2020-2022 Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride recalled due to fire risk

More than 280,000 Hyundai Palisades and Kia Tellurides from the 2020 to 2022 model years are being recalled due to a potentially faulty towbar harness that could cause a fire while the SUVs are parked or in motion. Hyundai and Kia also announced today that they are discontinuing sales of affected models at dealers and processing centers that have not been sold, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

According to separate documents filed yesterday with NHTSA, This is reported by Hyundai that about 245,030 Palisades were affected, and This was reported by Kia that about 36,417 tellurides are affected. Both reports indicate that the fire hazard is related to an electrical short that can occur when debris or moisture accumulates on the towbar module circuit board. The belt could be installed as original equipment or as an accessory through the dealer. Neither automaker immediately responded to a request for comment.

Hyundai and Kia are still finalizing fix plans. In the meantime, both automakers are advising owners of affected vehicles to park on the street and away from buildings until the recall is resolved. In its NHTSA report, Hyundai says owners can continue to drive their Palisades and describes plans to remove the fuse for the hitch module as an added protection measure.

So far, Hyundai has not reported any fires, crashes or injuries in the U.S. related to the recall. However, eight cases of melting were confirmed. Likewise, Kia reported no accidents or injuries, but confirmed five meltdowns and one fire.

Hyundai plans to notify dealers and owners on October 17, 2022. Kia plans to notify dealers of the recall on October 10, 2022, and owners on October 14, 2022.