Korean automakers are recalling more than 281,000 vehicles in the US and Canada because of the problem, but have yet to figure out how to fix it. Automakers reported 25 fires or meltdowns in the two countries caused by the problem, but no accidents or injuries. The recalls cover more than 245,000 Hyundai Palisades and more than 36,000 Kia Telluride SUVs from the 2020 to 2022 model years. About 22,345 Hyundai vehicles will be recalled in Canada, a spokesperson for the automaker told CBC News in an email. The company has confirmed three unique fire incidents and eight melting incidents in Canada, according to the spokesperson. In an email to CBC News, a Kia spokesperson did not respond to a question about the number of vehicles affected in Canada, but said the company is recalling a towbar wiring harness that fits the aforementioned models. They said 2,863 of these parts were sold in Canada between May 28, 2019 and August 15, 2022. In documents released Tuesday by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the companies said debris and moisture can build up on a circuit board in the tow hitch’s wiring. This can cause an electrical short circuit, which can lead to a fire. According to NHTSA, the issue was first documented in October 2021 when Kia Canada reported a fire incident to Kia’s North American safety office. Hyundai said dealers will inspect the wiring and remove a fuse as a temporary fix. Kia does not have a temporary repair. The companies say a final fix is being developed. In addition, dealers of both automakers have stopped selling the affected SUVs until repairs are made.
