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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

Engine complaints

139 reports
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30,000 miles · Jul 17, 2015
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

I HAVE A HYUNDAI ELANTRA LIMITED, 2012, WITH THE TECHNOLOGY PACKAGE. THERE ARE MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH MY CAR, THAT HAVE OCCURRED SINCE I PURCHASED IT BRAND NEW OFF THE LOT IN 2011. WHENEVER I TAKE THE CAR TO THE SHOP TO HAVE THE ISSUES CHECKED, I AM ALWAYS TOLD THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM, SO COULDN'T FIND ANY…

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I HAVE A HYUNDAI ELANTRA LIMITED, 2012, WITH THE TECHNOLOGY PACKAGE. THERE ARE MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH MY CAR, THAT HAVE OCCURRED SINCE I PURCHASED IT BRAND NEW OFF THE LOT IN 2011. WHENEVER I TAKE THE CAR TO THE SHOP TO HAVE THE ISSUES CHECKED, I AM ALWAYS TOLD THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM, SO COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING TO FIX. FIRST, THERE ARE SERIOUS ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION. WHEN TAKING THE CAR OUT OF PARK AND INTO DRIVE OR REVERSE, IT OFTEN LURCHES INTO GEAR, WHICH THEN CONTINUES AS I DRIVE INTO 1ST, 2ND, 3RD, AND SOMETIMES 4TH GEAR. IT SHIFTS REALLY HARD, AS IF THE CAR WERE A MANUAL AND I WAS NOT SHIFTING VERY WELL BETWEEN GEARS. A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO (~JUNE 2015) THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON FOR THE FIRST TIME, AND THE SHOP SAID THAT IT WAS A TRANSMISSION TEMPERATURE SENSOR ERROR. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON THE 2ND TIME THIS WEEK ON 7/14, AND TURNED OFF WITHIN 24 HOURS. I'VE CONTINUED TO HAVE THIS JERKING SHIFT ISSUE, THOUGH IT NEVER SEEMS TO HAPPEN WHEN IT'S AT THE SHOP. SECOND, THERE IS SOME KIND OF ELECTRICAL ISSUE/SHORT IN THE CAR, BECAUSE SOMETIMES WHEN I HAVE WINDOWS DOWN AND I HIT THE LEVER TO ROLL THE DRIVER'S WINDOW UP THE SUNROOF ALSO STARTS TO OPEN/CLOSE! OR, THE WINDOWS DON'T GO UP/DOWN AS HARD/SOFT AS I MOVE THE LEVER. ALSO, IN THE PAST MONTH OR SO (JULY 2015) THE PROXIMITY KEY SEEMS TO NOT WORK, AND I HAVE TO PRESS THE BUTTON ON THE DOOR HANDLE MULTIPLE (UP TO 10) TIMES BEFORE THE CAR WILL LOCK/UNLOCK. THIS ALSO PREVENTS ME FROM BEING ABLE TO START THE CAR (IGNITION SWITCH) BECAUSE IT DOESN'T RECOGNIZE THE KEY IS INSIDE THE VEHICLE. PLEASE HELP!

NHTSA ODI #10734756

32,986 miles · Apr 28, 2015
Electrical SystemEngine

THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT HAS BEEN GOING ON WITH OTHER ELANTRA DRIVERS. THERE ARE VIDEOS ON YOU TUBE WITH THIS ISSUE. THE VEHICLE DOESN'T START AT TIMES AND IT SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE. THIS IS A NEW CAR AND SHOULD HAVE ISSUES LIKE THAT. IT SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THE STARTER OR THE IGNITION SWITCH. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10713470

31 miles · Apr 7, 2015
EngineSteeringSuspension

AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR NEW WITH ALL OF 31 MILES ON IT I NOTICED ON MY 350 MILE DRIVE HOME FROM ANCHORAGE TO FAIRBANKS ALASKA THAT THE REAR END OF THE CAR WOULD SKIP AROUND UNPREDICTABLY WHEN HITTING A BUMP OR WHEN I HIT AN ICY PATCH OF ROAD (AND AS A RESULT OF THE SKIPPING AROUND, THE REAR TIRES WEAR/CUP RIDICULOUSLY FAST, WH…

