NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
314 reports47,792 miles · Nov 16, 2017
Steering
I STARTED MY CAR AT THE TOP OF MY DRIVEWAY AND DROVE DOWN THE DRIVEWAY TOWARD THE ROAD AS USUAL. NO TRAFFIC WAS COMING FROM EITHER DIRECTION, SO I ACCELERATED SLIGHTLY TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN ONTO THE ROAD. AS I WAS PULLING ONTO THE ROAD, I COMPLETELY LOST THE ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE AND TO CONTROL THE DIRECTION OF IT. CONSE…
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I STARTED MY CAR AT THE TOP OF MY DRIVEWAY AND DROVE DOWN THE DRIVEWAY TOWARD THE ROAD AS USUAL. NO TRAFFIC WAS COMING FROM EITHER DIRECTION, SO I ACCELERATED SLIGHTLY TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN ONTO THE ROAD. AS I WAS PULLING ONTO THE ROAD, I COMPLETELY LOST THE ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE AND TO CONTROL THE DIRECTION OF IT. CONSEQUENTLY, I ALMOST WENT OVER A 10 TO 12 FOOT HIGH WALL ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO PREVENT GOING OVER THE WALL BY BRAKING, BUT I WAS PARALYZED BY SHOCK AND FRIGHT. A NEIGHBOR, WHO IS A RETIRED AUTOMOBILE MECHANIC CAME AND RESTARTED THE CAR AND GOT IT BACK INTO MY DRIVEWAY. THE CAR STARTED WITHOUT DIFFICULTY, BUT THE REDLIGHT (EPS) WAS SHOWING ON THE DASH. I CALLED THE HYUNDAI DEALER WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED, BUT THEY WOULD NOT LOOK AT IT UNTIL THE FOLLOWING DAY. WHEN THEY DID, THEY SAY THAT THEY HAVE "UPDATED THE ECU' AND CHARGED ME $89.95 FOR DOING SO. THEY CLAIMED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO A BAD BATTERY; HOWEVER THE BATTERY HAS NEVER FAILED TO START THE VEHICLE AND RUN ALL DEVICES. I DRIVE ALONE, AND NEED TO DRIVE AT NIGHT VERY OFTEN; HOWEVER I AM NOW AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR BECAUSE I SEE ONLINE THAT THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS TO LOSING STEERING ABILITY REPEATEDLY AFTER THE "UPDATE" TO THE EPS (OR ECU). I CALLED HYUNDAI, AND THE AGENT TOLD ME THAT MY VIN WAS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST, WHICH SHE SAID IS NOW COMPLETED. ON MANY OF THE ONLINE ACCOUNTS OF ACCIDENTS AND ROLLOVERS DUE TO LOSS OF STEERING ABILITY, THOSE VEHICLES VINS WERE ALSO NOT ON THE LIST OF VEHICLES DEEMED TO BE AFFECTED; HOWEVER THEY WERE HAVING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEMS. MY CAR HAD 47,792 MILES AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT, HAD NO STEERING RECALL, AND WAS MANUFACTURED JUNE 9, 2008. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER. CLEARLY, THIS VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE ALSO BEEN ON THE RECALL LIST BECAUSE THE PROBLEMS ARE IDENTICAL TO THOSE RECALLED UNDER #127 RECALL
NHTSA ODI #11046484
130,000 miles · Nov 3, 2017
StructureSuspension
RECALL FOR UNDERCOATING DONE JAN. 2016 (TT1). ON 11/1/17, WHILE DRIVING ON A TOWN ROAD, THE REAR RIGHT TRAILING ARM FELL OFF CAUSING THE CAR TO SWERVE ABRUPTLY OFF THE ROAD DUE TO EXTREME RUST ON THE SUB FRAME. THIS ALSO HAPPENED WITH MY 2002 SANTA FE AND WAS COVERED UNDER THE SALT BELT CORROSION CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT. HYUN…
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RECALL FOR UNDERCOATING DONE JAN. 2016 (TT1). ON 11/1/17, WHILE DRIVING ON A TOWN ROAD, THE REAR RIGHT TRAILING ARM FELL OFF CAUSING THE CAR TO SWERVE ABRUPTLY OFF THE ROAD DUE TO EXTREME RUST ON THE SUB FRAME. THIS ALSO HAPPENED WITH MY 2002 SANTA FE AND WAS COVERED UNDER THE SALT BELT CORROSION CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT. HYUNDAI IS AWARE THERE IS STILL A PROBLEM, BUT THE UNDERCOATING RECALL DOES NOT WORK AND THIS IS STILL A SAFETY HAZARD. MY CAR WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR FACILITY ON NOV. 1, AND I AM STILL WAITING TO HEAR BACK FROM HYUNDAI AS TO MY NEXT STEPS TO GET THIS REPAIRED.
