Hyundai Recalls Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles Due To Fire Risk

Hyundai Motor America has announced a safety recall affecting approximately 1,545 Hyundai Nexo hydrogen fuel cell SUVs from model years 2019-2024 due to a potential fire hazard. The recall comes after the discovery of a defect in the vehicles’ Thermally-activated Pressure Relief Device (TPRD), which could lead to unexpected hydrogen gas leaks.

Which Hyundai Vehicles are Affected

The affected vehicles, manufactured between August 10, 2018, and August 25, 2023, are equipped with a glass bulb-type TPRD designed to vent hydrogen gas in cases of tank over-pressurization. However, manufacturing defects have resulted in possible microcracks in the glass components, which could cause premature fracturing and unintended hydrogen discharge during normal vehicle operation.

According to the safety recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the risk is particularly concerning when vehicles are parked in confined spaces where leaked hydrogen gas could accumulate near potential ignition sources. While only an estimated 1% of the recalled vehicles are expected to have the defect, Hyundai is taking proactive measures to ensure customer safety.

Vehicle owners may notice several warning signs if their TPRD malfunctions, including a loud rushing wind noise, a white fog-like cloud near the rear of the vehicle, rapid decrease in fuel gauge readings, and illumination of the malfunction indicator lamp in the instrument cluster.

Fixing the Issue

Hyundai has already developed a remedy for the issue, replacing the problematic glass-type TPRD with a new metal-type component. The automaker implemented this change in production vehicles starting May 21, 2024. All repairs will be performed free of charge at authorized Hyundai dealerships, regardless of warranty status.

As a precautionary measure, Hyundai recommends that owners of affected vehicles park their cars outside and away from structures until the recall repair is completed. The company plans to notify both dealers and vehicle owners by December 10, 2024, through electronic communications and certified mail respectively.

The recall was prompted by reports received through Hyundai’s quality monitoring system and involves components supplied by Youngdo Industry, based in Busan, South Korea. Hyundai has also established a reimbursement program for owners who may have previously paid for repairs related to this issue.

Contacting Hyundai

Owners seeking additional information can contact Hyundai Motor America at 800-633-5151 or wait for their official recall notification. The recall is being tracked under NHTSA recall number 24V-761 and Hyundai’s internal recall number 269.

This recall highlights the ongoing challenges faced by automakers as they transition to alternative fuel technologies, particularly in ensuring the safety and reliability of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, which require specialized components for safe fuel storage and handling.

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