Hyundai and Kia Issue Tiny Recall for 14 EVs, Warn Drivers to Park Away From Structures

In what might be one of the smallest recalls in recent memory, Hyundai and Kia have pulled exactly 14 electric vehicles back to the shop due to a potential fire risk. The affected models are part of the 2022-2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 lineup, and owners are being told to park outdoors and away from buildings until repairs are made.

The recall, reported by MotorTrend, stems from a defective component in the cars' Integrated Charging Control Unit that could overheat and cause a fire, even when the vehicle is turned off and parked.

The two automakers have identified the root cause as a manufacturing flaw in the charging unit's internal transistors, which can short-circuit over time. While the number of vehicles involved is minuscule, just 14 units combined, the safety directive is serious. Hyundai and Kia are asking owners to park outside and not charge the vehicles until dealers replace the faulty part free of charge.

Owners can expect a notification by mail starting late January, and the repair itself is expected to take about an hour.

For context, this recall is a drop in the bucket compared to the thousands of EVs these companies have sold, but it underscores how even a handful of defects can trigger a full safety campaign. Boca Auto Care recommends that any Hyundai or Kia EV owner check their vehicle identification number on the NHTSA website to see if their car is among the 14.

If you receive a recall notice, schedule the fix promptly, parking outside is an inconvenience, but a fire is a catastrophe. As always, our team is here to help with any questions about your vehicle's safety or maintenance needs.