Hyundai recalls 13,552 Sonata models produced between November 2012 and January 2014 for the Canadian market.
In the United States, Hyundai performs the same operation for approximately 207,000 Sonata, obviously for the same problem. The global total number of affected units has not been released.
The problem is that the low pressure fuel supply hose can crack over time due to the heat generated in the engine compartment. Any resulting fuel leakage could increase the risk of fire. This is what is found in a document from the American NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), the equivalent of Transport Canada.
The occupants could also detect a fuel odor linked to this problem. During the Kia recall published last week, cases of owners having experienced this situation were reported.
What is annoying is that Hyundai has not yet found a solution to this glitch. The automaker said it “thinks the material used to produce the fuel line could be more sensitive to heat under certain vehicle operating conditions.”
The company said it is continuing to investigate the potential causes of the problem.
“We are working on a solution as soon as possible,” spokesman Michael Stewart said.
“Owners can continue to drive these vehicles. We are not aware of any fires, accidents or injuries related to this situation,” he said.
Hyundai informed NHTSA of the safety recall on February 28. Dealers and owners in the United States will be notified by April 24. Hyundai Canada has yet to indicate when it is doing the same.
Supplier Hanil Tube USA of Tallassee, Alabama has been identified as the manufacturer of the affected part for the 2013-14 Hyundai Sonata.
