Recall wrap: Hyundai to fix 30,000 Santa Fe bonnets

Hyundai has issued a national safety recall involving more than 30,000 examples of its Santa Fe due to the potential for bonnets flying open while driving due to rusty latch cables.

The recall affects 30,450 versions of the DM-series large SUV built between April 2, 2012 and July 1, 2016, in which the secondary bonnet latch cable is at risk of corrosion and therefore may not engage the secondary latch.

“If the bonnet is not secured correctly there is a risk of the bonnet lifting while the vehicle is in motion,” says Hyundai on the federal government’s product safety website.

“This will restrict the driver's visibility, posing a risk of injury to the vehicle occupants and other road users.”

Affected owners will be contacted by direct mail, advising them to contact their local Hyundai dealer to arrange an appointment for the inspection and repair of the vehicle.

Concerned Santa Fe owners can check if their vehicle is affected here, call Hyundai’s Customer Care Centre on 1800 186 306 or check Hyundai dealer and service department locations here.

Meantime, Hyundai’s Korean sister brand Kia has issued a separate safety recall for 106 diesel-powered examples of the MY2011 Sportage and Sorento, due to the fire risk from a potential fuel hose leak.

“Vehicles equipped with Euro 5 R-engine might exhibit premature deterioration of the fatigue-resistance and oil-proofing of the fuel feed hose,” said Kia.

“If the defect occurs there is a risk of a fuel hose leak or fire, which may pose a risk of injury to the vehicle occupants and other road users.”

The recall affects 51 examples of the XM Sorento and 55 examples of the SL Sportage and concerned owners of either SUVs can check the list of VINs involved here

Also recalled so far this week were 124 examples of Land Rover’s 2015 Defender, with VINs ranging from SALLDWBR8FA461900 to SALLDHRP7FA465615.

The recall relates to chafed front brake hoses in Defender 90 and 130 wagon and 130 ute vehicles that were subject to an earlier recall involving brittle wheel hub bolts.

“The front brake pipe from the caliper to the flexible brake hose is showing signs of a chafe condition,” said Land Rover.

“This may cause brake fluid loss. Brake fluid loss will illuminate a red warning triangle on the instrument cluster instructing the driver to seek qualified assistance before continuing.

“A loss of brake fluid will result in extended brake pedal travel combined with reduced braking performance. Stopping distances will increase. This will also compromise vehicle stability and significantly increase the risk of an accident.”