Rapex, the alert system of the European Commission, has issued a warning about a mechanical failure that could lead to a fire in certain Hyundai and Kia vehicles due to brake fluid leaking. This warning is for models manufactured by both brands between 2007-2014.
According to Spain’s OCU, an organisation of consumers, users and manufacturers, it appears that there is a possibility of internal brake fluid leakage, which could lead to a short in the electrical circuit for the ABS/ESC. In this case, the fusebox could heat up and cause a fire.
What models are affected by this?
According to the alert the models that could have this problem are:
Hyundai Santa Fe and IX55 2007 to 2014
Hyundai Accent, Tucson Genesis IX35 2009-2014
According to the OCU, if the problem affected all models of these dates sold in Spain (which is still unclear), then 50,000 vehicles could be affected.
The same issue is also apparent in 40,000 Kias that were manufactured between 2007 and 2014. According to an alert released by Rapex in early February, and picked up by OCU as well, there are four Kia models that could have this problem: Kia Sportage 2009-2014, Kia Carens 2009-2012), Kia Rio 2010-2013 and Kia Optima 2010-2013. If it is a problem with all the models sold in Spain between 2009 and 2014, that would amount to 90,000 cars.
The owners of affected vehicles should contact their manufacturer via a telephone call or website or visit an authorized dealer to confirm that the problem is widespread.