Hyundai and Kia Recall Over 8,000 Vehicles in Canada Due to Fuel Leak Risk

A Hyundai vehicle logo is seen at an automotive dealership in Ottawa on Aug. 11, 2023. The Canadian Press/Sean Kilpatrick

Hyundai and Kia are recalling more than 8,000 mid-sized sedans in Canada due to a problem found in the purge control system that could cause a fuel leak.

The recall notices issued by Transport Canada say a fuel leak “can create the risk of a fire.”

“On certain vehicles, the check valve for the purge control system could wear and cause the fuel tank to expand. As a result, the fuel tank could contact hot components and fuel could leak,” the Nov. 20 notices state.

The vehicles mentioned are the Hyundai Sonata for model years 2020 to 2023 and the Kia K5 for model years 2021 to 2024, according to the notices, which also said that the recalls only affect certain vehicles equipped with a 1.6 L turbocharged engine. A total of 5,616 Sonata and 2,737 K5 vehicles are affected, according to Transport Canada’s Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

In the case of Hyundai, the Nov. 20 safety recall replaces emissions recall no. ECR-H0003-24-005 (Hyundai recall no. C0566), which was issued on Nov. 18. “Vehicles that were repaired under that recall also require this repair,” the federal agency added.

A Kia car dealership is shown in Bowmanville, Ont., on Jan. 22, 2022. The Canadian Press/Doug Ives

Affected car owners will be notified by Hyundai and Kia by mail and will be advised to bring their vehicle to a dealership for inspection, and if needed, to have the check valve replaced and the electronic control unit software updated.

“The dealer will also inspect the fuel tank and surrounding components and repair them, as necessary,” the Hyundai notice said. Meanwhile, the Kia notice said the dealer will also inspect the fuel tank and replace it if necessary.”

Recent Recalls

Transport Canada also issued recalls for several models of Hyundai and Kia in recent months due to safety issues that could increase the risk of fires and serious injuries.

In October, Hyundai recalled 13,153 of its Santa Fe vehicles of model years 2024 and 2025 because the starter motor’s terminal cover may not have been installed properly.

At the time, the recall notice warned that the SUVs’ positive terminal could be exposed and contact nearby components in a crash, which could result in a short circuit.

“A short circuit could create the risk of a fire and/or injury,” said Transport Canada on Oct. 2.

In mid-September, 43,990 Hyundai Palisades of model years 2020 to 2025 were recalled due to potential faulty seatbelt buckles that could detach in the event of a crash.

The Sept. 11 notice said Hyundai recommended drivers and passengers of the impacted SUVs to firmly latch their seat belts and pull on them after latching to ensure they are secured “until the recall repairs have been completed.”

Also in September, Kia recalled 2,284 of its Sorento LX+ vehicles of model years 2021 to 2023, saying that the wiring harness for the blower motor may not have been manufactured properly on certain of those vehicles.

“As a result, the wiring could overheat and melt,” said the Sept. 26 recall notice. “Wiring that overheats and melts can create the risk of a fire.”

In late July, Transport Canada published a recall affecting 8.497 Kia Telluride vehicles due to a “structure” problem.

Specifically, the July 30 notice said the exterior trim piece below the window on each door may not be properly attached for Tellurides manufactured in 2023, 2024, and 2025.

“As a result, the face plate could loosen from the exterior trim pieces and separate from the vehicle,” it said. Parts that get detached could pose a hazard to other road users and increase the risk of a crash, the notice added.