More than 240,000 vehicles from South Korean carmakers Hyundai, Genesis and Kia were recalled across the U.S. and Canada over various safety issues, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced in two notices.
Some electric vehicles (EVs) were recalled over damaged charging units resulting in a loss of drive power, which “increases the risk of a crash,” one notice announced, according to The Washington Post.
Some Hyundai models may have faulty wiring that would allow the vehicle to roll away. Other Hyundai, Kia and Genesis cars may have damaged EV charging units. https://t.co/Tod41EBAZk
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) November 24, 2024
Approximately 145,235 of the potentially affected EVs were made by Hyundai and Genesis, which is owned by the Hyundai Motor Group, the outlet reported. More than 62,872 EVs from Kia were also possibly affected by the manufacturing defects.
Most of the affected EVs by Hyundai and Genesis were built for sale in the U.S., while about 34,529 of the automakers’ affected EVs were made to be sold in Canada, according to The Washington Post, citing an email by Ira Gabriel, the senior group manager for corporate and marketing PR at Hyundai.
The recall encompasses the following vehicle models: 2022-2024 models of Kia EV6, 2023-2024 models of the Genesis G80 EV, 2023-2025 models of the Genesis GV60, 2023-2025 models of the Genesis GV70 EV, 2022-2024 models of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and 2023-2025 models of the Hyundai Ioniq 6.
Kia America informed drivers in an email that affected EVs should be taken to the dealership “right away” if warning chimes sound or active warning lights appear, the outlet reported. (RELATED: Tesla Recalls More Than 2 Million Electric Vehicles)
“If the driver ignores the warnings associated with the discharging battery condition and continues to operate the vehicle in a reduced power mode, the vehicle may eventually experience a complete loss of motive power, which increases the risk of a crash,” Kia America added.
Owners of recalled vehicles can expect letters with information in December 2024 and January 2025, the NHTSA said, according to the outlet.