Hyundai Recalls 2019-2021 Tucson SUVs for Fires

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 180,000 2019-2021 Tucson SUVs because the Anti-lock Brake Hydraulic Electronic Control unit could corrode and cause an engine compartment fire. An electrical short in the ABS module increases the risk of an engine compartment fire while parked or driving. There are at least 12 known fires in the US thus far.

In the required NHTSA filing, Hyundai said it recommends parking these vehicles outside and away from structures until the recall remedy is completed. Hyundai plans to notify owners to instruct them to return their vehicles to a dealership for replacement of the ABS module “when available.”

Flux residue from the soldering process at the supplier could accumulate on the ABS module’s main controller board (PCB). With exposure to heat and humidity, the residue could result in a corrosive path and an electrical resistance short. Hyundai is still evaluating this safety defect. Based on analysis of units involved in fires, Hyundai believes that a quality control deficiency exists in some vehicles. Vehicles subject to the recall will have the recovered HECU returned to an engineering firm for an engineering evaluation and review to identify and verify issues.

The safety defect will be repaired at no charge as is necessary under US regulations. Hyundai will provide reimbursement to owners for repairs. The recall is expected to begin October 30, 2020.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai’s number for this recall is 195. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov. NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V543000.