Hyundai Recalls Nearly 1,600 Nexo Hydrogen SUVs Over Fuel Leak and Fire Risk

Hyundai has issued an urgent recall for nearly 1,600 Nexo hydrogen fuel cell SUVs in the U.S. and Canada, warning owners to park their vehicles outdoors and away from structures due to a potential risk of fuel leaks and fires. The recall affects Nexo models from the 2019 through 2024 model years, with the Korean automaker taking precautionary steps to ensure customer safety.

In documents released by U.S. safety regulators on Thursday, Hyundai identified an issue with a pressure relief device within the vehicles’ hydrogen fuel systems. The defect could result in the device breaking, leading to a hydrogen leak. Such a leak poses a serious risk, as it could ignite and potentially cause a fire, even when the SUV is not in operation and is parked.

Hyundai has advised owners that while the affected vehicles remain safe to drive, they should be parked outside and away from buildings or other structures until repairs are completed. This recommendation stems from the fact that hydrogen, while an environmentally friendly alternative to gasoline, is highly flammable when it leaks and mixes with oxygen. By parking the vehicles in open areas, Hyundai aims to reduce the risk of a fire spreading to nearby structures in the unlikely event of a hydrogen leak.

Despite the recall and the potential risks associated with the defect, Hyundai has reassured customers that there have been no reported fires related to this issue anywhere in the world. The automaker is taking proactive measures to prevent any incidents and to address the safety concerns raised by this malfunction.

“We are conducting this recall to ensure the safety of our customers,” Hyundai said in an official statement, emphasizing the company’s commitment to resolving the issue swiftly and effectively. According to the automaker, dealers will be responsible for replacing the defective pressure relief devices at no cost to owners. The repair process is expected to begin after December 10, when Hyundai starts notifying affected owners via mail.

This recall marks a significant step in addressing potential safety hazards with hydrogen-powered vehicles, which have gained attention as part of the automotive industry’s shift toward greener energy sources. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, like the Nexo, offer the benefits of zero emissions and extended driving range, positioning them as an alternative to traditional gasoline-powered cars and even battery-electric vehicles. However, the recall serves as a reminder of the technical challenges and safety considerations that come with developing and deploying new fuel technologies.

The Hyundai Nexo, first launched in 2018, is one of the few hydrogen-powered vehicles available to consumers, with most models sold in areas with established hydrogen refueling infrastructure, such as California. The vehicle’s innovative fuel cell system converts hydrogen into electricity, producing only water as a byproduct. This makes it a clean alternative to conventional internal combustion engines, aligning with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions. However, hydrogen’s volatile nature requires advanced safety systems, and the recent recall indicates that even sophisticated technology can face unforeseen issues.

For Hyundai, the recall is a critical step in maintaining consumer trust in the burgeoning hydrogen fuel cell market. By addressing the defect quickly and offering free repairs, the company is seeking to reassure its customers that their safety is the top priority.

As of now, no injuries or damages have been reported due to the pressure relief device malfunction, but Hyundai is urging owners to follow safety guidelines until the repairs are complete. The automaker also encourages Nexo owners to contact their local dealers with any questions or concerns about the recall process.

With the recall notice starting in early December, Hyundai aims to ensure that all affected vehicles are inspected and repaired promptly, reducing any potential risks to their customers while continuing to promote hydrogen-powered vehicle technology as part of the future of clean transportation.