NHTSA ODI #11042953
120,000 miles · Sep 16, 2017
Fuel/propulsion System
2008 ELENTRA BEGAN EXPERIENCING FAILURES TO START. REMOVING THE FUEL PUMP ACCESS COVER AND POUNDING ON THE FUEL PUMP WOULD USUALLY RESULT IN SUCCESSFUL STARTING. THIS FUEL PUMP WAS A REPLACEMENT IN 2008 UNDER RECALL 08V694000 BECAUSE OF INTERMITTENT FAILURE TO RUN. WE THOUGHT IT AGAIN MIGHT BE THE FUEL PUMP MOTOR. HOWEVER, WHEN …
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2008 ELENTRA BEGAN EXPERIENCING FAILURES TO START. REMOVING THE FUEL PUMP ACCESS COVER AND POUNDING ON THE FUEL PUMP WOULD USUALLY RESULT IN SUCCESSFUL STARTING. THIS FUEL PUMP WAS A REPLACEMENT IN 2008 UNDER RECALL 08V694000 BECAUSE OF INTERMITTENT FAILURE TO RUN. WE THOUGHT IT AGAIN MIGHT BE THE FUEL PUMP MOTOR. HOWEVER, WHEN WE REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP, WE FOUND THE PROBLEM WAS A BAD MOTOR CONNECTOR PLUG THAT HAD OBVIOUSLY OVERHEATED. IF THIS CONNECTOR BECAME TOO HOT OR STARTED SPARKING INSIDE THE TANK, IT SEEMS LIKE THERE MAY BE POSSIBILITY OF FUEL IGNITION.
NHTSA ODI #11023731
170,000 miles · Aug 22, 2017
Air Bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT FLICKERED AND THEN REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CLOCK SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT FLICKERED AND THEN REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CLOCK SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE AND THAT THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE REPAIRED AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
NHTSA ODI #11018794
151,000 miles · Jul 15, 2017
Steering
MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY (55 MPH LIMIT) AND SLOWED DOWN TO APPROX. 10 MPH DUE TO A TRAFFIC JAM WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE EPS LIGHT CAME ON AND SHE LOST HER STEERING. AT THAT SPEED, IT WAS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE FOR HER TO STEER. SHE MANAGED TO PULL THE CAR OVER TO THE SHOULDER AND CALLED ME FOR HELP. I RESEARCHED HER SI…
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MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY (55 MPH LIMIT) AND SLOWED DOWN TO APPROX. 10 MPH DUE TO A TRAFFIC JAM WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE EPS LIGHT CAME ON AND SHE LOST HER STEERING. AT THAT SPEED, IT WAS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE FOR HER TO STEER. SHE MANAGED TO PULL THE CAR OVER TO THE SHOULDER AND CALLED ME FOR HELP. I RESEARCHED HER SITUATION AND LEARNED THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR ALL 2008 ELANTRAS AND LATER TO FIX THE EPS. THE DATE OF MANUFACTURE HAD TO BE AFTER 1 JUNE 2008. UNFORTUNATELY, HER CAR WAS BUILT IN AUG 2007. THAT BEING SAID, PERHAPS THE CURRENT EPS RECALL SHOULD BE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE 2008 MODELS MANUFACTURED BEFORE JUNE 2008? I CALLED FOR A TOW TRUCK AS IT WOULD BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS (AND PRETTY MUCH IMPOSSIBLE) FOR HER TO DRIVE ANY FURTHER. WHILE WAITING FOR THE TOW, I RESEARCHED THE EPS SITUATION ONLINE AND LEARNED FROM A BLOG THAT TURNING OFF THE ENGINE AND RESTARTING IT SOMETIMES RESETS THE EPS. SHE DID SO AND IT "FIXED" HER STEERING. I'M CERTAIN THIS IS A TEMPORARY FIX ONLY AND WILL NOT PREVENT A FUTURE REOCCURRENCE OF THIS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION.
