Hyundai, Kia once again tell owners to park cars outside over increased fire risk, recall 571K vehicles

The front of a Kia. (Jake May | MLive.com)Jake May | MLive.com

DETROIT -- Korean automakers Hyundai and Kia are once again warning drivers of certain models of their vehicles to park outside due an increased fire risk. According to the Associated Press, 571,000 vehicles are being recalled due to a problem with the tow hitch harnesses which can catch fire when the car is parked or when it's being driven.

According to safety regulators, the fire risk stems from water which can get into a circuit board on the hitches, which can then cause short circuit even if the ignitions are off. Until repairs can be made, the automakers say owners should not park their vehicles near any structures or other vehicles.

The recall affects the following makes and model years:

Each of the recalled vehicles comes equipped with the original tow hitch harnesses or had the hitch installed by dealers.

Thus far, Hyundai is aware of one fire and five heat damage incidents as a result of the problem, however Kia has not received any reports fire or injuries.

While a fix is being developed, dealers will first remove the the fuse and tow hitch computer module. Once the companies have figured out to fix the problem permanently, they will install a new fuse and wire extension that will be waterproof. Affected owners will begin being notified via letter on May 16.

The latest recall marks the fourth time in the last 13 months the companies have issues a recall over an increased fire risk. In February 2022, the companies recalled an estimated 485,000 vehicles over a fire risk that was the result of possible contamination in the antilock brake control module.

In August 2022, they recalled 283,000 vehicles for the same issue with water in tow hitches causing a possible short in the circuits. Then in November 2022, an estimated 44,000 2018 Kia Sante Fe models were recalled as the anti-lock brake computers can short and catch fire.

In each of those cases affected owners were warned to park their cars outside and away from other vehicles or structures.

In 2021, Hyundai and Kia each announced recalls of at least 440,000 vehicles over increased fire risks.

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