Hyundai has announced a recall of its hydrogen-powered Nexo SUV model in the United States after safety regulators raised concerns about a potential fuel leak that could lead to explosions. This recall affects a total of 1,545 Hyundai Nexo SUVs, which represents almost all the hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles sold in the US since 2019.
The Nexo SUV, marketed as the world’s first fuel-cell SUV, has gained significant attention as an alternative to electric mobility. With a price tag of approximately $63,000 in the US, it offers consumers a sustainable option. However, recent reports have indicated that the pressure relief bulb in the Nexo can break and cause a hydrogen leak, increasing the risk of fire, even when the SUVs are parked.
Upon the bulb’s breakage, a white fog is said to appear at the rear of the Nexo, accompanied by a loud wind-like noise. Additionally, the fuel gauge shows a sudden loss of volume, and a malfunction light illuminates on the gauge cluster. Despite these potentially concerning indicators, no incidents of fire have been reported anywhere in the world.
To address the issue and ensure customer safety, Hyundai is proactively notifying owners of affected vehicles to visit their nearest dealer. The carmaker will replace the pressure relief devices to mitigate any potential risks. Although only around 1% of the recalled vehicles are expected to have the defect, Hyundai is taking this precautionary measure seriously.
The Hyundai Nexo operates using hydrogen storage tanks, converting hydrogen into electricity to power its drive wheels. While the fuel systems are designed with safety in mind, leaks and explosions remain a possibility, albeit rare. As a precautionary measure, owners of affected vehicles have been advised to park their Nexo SUVs outside and away from structures until the necessary repairs are completed to minimize fire risks.
The recall encompasses Hyundai Nexo models from the 2019 to 2024 model years. Despite the relatively small number of vehicles affected, this recall covers nearly every hydrogen fuel-cell SUV on the road. Hyundai’s commitment to customer safety and its proactive approach to addressing potential issues demonstrate its dedication to delivering reliable and secure vehicles to its valued customers.
FAQ:
1. What is the reason for the recall of Hyundai Nexo SUVs?
– The recall is due to concerns about a potential fuel leak that could lead to explosions.
2. How many Hyundai Nexo SUVs are affected by the recall?
– A total of 1,545 Hyundai Nexo SUVs are affected by the recall, representing almost all the hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles sold in the US since 2019.
3. What is the main issue with the Nexo SUV that can lead to a fuel leak?
– The pressure relief bulb in the Nexo can break and cause a hydrogen leak, increasing the risk of fire, even when the SUVs are parked.
4. What are the indicators of a potential issue with the Nexo SUV?
– When the bulb breaks, a white fog appears at the rear of the Nexo, accompanied by a loud wind-like noise. The fuel gauge shows a sudden loss of volume, and a malfunction light illuminates on the gauge cluster.
5. Have there been any incidents of fire reported so far?
– No incidents of fire have been reported anywhere in the world.
6. What is Hyundai doing to address the issue?
– Hyundai is proactively notifying owners of affected vehicles to visit their nearest dealer. The carmaker will replace the pressure relief devices to mitigate any potential risks.
7. How should owners of affected vehicles handle their Nexo SUVs until the repairs are completed?
– Owners have been advised to park their Nexo SUVs outside and away from structures as a precautionary measure to minimize fire risks.
8. Which model years of the Hyundai Nexo are included in the recall?
– The recall encompasses Hyundai Nexo models from the 2019 to 2024 model years.
Definitions:
1. Fuel cell: A device that converts the chemical energy from a fuel into electricity through a chemical reaction with oxygen or another oxidizing agent.
2. Hydrogen storage tanks: Containers used to store hydrogen, a gas that is used as fuel in the Hyundai Nexo SUV to generate electricity.
Suggested Related Links:
1. Hyundai Official Website
2. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