NHTSA ODI #11005514
138,320 miles · Jul 12, 2017
Wheels
MY TIRE BURST ON THE ROAD, AND I GOT INTO THE TRUNK TO GET A SPARE TIRE ONLY FOR ME TO FIND OUT, THE TIRE COULDN'T FIT MY CAR AT ALL. THE HOLES IN THE RIM AREN'T OF THE SAME SIZE AS MY CAR. SO THEY SOLD ME THE WRONG SPARE TIRE
NHTSA ODI #11004764
161,000 miles · Jun 3, 2017
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or OtherFire
DROVE CAR TO GROCERY STORE 6 MILE ROUND TRIP PARKED CAR IN GARAGE AT 10:15 AM. I PERFORMED YARD WORK IN FRONT OF AND WAS IN AND OUT OF GARAGE FOR 4 HOURS. AT NO TIME WAS THERE A HINT OF SMOKE OR BURNING. THEN CUT GRASS FOR 2 HOURS. AT ABOUT 4 PM SMOKE WAS BILLOWING OUT OF THE GARAGE. I OBSERVED FLAMES AND SMOKE COMING FROM ARO…
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DROVE CAR TO GROCERY STORE 6 MILE ROUND TRIP PARKED CAR IN GARAGE AT 10:15 AM. I PERFORMED YARD WORK IN FRONT OF AND WAS IN AND OUT OF GARAGE FOR 4 HOURS. AT NO TIME WAS THERE A HINT OF SMOKE OR BURNING. THEN CUT GRASS FOR 2 HOURS. AT ABOUT 4 PM SMOKE WAS BILLOWING OUT OF THE GARAGE. I OBSERVED FLAMES AND SMOKE COMING FROM AROUND THE FRONT HOOD. UNABLE TO LIFT HOOD TO REACH FIRE SOURCE WITH EXTINGUISHERS OR GET CAR INTO NEUTRAL TO PUSH OUT OF GARAGE. I WAS DRIVEN BY SMOKE AND FLAME OUT OF GARAGE. BOTH THE 2008 HYUNDAI AND ANOTHER VEHICLE IN THE TWO CAR GARAGE BURNED COMPLETELY. ALL CONTENTS IN GARAGE DESTROYED EXTENSIVE SMOKE DAMAGE THROUGHOUT HOUSE. FIRE FORENSIC INVESTIGATOR THINKS IT WAS CAUSED BY THE BATTERY BUT THERE WAS TOO MUCH DAMAGE TO MAKE MUCH OF AN INFORMED COMMENT AS TO PRECISE REASON CAR CAUGHT FIRE. REASON FOR FIRE IS UNKNOWN. ADVANCED AUTO BATTERY PURCHASED OCTOBER 17, 2014. PART # 121R1. #420 D2LNM1C1Q21B5J. REPAIR OF REAR MAIN SEAL IN JULY 2016 BY COCHRAN OF MONROEVILLE HYUNDAI SERVICE DEPARTMENT. FOG LIGHTS MINI LAMPS A TOTAL OF TWENTY, 20, LIGHTS (FOG, BREAK, HEADLIGHTS, LICENSE PLATE) FRONT RIGHT AND LEFT, REAR RIGHT AND LEFT WERE REPLACED. REAR LEFT LAMP AND BULB HOUSING REPLACED JUNE 28, 2016 AT A COST OF $236 BY DEALER.
NHTSA ODI #10993003
133,000 miles · May 25, 2017
Vehicle Speed Control
THIS MONTH, WHEN I WAS DRIVING MY CAR ON THE HIGHWAY, IT WOULD PERIODICALLY ACCELERATE UNCONTROLLABLY. I HAVE NEVER PREVIOUSLY HAD THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE HAD MY CAR CHECKED OUT BY THE DEALER AND INDEPENDENT MECHANICS WHO CANNOT EXPLAIN THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI #10991684
65,000 miles · May 18, 2017
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED TROUBLE STARTING. THE CONTACT HAD TO BUY APPROXIMATELY FIVE BATTERIES SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 65,000.
