Hyundai Nexo In The US And Australia Affected By Recall, This Is The Cause

Hyundai Nexo. (Doc. Hyundai Motors Global)

JAKARTA - Bad news came from a well-known automotive manufacturer from South Korea, Hyundai. One of the models, Nexo was affected by the recall because it has the potential to cause a fire.

Launching from CarExpert, Wednesday, October 23, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued the program involving 1,545 units of 2019 to 2024 production output. Meanwhile, only one unit in Australia was affected by the 28 available units.

It is stated that this hydrogen fuel cell (FCEV)-powered crossover has the potential for a fire because there is a leak in hydrogen gas that has the potential to endanger other road users.

This recall also occurred following reports of problems that occurred in several vehicles for the Korean market.

Nexo is equipped with a Thermal-activated Relief Device (TPRD) Pressure, a device that ejects hydrogen gas into the atmosphere to prevent excess pressure on hydrogen fuel tanks in the event of excess heat in the surrounding area. This device works through a glassball-type release mechanism.

Based on recall notifications, this mechanism may have been damaged before time due to minor cracks in the glass, resulting in an accidental release of hydrogen gas during the normal operation of the vehicle.

If this happens, it can cause a loud sound like a wind accompanied by a white fog like a white cloud on the back along with a fuel gauge immediately drop and the damage indicator will turn on the instrument.

The risk of this defect is that hydrogen gas can accumulate in confined spaces, which can pose a danger if there is a source of lubrication.

As part of the recall, Hyundai replaces glass-type TPRD with metal-type items. The manufacturer has installed it in the Nexo production line starting May 21, 2024.

For now, the manufacturer asks affected vehicle owners to park their cars outside and away from buildings because they have the potential to cause fires.