NHTSA is currently conducting an “engineering assessment.”
Lawsuits, recalls and penalties have not yet put Hyundai’s engine fire nightmare in the rearview mirror. A new Reuters report states that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an “engineering assessment” into both automakers. This will examine the recall efforts of the companies in relation to engine fire issues affecting certain models, as well as other issues.
NHTSA has been notified of 161 engine fires, which could be related to the issue. The new engineering analysis will affect approximately three million vehicles. The process could lead to a new recall. However, the agency could decide not to take any further action. According to the publication, the engineering analysis will also examine Hyundai and Kia’s recall processes. The two companies are fully cooperating with agency.
Kia issued an emergency recall earlier this year that affected nearly 380,000 vehicles due to the possibility of an engine fire. The company advised owners to keep their vehicles away from other vehicles and buildings. The recall was for 2017-2019 Cadenza sedans and Sportage SUVs from 2017-2021. The recall was issued for the 2017-2021 Sportage SUVs and 2017-2019 Cadenza sedans. However, the problem with engines plagued both vehicles long before 2021.
As a civil penalty, the two agreed last year to $210 million for failing to recall vehicles that had engine fire risks. This was in 2015 and 2015. Although the new investigation could create more problems for automakers, consumer safety is a top priority for the government agency. Conflicting reports have also been made about deaths and injuries related to this issue. Although the Reuters report did not provide a timeline for when the NHTSA would complete its investigation, the agency noted that it tries to complete engineering analyses within a year after initiating one. Complex investigations take longer.