NHTSA ODI #10986294
127,500 miles · Mar 8, 2017
Unknown Or Other
HORN WILL SUDDENLY NOT WORK FOR EXTENDED PERIOD AND THEN LATER WILL WORK. WITHOUT WARNING THERE WILL BE NO HORN HAS BEEN HAPPENING OFF AND ON FOR SEVERAL YEARS BUT RECENTLY HAS BEEN MORE FREQUENT ( THREE MORNINGS LAST WEEK!)
NHTSA ODI #10959649
Official recalls
7Feb 4, 2020
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2007-2010 Elantra and 2009-2011 Elantra Touring vehicles. On February 21, 2020 Hyundai expanded the recall to include 46,425 model year 2007-2008 Entourage and 2007 Santa Fe vehicles. Moisture may enter the Anti-lock Brake (ABS) Module and result in an electrical short.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An electrical short within the ABS Module may cause an engine compartment fire, even when the car is turned off, increasing the risk of an injury.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install a relay in the vehicle's main junction box to prevent the risk of an ABS short-circuit while the car is turned off, free of charge. The recall began April 2, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 188.
Feb 23, 2015
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Elantra vehicles manufactured June 1, 2008, to April 30, 2010, and 2009-2010 Elantra Touring vehicles manufactured November 1, 2008, to April 30, 2010. The electronic power steering (EPS) electronic control unit (ECU) may sense a discrepancy in the steering input signals and, as a result, disable the steering power assist.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will verify the proper operation of the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) and update the EPS control unit, free of charge. The recall began April 14, 2015. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 127.
Apr 1, 2013
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburon vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Hyundai recalled 1,059,824 model year 2007-2009 Accent and Tucson, model year 2007-2010 Elantra, model year 2007-2011 Santa Fe, model year 2008-2009 Veracruz, model year 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, and model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. In September 2013, Hyundai informed the agency that it was adding more vehicles to this campaign, representing an additional 652,512 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 1,712,336. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake transmission shift interlock feature, preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of Park without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.
Mar 15, 2011
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 ELANTRA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 14, 2006, THROUGH NOVEMBER 1, 2008. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEATS IN THE VEHICLES CONTAIN A WEIGHT SENSOR DESIGNED TO DEACTIVATE THE RIGHT FRONTAL AIRBAG WHEN OCCUPANTS OF CERTAIN WEIGHTS OCCUPY THE SEAT. THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR THE WEIGHT SENSOR IS LOCATED UNDER THE CENTER CONSOLE, BETWEEN THE FRONT SEATS. UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES THE CONNECTOR COULD BECOME CONTAMINATED AND MALFUNCTION SUCH THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG WILL DEPLOY REGARDLESS OF THE WEIGHT OF THE OCCUPANT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG COULD DEPLOY IN CRASHES IN WHICH IT SHOULD NOT DEPLOY, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT FROM THE DEPLOYED AIR BAG.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTIVE COVER OVER THE WEIGHT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM CONNECTOR TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTING TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI'S CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.
Mar 15, 2011
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2008 ELANTRA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 14, 2006, THROUGH AUGUST 29, 2007. THE DRIVER'S SEAT TRACK POSITION SENSOR DETERMINES THE SEAT'S FORE AND AFT POSITION AND ALLOWS THE DRIVER'S FRONTAL AIR BAG TO DEPLOY AT THE PRESSURE APPROPRIATE FOR THAT SEATING POSITION, WITH A LOWER PRESSURE DEPLOYMENT IN THE MOST FORWARD SEATING POSITIONS. THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE MAY RECEIVE AN UNSTABLE ELECTRICAL SIGNAL FROM THE SEAT TRACK POSITION SENSOR SUCH THAT, IN A CRASH THAT REQUIRES DRIVER FRONTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT, THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG MAY DEPLOY AT THE HIGHER PRESSURE THAN INTENDED IF THE SEAT WAS POSITION IN ONE OF THE FORWARD POSITIONS IN WHICH A LOWER PRESSURE DEPLOYMENT IS INTENDED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A HIGHER PRESSURE DEPLOYMENT THAN INTENDED INCREASES THE RISK OF INJURY RESULTING FROM AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTING TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI'S CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.
