© Reuters. KIA unveils the brand new 2019 Sorento on the Los Angeles Auto Present in Los Angeles, California, U.S., November 30, 2017. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Picture
By David Shepardson
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. auto security regulators mentioned on Wednesday they’ve closed an investigation into engine fireplace dangers in 3 million Hyundai Motor (OTC:) and Kia autos.
The Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) mentioned it was ending the probe after the affiliated Korean automakers beforehand issued eight recollects masking about 3 million autos to deal with engine fires.
Hyundai mentioned it was happy with the investigation closure and “is dedicated to proactively figuring out and addressing potential issues of safety.” Kia didn’t remark.
NHTSA first opened investigations in 2019 and upgraded them in 2021 after experiences of 161 fires from engine failures.
The U.S. regulator mentioned the vast majority of the recalled Hyundai and Kia autos skilled decrease reported fireplace charges after the recall fixes have been accomplished whereas those who haven’t been mounted “skilled comparatively excessive fireplace charges”.
Hyundai informed NHTSA in December it should ship reminders to all homeowners affected by engine failures and fires each eight months for the subsequent three years to get the recall accomplished, whereas Kia will subject related notifications to the vast majority of its homeowners each eight months for the subsequent three years.
NHTSA mentioned the “renotification actions will assist to extend the recall completion charges, thus scale back the frequency of engine fires sooner or later.”
NHTSA mentioned each Hyundai and Kia have been putting in an engine management software program modification often called Knock Sensor
Detection Software program that’s supposed to detect impending engine failure, alert the motive force, and restrict engine energy. Each corporations have additionally prolonged restricted engine warranties.
Kia in December recalled 80,000 2011 mannequin yr Sorento autos for engine fireplace dangers for inspections and if crucial engine replacements.
NHTSA in November opened a separate probe into 16 separate recollects issued by Hyundai and Kia masking 6.4 million autos regarding brake fluid leaks that might end in fires. The automakers have issued a string of recollects since 2016 for points involving anti-lock braking techniques (ABS) and hydraulic digital management models (HECU) manufactured by the identical components provider.
