← New search

2013 Hyundai Elantra

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Elantra years

Owner complaints for the 2013 Hyundai Elantra are substantially higher than the model-year median of 182.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

795 reports with mileage · 518 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.

  • Steering. Review the 271 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 233 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 168 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

93 crash reports31 fire reports48 injury reports

Air Bags complaints

168 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Feb 2, 2018
Air Bags

AT 62,000 MILES MY AIR BAG LIGHT BEGAN INTERMITTENTLY FLASHING AND NOW REMAINS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALERSHIP WANTS TO CHARGE ME A FEW HUNDRED DOLLARS TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM AND SAYS THAT MY AIRBAGS WILL FAIL UNLESS FIXED. THE AIRBAGS ARE NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND I AM READING HUNDREDS OF STORIES ONLINE JUST LIKE MY EXPERIENC…

Read full complaint

AT 62,000 MILES MY AIR BAG LIGHT BEGAN INTERMITTENTLY FLASHING AND NOW REMAINS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALERSHIP WANTS TO CHARGE ME A FEW HUNDRED DOLLARS TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM AND SAYS THAT MY AIRBAGS WILL FAIL UNLESS FIXED. THE AIRBAGS ARE NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND I AM READING HUNDREDS OF STORIES ONLINE JUST LIKE MY EXPERIENCE. HYUNDAI SHOULD RECALL THIS ISSUE AND KEEP DRIVERS SAFE! I WOULD NEVER RECOMMEND A CAR WITH AIRBAGS FAILING AFTER LESS THAN 5 YEARS! I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI #11066731

86,000 miles · Jan 16, 2018
Air Bags

I HAVE A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA 4DR GLS WITH 86,000 MILES ON IT. RED AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT WILL NOT TURN OFF. TOOK IT TO LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALER IN LANSING, MI. TOLD ME IT WOULD COST $122 JUST TO READ THE FAULT CODE WITH THEIR EQUIPMENT. THEY TOLD ME IT WAS FAULT CODE B138200. THEY SAID IT WAS THE AIRBAG FRONT SEAT PASSENGER BACK ASSE…

Read full complaint

I HAVE A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA 4DR GLS WITH 86,000 MILES ON IT. RED AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT WILL NOT TURN OFF. TOOK IT TO LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALER IN LANSING, MI. TOLD ME IT WOULD COST $122 JUST TO READ THE FAULT CODE WITH THEIR EQUIPMENT. THEY TOLD ME IT WAS FAULT CODE B138200. THEY SAID IT WAS THE AIRBAG FRONT SEAT PASSENGER BACK ASSEMBLY. PART NUMBER 884003X631PBS. THEY TOLD ME IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE I AM OVER 60,000 MILES. WHEN I LOOKED UP THE FAULT CODE IT STATED SIDE AIRBAG FRONT PASSENGER RESISTANCE TOO HIGH. THEY WANT $1,321.00 TO FIX IT. SEARCHING ON LINE REVEALED MANY COMPLAINTS ON THE HYUNDAI ELANTRA AIRBAG SYSTEM. I BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL. THANKS

NHTSA ODI #11063141

100,700 miles · Nov 21, 2017
Air Bags

AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON WHEN I TURN THE ENGINE ON. THE ENGINE MALFUNCTION LIGHT TURNS OF AND ON INTERMITTENTLY.

NHTSA ODI #11047771

18,000 miles · Sep 29, 2017
Air BagsCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT BECAME DISTRACTED AND CRASHED HEAD ON INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED CHEST, STERNUM, AND BREAST BONE INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED T…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT BECAME DISTRACTED AND CRASHED HEAD ON INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED CHEST, STERNUM, AND BREAST BONE INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOWING LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE AIR BAG FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 10645840. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000. ...UPDATED 11/12/17/*BF CONSUMER STATED SENSORS WERE NOT ACTIVATED ADVISED THAT AIR BAG OPERATED PROPERLY. UPDATED 7/23/18*JB *TR

NHTSA ODI #11030476

70,000 miles · Sep 26, 2017
Air BagsElectronic Stability Control (esc)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE INDICATOR CURRENTLY REMAINS ILLUMINATED. THE LOCAL DEALER (RICK CASE HYUNDAI DULUTH, 3180 SATELLITE BLVD NW, DULUTH, GA, 30096, 855-254-5290) ADVISED THE CONTACT TO SCHEDULE AN …

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE INDICATOR CURRENTLY REMAINS ILLUMINATED. THE LOCAL DEALER (RICK CASE HYUNDAI DULUTH, 3180 SATELLITE BLVD NW, DULUTH, GA, 30096, 855-254-5290) ADVISED THE CONTACT TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE APPOINTMENT WAS NOT SCHEDULED DUE TO THE DIAGNOSTIC FEE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO TRIED TO RESET THE AIR BAG SENSOR AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE CLOCK SPRING. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT GUARANTEE THAT IT WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE AND THAT IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. DUE TO THE VEHICLE BEING OUTSIDE OF THE 60,000 MILE WARRANTY, THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COSTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.