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AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR NEW WITH ALL OF 31 MILES ON IT I NOTICED ON MY 350 MILE DRIVE HOME FROM ANCHORAGE TO FAIRBANKS ALASKA THAT THE REAR END OF THE CAR WOULD SKIP AROUND UNPREDICTABLY WHEN HITTING A BUMP OR WHEN I HIT AN ICY PATCH OF ROAD (AND AS A RESULT OF THE SKIPPING AROUND, THE REAR TIRES WEAR/CUP RIDICULOUSLY FAST, WHICH MAY ALSO BE DANGEROUS BUT IS MOSTLY ANNOYING AND EXPENSIVE). DESPITE A FEW ATTEMPTS BY THE DEALER AT REPAIRING THE STEERING COLUMN IT STILL DOES IT, 30K MILES LATER. AS FAR AS SPEED, IT HAPPENS AT ANY SPEED ABOVE ABOUT 35 MPH . IT IS BAD ENOUGH IN THE SUMMER TO FEEL LIKE THE REAR END IS LEAVING THE ROAD, BUT IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS IN THE WINTER WHEN TRACTION IS ALREADY TENUOUS AT BEST. SOONER OR LATER THIS IS GOING TO KILL SOMEONE IF IT HASN'T ALREADY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10704299

38,999 miles · Mar 18, 2015
Engine

I TURNED THE KEY TO THE START POSITION SO I COULD START THE CAR, BUT IT WOULD NOT START UP. THE CAR WAS IN PARK. I DID SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, AND FOUND SOME VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE, AND PEOPLE COMMENTED THEY WERE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. SOME PEOPLE MENTIONED THAT IF YOU TURN THE KEY SO YOU CAN MOVE THE SHIFTER FROM PARK TO NEUT…

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I TURNED THE KEY TO THE START POSITION SO I COULD START THE CAR, BUT IT WOULD NOT START UP. THE CAR WAS IN PARK. I DID SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, AND FOUND SOME VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE, AND PEOPLE COMMENTED THEY WERE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. SOME PEOPLE MENTIONED THAT IF YOU TURN THE KEY SO YOU CAN MOVE THE SHIFTER FROM PARK TO NEUTRAL, AND BACK TO PARK, THE CAR MAY START UP. I TRIED EXACTLY THIS, AND AS SOON AS I ATTEMPTED TO MOVE THE SHIFTER TO NEUTRAL, THE CAR STARTED UP. IT APPEARS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THE INHIBITOR SWITCH, WHICH I WILL TRY TO GET THAT REPLACED BY THE DEALERSHIP IF POSSIBLE. SINCE MANY PEOPLE ARE EXPERIENCING THIS SAME PROBLEM, THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10695178

48,000 miles · Feb 22, 2015
Engine

TODAY I WENT OUT TO START MY CAR AFTER IT SITTING OUT OVER NIGHT (LIVING IN NORTH DAKOTA MY VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS SAT OUT IN THE COLD OVER WINTER AND STARTED WITH NO ISSUES) AND IT WOULD NOT START. THE LIGHTS, DOORS, WIDOWS, EVERYTHING ELSE ELECTRICAL WORKED JUST FIND, BUT THE ENGINE WILL NOT TURN ON. I TRIED CHARGING THE BATTERY A…

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TODAY I WENT OUT TO START MY CAR AFTER IT SITTING OUT OVER NIGHT (LIVING IN NORTH DAKOTA MY VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS SAT OUT IN THE COLD OVER WINTER AND STARTED WITH NO ISSUES) AND IT WOULD NOT START. THE LIGHTS, DOORS, WIDOWS, EVERYTHING ELSE ELECTRICAL WORKED JUST FIND, BUT THE ENGINE WILL NOT TURN ON. I TRIED CHARGING THE BATTERY AND JUMPING IT WITH A FRIENDS VEHICLE. NOTHING HAS WORKED. I HAVE BEEN READING ONLINE THIS IS BECOMING A COMMON ISSUE AMONG HYUNDAI'S. I WOULD HOPE HYUNDAI WILL SOON HAVE SOME ANSWERS AND FIXES FOR THIS ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10689818

