Driving the news: Hyundai and Kia are recalling a combined 335,590 vehicles over a shared defect: a faulty check valve in the purge control system that can pressurize fuel tanks to the point of deformation and fuel leakage.
The details: The recalls cover 85,043 Hyundai Sonatas (2020-2023) and 250,547 Kia K5s (2021-2024), all equipped with the same 1.6-liter turbocharged engine. Both brands estimate only about 1% of vehicles actually have the defect.
The problem traces to the same supplier: Inzi Controls, a Korean parts maker that supplied identical check valve assemblies to both brands. The valve deteriorates over time, losing its seal and allowing pressurized air from the turbocharger to backflow into the fuel tank.
The pressurized tank expands and can contact hot exhaust components. In the Kia K5, this can cause localized melting of the fuel tank. In both models, the result is potential fuel leakage near ignition sources.
Warning signs include a popping sound from the fuel tank area, check engine light illumination, rough running, no-start conditions, and fuel odor.
As of November 17, Hyundai has logged seven fuel leak reports across the U.S. and Canada. But no crashes, injuries, or fatalities have been reported for either brand.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the check valve with an improved design, inspect and repair the fuel tank if needed, and update ECU software with diagnostic routines to monitor tank pressure. Owner notification letters go out January 16, 2026. Owners can check VINs starting November 19 (Hyundai) and December 1 (Kia) here.
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