Hyundai and Kia warn owners of 571,000 cars to park OUTSIDE over fears tow hitch could catch fire

Hyundai and Kia are recalling more than 568,000 cars over fears that a tow hitch harness could catch fire.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration warned that the fire could be caused because of a short circuit.

Car owners are being urged to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is completed.

The recall includes the 2019-2023 Santa Fe, 2021-2023 Santa Fe hybrid, 2022-2023 Santa Fe Plug-in hybrid and Santa Cruz models. 

Kia America Inc will also recall 3,555 units of its Carnival model manufactured between 2022 and 2023 over a similar defect. 

The recall includes the 2019-2023 Santa Fe, 2021-2023 Santa Fe hybrid, 2022-2023 Santa Fe Plug-in hybrid and Santa Cruz models

recalled more than 245,000 2020 through 2022 Palisade SUVs for a similar problem. Pictured: North America Hyundai CEO Jose Munoz

All have Hyundai or Kia tow hitch harnesses that came as original equipment or were installed by dealers - with fires possible even if the ignitions are off.

The NHTSA said: 'Water accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.'

Owners will be notified starting May 16, and dealers will remove the fuse and tow hitch computer module until a fix is available.

Later they will install a new fuse and wire extension with an improved connector that's waterproof.

Midsize Santa Fe SUV – both regular and hybrid – cost up to $47,370 while the Santa Cruz truck is $40,570.

A 2023 Kia Carnival SUV is a favourite for families, and starts at a price of $33,100.

It comes after the Korean carmakers said that they would provide free software fixes for 8.3 million vehicles to stop a rash of thefts inspired by TikTok videos.

Last year Hyundai recalled more than 245,000 2020 through 2022 Palisade SUVs for a similar problem.

Kia America Inc will also recall 3,555 units of its Carnival model manufactured between 2022 and 2023 over a similar defect

Owners will be notified starting May 16, and dealers will remove the fuse and tow hitch computer module until a fix is available

All have Hyundai or Kia tow hitch harnesses that came as original equipment or were installed by dealers - with fires possible even if the ignitions are off

They also issued a 'stop sale; order for affected inventory at dealerships and processing centers in accordance with federal guidelines

Kia said in a statement that there have been six 'localized' fires involving the Telluride.

A Hyundai spokesperson confirmed three fires and 16 melting incidents in the United States and Canada between January 2020 and July 2022, but no crashes or injuries related to the problem.