NHTSA ODI #11029882

100,300 miles · Sep 25, 2017
Air Bags

AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AFTER 100,000 MILES. MY CAR IS OUT OF THE INITIAL WARRANTY. DEALERSHIP WANTS TO RUN A DIAGNOSTIC FOR 115$, NOT INCLUDING PARTS OR LABOR FOR FINDINGS. THE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING AND IN MOTION. AT FIRST, IT CAME ON AND OF, THEN STAYED ON.

NHTSA ODI #11025271

69,800 miles · Sep 20, 2017
Air BagsCrash

ON APRIL 14TH 2017 MY WIFE WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT WHERE SHE HYDROPLANED OFF OF AN ONRAMP AT 60-65MPH AS SHE WAS GETTING ON THE HIGHWAY AND ROLLED HER 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE SIDE IMPACT AND SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT SHE WAS A MONTH AND A HALF PREGNANT. I HER HUSBAND CALLED HYUNDAI…

Read full complaint

ON APRIL 14TH 2017 MY WIFE WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT WHERE SHE HYDROPLANED OFF OF AN ONRAMP AT 60-65MPH AS SHE WAS GETTING ON THE HIGHWAY AND ROLLED HER 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE SIDE IMPACT AND SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT SHE WAS A MONTH AND A HALF PREGNANT. I HER HUSBAND CALLED HYUNDAI WHILE AT THE HOSPITAL. I LET THEM KNOW THAT "NONE" OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AND THEY SAID THAT THEY WOULD START A CASE. I ALSO LET THE COMPANY KNOW WHERE THE CAR WAS BEING SENT WHICH WAS A HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP IN TOWN AND ASKED IF THEY WOULD CHECK THE AIRBAGS WHICH "NEVER HAPPENED". THE CAR WAS REPAIRED AND WE PICKED UP THE CAR ON MAY 4TH 2017. WE HAVE BEEN IN CONSTANT CONTACT WITH HYUNDAI ABOUT THE AIRBAG SITUATION AND WE FEEL THAT THEY NEVER REALLY TOOK IT SERIOUSLY. MY WIFE'S CAR HAS BEEN SITTING IN OUR DRIVEWAY SINCE MAY 4TH, 2017 NOT BEING DRIVEN DUE TO (A) MY WIFE BEING AFRAID OF THE CAR AND NOT FEELING SAFE INSIDE. (B) NOT KNOWING ABOUT THE AIRBAGS AND THE "ONGOING INVESTIGATION". FAST FORWARD TO TODAY SEPTEMBER 20TH, 2017 I RECEIVED AN EMAIL FROM HYUNDAI SAYING THAT DUE TO THEM NOT BEING ABLE TO CHECK THE CAR AND AIRBAGS OUT "POST-ACCIDENT THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIND ANY FAULTS IN THE AIRBAGS, AND THEN THEY GO NO TO SAY THAT THE ELANTRA'S SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO DEPLOY IN A ROLLOVER ACCIDENT. MY WIFE WAS TRAVELING AT BETWEEN 60 AND 65 MPH WHEN SHE LOST CONTROL OF HER ELANTRA AND I CAN NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THEY (A) DID NOT CHECK THE AIRBAGS WHEN THE CAR WAS AT A CERTIFIED DEALER/REPAIR SHOP AND (B) WHY THEY ARE TELLING US THAT THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS WERE NOT SUPPOSED TO DEPLOY IN A ROLLOVER. FROM THE RESEARCH THAT I HAVE DONE IN ANY ROLLOVER THE SIDE IMPACT AND SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS ARE SUPPOSED TO DEPLOY IN A ROLLOVER. I DO HAVE PICTURE AND EMAILS FRO THE ACCIDENT AND EMAILS FROM HYUNDAI.

NHTSA ODI #11024660

100,300 miles · Sep 19, 2017
Air Bags

AIRBAG LIGHT COME ON YESTERDAY (9-19-17) WHILE CAR WAS IN MOTION AND WILL NOT TURN OFF NOW. AFTER RESEARCHING THE ISSUE, IT APPEARS TO BE A RATHER COMMON PROBLEM. ALSO STATED AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION.

