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2012 Hyundai Elantra

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Elantra years

Owner complaints for the 2012 Hyundai Elantra are substantially higher than the model-year median of 182.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

428 reports with mileage · 224 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 139 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 126 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 124 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

47 crash reports11 fire reports30 injury reports

Air Bags complaints

124 reports
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184,000 miles · Feb 20, 2021
Air BagsService Brakes

1 MONTH AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR BRAKES MESSED UP THEN RODORS THEN BEARINGS. AIRBAG AND ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND WHEEL LIGHT. I PUT OVER 1000 AND $200 IN THIS CAR WITHIN FOUR MONTHS

NHTSA ODI #11397115

2 miles · Feb 16, 2021
Air Bags

PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF ALL THE TIME THAT SOMEONE IS SITTING IN THE SEAT. THERE IS NOTHING IN THE SEAT OR A PERSON. IT COMES ON AND OFF WHILE I AM DRIVING OR SITTING AT THE LIGHT. MOST OF THE TIME, IT DOES NOT COME ON WHEN I FIRST START THE VEHICLE. IT WAS REPAIRED ONCE SEVERAL YEARS AND THAT WAS $350.00.…

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PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF ALL THE TIME THAT SOMEONE IS SITTING IN THE SEAT. THERE IS NOTHING IN THE SEAT OR A PERSON. IT COMES ON AND OFF WHILE I AM DRIVING OR SITTING AT THE LIGHT. MOST OF THE TIME, IT DOES NOT COME ON WHEN I FIRST START THE VEHICLE. IT WAS REPAIRED ONCE SEVERAL YEARS AND THAT WAS $350.00. THAT STAYED ON ALL THE TIME. I THINK IT IS A MFG DEFECT.

NHTSA ODI #11396523

145,000 miles · Feb 13, 2021
Air BagsSteeringVehicle Speed Control

I LIVE IN MISSOURI WHERE THEY STILL HAVE VEHICLE INSPECTIONS TO RENEW TAGS FOR LEGALLY DRIVING. GOT IN THE VEHICLE AND STARTED IT I THEN TRY TO USE THE STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS TO CHANGE RADIO STATION WOULD NOT WORK THEN TRIED THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STEERING WHEEL TO MAKE A PHONE CALL AND IT WOULDN'T WORK THEN I TRIED THE HORN AND…

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I LIVE IN MISSOURI WHERE THEY STILL HAVE VEHICLE INSPECTIONS TO RENEW TAGS FOR LEGALLY DRIVING. GOT IN THE VEHICLE AND STARTED IT I THEN TRY TO USE THE STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS TO CHANGE RADIO STATION WOULD NOT WORK THEN TRIED THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STEERING WHEEL TO MAKE A PHONE CALL AND IT WOULDN'T WORK THEN I TRIED THE HORN AND IT WOULD NOT WORK. I LOOKED UP THE PROBLEM AND WHAT I FOUND IS THAT IT'S WHATS CALLED THE AIRBAG CLOCKSPRING SO THERE FOR THE AIRBAG IN THE STEERING WHEEL WILL NOT DEPLOY IN THE CASE OF AN ACCIDENT I HAVE RESEARCHED THAT MY VEHICLE IS NOT THE ONLY ONE AND WITH THIS ISSUE IT IS VERY UNSAFE AND WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION IN MY STATE

NHTSA ODI #11396101

45,000 miles · Jan 29, 2021
Air Bags

WHEN I TURNED ON MY CAR ON IN SEP. 19 2018, THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT TURNED AND STAYED LIT. NOW, I HAVE THE ISSUE OF MY AIRBAGS WON'T DEPLOY WHEN IN A ACCIDENT. MY CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN A ACCIDENT EVER, AND NOW I HAVE THIS PROBLEM THAT IT CAN BE ONE OF TWO THINGS. THE COCK SPRING NEEDS TO BE RESET OR A COMPUTER BOARD NEEDS TO BE…

