‘Moving aggressively’, US states investigate Hyundai and Kia over vehicle fires

A group of US states is investigating Hyundai Motor Co and Kia Motors Corp for potential unfair and deceptive acts related to reports of hundreds of vehicle fires, Connecticut Attorney General William Tong said on Monday.

The South Korean carmakers have recalled more than 2.3 million vehicles since 2015 to address various engine fire risks in a series of recalls. In November, Reuters reported that federal prosecutors had launched a criminal investigation into Hyundai and Kia to determine if vehicle recalls linked to engine defects had been conducted properly.

“We are aware of multiple fires involving Connecticut vehicles, including some allegedly already repaired through the recall process. This is a serious matter, and we are moving aggressively and responsibly to uncover the facts and to ensure accountability,” Tong said in a statement.

Hyundai said late Monday that it is “fully cooperating with the government in this matter, and is committed to providing American motorists with safe, high quality, efficient and affordable vehicles”. The company added it “has made numerous improvements to our engine manufacturing, and has enhanced our customer service efforts to address every single impacted customer”.

Kia did not immediately comment. A spokeswoman for the Connecticut attorney general declined to say how many states were taking part.