Fire Risks Spark Urgent Recalls for Some Hyundai and Kia Models

Faulty batteries and malfunctioning power seats have prompted automakers Hyundai and Kia to issue urgent recalls and park-outside alerts for one Hyundai EV model, two Kia EV models, and one Kia SUV model, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data.

The recalls affect just six Hyundai IONIQ 5 vehicles from model years 2023 and 2024 and eight Kia EV6 and EV9 vehicles from 2022–2024. Misaligned electrodes on high-voltage battery cells could cause fires while vehicles are parked or driving. Recall numbers are 305 for affected Hyundais and SC375 for Kias.

Kia is also recalling approximately 462,869 Tellurides from model years 2020–2024 for a front power-seat problem that could cause a fire. Power-seat slider knobs may stick, causing the front power-seat motor to overheat and possibly cause a fire. Kia’s recall number for this problem is SC374.

Telluride owners might have already had the issue addressed under a previous recall order — NHTSA records note that an “improper recall 24V407 repair” might also be at fault. Those vehicles will need to have additional repairs completed under the new recall.

The manufacturers are advising owners to park their vehicles outside until they’re able to get them fixed. EV owners should also charge vehicle batteries only to a maximum of 80%.

How to find out if the recalls affect your vehicle

Hyundai expects to begin mailing notices to affected EV owners on Aug. 31, while Kia anticipates sending notices by Aug. 7 for its EV recall and Aug. 13 to Telluride owners. Drivers who don’t want to wait to find out whether their vehicle is among those affected can call the automakers’ customer service numbers or look up their VIN on the NHTSA website.

Hyundai offers a recall lookup by VIN on its website. Kia owners can also look up recalls by VIN online.

What’s next: Recalls and car insurance

Vehicle recalls can happen for minor issues or for very risky ones, like the possibility of starting a fire. But in addition to safety concerns, owners of vehicles with active recalls should be aware of the potential effect on their auto insurance, experts caution.

“If your vehicle has an open recall, it’s a good idea to take it into a dealership and get it fixed right away,” said Matt Brannon, senior economic analyst for insurance comparison platform Insurify and author of the 2026 Insuring the American Driver Report. “A recall doesn’t make your car uninsurable. But if you ignore a safety problem and it plays a role in an accident, that could influence how insurers handle your claim.”

Recall repairs are generally free, Brannon noted.

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