US REGULATORS CLOSE INVESTIGATION INTO FIRE RISKS INVOLVING 3 MILLION KIA AND HYUNDAI VEHICLES

Thu 08 February 2024:

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said it was ending the probe after the Korean automakers previously issued eight recalls covering about 3 million vehicles to address engine fires.

The NHTSA first opened investigations in 2019 and upgraded them in 2021 after reports of 161 fires from engine failures.

NHTSA said both Hyundai and Kia have been installing an engine control software modification known as Knock Sensor.

Detection Software that is intended to detect impending engine failure, alert the driver, and limit engine power. Both companies have also extended limited engine warranties.

Hyundai told ABC Action News in a statement:

“In creating a culture that values safety and is committed to proactively identifying and addressing potential safety issues, we’ve created a best-in-class safety office to help protect our customers and their families. We value a collaborative and cooperative relationship with the U.S. Department of Transportation and NHTSA.”

But NHTSA is still investigating the automakers. The agency in November opened a separate probe into the timeliness and scope of 16 separate recalls involving over six million vehicles. Those recalls are related to brake fluid leaks that could cause vehicles to burst into flames.

The ABC Action News I-Team in 2018 was the first in the country to expose hundreds of Kia’s and Hyundais catching fire while driving down the road or while parked.

Since then Kia and Hyundai have recalled more than 9 million vehicles over engine fire risk.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

______________________________________________________________

FOLLOW INDEPENDENT PRESS:

WhatsApp CHANNEL
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAtNxX8fewmiFmN7N22