2006-2009 Hyundai Santa Fe recalled due to fire hazard
The increased fire risk is still present even when the car’s engine is switched off.
Hyundai Australia has issued a recall of 9393 of its 2006 to 2009 model year Santa Fe SUVs sold between 16 March 2005 and 22 September 2009 due to a defective circuit board that may increase the risk of fire.
The recall notice, lodged with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), says the defect relates to an electronic circuit board in the vehicles’ anti-lock braking system (ABS) module that may short circuit when exposed to moisture.
Hyundai Australia says if the circuit board does short circuit, this may increase the risk of a fire in the engine compartment which could result in accident or serious injury to vehicle occupants, other road users and bystanders, and damage to property.
Hyundai notes this fire risk is present even when the car’s engine is switched off, as the ABS module receives power constantly.
Due to the constant risk of the fire, Hyundai is asking owners to park affected vehicles in an open space away from other structures that may ignite in the case of a fire.
Hyundai says the braking function of vehicles included in the recall is not affected by the faulty circuitry. CarAdvice has been told no Australian vehicles have suffered fire due to the defect.
Hyundai Australia says it will notify owners of affected vehicles asking them to arrange inspection and repair of the defective system, which involves the installation of a relay kit on the circuit board. Hyundai believes replacement parts for this repair will be available from July 2020.
A full list of the vehicle identification numbers of the 9393 affected vehicles can be found here .
To check if your vehicle is affected, visit www.hyundai.com.au/dealer or call 1800 186 306 .