Hyundai is recalling nearly 1,600 Nexo hydrogen SUVs due to fuel leaks and fire risks

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

In documents released Thursday by U.S. safety regulators, Hyundai identified a problem with a pressure relief device in the vehicles’ hydrogen systems. The defect could lead to the device breaking and thus 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 running and parked.

Hyundai has advised owners that while affected vehicles remain drivable, they should be parked outside of buildings or other structures until repairs are completed. This recommendation arises from the fact that hydrogen, although an environmentally friendly alternative to gasoline, is highly flammable if 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 buildings in the unlikely event of a hydrogen leak.

Despite the recall and the potential risks associated with the defect, Hyundai has assured customers that no fires related to this issue have been reported worldwide. The automaker is taking proactive measures to prevent incidents and address the safety concerns caused 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 resolve the issue quickly and effectively. According to the automaker, dealers are 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 will begin notifying affected owners by mail.

This recall represents an important step in addressing potential safety risks associated with hydrogen-powered vehicles, which have gained attention as the automotive industry transitions to greener energy sources. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles like the Nexo offer the benefits of zero emissions and longer range, positioning them as an alternative to traditional gasoline-powered cars and even battery-electric vehicles. However, the recall is a reminder of the technical challenges and safety issues associated with the development and use of new fuel technologies.

First launched in 2018, the Hyundai Nexo is one of the few hydrogen-powered vehicles available to consumers. Most models are sold in areas with established hydrogen refueling infrastructure, such as California. The vehicle’s innovative fuel cell system converts hydrogen into electricity and only produces water as a byproduct. This makes it a clean alternative to traditional combustion engines and is in line with global efforts to reduce CO2 emissions. However, the volatility of hydrogen requires advanced safety systems, and the recent recall shows that even sophisticated technology can face unforeseen problems.

For Hyundai, the recall is a crucial step in maintaining consumer confidence in the emerging hydrogen fuel cell market. By quickly fixing the defect and offering free repairs, the company wants to reassure its customers that their safety is a top priority.

No injuries or damage have been reported due to the pressure relief device malfunction, but Hyundai urges owners to follow safety guidelines until repairs are completed. The automaker also recommends Nexo owners contact their local dealers with any questions or concerns about the recall process.

With the recall notice from early December, Hyundai aims to ensure that all affected vehicles are promptly inspected and repaired to reduce potential risks to its customers while further promoting hydrogen-powered vehicle technology as part of the future of clean transportation.