NHTSA ODI #11024148

Mileage unknown · Jul 18, 2017
Air Bags

THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON ON MY DASHBOARD A FEW DAYS AGO AND HAS BEEN ON EVER SINCE. I HAVE READ ON SEVERAL ONLINE FORUMS HOW SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE HAVE BEEN HAVING THE SAME ISSUE AND HOW THIS MEANS THAT THE AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY DURING A COLLISION. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND THE DEALERSHIPS SHOULD BE CHARGING OVE…

Read full complaint

THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON ON MY DASHBOARD A FEW DAYS AGO AND HAS BEEN ON EVER SINCE. I HAVE READ ON SEVERAL ONLINE FORUMS HOW SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE HAVE BEEN HAVING THE SAME ISSUE AND HOW THIS MEANS THAT THE AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY DURING A COLLISION. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND THE DEALERSHIPS SHOULD BE CHARGING OVER $250 TO CORRECT THIS DEFECT. I HAVE NOT YET BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT, BUT I DON'T WANT TO WAIT UNTIL THEN FOR SOMEONE TO TAKE ACTION. THANK YOU.

NHTSA ODI #11006210

80,000 miles · Jul 17, 2017
Air Bags

AIRBAG LIGHT WENT OFF AT ABOUT 80 THOUSAND MILES AND HAS BEEN ON EVER SINCE

NHTSA ODI #11005990

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.

17V769000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:pedals And Linkages

Nov 30, 2017

Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Elantra sedan, coupe and GT vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released. This will allow the brake lights to remain illuminated continuously. It can also allow the shift lever to be moved without depressing the brake pedal, or activate the engine management brake pedal override feature.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 8, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 170. This campaign expands recall 16V574.

16V574000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

Aug 2, 2016

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model 2013 Elantra vehicles manufactured December 1, 2012, to April 30, 2013. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad with an improved part, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on September 30, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 146.

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.

EA21003 · Engine Fires

Opened Dec 22, 2021 · Closed Feb 5, 2024

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine

On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on various model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles.  During the PE investigations, Hyundai and Kia issued several recalls to address vehicle fires, including those due to engine failures involving various engine types.  The remedies for the engine failure recalls typically involve engine inspection (to detect existing damage), and if necessary, engine replacement.  Additionally, both manufacturers have been installing an engine control software modification known as Knock Sensor Detection Software (KSDS) which is intended to detect impending engine failure, alert the driver, and limit engine power (to lessen likelihood of engine failure).KSDS is being installed under recalls and non-safety field actions, and both companies have extended limited engine warranties (see recall files). On December 22, 2021, ODI upgraded PE19-003 and PE19-004 to this Engineering Analysis (EA21-003, covering both Hyundai and Kia) to evaluate the scope of the prior recalls related to engine failures/fires and the efficacy of the recall remedies for the recalls, as well as the long-term viability of related programs and non-safety field actions being conducted by Hyundai and Kia.  The former issue involved approximately 550,000 MY 2013 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2011 Kia Sorento, and MY 2012-2015 Kia Rio.  The latter issue involved approximately 2.5 million recalled vehicles, which have been identified as displaying potential remedy concerns: Hyundai recalls 15V-568, 17V-226, 20V-746, and 21V-727; and Kia recalls 17V-224, 19V-120, 20V-750, and 21V-844. Regarding the recall scope issue, among all of the scope vehicles identified at EA opening, ODI found only the MY 2011 Kia Sorento vehicles equipped with both the Theta II 2.4L 4-cylinder Multi-Point Injection (MPI) and the Lambda II 3.5L 6-cylinder MPI engines experienced relatively high rates of reported fires.  In December 2023, Kia issued recall 23V-877 that will cover about 80,000 MY 2011 Kia Sorento vehicles equipped with the Theta II 2.4L MPI engines.  The remedy will involve an inspection, and if necessary, a replacement of the engine, as well as the installation of KSDS.  It should be noted that in 2021 these vehicles were included in a KSDS product improvement campaign with warranty extension.  For the MY 2011 Sorento vehicles equipped with the Lambda II 3.5L engines, ODI believes that future engine failures/fires involving these vehicles will likely be due to a lax in adhering to the proper or scheduled engine maintenance (regular engine oil changes), rather than a design or manufacturing engine issue. Regarding the issue of the efficacy of the recall remedies, ODI found the majority of the recalled Hyundai and Kia vehicles, by model, experienced lower reported fire rates after the remedies were applied.  Furthermore, ODI found that for most vehicles that did not receive the recall remedies, by model, experienced relatively high fire rates.  To address this problem, Hyundai informed ODI in December 2023, that it will renotify all of its owners covered by the Hyundai recalls of engine failures/fires every 8 months for the next 3 years.  In December 2023, Kia stated that it will renotify the majority of its owners every 8 months for the next 3 years.Several previously recalled Kia models are excluded from the renotification due to their lower reported rates of engine fires.  Overall, the renotification actions will help to increase the recall completion rates, thus reduce the frequency of engine fires in the future. In view of the recall action being taken by Kia and renotification actions being taken by both Kia and Hyundai, ODI is closing this Engineering Analysis.  Also, both companies have been released from the 2020-iniated Consent Orders (Kia since November 2022 and Hyundai since November 2023).  The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.  To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

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

Go deeper into Hyundai Elantra problems