Hyundai and Kia Urge Owners to Park Outside Amid Battery Fire Recall

Hyundai and Kia have issued an urgent recall affecting tens of thousands of vehicles due to a risk of battery fires. The automakers are telling owners to park their cars outdoors and away from structures until repairs are completed. The recall covers certain 2023-2024 Hyundai models, including the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, and Genesis GV60, along with several Kia models such as the EV6 and Niro EV.

The problem stems from a manufacturing defect in the battery cells supplied by a third-party vendor. In rare cases, internal damage to the cells can cause a short circuit, leading to overheating and fire, even when the vehicle is turned off and not charging. S. and Canada. The companies are working with regulators to roll out a software update that will monitor battery performance and alert drivers to potential issues.

Owners are encouraged to contact their local dealer for a free inspection and repair. In the meantime, the safest step is to park outside, away from your home or garage, and to avoid charging the vehicle overnight. Hyundai and Kia are also offering loaner vehicles and towing services for those who need them.

If you own one of these models, check your vehicle identification number (VIN) on the NHTSA website or the automaker’s recall portal to see if your car is affected. Don’t wait, this fix could save your home and your life.