WASHINGTON — Hyundai and Kia are telling some SUV owners to park their vehicles outdoors because they can catch fire even if the engines have been turned off.
Hyundai Motor America and Kia America have issued a recall of some Hyundai Palisades and Kia Tellurides with wiring for trailer hitches, both with the model year 2020-2022.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a tow hitch sold through dealerships may collect debris or moisture and short circuit. In some cases, the electrical short could cause a fire while driving or while parked and turned off.
On Aug. 23, both Kia and Hyundai issued a “stop sale” for unsold vehicles at dealerships.
The recall is still under development. Hyundai owners can get a temporary repair at a dealer that will remove a fuse as necessary. Kia does not have a temporary repair for the issue.
When a complete repair is available, all owners of vehicles potentially equipped with affected trailer hitch wiring harnesses will be notified by mail with instructions to bring their cars to a Hyundai or Kia dealer.
According to the NHTSA, there have not been any confirmed fires, crashes or injuries due to the defect.
To check if your vehicle is affected by this recall, visit the NHTSA website.
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