Hyundai to recall 272,000 cars in US due to fire-prone socket

Hyundai Motor Co. will recall over 272,000 vehicles in the US due to a defect in the dashboard's electrical socket, which can overheat and cause a fire.

The recalled models are the Sonata midsize and Elantra compact sedans manufactured in 2011 and 2012, and the Veloster hatchback and Accent subcompact produced in 2012.

According to a spokesman, Hyundai overly tightened the socket during the manufacturing process.

Consequently, the socket can disable an anti-overheating device if the air compressor is plugged into it for a long time.

Hyundai, which has received nine reports of fires but no injuries, plans to notify vehicle owners of the scheduled recall in late August.

Hyundai Motor Co. is also among seven companies that would voluntarily recall over 34,000 South Korea vehicles to fix faulty components.

Hyundai's Avante compact was found to have a faulty airbag inflator.

The six other companies are Kia Motors Corp., Toyota Motor Corp., Mercedes-Benz Korea, Renault Samsung Motors Corp., BMW, and Hanbul Motors.