WionDrive News Desk 
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated an investigation into 16 separate recalls by Hyundai and Kia, encompassing 6.4 million vehicles due to concerns related to brake fluid leaks that could potentially lead to fires.
The recalls, issued since 2016 by the affiliated Korean automakers, address antilock braking system (ABS) and Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) problems sourced from the same parts supplier. NHTSA’s audit query aims to assess the timeliness of Hyundai and Kia’s decision-making regarding defects, their adherence to reporting requirements, and the variations in defect descriptions and remedies across the recalls.
Hyundai affirmed its commitment to full cooperation with NHTSA, prioritising the safety of customers and employees. Kia stated it would closely collaborate with NHTSA during the review.
In September, the Korean automakers recalled a combined 3.37 million U.S. vehicles, urging owners to park outside and away from structures until repairs were completed. The recalls were initiated due to the risk of engine fires associated with internal brake fluid leaks that could cause an electrical short and potentially lead to a fire.
Hyundai reported 21 fires and 21 other thermal incidents since 2017, while Kia acknowledged at least 10 confirmed fires and melting incidents. Kia explained that the HECU in the vehicles might experience an electrical short due to brake fluid leaks, while Hyundai pointed to ABS module leaks causing an internal brake fluid leak and electrical short.
Notably, in November 2020, the U.S. units of Hyundai and Kia agreed to a record $210 million civil penalty following NHTSA’s assertion that they failed to recall 1.6 million vehicles promptly for engine issues and provided inaccurate information.