Dec 29, 2008
HYUNDAI DE PUERTO RICO (HPR) IS RECALLING 347 MY 2008 ELANTRA VEHICLES. THE FUEL PUMP MOTOR MAY NOT HAVE THE PROPER, UNIFORM INTERNAL ELECTRICAL SURFACE CONTACT. THIS MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO PRODUCE LESS PUMPING PRESSURE THAN REQUIRED TO SUPPLY THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: AS A RESULT, POOR ENGINE STARING AND HESITATION MAY RESULT. OTHER ENGINE PERFORMANCE ISSUES MAY ALSO RESULT AND LEAD TO A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE VEHICLE'S FUEL PUMP SUBASSEMBLY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 9, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HPR AT 1-800-981-0188.
Aug 25, 2008
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 65,000 MY 2008 ELANTRA VEHICLES WITH 2.0 LITER BETA ENGINES. THE FUEL PUMP MOTOR MAY NOT HAVE THE PROPER UNIFORM INTERNAL ELECTRICAL SURFACE CONTACT. THIS MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO PRODUCE LESS PUMPING PRESSURE THAN REQUIRED TO SUPPLY THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: POOR ENGINE STARTING AND HESITATION MAY RESULT. OTHER ENGINE PERFORMANCE ISSUES MAY ALSO RESULT INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP SUBASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2DP21003 · Throttle Control System Vulnerabilities
Opened Nov 12, 2021 · Closed Jun 20, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:throttle
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003. Accordingly, Model Year (MY) 2005-2016 Kia Optima/K5, MY 2006-2015 Kia Sorento, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Santa Fe, MY 2006-2015 Hyundai Sonatas are all part of the subject population. The petition was originally filed as a Vehicle Owner Questionnaire that can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under reference (ODI) number 11439675.On November 12, 2021, ODI opened Defect Petition DP21-003 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. ODI performed trend analyses of the VOQs related to vehicle speed control issues for all the subject vehicles and found that none of the 52 Model/Model Year Hyundai/Kia vehicles demonstrated any actionable trend that warranted an investigation.Petitioners submitted 1119 VOQs and non-VOQ cases in which sudden uncommanded acceleration (SUA) or loss of motive power (LOMP) incidents were alleged.For the 1119 reports, 220 were incidents involving crashes, from which 69 subject Hyundai-Kia vehicles were inspected by Hyundai/Kia dealer technicians, Hyundai/Kia engineers, and/or third-party representatives.ODI found the inspections identified no vehicle defects related to the ETC system.Of the 220 crash-involved reports, 13 Event Data Recorder (EDR) records were downloaded successfully and 11 of those indicated driver error: (i.e.) pedal misapplication.A condition where the accelerator pedal is mistakenly applied instead of the brake pedal when the driver wants to stop the vehicle.In addition, ODI reviewed a scientific journal paper published in Forensic Science International in 2016 by Mr. Park et al ., as well as related test videos. ODI does not believe there is any evidence of uncontrollable SUA occurrences in any of the tests reviewed. NHTSA's Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) reviewed the allegations regarding the potential noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 124.Based on the information provided, the Agency concludes there is insufficient information for us to determine if a possible non-compliance exists.Finally, both Hyundai and Kia informed ODI that all their vehicles manufactured after 2012 were equipped with an ETC management system, in which the engine speed will go to idle when the system sees signals from both the brake pedal and accelerator pedal at the same time; this is commonly known as the brake-throttle override system.After thoroughly assessing the material submitted by the petitioner, information already in NHTSA's possession, information submitted by Hyundai and Kia in response to an Information Request letter, and the potential risks to safety implicated by the petitioner's allegation, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. After full consideration of appropriate factors, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA?s reasons for denial of the petition will be published.
