← New search

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.

About this comparison →

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

Unknown Or Other complaints

66 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Jan 13, 2025
Unknown Or Other

At first the car was fine when I bought if off some random guy and it drove a little rough but was good for the mean time. A month into driving the car I come to realize that the timing change needed to be replaced since it would keep turning off on its own in idle. As I was changing gears on the car after the a month of the rep…

Read full complaint

At first the car was fine when I bought if off some random guy and it drove a little rough but was good for the mean time. A month into driving the car I come to realize that the timing change needed to be replaced since it would keep turning off on its own in idle. As I was changing gears on the car after the a month of the repair from drive to reverse I realized the car’s gears were slipping and coming to find out we need a transmission change on the car. While looking into this cars reports using the vin number since I found it a little off putting that the transmission and timing chain is already giving out at 188,000 miles I come to find out the car may have a odometer rollback since it was last reported to have 256,500 miles and it that it was possibly altered. So the Timing chain and the transmission were the components that needed change. My safety was put as risk when the gear would not change redlining the car when driving in public roads cause me to limit my speed to be under the speed limit when realization of the issue set it of the car. The issue has not been confirmed only the time change since it was fixed at a service center. It has also not been inspected by manufacturer, police, or insurance since I’m not sure how to report Odometer rollback fraud. There was an engine light at the time of purchase which was the timing chain and a tire pressure light.

NHTSA ODI #11635758

Mileage unknown · Dec 9, 2024
Unknown Or Other

Unknown I have two urgent recall warnings on my vehicle and am unable to park near building structures according to the recall instructions.

NHTSA ODI #11629779

Mileage unknown · Nov 19, 2024
Service BrakesUnknown Or Other

I took my car into Burns Hyundai (Marlton, NJ) for the ABS recall on [XXX], and while leaving the lot, my car doors began locking/unlocking when I braked or accelerated... I called them and took it back on the 10/09 and I was told they did everything correctly and I would have to PAY to have my vehicle diagnosed for THEIR error.…

Read full complaint

I took my car into Burns Hyundai (Marlton, NJ) for the ABS recall on [XXX], and while leaving the lot, my car doors began locking/unlocking when I braked or accelerated... I called them and took it back on the 10/09 and I was told they did everything correctly and I would have to PAY to have my vehicle diagnosed for THEIR error. I then took my car to Meineke (right next door to Hyundai) for other services recommended by Hyundai on 10/7 (which Meineke later told me that I DON'T need to have done at all) and Meineke told me that Hyundai DID cause the software issue when doing the ABS recall. I filed a complaint with Hyundai (Hyundai Consumer Affairs Case#: [XXX]) and the solution was again for me to take my vehicle back (Burns Hyundai in Marlton OR Hyundai in Burlington) for a diagnosis, and if THEY determine the software issue is not related to whatever they did for the ABS recall, I would have to foot the diagnosis bill. Because Burns Hyundai refused to take accountability from from the onset for their error(s) with my vehicle, my car doors now unlock/lock while I'm DRIVING my vehicle which is DANGEROUS especially if I have children in the back seat. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11626130

Mileage unknown · Oct 30, 2024
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other

I went to start my car and it would not turn over. All the lights were on, the vehicle wouldn't move out of park, and the security system kept going off. The last time this happened I had the starter replaced and the neutral safety switch and it was fine for a bit but now it's happened again. This is at least the 3rd time I've …

Read full complaint

I went to start my car and it would not turn over. All the lights were on, the vehicle wouldn't move out of park, and the security system kept going off. The last time this happened I had the starter replaced and the neutral safety switch and it was fine for a bit but now it's happened again. This is at least the 3rd time I've had this issue. Please help! I know I'm not the only one. I had to have AAA come and pick my car up and bring it to a garage.

