Hyundai Recalls Over 652,000 Tucsons Over Potential Engine Bay Fire Due To ABS Units

CARINDIGO Editorial

September 4, 2024  at 7:50 AM

Hyundai adds 471,000 SUVs to a September recall for a defective circuit board that can cause an electrical short circuit and increase the risk of an engine fire, according to paperwork filed with the NHTSA last week. And the brand is warning owners to park the SUVs outdoors until they're repaired. This latest recall impacts Tucson SUVs manufactured from 2016 via 2018, and extra 2020 via 2021.

Hyundai said that the recall comes as part of a continuing investigation into the problem, they are aware of a dozen fires but no injuries related to the recalled vehicles. In September the South Korean automaker recalled about 180,000 Tucson SUVs in the U.S. from 2019 through 2021 to fix the same problem. The firm stated that corrosion could cause a short circuit in faulty anti lock brake circuit boards that can induce a fire even if the engine is shut off which is given below:

  • NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V543000
  • Manufacturer Hyundai Motor America
  • Components SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Potential Number of Units Affected 652,024

The vehicles also have antilock brake(ABS) system computers that could malfunction needlessly and cause an electrical short circuit. That may start a fire. Tucson's equipped with Smart Cruise Control feature aren't being recalled. In late February, buyers will be advised to take their SUVs to a dealer, which will replace a fuse on the computer. They can check their vehicle identification number at www.hyundaiusa.com/recalls to see if their vehicles are affected.

Hyundai's U.S. arm also communicated owners of 2019-2021 Tucson models to say "owners should park their vehicles outside until the recall repair is completed", emphasizing that a software update and new fuse kit will stop the issue from blazing up the SUV. The affected vehicles' owners may notice smoke from the engine compartment, a melting odor, and the ABS light or check engine light. 

As part of the solution, Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the HECU fuse. For the 2019-2021 model years, the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) software will also be updated. All this will be done free of charge. Owners have also been advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. The recall began on November 2, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 195.