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WHEN I TURNED ON MY CAR ON IN SEP. 19 2018, THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT TURNED AND STAYED LIT. NOW, I HAVE THE ISSUE OF MY AIRBAGS WON'T DEPLOY WHEN IN A ACCIDENT. MY CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN A ACCIDENT EVER, AND NOW I HAVE THIS PROBLEM THAT IT CAN BE ONE OF TWO THINGS. THE COCK SPRING NEEDS TO BE RESET OR A COMPUTER BOARD NEEDS TO BE REPLACED UNDERNEATH THE PASSENGER SEAT AND REPROGRAMMED. ALSO, IT IS HARD TO BELIEVE THAT IS NOT SAFETY CONCERN TO NEITHER THE HYUNDAI MANUFACTURE OR NHTSA. IN REGARDS TO THAT, WHEN I HAD A 2008 HYUNDAI ACCENT IT HAD THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE AIRBAGS LIGHT IN THE DASHBOARD THAT TURNED ON. ALSO, WHEN TOOK MY ACCENT TO THE DEALERSHIP THE COST RELATED TO THAT WAS $2,800 TO FIX THE ISSUE. I FEEL THAT IF IT HAPPENED TO MORE THEN ONE HYUNDAI CAR MODEL THE ISSUE SHOULD BE ADDRESS AND FIXED.

NHTSA ODI #11390623

Mileage unknown · Jan 22, 2021
Air BagsElectrical SystemSteering

ONE DAY I NOTICED THAT MY STEERING WHEEL WAS LOOSE AND IT WAS MAKING A CLICKING NOISE. ONE ANOTHER OCCASION, WHILE I WAS DRIVING, MY VEHICLE I NOTICED THAT ALL OF A SUDDEN THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. I THOUGHT THAT IT WAS A MINOR ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION (BECAUSE MY FLAT TIRE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR YEARS AND I NEVER KNOW WHEN I REALL…

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ONE DAY I NOTICED THAT MY STEERING WHEEL WAS LOOSE AND IT WAS MAKING A CLICKING NOISE. ONE ANOTHER OCCASION, WHILE I WAS DRIVING, MY VEHICLE I NOTICED THAT ALL OF A SUDDEN THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. I THOUGHT THAT IT WAS A MINOR ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION (BECAUSE MY FLAT TIRE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR YEARS AND I NEVER KNOW WHEN I REALLY HAVE A FLAT), SO I IGNORED IT UNTIL I WENT TO USE MY HORN TO ALERT AN APPROACHING VEHICLE OF MY PRESENCE, AND IT DIDN'T WORK. IT HASN'T WORKED PROPERLY SINCE. IF I USE MY KEYS TO LOCK THE DOOR IT WILL BEEP, BUT IF I ATTEMPT TO USE THE HORN ITSELF I GET NOTHING.

NHTSA ODI #11389466

Mileage unknown · Jan 18, 2021
Air Bags

THE AIRBAG LIGHT WON'T GO OFF NOW AFTER MY BATTERY DIED AND WAS RE-CHARGED. I'VE BEEN INFORM THAT THE ISSUES IS SOMETHING WITH THE CLOCK SPRING. MOST OTHER ELANTRAS FROM THIS TIME PERIOD ARE COVERED UNDER AN EXTENDED AIR BAG CLOCK SPRING WARRANTY AND I BELIEVE THE SAME EXTENDED WARRANTY SHOULD BE APPLIED TO MY TOURING. THANKS!

NHTSA ODI #11388719

105,000 miles · Jan 7, 2021
Air Bags

AFTER DRIVING OVER RAILROAD TRACKS, THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT RANDOMLY TURNED ON. THE LIGHT STAYS ON. I WENT TO THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE ISSUE RESOLVED, BUT THEY ARE CHARGING CLOSE TO $400. I AM WORRIED THAT MY AIR BAG SYSTEM IS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY.

NHTSA ODI #11386915

101,000 miles · Nov 19, 2020
Air Bags

THE AIRBAG ON MY 2012 ELANTRA CAME ON AT 101,000 MILES. TOOK TO DEALERS, THEY DID A DIAGNOSTIC AND SAID THE PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR WAS BAD. WANTED $1500. TO REPLACE THE SEAT.