PE08044 · Engine Stalling - Fuel Pump Failure
Opened Jul 17, 2008 · Closed Sep 3, 2008
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
ON AUGUST 19, 2008, HYUNDAI SUBMITTED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT TO NHTSA CONCERNING FUEL PUMP FAILURE RESULTING IN ENGINE STALL IN APPROXIMATELY 65,000 MODEL YEAR 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA VEHICLES WITH 2.0 LITER BETA ENGINES PRODUCED FROM NOVEMBER 5, 2007, THROUGH JUNE 28, 2008 (NHTSA RECALL NO. 08V-429, HYUNDAI CAMPAIGN 086).THE RECALLED VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH FUEL PUMPS MANUFACTURED WITH UPPER BODY COMPONENTS FROM A DIFFERENT SUPPLIER THAN THOSE MANUFACTURED PRIOR TO NOVEMBER 5, 2007.ACCORDING TO HYUNDAI, THE NEW SUPPLIER'S UPPER BODY COMPONENTS HAD INCORRECT DIMENSIONAL CHARACTERISTICS RESULTING IN MISALIGNMENT OF THE ARMATURE SHAFT, WHICH CAUSED SOME OF THE FUEL PUMPS TO EXPERIENCE POOR BRUSH-TO-COMMENTATOR CONTACT CONDITIONS THAT COULD RESULT IN ENGINE STALL. THE USE OF ETHANOL BLEND FUEL, CONTAINING UP TO 10 PERCENT ETHANOL, CAUSES A FILM BUILD-UP THAT CREATES HIGH RESISTANCE BETWEEN THE BRUSH AND COMMUTATOR.THE MISALIGNED ARMATURE SHAFT PREVENTS THE BRUSH AND COMMUTATOR FROM MAKING SUFFICIENT CONTACT TO OVERCOME THE HIGH RESISTANCE FILM BUILD-UP, THEREFORE PRODUCING LESS PUMPING PRESSURE THAN REQUIRED TO SUPPLY THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM. SIXTY-FOUR OF THE COMPLAINTS (72%), INCLUDING THE CRASH AND INJURY ALLEGATION, INVOLVE THE RECALLED VEHICLES.THE COMPLAINT RATE IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLE POPULATION IS 98.5 PER 100,000 VEHICLES, COMPARED WITH 21.4 IN THE REMAINING POPULATION, WHICH HAS ON AVERAGE BEEN IN SERVICE OVER A YEAR LONGER.THE WARRANTY CLAIM RATE IS ALSO SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER IN THE RECALLED VEHICLES, WHICH HAD 569 CLAIMS (0.9 PERCENT CLAIM RATE) COMPARED WITH 126 CLAIMS IN THE REMAINING POPULATION (0.1 PERCENT CLAIM RATE). HYUNDAI WILL REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP SUBASSEMBLIES IN THE RECALLED VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION IS CLOSED WITH HYUNDAI'S RECALL.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
ON AUGUST 19, 2008, HYUNDAI SUBMITTED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT TO NHTSA CONCERNING FUEL PUMP FAILURE RESULTING IN ENGINE STALL IN APPROXIMATELY 65,000 MODEL YEAR 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA VEHICLES WITH 2.0 LITER BETA ENGINES PRODUCED FROM NOVEMBER 5, 2007, THROUGH JUNE 28, 2008 (NHTSA RECALL NO. 08V-429, HYUNDAI CAMPAIGN 086).THE RECALLED VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH FUEL PUMPS MANUFACTURED WITH UPPER BODY COMPONENTS FROM A DIFFERENT SUPPLIER THAN THOSE MANUFACTURED PRIOR TO NOVEMBER 5, 2007.ACCORDING TO HYUNDAI, THE NEW SUPPLIER'S UPPER BODY COMPONENTS HAD INCORRECT DIMENSIONAL CHARACTERISTICS RESULTING IN MISALIGNMENT OF THE ARMATURE SHAFT, WHICH CAUSED SOME OF THE FUEL PUMPS TO EXPERIENCE POOR BRUSH-TO-COMMENTATOR CONTACT CONDITIONS THAT COULD RESULT IN ENGINE STALL. THE USE OF ETHANOL BLEND FUEL, CONTAINING UP TO 10 PERCENT ETHANOL, CAUSES