More Hyundai and Kia Vehicles Recalled for Fire Risk

Owners should park outside and away from structures until a fix is available

Hyundai is recalling over half a million more SUVs because their tow hitch harnesses could catch fire while parked or driving. It's the latest in a series of fire-related recalls involving the two automakers.

The newly recalled vehicles include the 2019 through 2023 Santa Fe SUV, 2021 through 2023 Santa Fe Hybrid SUV, 2022 through 2023 Santa Cruz pickup truck and Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid SUV. Kia is also recalling a small number of 2023 Carnival minivans for a similar issue.

The problem is due to a defective wiring module in the trailer tow hitch module, which could allow water to leak in and cause a short circuit. If that happens, the module could catch fire. Only vehicles equipped with a genuine Hyundai or Kia trailer tow hitch are included in the recall.

Both automakers say that the affected vehicles should be parked outside and away from structures to avoid the risk of a fire spreading. Over the past 12 years, Hyundai and Kia have sent recall notices for over 7 million cars and SUVs to fix problems that could cause vehicles to catch fire.

Although the Hyundai Motor Company is the largest shareholder in Kia Motors and both automakers share parts, designs, and suppliers, Hyundai and Kia used different suppliers for their trailer hitches, and the repair process is a little different for each automaker. For Hyundai owners, dealerships will first remove a fuse in the trailer hitch as an interim repair, and then install a new fuse and wire extension kit, free of charge. Kia owners will get a new fuse and wire extension kit installed, free of charge.

In 2022, both automakers recalled 350,000 vehicles for a similar issue. Hyundai told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that the vehicles recalled today are equipped with a trailer hitch of a similar design.

Hyundai said it is aware of one fire and five reports of what it calls "thermal damage" limited to the trailer hitch, but no injuries or crashes. Kia says it is not aware of any incidents related to the recall.

Vehicles Recalled

• Hyundai Santa Fe SUVs manufactured between May 23, 2018 and March 13, 2023

• Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid SUVs manufactured between Dec. 18, 2020 and March 13, 2023

• Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV SUVs manufactured between May 13, 2021 and March 13, 2023

• Hyundai Santa Cruz pickup trucks manufactured between May 26, 2021 and March 13, 2023

• Kia Carnival minivans manufactured between Jan. 4, 2021 and Feb. 2, 2023

The problem: Water could get into a faulty wiring module in a trailer tow hitch and cause a fire.

The fix: Dealerships will replace the faulty wiring, free of charge.

How to contact the manufacturer: Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-855-371-9460 or Kia at 1-800-333-4542.

NHTSA campaign number: The Hyundai recall is 23V181, and the Kia recall is 23V179. Hyundai's own number for this recall is 244, and Kia's is SC265. The Hyundai recall is an expansion of previous recall number 22V-633.

Check to see whether your vehicle has an open recall: NHTSA's website will tell you whether your vehicle has any open recalls that need to be addressed.

If you plug your car's 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) into NHTSA's website and a recall doesn't appear, it means your vehicle doesn't currently have any open recalls. Because automakers issue recalls often, and for many older vehicles, we recommend checking back regularly to see whether your vehicle has had a recall issued.

Stay informed about recalls that might affect your vehicle using our Car Recall Tracker. Create a free account now to become a CR member.

Keith Barry

Keith Barry has been an auto reporter at Consumer Reports since 2018. He focuses on safety, technology, and the environmental impact of cars. Previously, he led home and appliance coverage at Reviewed; reported on cars for USA Today, Wired, and Car & Driver; and wrote for other publications as well. Keith earned a master's degree in public health from Tufts University. Follow him on Twitter @itskeithbarry.