NHTSA ODI #11375447

100,000 miles · Nov 12, 2020
Air Bags

AT ABOUT 100,000 MILES LOGGED ON THE CAR, THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. IT WOULD SOMETIMES TURN OFF DURING BUMPS BUT, ULTIMATELY, IT CAME BACK ON AND STAYED ON. THE MECHANIC SAID THAT THE PIN AND AIRBAG WERE BAD. THEY AREN'T SURE OF THE CAUSE OR HOW IT HAPPENED BUT THE REPAIR (PARTS AND LABOR) IS WELL OVER $1000. THERE DOESN'T S…

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AT ABOUT 100,000 MILES LOGGED ON THE CAR, THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. IT WOULD SOMETIMES TURN OFF DURING BUMPS BUT, ULTIMATELY, IT CAME BACK ON AND STAYED ON. THE MECHANIC SAID THAT THE PIN AND AIRBAG WERE BAD. THEY AREN'T SURE OF THE CAUSE OR HOW IT HAPPENED BUT THE REPAIR (PARTS AND LABOR) IS WELL OVER $1000. THERE DOESN'T SEEM TO BE A RECALL RELATED TO THIS AND IT'S NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY, AS FAR AS I CAN TELL. THE AIRBAG ISSUE DOES NOT SEEM TO HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY ANYTHING SPECIFIC THAT HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI #11374395

116,000 miles · Oct 29, 2020
Air Bags

AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON. RECENTLY REPLACED BATTERY SO IT COULD JUST BE SOME CONNECTION OR ELECTRICAL ISSUE. DEALERS CLAIM IT'S $200 JUST TO CHECK. THIS SHOULD BE A FREE FIX EVEN IF OUT OF WARRANTY.

NHTSA ODI #11367007

Official recalls

4

23V651000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

Sep 22, 2023

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.

20V393000 · Equipment:electrical

Jul 2, 2020

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2012 Hyundai Elantra and Sonata Hybrid, 2012 Accent and Veloster vehicles. The 12V accessory socket outlet may have been over-tightened during installation, possibly disabling the thermal fuse and allowing the outlet to overheat with prolonged use, such as by using the Tire Mobility Kit air compressor to inflate a tire.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An overheated accessory outlet increases the risk of fire.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the Tire Mobility Kit accessory outlet plug with a direct-to-battery connection wire harness kit, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 193.

15V871000 · Electronic Stability Control (esc)

Dec 23, 2015

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Elantra vehicles manufactured October 29, 2010, to October 25, 2011. Due to an electronic stability control (ESC) sensor malfunction, the brakes for one or more wheels may be applied unexpectedly and the engine power may be reduced. These symptoms will be accompanied by illumination of the ESC indicator lamp in the instrument cluster.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the one or more of the brakes are inappropriately applied, control of the vehicle may be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will verify the proper operation of the ESC sensors, and update the ESC system's calibration, free of charge. The recall began June 6, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 137.

13V115000 · Air Bags:side/window; Structure

Apr 1, 2013

Hyundai Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Elantra vehicles manufactured from November 12, 2010, through March 5, 2013. A support bracket attached to the headliner may become displaced during a side curtain airbag deployment.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the headliner support bracket makes contact with an occupant during a crash, it may cause a laceration injury.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will apply adhesive strips to the headliner, free of charge. The safety recall began during April 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 109.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Structure

Hyundai Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Elantra vehicles manufactured from November 12, 2010, through March 5, 2013. A support bracket attached to the headliner may become displaced during a side curtain airbag deployment.

Consequence: If the headliner support bracket makes contact with an occupant during a crash, it may cause a laceration injury.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will apply adhesive strips to the headliner, free of charge. The safety recall began during April 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 109.

Air Bags:side/window

Hyundai Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Elantra vehicles manufactured from November 12, 2010, through March 5, 2013. A support bracket attached to the headliner may become displaced during a side curtain airbag deployment.

Consequence: If the headliner support bracket makes contact with an occupant during a crash, it may cause a laceration injury.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will apply adhesive strips to the headliner, free of charge. The safety recall began during April 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 109.

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

4

AQ23002 · Hyundai And Kia Abs Module Fires

Opened Nov 17, 2023 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

DP21003 · 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.

