Hyundai, Kia Recall May Prompt Lawsuit Over Fire Risk

Attorneys working with ClassAction.org are investigating whether a class action lawsuit can be filed following the February 2022 recall of nearly 500,000 Hyundai and Kia vehicles due to a fire risk.

While the recall purports to offer a fix for the issue, attorneys believe it’s not enough and that legal action may be necessary to provide drivers with the compensation they deserve.

Beyond the Recall: How a Class Action Lawsuit Could Help Drivers

Hyundai and Kia have both promised to provide free fuse replacements to affected drivers; however, this may not be enough for those forced to deal with the inconvenience of waiting for a fix and owning a car that’s a potential fire risk. This is where a class action lawsuit could come in.

For instance, Hyundai and Kia agreed to pay $1.3 billion in 2021 to settle a class action lawsuit after the automakers’ recalls were supposedly too narrow in their coverage and didn’t fully compensate drivers for their losses.

Through the settlement, affected drivers were offered reimbursement for repairs, lifetime warranties, inconvenience payments, payments for loss of value, money for loss of vehicle by fire and free diagnostic inspections. Though every case is different, it’s possible that those affected by the most recent recall could be owed money for additional damages, such as rental car costs and loss of vehicle value.

What Hyundai and Kia Models Are Catching Fire?

How Do I Check to See If My Hyundai or Kia Has a Recall?

To see if your Hyundai or Kia is affected by this or any other recall, visit the website of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and enter your vehicle’s VIN number. This number can be found on your registration, insurance card or on the lower left of your car’s windshield.

Why Are Hyundais and Kias Catching Fire?

Both recall notices state that the problem stems from the vehicles’ anti-lock brake system (ABS), which could malfunction and cause an electrical short. As of February 8, 2022, at least 11 fires have been reported in connection with the ABS issue.

Drivers have been urged to park “outside and away from structures” until their vehicles are repaired through the recall. Kia also instructed owners to be on the lookout for smoking from the engine, a burning smell or an ABS warning light. 

The recalls, which state “an engine compartment fire” could develop and “increase the risk of injury,” affect 357,830 Hyundais and 126,747 Kias.

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