Hyundai and Kia urgently recall 150,000 vehicles in the US - including some 2024 models - over 'increased risks of crashing'

Hyundai and Kia are recalling a combined 147,100 vehicles in the US over a damaged charging unit. 

It can lead to cars losing power when being driven - creating a crash risk, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said Thursday.

Hyundai will recall 98,878 vehicles, affecting certain Ioniq and Genesis models, while Kia will recall 48,232 vehicles impacting certain EV6 models.    

The two car brands operate as separate companies in the US, but Hyundai Motor Group owns a large stake in Kia.

As a result, models from both often share their engineering and parts - which is why recalls can affect both manufacturers.

Hyundai is recalling Hyundai Ioniq 5 cars from 2022, 2023 and 2024

The Integrated Charging Control Unit may become damaged and stop charging the 12-volt battery, which can result in a loss of drive power increasing the risk of a crash, the safety regulator said. 

The recalled models are 2022-2024 year Hyundai IONIQ 5; 2023 and 2024 Hyundai IONIQ 6; 2023 and 2024 year Genesis GV60, GV70 and GV80.

Kia is recalling its 2022 through 2024 year EV6.

Kia issued another recall in January - more than 101,000 cars and SUVs  over potentially fatal hazards with their roofs.

Automaker Kia is recalling over 101,000 cars and SUVs in the US over potentially fatal hazards with their roofs. Pictured: a Kia Carnival

The models affected include the Kia Carnival 2022-2024 and the Kia Sportage 2023-2024. Pictured: the Kia Sportage

Reports to the NHTSA show there are issues with the vehicles' roof molding which can become loose or detach while driving. 

The models affected include the Kia Carnival 2022-2024 and the Kia Sportage 2023-2024. 

Meanwhile, Hyundai issued a recall ealrier this month - of nearly 200,000 of its Elantra models due to a fault with the trunk latch which could result in somebody becoming trapped.

An alert posted by the NHTSA said that dealers will now replace the trunk of affected vehicles free of charge.

The recall applies to 186, 588 of the automaker's Elantra 2015-2016 vehicles.