Hyundai and Kia have announced a large safety recall affecting hundreds of thousands of vehicles in North America due to a fire risk connected to certain wiring components. Government safety authorities and major news outlets report that the recall involves specific electrical connections tied to trailer hitch wiring. Owners of affected models are being advised to park outside and away from structures until the repairs can be completed. The information, carried by The Associated Press and corroborated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, underscores the importance of acting on recall notices and following official guidance for safe vehicle operation.
The recall spans several popular SUVs and utility vehicles from Hyundai and a leading minivan from Kia. The Hyundai Santa Fe line, including models built from 2019 through 2023, is affected, with the hybrid variant entering service in 2021 and continuing into later years. In addition, Hyundai Santa Fe plug-in hybrids produced in the same window are part of the campaign. The recall also covers certain Santa Cruz pickups from 2022 and 2023, expanding the scope beyond traditional passenger vehicles. On the Kia side, the Carnival minivan is included in the same safety review, reflecting a broader concern around trailer hitch wiring across both brands.
The underlying problem is tied to the wiring harness connected to trailer hitches that ship as factory equipment or are installed by dealers. In some cases, moisture can enter a microcircuit within this wiring harness even when the ignition is turned off, creating a pathway for a short circuit. While no fires have been linked directly to these events in all cases, investigators have identified five instances of thermal damage to the affected cables, though there have not been confirmed ignition incidents in those reports. The combination of water exposure and sensitive electronics in the hitch wiring is what prompts the precautionary recall and the need for a definitive repair by authorized service providers.
In other automotive news, a separate development appears from the Russian market where reports indicate the new Granta Sport is expected to feature a higher output engine. Early announcements suggest a 120 horsepower specification, signaling additional performance options in that model lineup. This update stands apart from the Hyundai and Kia safety campaign but reflects the broader pace of engine and technology updates happening across the global automotive sector. Consumers following vehicle news should stay aware of both safety recall notices and performance-oriented model enhancements as part of their ongoing car ownership experience.