A faulty power circuit in dozens of different models could cause instrument panels to shut off, prompting a recall. More than 83,000 Hyundai and Kia vehicles are being recalled in the United States due to digital instrument cluster malfunctions that could cause the screens to go dark while driving. The issue affects a wide range of new models from both brands and stems from two related, though separately filed, defects involving the same supplier.
In both cases, the problematic clusters were manufactured by Hyundai Mobis. While the root causes vary slightly between the two recalls, the result is the same. The Hyundai recall centers on an issue where the digital display may intermittently reboot during use.
The company believes this is due to electrical noise within the Power Management Integrated Circuit. That interference causes the system to reset unexpectedly, leading to noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Owners will begin receiving recall notices on March 27 and some vehicles will be eligible for an over-the-air software update.
Those that aren't will need to be brought into a dealership for the fix. A separate recall filed by Kia affects 42,677 vehicles, mostly 2026 models, due to a nearly identical fault in the digital cluster. Kia says the screens may unintentionally enter overheat protection mode and temporarily shut off while driving.
This is also attributed to excessive signal noise from the power management circuit. Models involved in the recall include the Sportage PHEV, Sorento PHEV, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage, K5, EV9 , Carnival Hybrid, Carnival , Sorento Hybrid, Sorento, and the K4. Notifications to Kia owners will begin on March 26.
The company will issue an over-the-air update for vehicles that support it, while others will require a dealer visit to install updated software.
These recalls highlight the importance of reliable electronic components in modern vehicles. As technology advances, so do the potential risks associated with complex systems like digital instrument clusters. It's crucial for manufacturers to prioritize quality control and testing to prevent such issues from arising.
