Major car brand recalls hydrogen cars due to fire risk, urges drivers to 'park on the street'

A major car brand was forced to recall some of its hydrogen fuel cell vehicles over fears that fires could start while they were parked.

Hyundai is recalling 1,545 of its Nexo hydrogen fuel cell vehicles produced between 2019 and 2024, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

U.S. regulatory filings say the thermally activated pressure relief device (TPRD) could break and cause hydrogen gas to leak, which could result in a fire while parked.

As a result, owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the recall process is completed.

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Drivers are advised to park on the street and away from buildings.

HYUNDAI

The TPRD issue, which could cause a fire, could increase the risk of injury, prompting a recall, the documents said.

The TPRD is designed to release gas through a glass bulb type release mechanism that breaks when a certain operating temperature is reached.

The glass bulb-type mechanism in the study vehicles may have failed prematurely due to microcracks in the glass, which could have resulted in the unintentional release of hydrogen gas during normal vehicle operation.

In the recall notice, Hyundai noted that if the problem occurs, a “loud wind noise” may be heard, as well as a white misty cloud near the rear of the vehicle.

The recall involves nearly 1,600 vehicles.

HYUNDAI

The fuel gauge will also drop quickly and the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) will illuminate in the instrument cluster.

The remediation program says owners can continue to drive their vehicles, although they are encouraged to park outside and away from structures.

Hyundai will cover the cost of repair at no cost to all affected vehicles, even if the New Vehicle Limited Warranty has expired.

The South Korean brand has gone a step further by promising to reimburse costs incurred during the recall.

The Hyundai Nexo has a zero-emission driving range of 414 miles.

HYUNDAI

The Nexo is one of the most popular hydrogen fuel cell passenger cars on the market, with the Toyota Mirai being the only major hydrogen-powered competitor.

It has a range of 414 miles and refueling times of just minutes, with many hydrogen fuel cell vehicles delivering zero emissions when driven alongside electric vehicles.

The second-generation fuel cell has the “world’s highest system efficiency”, consuming just one kilogram of hydrogen per 62 miles.

Nexo owners also benefit from regenerative braking. This means that the electric motor is used to slow down the car, which recovers energy to charge the battery and maintain a healthy state of charge.

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The Nexo has a list price of around £65,000.

HYUNDAI

The Nexo starts at around £65,000, although one model can be found on Auto Trader with under 10,000 miles for £29,999.

Major car brand recalls hydrogen cars due to fire risk, urges drivers to ‘park on the street’

By L. Dreeye

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