Fire danger prompts Hyundai and Kia recall of over 3.4 million vehicles

Hyundai and Kia are recalling roughly 3.4 million U.S. automobiles and advising owners to park them outside to prevent engine compartment fires.

Hyundai's Santa Fe SUV and Kia's Sorrento SUV are among the 2010–2019 vehicle and SUV recalls.

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents issued Wednesday, the anti-lock brake control module can leak fluid and generate an electrical short, which can start a fire when driving or parking.

Automakers advise owners to park outside and away from structures until repairs are made. 

Owners receive free anti-lock brake fuse replacement from dealers. Kia documents state it will send owners notification letters starting Nov. 14. Nov. 21 for Hyundai.

The documents claim Hyundai reported 21 U.S. vehicle fires and 22 “thermal incidents” included smoke, burning, and melting. Kia reported 10 flames and melting.

Hyundai stated that owners can drive the vehicles and that no crashes or injuries have occurred. The automaker recalled to protect customers.

Due to moisture, debris, and dissolved metals in brake fluid, an O-ring in the antilock brake motor shaft can lose sealing strength and leak, according to the manufacturer.

An electrical short that causes high current might cause an engine compartment fire in the brake control unit, Kia stated. They claim the short circuit's source is unknown and there have been no crashes or injuries.

Under the federal motor vehicle safety act, automakers can choose a problem correction, according to NHTSA. The government will evaluate the repairs and investigate if necessary.

On Wednesday, NHTSA advised owners to store their cars outside until repairs are performed. 

The 2010–2019 Borrego, 2014–2016 Cadenza, 2010–2013 Forte, Forte Koup, and Sportage, 2015–2018 K900, 2011–2015 Optima, Optima Hybrid and Soul, 2012–2017 Rio, 2011–2014 Sorento, and 2010–2011 Rondo are affected.

The 2011–2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, Accent, Azera, and Veloster, 2013–2015 Elantra Coupe and Santa Fe, 2014–2015 Equus, 2010–2012 Veracruz, 2010–2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport are recalled.