Hyundai Motor America announced on Oct. 5, 2018 they will recall more than 10,000 vehicles suffering from inadequate and potentially dangerous electrical connections.
The Fountain Valley, California-based manufacturer will recall 10,575 2017-2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid and 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid vehicles built between Nov. 16, 2016 and Aug. 16, 2017, according to a report sent to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
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The affected vehicles may have inadequate connections between electrical contacts, creating increased electrical resistance. Increased electrical resistance generates heat and increases fire risk.
Hyundai’s recall chronology states the company received heat damage reports from the Korean market on March 7, 2018. The company immediately began testing but was unable to determine the heat damage’s cause by June 2018. Hyundai refocused its attention on component testing with supplier LS IS of Korea.
Hyundai eventually replicated the defect on Sept. 18, 2018, discovering increased electrical resistance in the main relay terminals caused increased heat. Hyundai noted the main electrical relays in question originated from a previous supplier that used lower manufacturing specifications for terminal tightening torque and contact pressure.
Hyundai’s technical committee convened on Oct. 2, 2018 and decided to initiate a voluntary safety recall.
Hyundai will notify owners and dealers will inspect the Power Relay Assembly for damage. If no damage is found, the main relay will be replaced. If damage is found, the relay assembly will be replaced. These repairs will be performed for free. The recall will begin Nov. 30, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai’s number for this recall is 178. Concerned Hyundai owners can also visit the NHTSA’s website and enter their VIN to see if their vehicle is included in any recalls.
Your vehicle’s manufacturer is legally required to fix any recalled problems for free. If the dealership refuses to fix the part or tries to charge you for the repair, contact the manufacturer immediately. The Highway Safety Act of 1970, which created the NHTSA, requires car manufacturers to pay for the recall and replacement of a defective part.
If the manufacturer fails to repair, replace, repurchase, or provide your recalled vehicle’s loss value, they are violating the warranty and a lawyer may be able to help you. Lemon law attorneys help their clients by dealing directly with the manufacturer on the clients’ behalf, working to promptly resolve the issue and get their clients back on the road. Thanks to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, attorneys can seek their fees directly from the manufacturer, meaning a client can obtain legal counsel without having to pay attorneys’ fees directly out of pocket.
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