41,400 miles · Feb 5, 2015
Electrical SystemEngine

2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA WOULD NOT START WHEN IN PARK, EVEN THOUGH THE BATTERY HAS A FULL CHARGE. SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL AND BACK TO PARK, AND IT STARTED ON THE FIRST TRY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10681641

67,000 miles · Feb 5, 2015
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

CAR WOULD NOT START. AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS AT TURNING KEY, IT FINALLY STARTED. LIGHTS AND HORN FUNCTIONED PROPERLY, BUT I REPLACED THE BATTERY ANYWAY. CAR WOULD STILL NOT START ON FIRST FEW ATTEMPTS. ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN OVER AT ALL, THEN AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS AT TURNING KEY, IT WOULD START, AS IF NOTHING WAS WRONG. BRO…

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CAR WOULD NOT START. AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS AT TURNING KEY, IT FINALLY STARTED. LIGHTS AND HORN FUNCTIONED PROPERLY, BUT I REPLACED THE BATTERY ANYWAY. CAR WOULD STILL NOT START ON FIRST FEW ATTEMPTS. ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN OVER AT ALL, THEN AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS AT TURNING KEY, IT WOULD START, AS IF NOTHING WAS WRONG. BROUGHT IT TO DEALER, THEY SAID THEY CLEANED OUT SOME PARTS OF THE ENGINE AND UPDATED THE COMPUTER. THE NEXT DAY I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AGAIN. BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER, AND THEY SAID THEY CHANGED SOME FUSES. LESS THAN A WEEK LATER, STILL THE SAME PROBLEM. THERE ARE MULTIPLE INCIDENTS OF THIS HAPPENING FOR OTHER OWNERS OF THIS CAR WHICH I FOUND ONLINE WHEN I WAS LOOKING TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10681634

33,000 miles · Jan 9, 2015
Electrical SystemEngine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD GRINDING NOISE AS THE VEHICLE STALLED. IN ADDITION, THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE COULD BE RESTARTED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT D…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD GRINDING NOISE AS THE VEHICLE STALLED. IN ADDITION, THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE COULD BE RESTARTED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000. MA 10/8 UPDATED 9/12/12*CN

NHTSA ODI #10671362

38,500 miles · Dec 11, 2014
Electrical SystemEngine

MY CAR WAS PARKED OUTSIDE OVERNIGHT AND I USED THE KEY FOB TO UNLOCK MY CAR. I THEN TRIED TO START THE CAR BUT IT WOULD NOT START. I HAD MY FOOT PRESSING ON THE BRAKE AND PUSHED THE IGNITION BUTTON AND THE LIGHTS/RADIO WOULD COME ON BUT THE CAR MADE A CLICK NOISE AND WOULD NOT CRANK OVER TO START. I TRIED THIS 5 TIMES BEFORE …

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MY CAR WAS PARKED OUTSIDE OVERNIGHT AND I USED THE KEY FOB TO UNLOCK MY CAR. I THEN TRIED TO START THE CAR BUT IT WOULD NOT START. I HAD MY FOOT PRESSING ON THE BRAKE AND PUSHED THE IGNITION BUTTON AND THE LIGHTS/RADIO WOULD COME ON BUT THE CAR MADE A CLICK NOISE AND WOULD NOT CRANK OVER TO START. I TRIED THIS 5 TIMES BEFORE IT STARTED. IT WAS NOT THAT COLD SO WEATHER WAS NOT A FACTOR. I THEN DROVE TO WORK AND AT LUNCH THE SAME THING HAPPENED. IT TOOK 5 TRIES BEFORE THE CAR CRANKED OVER TO START. THE BRAKE PEDAL SEEMS TO BE LOCKED AND THEN FINALLY IT HAS SOME GIVE TO START THE CAR. I HAD TAKEN MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP 6 WEEKS PRIOR FOR THIS SAME ISSUE BUT THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM AS IT STARTED FOR THEM EVERY TIME. IT IS STARTING TO NOW GET FRUSTRATING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10663679