EA12008 · Headliner Bracket Detachment

Opened Sep 13, 2012 · Closed Dec 9, 2013

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:side/window; Structure:body:roof And Pillars; Unknown Or Other

In March 2013, Hyundai issued a safety recall to reinforce the attachment of the metal support brackets to the headliner assembly in approximately 186,254 model year 2011-2013 Hyundai Elantra vehicles built in Korea and sold in the U.S. (see NHTSA recall 13V-115 for more information).The recall covers vehicles built up to March 5, 2013.After that date, Hyundai began using headliners with reinforced bracket attachments in the Korea-built Elantra vehicles.ODI has opened a Recall Query (RQ13-004) to investigate model year 2009-2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring vehicles.During EA12-008, ODI found these vehicles are equipped with a support bracket design and layout similar to that in the above-mentioned Elantra vehicles.Also, the headliner manufacturing processes used were similar for both models.Like the Elantra vehicles built before the recall, the Elantra Touring model headliner does not contain reinforced bracket attachments.This Engineering Analysis is closed.See attached report for additional information.The ODI report cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification number: 10457696

Additional source detail variants (3)

Air Bags:side/window

In March 2013, Hyundai issued a safety recall to reinforce the attachment of the metal support brackets to the headliner assembly in approximately 186,254 model year 2011-2013 Hyundai Elantra vehicles built in Korea and sold in the U.S. (see NHTSA recall 13V-115 for more information).The recall covers vehicles built up to March 5, 2013.After that date, Hyundai began using headliners with reinforced bracket attachments in the Korea-built Elantra vehicles.ODI has opened a Recall Query (RQ13-004) to investigate model year 2009-2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring vehicles.During EA12-008, ODI found these vehicles are equipped with a support bracket design and layout similar to that in the above-mentioned Elantra vehicles.Also, the headliner manufacturing processes used were similar for both models.Like the Elantra vehicles built before the recall, the Elantra Touring model headliner does not contain reinforced bracket attachments.This Engineering Analysis is closed.See attached report for additional information.The ODI report cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification number: 10457696

Structure:body:roof And Pillars

In March 2013, Hyundai issued a safety recall to reinforce the attachment of the metal support brackets to the headliner assembly in approximately 186,254 model year 2011-2013 Hyundai Elantra vehicles built in Korea and sold in the U.S. (see NHTSA recall 13V-115 for more information).The recall covers vehicles built up to March 5, 2013.After that date, Hyundai began using headliners with reinforced bracket attachments in the Korea-built Elantra vehicles.ODI has opened a Recall Query (RQ13-004) to investigate model year 2009-2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring vehicles.During EA12-008, ODI found these vehicles are equipped with a support bracket design and layout similar to that in the above-mentioned Elantra vehicles.Also, the headliner manufacturing processes used were similar for both models.Like the Elantra vehicles built before the recall, the Elantra Touring model headliner does not contain reinforced bracket attachments.This Engineering Analysis is closed.See attached report for additional information.The ODI report cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification number: 10457696

Unknown Or Other

In March 2013, Hyundai issued a safety recall to reinforce the attachment of the metal support brackets to the headliner assembly in approximately 186,254 model year 2011-2013 Hyundai Elantra vehicles built in Korea and sold in the U.S. (see NHTSA recall 13V-115 for more information).The recall covers vehicles built up to March 5, 2013.After that date, Hyundai began using headliners with reinforced bracket attachments in the Korea-built Elantra vehicles.ODI has opened a Recall Query (RQ13-004) to investigate model year 2009-2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring vehicles.During EA12-008, ODI found these vehicles are equipped with a support bracket design and layout similar to that in the above-mentioned Elantra vehicles.Also, the headliner manufacturing processes used were similar for both models.Like the Elantra vehicles built before the recall, the Elantra Touring model headliner does not contain reinforced bracket attachments.This Engineering Analysis is closed.See attached report for additional information.The ODI report cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification number: 10457696

