Hyundai Australia recalls 9000 Santa Fe diesels

HYUNDAI Australia has issued a voluntary recall on 9000 Santa Fe SUVs sold between 2009 and 2011 due to potentially insufficient clearance between engine components that could result in a fuel leak.

The recall affects models powered by the 145kW 2.2-litre ‘R’ Series turbo diesel engine sold between September 1, 2009 and December 13, 2011.

A notice placed on the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission website said an insufficient amount of clearance between the engine cover assembly and the fuel return hose could cause a fuel leak, posing a hazard to other road users and/or risking fire.

Hyundai Australia senior manager of public relations Ben Hershman told GoAuto the company was “taking a responsible and proactive response to this issue” and that there have been no reports of fuel leaks or fires on any cars locally.

Mr Hershman said the repair procedure involves the fitment of replacement hoses if any signs of wear are detected, as well as the fitment of a small clip to the fuel return hose that acts as an additional protective barrier against interference between the hose and the engine cover.

Hyundai will contact affected customers by letter, while the VIN list of affected vehicles can be found at recalls.gov.au.

The recall action comes in the same week as the South Korean car-maker officially revealed the next-generation Santa Fe ahead of its global debut at the New York motor show and Australian release at the end of this year (see separate story).

Meanwhile, Toyota Australia has also issued a recall on 22 current shape RAV4 compact SUVs over a possible issue with the reinforcement of the instrument panel.

It is possible that a prototype version was installed on these vehicles, which could lead to a separation of the welding on the steering column support bracket, leading to noise and – in the worst case – adversely affected steering operation.

Toyota Australia will contact affected owners by phone and mail to organise free replacement of the instrument panel reinforcement.