Toronto, Ontario — Feeling left out of all the fun Chevrolet is having with the Bolt recall, Hyundai announced that they are recalling 130,000 Tucson, Sonata vehicles in Canada and the U.S. for fire risks.
The recall covers certain 2017 Tucson compact crossovers and 2017 Sonata Hybrid midsize sedans equipped with 2.0-litre Nu GDI engines produced by the automaker’s engine plant in Ulsan, South Korea, according to a document submitted to NHTSA.
The connecting rod bearings in those engines may wear prematurely, which over time can result in engine damage and eventually stall the vehicle during operation.
At least 34,000 of the affected vehicles are expected to currently be on Canadian roads.
As of Sept. 17, Hyundai said it was aware of 45 fires in the U.S. related to the issue. The automaker says they are not yet aware of any confirmed crashes, injuries or fatalities attributable to the issue.
A recall notification is to be sent out to vehicle owners and dealers on Nov. 12.
Hyundai says all affected vehicles will receive an enhanced engine control software update containing its new Knock Sensor Detection System.
“We value a collaborative and cooperative relationship with NHTSA and continue to fully cooperate with them on the investigation,” said Hyundai spokesperson Michael Stewart.
“We continue to actively monitor field data and decided to conduct this recall to ensure the safety of our customers.”
