Popular Hyundai facing fire risk recall

More than 650,000 cars have been recalled overseas, with owners told to park outside to avoid the threat of damage to their homes.

Hyundai Australia is investigating a flaw in the popular Tucson SUV that has sparked fires in the US.

The popular manufacturer recalled about 180,000 cars in the US in September before adding 471,000 to the widespread recall last week.

The Tucson in question is set to be replaced by a new model.

America’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says an electronic controller for the car’s anti-lock braking system can corrode internally, “and cause an electrical short, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire”.

USA Today reports that about a dozen fires have been linked to the issue.

NHTSA says “owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete”.

The Tucson is a hit model in Australia. Photo: Thomas Wielecki

Hyundai’s US arm also contacted owners of 2019-2021 Tucson models in the US to say “owners should park their vehicles outside until the recall repair is completed”, explaining that a software update and new fuse kit will prevent the issue from flaring up in the future.

Hyundai Australia recalled the Kona Electric in November 2020 to address a fire risk.

The ACCC said at the time that “affected vehicles need to be parked in an open space and away from flammable materials and structures, that is, not in a garage”.

Hyundai has not issued a local recall for the Tucson, but says it is investigating whether local models are affected.

The manufacturer has sold more than 50,000 Tucson SUVs in Australia since 2018.

Originally published as Popular Hyundai facing fire risk recall