A FILM BUILD-UP THAT CREATES HIGH RESISTANCE BETWEEN THE BRUSH AND COMMUTATOR.THE MISALIGNED ARMATURE SHAFT PREVENTS THE BRUSH AND COMMUTATOR FROM MAKING SUFFICIENT CONTACT TO OVERCOME THE HIGH RESISTANCE FILM BUILD-UP, THEREFORE PRODUCING LESS PUMPING PRESSURE THAN REQUIRED TO SUPPLY THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM. SIXTY-FOUR OF THE COMPLAINTS (72%), INCLUDING THE CRASH AND INJURY ALLEGATION, INVOLVE THE RECALLED VEHICLES.THE COMPLAINT RATE IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLE POPULATION IS 98.5 PER 100,000 VEHICLES, COMPARED WITH 21.4 IN THE REMAINING POPULATION, WHICH HAS ON AVERAGE BEEN IN SERVICE OVER A YEAR LONGER.THE WARRANTY CLAIM RATE IS ALSO SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER IN THE RECALLED VEHICLES, WHICH HAD 569 CLAIMS (0.9 PERCENT CLAIM RATE) COMPARED WITH 126 CLAIMS IN THE REMAINING POPULATION (0.1 PERCENT CLAIM RATE). HYUNDAI WILL REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP SUBASSEMBLIES IN THE RECALLED VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION IS CLOSED WITH HYUNDAI'S RECALL.
Fuel System, Gasoline
ON AUGUST 19, 2008, HYUNDAI SUBMITTED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT TO NHTSA CONCERNING FUEL PUMP FAILURE RESULTING IN ENGINE STALL IN APPROXIMATELY 65,000 MODEL YEAR 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA VEHICLES WITH 2.0 LITER BETA ENGINES PRODUCED FROM NOVEMBER 5, 2007, THROUGH JUNE 28, 2008 (NHTSA RECALL NO. 08V-429, HYUNDAI CAMPAIGN 086).THE RECALLED VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH FUEL PUMPS MANUFACTURED WITH UPPER BODY COMPONENTS FROM A DIFFERENT SUPPLIER THAN THOSE MANUFACTURED PRIOR TO NOVEMBER 5, 2007.ACCORDING TO HYUNDAI, THE NEW SUPPLIER'S UPPER BODY COMPONENTS HAD INCORRECT DIMENSIONAL CHARACTERISTICS RESULTING IN MISALIGNMENT OF THE ARMATURE SHAFT, WHICH CAUSED SOME OF THE FUEL PUMPS TO EXPERIENCE POOR BRUSH-TO-COMMENTATOR CONTACT CONDITIONS THAT COULD RESULT IN ENGINE STALL. THE USE OF ETHANOL BLEND FUEL, CONTAINING UP TO 10 PERCENT ETHANOL, CAUSES A FILM BUILD-UP THAT CREATES HIGH RESISTANCE BETWEEN THE BRUSH AND COMMUTATOR.THE MISALIGNED ARMATURE SHAFT PREVENTS THE BRUSH AND COMMUTATOR FROM MAKING SUFFICIENT CONTACT TO OVERCOME THE HIGH RESISTANCE FILM BUILD-UP, THEREFORE PRODUCING LESS PUMPING PRESSURE THAN REQUIRED TO SUPPLY THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM. SIXTY-FOUR OF THE COMPLAINTS (72%), INCLUDING THE CRASH AND INJURY ALLEGATION, INVOLVE THE RECALLED VEHICLES.THE COMPLAINT RATE IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLE POPULATION IS 98.5 PER 100,000 VEHICLES, COMPARED WITH 21.4 IN THE REMAINING POPULATION, WHICH HAS ON AVERAGE BEEN IN SERVICE OVER A YEAR LONGER.THE WARRANTY CLAIM RATE IS ALSO SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER IN THE RECALLED VEHICLES, WHICH HAD 569 CLAIMS (0.9 PERCENT CLAIM RATE) COMPARED WITH 126 CLAIMS IN THE REMAINING POPULATION (0.1 PERCENT CLAIM RATE). HYUNDAI WILL REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP SUBASSEMBLIES IN THE RECALLED VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION IS CLOSED WITH HYUNDAI'S RECALL.