NHTSA ODI #11622776

Mileage unknown · Jan 16, 2024
Unknown Or Other

IN OCTOBER 2023, I RECEIVEDS A RECALL NOTICE FROM HYUNDAI REGARDING RECALL NUMBER 23V-651. IT IS NOW JANUARY 16TH AND AFTER SEVERAL CONTACTS TO THE COMPANY I'M CONTINUALLY TOLD THAT THEY DON'T HAVE A FIX AND HAVE NO IDEA WHEN IT WILL BE AVAILABLE. THEY SAID I SHOULD NOT PARK IN THE GARAGE FOR FEAR OF FIRE. I'M PARKING MY VEHIC…

Read full complaint

IN OCTOBER 2023, I RECEIVEDS A RECALL NOTICE FROM HYUNDAI REGARDING RECALL NUMBER 23V-651. IT IS NOW JANUARY 16TH AND AFTER SEVERAL CONTACTS TO THE COMPANY I'M CONTINUALLY TOLD THAT THEY DON'T HAVE A FIX AND HAVE NO IDEA WHEN IT WILL BE AVAILABLE. THEY SAID I SHOULD NOT PARK IN THE GARAGE FOR FEAR OF FIRE. I'M PARKING MY VEHICLE OUTSIDE IN WINTER WEATHER FOR THE FIRST TIME IN OVER 30 YEARS. THERE IS ALSO A POSSIBILITY THAT MY CAR COULD CATCH FIRE AS I'M DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. THIS BECOMES ESPECIALLY PROBLEMATIC ON A BUSY FREEWAY. THREE MONTHS WITH NO FORECAST OF A REPAIR IS TOO LONG FOR THIS TO GO UNREPAIRED. BY THEIR NOTICE THERE ARE 13 MODELS AFFECTED OVER SEVERAL DIFFERENT YEARS. THIS AMOUNTS TO 42 MODELS IN ALL. THIS SEEMS LIKE A SITUATION THAT DESERVES HIGHER PRIORITY. I AM LODGOING AN OFFICIAL COMPLAINT. THEY SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE, EQUIVILENT VEHICLES FOR AFFECTED OWNERS TO DRIVE WHILE THEY PROCRASTINATE. I'VE ASKED FOR THIS AND WAS TOLD THEY WOULD LET ME KNOW BECAUSE THEY HAD NOTHING AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11565802

Mileage unknown · Jan 2, 2024
Unknown Or Other

It’s been months with no remedy, they advised that I keep my car parked & away from buildings. I’m in a position where I’m unsure every time I drive my vehicle. Not just for my safety but also for others that could be affected by this situation. Idk what to do honestly. I’m in a position where I have to door dash to stay afloat.…

Read full complaint

It’s been months with no remedy, they advised that I keep my car parked & away from buildings. I’m in a position where I’m unsure every time I drive my vehicle. Not just for my safety but also for others that could be affected by this situation. Idk what to do honestly. I’m in a position where I have to door dash to stay afloat. But the risk is mind boggling. I’m just tryna see what can I do in this situation

NHTSA ODI #11563184

Mileage unknown · Dec 18, 2023
Unknown Or Other

Recall has been in effect since Sept 22, and still no remedy is available. Their only recommendation is to park away from buildings. Sometimes it is not possible to park away from buildings, and even when it is possible, it's increasingly inconvenient to park outside of my garage due to weather. I feel the risk of fire is low, b…

Read full complaint

Recall has been in effect since Sept 22, and still no remedy is available. Their only recommendation is to park away from buildings. Sometimes it is not possible to park away from buildings, and even when it is possible, it's increasingly inconvenient to park outside of my garage due to weather. I feel the risk of fire is low, but if there were one, any damage to my home would likely not be covered under insurance due to the recall notice. The delay in addressing the recall is unacceptably long, and I am filing a complaint in accordance with NHTSA recommendation.

