IllustrationAIRBAG LIGHT ON EVEN WHEN IN MOTION.NO INCIDENT OR ACCIDENTS HAPPEN.IT WONT TURN OFF EVEN AFTER MINUTES OF START UP.
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 →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Elantra years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
690–25K
9225–50K
9950–75K
7375–100K
78100–150K
17150K+
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
What owners actually said
652 reportsWHILE DRIVING, MY AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. I WAS NOT IN AN ACCIDENT NOR DID I DRIVE OVER ANY BUMPS IN THE ROAD. IT GOES OFF, THEN COMES BACK ON AGAIN.
AFTER ABOUT 60,000 MILES ALL OF MY EXTERIOR LIGHTS ARE CONSTANTLY GOING OUT COMPLETELY. WITHIN THE LAST SIX MONTHS I HAVE CHANGED MY BRAKE LIGHTS AT LEAST 8 TIMES. MY HEAD LIGHTS HAVE BEEN CHANGED ABOUT FOUR TIMES AND MY HIGH BEAMS BOTH WENT OUT AT THE SAME TIME. ONE DAY I WAS DRIVING ON THE INNER STATE AND ALL MY BACK EXTERIOR …
Read full complaint
AFTER ABOUT 60,000 MILES ALL OF MY EXTERIOR LIGHTS ARE CONSTANTLY GOING OUT COMPLETELY. WITHIN THE LAST SIX MONTHS I HAVE CHANGED MY BRAKE LIGHTS AT LEAST 8 TIMES. MY HEAD LIGHTS HAVE BEEN CHANGED ABOUT FOUR TIMES AND MY HIGH BEAMS BOTH WENT OUT AT THE SAME TIME. ONE DAY I WAS DRIVING ON THE INNER STATE AND ALL MY BACK EXTERIOR LIGHTS WENT OUT. SOME DAYS THEY MAY WORK IF I HAVE THE LIGHTS POSITION IN THE ON POSITION INSTEAD OF AUTOMATIC DAYLIGHT POSITION AND VICE VERSA. THIS STARTED HAPPENING ROUGHLY AROUND THE END OF 2017 AND OVER TIME IT HAS GOTTEN WORSE.THIS IS VERY UNSAFE TO OPERATE A VEHICLE AND ALL YOUR LIGHTS GO OUT NOT TO MENTION ITS EXPENSIVE TO CONTINUE TO REPLACE BULBS THAT WON'T WORK BEYOND A MONTH.
NOISY STEERING.PLAY IN WHEEL . NOISES AS TURED LEFT AND RIGHT. EITHER STILL OR ON MOTION. CLICKING/CLUNKING SOUND. SAW VIDEO ABOUT STEERING COUPLING. THAT SEEMS TO BE THE SOUND ...TO MY UNTRAINED EAR.
HYUNDAI ELANTRA 2012 GLS SHUTTING OFF WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEED OR AT STOPPED, STOPPING, LOOSING CONTROL OF YOUR CAR AT LOW SPEED NO BREAKS OR STEERING WHEEL, OR SPEEDOMETER AFTER TURNING THE CAR ON..
AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AT 197,000 MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN ANY TYPE OF ACCIDENT WHERE THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED.
THE BACK END SWAYS SIGNIFICANTLY BACK AND FORTH WHENEVER THE CAR GOES OVER AN UNEVEN BUMP IN THE ROAD (AS LONG AS BOTH SIDES DON'T HIT AT THE EXACT SAME TIME). I'VE DONE RESEARCH ON THE ISSUE, AND FOUND THAT THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF REPORTS/FORUMS ALL REPORTING THE SAME PROBLEM. MANY PEOPLE ARE REPORTING COMPLETE LOSS OF CONTROL LE…
Read full complaint
THE BACK END SWAYS SIGNIFICANTLY BACK AND FORTH WHENEVER THE CAR GOES OVER AN UNEVEN BUMP IN THE ROAD (AS LONG AS BOTH SIDES DON'T HIT AT THE EXACT SAME TIME). I'VE DONE RESEARCH ON THE ISSUE, AND FOUND THAT THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF REPORTS/FORUMS ALL REPORTING THE SAME PROBLEM. MANY PEOPLE ARE REPORTING COMPLETE LOSS OF CONTROL LEADING TO CRASHES, WHICH I DO NOT FIND HARD TO BELIEVE. IT TAKES AN EFFORT, WITH GOOD DRIVING CONDITIONS TO KEEP THE VEHICLE FROM SWERVING. I CAN ONLY IMAGINE HOW EASY IT WOULD BE TO LOSE CONTROL AND GO INTO A SPIN DURING RAINY OR SNOWY CONDITIONS.
I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM A PERSON NOT DEALER. HYUNDAI WAS MINT CONDITION. DRIVES SMOOTH. ITS KEPT UP AND ONLY SERVICED AT HYUNDAI..144,000 MILES. MY 3RD DAY HAVING THIS CAR THE ENGINE TICKS AND KNOCKS. WHEN CHECKING THE ENGINE I LITERALLY BURNED MY FINGER TOUCHING THE ENGINE IT WAS SO HOT I HAD A BLISTER THE CAR RAN FOR 1 MI…
Read full complaint
I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM A PERSON NOT DEALER. HYUNDAI WAS MINT CONDITION. DRIVES SMOOTH. ITS KEPT UP AND ONLY SERVICED AT HYUNDAI..144,000 MILES. MY 3RD DAY HAVING THIS CAR THE ENGINE TICKS AND KNOCKS. WHEN CHECKING THE ENGINE I LITERALLY BURNED MY FINGER TOUCHING THE ENGINE IT WAS SO HOT I HAD A BLISTER THE CAR RAN FOR 1 MINUTE NOT EVEN. I RESEARCHED THIS AND THOUSANDA OD CONSUMERS HAVE HAD ENGINE AND KNOCKING ALSO THIS LEFT ME STRANDED IN FREEZING WEATHER ON A COUNTRY ROAD WITH MY BORN AND SHE GOT RSV
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL MADE POPPING NOISES AND THE STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE REPAIRS WOULD BE EXPENSIVE; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS STILL ABLE TO …
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL MADE POPPING NOISES AND THE STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE REPAIRS WOULD BE EXPENSIVE; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS STILL ABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE NOISES WORSENED AND THE VEHICLE'S HORN NO LONGER FUNCTIONED. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A LIGHT, THE VEHICLE AHEAD OF HER BEGAN TO REVERSE INSTEAD OF MOVING FORWARD. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO SOUND THE HORN, BUT IT WAS DEFECTIVE. THE REAR OF THE PRECEDING VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH THE FRONT END OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT SETTLED THE MATTER THROUGH THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE DAY AFTER THE CRASH, THE STEERING WHEEL COMPLETELY SEIZED AND THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE AIR BAG FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V115000 (AIR BAGS, STRUCTURE); HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE CRASH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE THE CONTACT'S SON WAS TAKING OUT THE TRASH, HE NOTICED THAT THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED ON THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO TURN THE BRAKE LIGHTS OFF, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE CONTACT UNPLUGGED THE FUSE BOX IN ORDER FOR THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO TURN O…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE THE CONTACT'S SON WAS TAKING OUT THE TRASH, HE NOTICED THAT THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED ON THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO TURN THE BRAKE LIGHTS OFF, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE CONTACT UNPLUGGED THE FUSE BOX IN ORDER FOR THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO TURN OFF. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED THE CONTACT WITH REFERENCE NUMBER: 16138484. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 104,339.
Official recalls
423V651000 · 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
4AQ23002 · 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