PE12012 · Side Curtain Air Bag Improper Deployment

Opened May 10, 2012 · Closed Sep 17, 2012

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags; Air Bags:side/window

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is aware of one incident of an improper deployment of the driver-side curtain air bag that deployed as a result of a crash involving a model year (MY) 2012 Hyundai Elantra.An inspection of this vehicle showed that a metal bracket (stiffener) in the headliner assembly had detached and was forced downward by the deploying air bag.The metal bracket caused a laceration to the driver's ear and other possible injuries.Approximately 75,000 MY 2012 Hyundai Elantra vehicles, built in Korea and sold in the U.S., have stiffeners in the headliners while the MY 2012 Elantra vehicles built in the U.S. utilize a different headliner that does not use a stiffener. Thus, the latter vehicles are not included in this investigation.Hyundai has inspected the headliner assemblies from eight Elantra vehicles (which were sold in the Korean market) with production dates in the same range as the field incident vehicle.Hyundai reported to ODI that the metal brackets from these vehicles were found to be securely attached to the headliners.Hyundai also has conducted several static deployment tests in attempts to replicate the field incident. In one test, the metal bracket detached from the headliner but the test condition did not replicate or explain the condition observed in the incident vehicle.This Preliminary Evaluation has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA12-008) to further assess whether incidents like the single field incident could potentially occur with other subject vehicles.In addition to the subject vehicles, ODI also will collect and review information on MY 2011 and 2013 Elantra vehicles that have headliners with stiffeners similar to those in the subject vehicles. To date, there have been no reports on the MY 2011 and 2013 vehicles.The ODI report cited above can be viewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification number: 10457696

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is aware of one incident of an improper deployment of the driver-side curtain air bag that deployed as a result of a crash involving a model year (MY) 2012 Hyundai Elantra.An inspection of this vehicle showed that a metal bracket (stiffener) in the headliner assembly had detached and was forced downward by the deploying air bag.The metal bracket caused a laceration to the driver's ear and other possible injuries.Approximately 75,000 MY 2012 Hyundai Elantra vehicles, built in Korea and sold in the U.S., have stiffeners in the headliners while the MY 2012 Elantra vehicles built in the U.S. utilize a different headliner that does not use a stiffener. Thus, the latter vehicles are not included in this investigation.Hyundai has inspected the headliner assemblies from eight Elantra vehicles (which were sold in the Korean market) with production dates in the same range as the field incident vehicle.Hyundai reported to ODI that the metal brackets from these vehicles were found to be securely attached to the headliners.Hyundai also has conducted several static deployment tests in attempts to replicate the field incident. In one test, the metal bracket detached from the headliner but the test condition did not replicate or explain the condition observed in the incident vehicle.This Preliminary Evaluation has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA12-008) to further assess whether incidents like the single field incident could potentially occur with other subject vehicles.In addition to the subject vehicles, ODI also will collect and review information on MY 2011 and 2013 Elantra vehicles that have headliners with stiffeners similar to those in the subject vehicles. To date, there have been no reports on the MY 2011 and 2013 vehicles.The ODI report cited above can be viewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification number: 10457696

Air Bags:side/window

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is aware of one incident of an improper deployment of the driver-side curtain air bag that deployed as a result of a crash involving a model year (MY) 2012 Hyundai Elantra.An inspection of this vehicle showed that a metal bracket (stiffener) in the headliner assembly had detached and was forced downward by the deploying air bag.The metal bracket caused a laceration to the driver's ear and other possible injuries.Approximately 75,000 MY 2012 Hyundai Elantra vehicles, built in Korea and sold in the U.S., have stiffeners in the headliners while the MY 2012 Elantra vehicles built in the U.S. utilize a different headliner that does not use a stiffener. Thus, the latter vehicles are not included in this investigation.Hyundai has inspected the headliner assemblies from eight Elantra vehicles (which were sold in the Korean market) with production dates in the same range as the field incident vehicle.Hyundai reported to ODI that the metal brackets from these vehicles were found to be securely attached to the headliners.Hyundai also has conducted several static deployment tests in attempts to replicate the field incident. In one test, the metal bracket detached from the headliner but the test condition did not replicate or explain the condition observed in the incident vehicle.This Preliminary Evaluation has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA12-008) to further assess whether incidents like the single field incident could potentially occur with other subject vehicles.In addition to the subject vehicles, ODI also will collect and review information on MY 2011 and 2013 Elantra vehicles that have headliners with stiffeners similar to those in the subject vehicles. To date, there have been no reports on the MY 2011 and 2013 vehicles.The ODI report cited above can be viewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification number: 10457696

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