Hyundai and Kia recall: Some SUVs should be parked outside because of the risk of fire

The South Korean automakers last week recalled thousands of Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride cars made between 2020 and 2022, citing a fire hazard while parked or driving due to a hitch problem

There are no confirmed fires, crashes or injuries related to the problem, and a repair has not yet been identified, the department said in a consumer alert.

“An accessory trailer hitch sold through dealers may allow moisture into the spring module, causing a short circuit. In some cases, an electrical short may cause a fire in the vehicle while driving or while it is parked and turned off,” the consumer alert said.

Once a repair is available, affected vehicle owners will be notified to bring their SUVs to a Hyundai or Kia dealer, the consumer alert said. Currently, there is a temporary fix for Hyundai, but not Kia vehicles.