Warning issued as more than 1.5 million cars recalled over risk of bursting into flames
A whopping 1.5 million vehicles are at risk of catching fire as a new warning from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is issued.
According to the agency, cars should be parked outside and kept away from other vehicles until the necessary repairs have been made.
This comes after FCA US (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles United States) issued a new recall for over a million model year 2021-2025 Jeep Gladiator and Wrangler vehicles.
This was due to them posing a fire risk, even when the vehicles are turned off, potentially due to an electrical connection issue in the electric hydraulic power steering pump wiring.
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This could result in combustible materials overheating and potentially catching fire.
The NHTSA has stated that it is aware of ‘51 fires and one injury that are likely due to this issue’.
Since this, another recall has been issued by Kia America for its 2020-2024 Kia Telluride vehicles.
Similarly, this is due to the cars having a fire risk while both driving and parked, with owners being urged to keep their cars outside until getting the problem resolved.
The NHTSA said: “If the front power seat slide cover or knob is hit or accidentally struck, the switch can be dislodged, misaligned or damaged, leading to continuous operation and overheating of the seat motor. An improper repair under the previous recall could also lead to the motor overheating and catching fire.
“Kia is aware of seven seat fires and 11 seat motors melting. The company will notify affected owners starting on Aug 13 to schedule a remedy at their local dealership. Dealers will install an electronic fuse assembly to prevent continuous operation of the seat motor if the seat switch becomes dislodged, internally misaligned or otherwise damaged.”
Speaking to The Wall Street Journal, a spokesperson for Stellantis said: “We understand that these measures may be inconvenient in daily life, however they are shared with the same level of care we would have for our own families. We strongly encourage customers to follow the guidance provided.”
Michael Brooks, who is the executive director at the advocacy group Center for Auto Safety, added: “It’s encouraging that we are seeing more manufacturers notifying owners of potentially dangerous conditions prior to the availability of repairs.”
If you’re worried about your own vehicle, you can search vehicle identification numbers and license plate numbers on NHTSA.gov to find out if your car has been recalled.
The NHTSA also encourages drivers to download its SaferCar app to stay informed on current recalls.