vehicles in the US.

Before we get into the weeds we need to make it clear that this recall is specifically for the Kia and Hyundai vehicles in the US and as of time of writing doesn’t appear to affect vehicles in other parts of the world.

With that having been said, Hyundai and Kia in the US have issued a recall of more than 91 000 vehicles over fire risks. Owners are urged to park outside and away from buildings until this risk can be resolved.

As reported by Reuters, 52 000 Hyundai Palisaid, Tucson, Elantra and Kona 2023 and 2024 models are at risk while 40 000 2023 Kia Soul and Sportage vehicles are at risk.

The problem appears to be related to the Idle Stop & Go pump assembly. This pump assembly may contain electrical components that could cause the pump to overheat. So far Kia has noted six reports related to “thermal events” while Hyundai has noted four such reports.

Rather concerningly, owners of the vehicles mentioned above will need to wait until late September to be contacted about inspection and replacement of the aforementioned oil pump.

Dealers have been told to offer customers who don’t feel safe driving their vehicle a rental vehicle until a recall fix is available.

The vehicle makers advise owners that if they smell a burning or melting odour they should have the vehicle towed to the nearest dealership.

Neither Kia nor Hyundai in South Africa has issued a similar recall locally so South African owners of these vehicles should be safe. With that having been said, if you smell something odd, get in touch with your local Kia or Hyundai dealership and ask them to have a look.