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Kia and Hyundai models before shipment in South Korea (symbolic image)
Photo: LEE JAE-WON/ REUTERS
Recalls are not uncommon in the automotive industry.
Again and again, large numbers of models have to be ordered to the workshops in order to exchange a faulty part or to rectify other development problems.
In this way, the manufacturers also protect themselves against possible claims for damages.
In a recent case, the Korean companies Hyundai and Kia have to recall around 500,000 cars in the USA.
As CNN reports, the recall is accompanied by a rather unusual appeal to owners of the affected vehicles.
They are encouraged not to park indoors or even near buildings.
Manufacturers say it is possible for the cars to catch fire when parked.
A computer module in the anti-lock braking system is to blame.
"External contamination" could cause a short circuit and, in the worst case, a fire.
According to CNN, Kia has so far reported three cases to US authorities in which the module actually caused a fire.
The Reuters news agency even reports eleven cases.
However, there is no risk when driving, according to the companies.
Although Kia and Hyundai operate as separate companies, they are closely linked and share some development.
Kia is part of the Hyundai group.
Million reward for tip from engineer
The models affected by the recall include the Santa Fe and Tuscon at Hyundai and Sportage and the K900 at Kia.
As of now, the recall only applies to the US market.
The Hyundai Group only hit the headlines at the end of last year.
At that time, the US authorities had paid a South Korean 24 million US dollars in the highest whistleblower bonus ever granted in the auto industry.
The engineer, who has worked for Hyundai for 26 years, warned regulators back in 2016 that the company was apparently doing too little about an engine failure that could lead to accidents.
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