27,070 miles · Nov 12, 2014
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control

HELLO, WELL, I AM THE FIRST OWNER, AND THERE WAS NOT ANY ACCIDENT BEFORE. LAST THURSDAY, AFTER I STARTED MY CAR, I TRIED TO SHIFT THE GEAR TO DRIVE, AND THE CAR WAS SUDDENLY SHOOK. I KEPT TRIED TO DRIVE IT, BUT WHENEVER THE RPM GOES UP TO 2000, THE CAR WAS BOUNCING LIKE THAT I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE OR SO. I WAS NOT EVEN ABLE …

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HELLO, WELL, I AM THE FIRST OWNER, AND THERE WAS NOT ANY ACCIDENT BEFORE. LAST THURSDAY, AFTER I STARTED MY CAR, I TRIED TO SHIFT THE GEAR TO DRIVE, AND THE CAR WAS SUDDENLY SHOOK. I KEPT TRIED TO DRIVE IT, BUT WHENEVER THE RPM GOES UP TO 2000, THE CAR WAS BOUNCING LIKE THAT I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE OR SO. I WAS NOT EVEN ABLE TO DRIVE IT, AND IT WAS EVEN SO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. THEREFORE, I JUST TRIED IT AGAIN AT NIGHT, AND THE ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON. I PUT MY CAR INTO THE FITZGERALD HYUNDAI SERVICE CENTER IN GAITHERSBURG, MD ON FRIDAY MORNING (11/7/14), AND I GOT MY CAR BACK YESTERDAY. WHEN I PICKED UP MY CAR, I ASKED THEM WHAT WAS THE WRONG WITH IT, AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THE TRANSMISSION SENSOR DID NOT LEAD THE TEMPERATURE. THEREFORE, I TOLD THEM THAT I PUT MY CAR INTO THE HYUNDAI SERVICE CENTER IN FAIRFAX, VA THREE MONTHS AGO FOR THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM, AND THE FAIRFAX REPRESENTATIVE TOLD ME THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEMS WITH IT, SO THEY JUST RESET THE SOFTWARE SO THAT IT IS GOING TO BE FINE. HOWEVER, THIS HAPPENED AGAIN AFTER FEW MONTHS. A MAN FROM FITZGERALD TOLD ME THAT THIS TIME THEY UPDATE SOME NUMBERS, SO IT IS GOING TO BE FINE. I DO NOT KNOW WHENEVER THIS HAPPENS, THE ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON, TOO, AND IT SEEMS LIKE THAT IT IS BREAKING TRANSMISSION AND THE ENGINE TOGETHER. SINCE THIS WAS NOT MY FIRST TIME, I REPORTED THIS TO THE HYUNDAI RECALL SERVICE CENTER. THEY CALLED ME YESTERDAY AND TOLD ME THAT THEY DO NOT KNOW THE REASON, BUT THEY FIXED IT. HOW COME THEY CAN FIX IT EVEN IF THEY DO NOT KNOW THE REASON? I KEPT COMPLAINED ABOUT IT, AND THEY JUST TOLD ME THAT THEY WILL EXPAND THE DATES FOR THE WARRANTY SO THAT I CAN FIX IT WHENEVER IT HAPPENS AGAIN! THEY ALSO SAID THAT THEY DO NOT KNOW THE NEXT STEP FOR IT. HOW IRRESPONSIBLE! NOW, ALL I CAN THINK OF IS THAT THIS IS THE DEFECTED CAR. CAN YOU PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS? THANK YOU. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10654604

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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