Hyundai and Kia Issue Tiny Recall for 14 EVs, Advise Parking Away From Structures

In what might be the smallest recall in automotive history, Hyundai and Kia are asking owners of exactly 14 electric vehicles to park outside and away from buildings. The affected models include the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and several Kia EVs, with the issue traced to a potential fire risk in the battery pack.

The companies stress that this is a precautionary measure, not a widespread problem.

The recall targets a specific batch of vehicles that may contain a defective battery cell. Hyundai and Kia identified the problem during internal quality checks and moved quickly to notify the 14 owners. While the number is minuscule compared to typical recalls, the potential hazard is serious enough that the automakers are urging drivers to keep the cars at least 50 feet from structures and other vehicles until repairs are completed.

Owners will be contacted directly by dealerships to schedule a free battery inspection and, if needed, a replacement. The fix is expected to take a few hours. For now, the advice is simple: park the car outside, away from your house, and don't charge it overnight. This recall serves as a reminder that even rare manufacturing defects get swift attention in the EV industry, where battery safety remains a top priority.