Hyundai has expanded its Tucson SUV recall to include an additional 471,000 vehicles.
In September, the automaker said an electrical malfunction put a significant number of Tucson SUVs at risk of catching fire. Hyundai said Friday that it is expanding its initial recall to include Hyundai Tucson SUVs, model-year 2016 through 2018, as well as some 2020 through 2021 models.
The company said the vehicles included in the newest recall come equipped with antilock brake system computers that could potentially create a short and start a fire. At least 12 fires have been started due to the problem so far, according to the carmaker.
Hyundai is urging drivers to park their vehicles outside until the issue is repaired. Towards the end of February, drivers of affected vehicles will be able to take their SUV to a dealer to get a computer fuse replaced.
Expanded recall
Consumers can find out if their vehicle is included in the latest recall by entering their vehicle identification number on Hyundai’s recalls page. Tucson SUVs with Hyundai’s Smart Cruise control feature aren’t affected by the recall.
Back in September, Hyundai and Kia voluntarily recalled nearly 600,000 cars in the U.S. because of the defect. The automakers said brake fluid could leak inside a hydraulic control unit for the anti-lock brakes, which could cause an electrical short and start a fire.
The companies have been investigating the issue since 2018. Last year, Hyundai told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that it received 15 reports of engine fires caused by the leak. Kia reported eight incidents.
