Hyundai Motor America has initiated a recall of 135,386 Santa Fe vehicles from the 2024-2025 model years due to a potential fire risk linked to the starter motor. The issue arises from improper assembly, which may cause the starter motor’s positive terminal to contact the crankcase cover, leading to electrical arcing and possible fires. This recall affects vehicles produced at Hyundai’s Asan, South Korea plant, with no reported incidents of fires, crashes, or injuries as of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) announcement on November 21, 2024.
Recall Scope and Affected Vehicles
The recall specifically targets 135,386 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Hybrid SUVs, each equipped with a 2.5-liter gasoline direct injection engine and a 12-volt lead-acid battery. These vehicles were manufactured at Hyundai’s Asan plant in South Korea. The recall covers non-hybrid Santa Fe models produced between May 15, 2023, and October 30, 2024, and Santa Fe Hybrid models built from May 22, 2023, to September 17, 2024. This comprehensive recall underscores Hyundai’s commitment to addressing potential safety hazards proactively.
Owner notification letters are scheduled to be mailed starting January 20, 2025. This timeline ensures that affected vehicle owners are informed promptly and can take necessary actions to mitigate any risks. The recall’s scope highlights the importance of thorough quality checks and the need for manufacturers to maintain rigorous standards in vehicle assembly processes.
Cause of the Fire Risk
The root cause of the fire risk is traced back to improper assembly of the starter motor. Specifically, the positive terminal may come into contact with the crankcase cover due to the absence or incorrect installation of a cover nut. This contact can result in a short circuit, leading to electrical arcing and the potential for a vehicle fire, even when the engine is not running. Hyundai’s investigation into this issue was prompted by routine quality checks conducted at the Asan plant, highlighting the critical role of regular inspections in identifying and rectifying manufacturing defects.
This situation underscores the importance of assembly precision and the potential consequences of even minor oversights in vehicle manufacturing. The identification of this issue during quality checks reflects Hyundai’s vigilance in maintaining safety standards and its readiness to address potential hazards before they result in incidents.
Hyundai’s Remediation Plan
To address the identified risk, Hyundai has outlined a remediation plan that involves replacing the entire starter motor assembly on affected vehicles at no cost to the owners. This comprehensive remedy includes a full inspection and replacement process, which is expected to take approximately one hour per vehicle. By offering this service free of charge, Hyundai demonstrates its commitment to customer safety and satisfaction.
In the interim, Hyundai advises vehicle owners to park their cars outside and away from structures until the necessary repairs are completed. This precautionary measure aims to minimize the risk of fire and protect both the vehicle and surrounding property. The company’s proactive approach in advising owners reflects a broader industry trend towards prioritizing consumer safety and transparency in addressing potential vehicle defects.
Owner Actions and Contact Information
Owners of the affected vehicles can verify if their car is part of the recall by checking the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the NHTSA website or by contacting Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. The NHTSA campaign number for this recall is 24V837, and Hyundai’s internal recall number is 253. These references are crucial for owners when scheduling repairs or seeking further information from dealers.
While no incidents have been reported, it is imperative for owners to schedule repairs promptly upon receiving notification. This proactive engagement ensures that potential risks are mitigated swiftly, reinforcing the importance of timely communication between manufacturers and consumers. Hyundai’s transparent handling of this recall serves as a reminder of the automotive industry’s responsibility to uphold safety standards and maintain consumer trust.