Action movies and TV shows often depict car chases or vehicles that explode or burst into flames easily upon impact. However, that is far from reality. Manufacturers invest significant amounts of money to ensure that the vehicles they design aren’t easily susceptible to fire or explosion. Despite those efforts, vehicle fires can and still do occur due to defects in cars, trucks and SUVs.
Many companies that recognize the risk for fire in any one of their vehicles will likely initiate a recall right away. These recalls often involve free repairs to the component or system in the vehicle causing the risk. Hyundai recently announced yet another recall due to a fire hazard involving hundreds of thousands of vehicles.
Which Hyundai vehicles are at risk of causing fires?
More than 390,000 vehicles sold in the United States and Canada were involved the massive Hyundai recall. It’s Santa Fe SUV, built between 2013 and 2015, involves leaking brake fluid that has a known risk of causing a fire due to a short in the anti-lock brake module. A recall had previously been announced for these vehicles, but the latest recall is to improve the previous remedy. Hyundai recommends that owners of these affected vehicles park outside until repairs can be completed. Thus far, at least 18 fires stemming from the issue have been reported but no injuries.
Hyundai’s 2019 and 2020 Elantra as well as its 2019 Kona or Veloster are part of a second recall. All vehicles feature 2-liter engines with piston rings with potential leaks believed to increase the risk of engine damage and/or fire. Owners with vehicles involved in this multi-model recall should receive notice shortly from Hyundai about the necessary repairs.
A recall doesn’t mean the manufacturer avoids responsibility
Recalling hundreds of thousands of vehicles requires substantial time, especially when the repairs are labor-intensive. Even after a company announces a recall, many consumers could still wind up hurt or dealing with catastrophic property damage because of a defective component, or may have had repairs or damage for the problem before the recall was announced.
Understanding your rights as a consumer is often the first step toward protecting yourself from the consequences of a defective product. An experienced attorney in your jurisdiction who has knowledge in the lemon law is a good first step to finding out recourse options.