NHTSA ODI #11560649

Mileage unknown · Sep 26, 2023
Unknown Or Other

Unknown

NHTSA ODI #11546556

Mileage unknown · Sep 21, 2023
SteeringUnknown Or Other

It started around a month ago it's a thumping clicking sound in my steering wheel it's getting worse everyday when driving on the road and I hit a bump in the road it wants to jerk out of my hands it's very hard to drive and keep from swerving around it sometimes feels like it's trying to stick or lock up I fear for my life and …

Read full complaint

It started around a month ago it's a thumping clicking sound in my steering wheel it's getting worse everyday when driving on the road and I hit a bump in the road it wants to jerk out of my hands it's very hard to drive and keep from swerving around it sometimes feels like it's trying to stick or lock up I fear for my life and others life as well. I do know if it locks up it will cause me to lose control and wreck my car possibly ending in death for myself or others out on the highway. My horn doesn't work and I don't know if steering is the cause of that. I don't have any warning light that come on to check anything except the tire pressure light stays on and they are new tires. I keep a check on my car to keep it serviced and everything my tires aren't low at all I checked my oil on a daily basis and it read no oil on the stick so 2 quarts were added then I keep checking to see if I have an oil leak and there isn't one. I have spoken with multiple mechanics and have been told that unless they get into tearing it down and looking at it they couldn't give me an exact solution, but sounds like either an Intermediate steering shaft or a steering coupler bushing (MDPS) I have spoken with a dealership that stated there is no recalls but calling the recall number I have multiple ones. But haven't seen any on the steering. I have no documentation on manufacturer dealings or anything else .

NHTSA ODI #11545849

Mileage unknown · Sep 13, 2023
Unknown Or Other

After Koons Hyundai in Woodbridge, VA did my ANTI THEFT Safety Recall, my 2012 Elantra's engine would stop working and I had to restart my engine. Often the BMW guage would malfunction/stop working, my Elantra would not accelerate past 30 mph and the engine would stop working. When I first went to Koons Hyundai for the ANTI THE…

Read full complaint

After Koons Hyundai in Woodbridge, VA did my ANTI THEFT Safety Recall, my 2012 Elantra's engine would stop working and I had to restart my engine. Often the BMW guage would malfunction/stop working, my Elantra would not accelerate past 30 mph and the engine would stop working. When I first went to Koons Hyundai for the ANTI THEFT Safety Recall, earlier this year, I DID NOT have any of these issues and I could contact Hyundai and schedule an Appointment ASAP. However, after Koons Hyundai started performing its ANTI THEFT Safety Recalls on Hyundai vehicles is has taken very, very long for Hyundai to schedule my Appointment. For instance, I called Koons Hyundai around September 6, (XXXXXXXXX) and the earliest that Koon's Hyundai could schedule me for an Appointment was October 2, 2023. In Fact, (XXXXXXXX) I traveled to my son's home in Midlothian, VA and dropped my car off with Pearson Hyundai at 11701 MIDLOTHIAN TPKE, Midlothian, VA 23113 on Labor Day, September 4, 2023 and received a call from Pearson Hyundai on September 5, 2023 that it would take three weeks before they could service my Elantra. This very, very long service delay by Hyundai NEVER EXISTED BEFORE the ANTI THEFT Service Recalls and I believe HYUNDAI IS DOING REPAIRS TO MAKE MONEY FROM ITS ANTI THEFT SERVICE RECALLS which reset its Hyundai computers causing my Elantra's computer to cause starting and BMW and slow transmission MPH issues...as if somebody was stealing my Elantra. Due to Hyundai's ANTI THEFT Safety Recall issues, I am going to have to go to Hyundai, spend tons of money to have Hyundai fix problems, that never existed before, at my expense, which basically SUCKS. I know Hyundai DID NOT want to spend money on this ANTI THEFT Safety Recall, but Hyundai SHOULD NOT RIP OFF Hyundai owners through its own inabilities to properly update safety features of its vehicles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11544333

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

Go deeper into Hyundai Elantra problems