Hyundai recalls more than 13,000 cars over fault that could cause vehicle to catch on fire

More than 13,000 Hyundai cars have been recalled over a potentially disastrous engine fault that could cause the vehicle to catch on fire.

A recall notice was issued on Thursday for two Hyundai models – Veloster (FS) and Tucson (TL) (variants: FS 1.6GDI, TL 2.0MI) – made between 2014 and 2017.

According to the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts, the engine connecting rod bearing could fail ‘prematurely causing engine damage’ due to a ‘manufacturing defect’. 

Should this occur, engine oil could leak in the presence of an ignition source resulting in a vehicle fire. 

Hyundai Tucson (TL) (variants: FS 1.6GDI, TL 2.0MI) made between 2014 and 2017 were also part of the recall 

‘A vehicle fire could increase the risk of injury or death to vehicle occupants, other road users, bystanders and/or damage to property,’ the department said. 

The notice says more than 13,000 cars are impacted by the fault.

The department warned drivers that they should be on the look out for any unusual noise coming from the engine, the appearance of smoke, or if a vehicle’s instrument cluster displays an engine warning light.

Should any of these occur, drivers are urged to ‘stop the vehicle where it is safe to do so, turn off the ignition, evacuate the vehicle and contact their nearest Hyundai dealer immediately’.

‘Owners of affected vehicles can contact their preferred authorised Hyundai dealer to have the work carried out as soon as possible, free of charge,’ the department said.

Consumers can visit the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts for a full list of impacted vehicles.

Customers are also urged to contact Hyundai Customer Care on 1800 186 306 for more information.