Illinois, If You Have These Cars, You Need To Park Outside

A warning has been issued for drivers of certain brands to park their cars outside.

Hyundai and Kia have really been in the spotlight lately and not for anything good. TikTok's "Kia Challenge" started when some teenagers figured out you could carjack a Kia (that didn't have an immobilizer) or a Hyundai using a screwdriver and USB cord. Since then, local police stations have had events handing out steering wheel locks.

And thanks to the trend (which is about to turn a year old), in the Quad Cities, last September through last December, 11 total Kias and Hyundais were stolen in the city, according to KWQC. In December 2022, Rock Island police said they had 14 incidents within 24 hours.

So if you have a Kia or a Hyundai you should probably park it in a garage or somewhere inside, right?

Hold on.

The New Problem

While Kia and Hyundai have had that to deal with, there's a new issue on the table for drivers.

NBC Chicago reports that Hyundai & Kia are recalling 3.4 million vehicles because of a fire risk and they're urging car owners to park outside.

On the Hyundai side, the recall impacts:

• Accent (2012-2015)
• Azera (2012-2015)
• Elantra (2011-2015)
• Elantra Coupe (2013-2015)
• Equus (2014-2015)
• Genesis Coupe (2011-2015)
• Santa Fe (2013-2015)
• Santa Fe Sport (2013)
• Sonata Hybrid (2011-2015)
• Tuscon (2010-2013)
• Tuscon Fuel Cell (2015)
• Veloster (2012-2015)
• Veracruz (2010-2012)

On the Kia side, the recall includes:

• Borrego (2010-2019)
• Cadenza (2014-2016)
• Forte (2010-2013)
• Forte Koup (2010-2013)
• K900 (2015-2018)
• Optima (2011-2015)
• Optima Hybrid (2011-2015)
• Rio (2012-2017)
• Rondo (2010-2011)
• Sorrento (2011-2014)
• Soul (2011-2013)
• Sportage (2010-2013)

The danger is that the cars' anti-lock brake control module can leak fluid, causing an electrical short, starting a fire while the car is either parked or while it's being driven.

If you drive any of those cars, the auto companies are advising you to park outside, away from structures, until repairs can be done.

So far, Hyundai has reported 21 fires in the affected vehicles in the U.S., and also 22 “thermal incidents” (which mean smoke, burning or melting parts). Kia reported 10 fires and melting incidents.

You can find out if your exact vehicle is in the recall on NHTSA's website.