13,000 Hyundai SUVs recalled for faulty terminal covers that could short circuit

The Hyundai logo is seen at a new and used vehicles dealership in Palatine, Ill., March 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File)

Thousands of Hyundai SUVs in Canada have been recalled by the carmaker due to a potentially faulty terminal cover on the starter motor of certain vehicles.

According to Transport Canada, which published the recall this month, 13,153 Hyundai Santa Fe models made in 2024 and 2025 are impacted.

“On certain vehicles, the starter motor’s terminal cover may not have been installed properly,” the department said on its website.

“As a result, the positive terminal could be exposed and contact nearby components in a crash. If this happens, there could be a short circuit. A short circuit could create the risk of a fire and/or injury.”

A similar recall was issued in the U.S. last week, which warned of “fire risk from improper starter motor wiring,” also for 2024 and 2025 Santa Fe models.

“The B+ positive terminal cover on the starter motor assembly may be improperly installed, which can cause an electrical short during a crash,” the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said on its website.

South of the border, there are 135,386 vehicles that could be impacted by the issue, according to the NHTSA.

The NHTSA said in its safety recall report that the defect was first discovered last year during the testing of a 2024 Santa Fe, when a “thermal event” was reported following a front barrier crash simulation, but no incidents have been reported in the field.

Transport Canada says Hyundai will directly notify potentially affected owners by mail and advise them to take their vehicle to a dealership for inspection, where the vehicle’s starter motor positive terminal cover will be reinstalled, if necessary.