Hyundai and Kia have told owners in the United States to park their cars outside due to a possible defect that can cause vehicles to catch fire.

The car companies have also issued a recall on almost 500,000 cars after a problem was discovered in the computer control module of an anti-lock brake system.

Vehicles with the issue can spontaneously catch fire in the engine compartment, even when the car isn’t on.

Hyundai has issued a recall for 2016-18 model Santa Fe SUVs, 2017-18 Santa FE Sport SUVs, 2019 Santa Fe XL models and 2014-15 Tucson SUVs.

Kia has recalled the 2016-18 K900 sedans and 2014-16 Sportage SUVs.

In total, Kia is recalling 126,747 cars and Hyundai is recalling 357,830 cars.

Owners in the US have been urged to take their cars to dealers, who will inspect the anti-lock braking control module, which is a computer system that controls the emergency braking system.

A new module may be installed as well as a replacement fuse that controls the electric current on the anti-braking unit at no cost to the owners.

The new fuse will reduce the amount of power going into the module.

South Korean automaker Hyundai owns a controlling interest in Kia and the two companies share engineering in various models.

However, in the United States, they operate as two separate companies.

In documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Kia said it is aware of three cars catching fire.

The cars can still be used but they should be parked away from buildings and structures.

Hyundai confirmed to Sky News that the recall will not affect any UK cars.

Kia in the UK has been approached for comment.