Hyundai Motor Company has issued a Hyundai Santa Fe recall affecting approximately 44,000 model-year 2018 Santa Fe Sport SUVs due to a defect that may cause an engine compartment fire — even when the vehicle is parked.
The issue involves the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module, which could malfunction and lead to an electrical short.
Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until repairs are completed.
Affected Model: 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
Units Affected: Approximately 44,000 vehicles
Recall Number: 237
Defect: ABS module may short circuit
Risk: Engine compartment fire while parked or driving
Repair: Installation of replacement fuse (free of charge)
Injuries Reported: None at this time
Recommendation: Park outside and away from structures
Owners can contact Hyundai customer service at 855-371-9460 or check their VIN at the NHTSA recall lookup website.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the current Hyundai Santa Fe recall involves:
However, this recall follows a much larger safety action announced earlier involving nearly 360,000 Hyundai vehicles, including:
Hyundai’s Kia brand also recalled nearly 127,000 vehicles for similar ABS-related fire risks.
The defect stems from the vehicle’s Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module.
A malfunction inside the ABS module may cause:
This fire risk can occur:
Hyundai has stated that affected 2018 models were “inadvertently excluded” from a prior recall addressing the same issue.
So far, the defective ABS modules have been linked to four confirmed engine compartment fires:
The third fire prompted NHTSA regulators to question why certain 2018 Santa Fe Sport vehicles were not included in an earlier recall.
At this time, no crashes or injuries have been reported in connection with these fires.
If you own a recalled Hyundai Santa Fe Sport:
Until repairs are made, park outdoors and away from structures or other vehicles.
Be alert for:
Hyundai dealerships will install a replacement fuse to mitigate fire risk at no charge.
Owners may also qualify for reimbursement for certain out-of-pocket expenses related to recall repairs.
To determine if your vehicle is affected:
You may also download the SaferCar App to receive automatic recall alerts.
The Hyundai Santa Fe recall is part of a broader pattern of engine fire-related recalls affecting nearly 1 million Hyundai and Kia vehicles in recent years.
In October, Kia recalled 71,000 older SUVs due to similar ABS-related fire risks.
In 2021, Kia issued another recall affecting 440,000 vehicles over concerns involving the hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU), another component of the anti-lock braking system.
Regulators previously found corrosion on wiring inside ABS components, which can increase fire risk.
Vehicle recalls are common but serious.
In 2019 alone, manufacturers announced 966 safety recalls affecting more than 53 million vehicles.
Safety recalls are issued when:
If you believe your vehicle has a safety defect that has not yet been recalled, you may contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236.
While no injuries have been officially linked to this recall so far, vehicle fires can result in:
If you were injured or experienced property loss related to a Hyundai Santa Fe engine fire, you may wish to speak with an attorney about your legal rights.
The Killino Firm’s Auto Defect Injury Lawyers have represented individuals harmed by defective vehicles and automotive components. If you would like to discuss your situation, you may contact our office toll-free at 877-875-2927 for a confidential consultation.
Hyundai has stated that owners may continue driving their vehicles but recommends parking outside until repairs are completed.
Yes. Hyundai dealerships will perform the recall repair at no cost.
Recall number 237 refers to the 2018 Santa Fe Sport recall related to the ABS module fire risk.
As of current reports, no injuries or crashes have been linked to the defect.
Repair time may vary by dealership, but recall repairs are typically completed in a single service appointment.
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