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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.

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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

Electrical System complaints

155 reports
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56,000 miles · Aug 25, 2016
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE ELECTRICAL POWER SEIZED AND THE ESC WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE ELECTRICAL POWER SEIZED AND THE ESC WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10898442

57,200 miles · Aug 8, 2016
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,200. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,200. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10894143

Mileage unknown · Jul 29, 2016
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

TAKATA RECALLL. MY CAR DOES NOT CRANK, BUT THE DASH LIGHTS UP AS IF IT IS GOING TO CRANK. MAKES A CLICKING NOISE WHEN TRYING TO CRANK IT.

NHTSA ODI #10891656

Mileage unknown · May 10, 2016
Electrical SystemExterior LightingSuspension

THE LIGHTS IN THE INSIDE COME ON BY IT SELF WHEN WHILE DRIVING THE DOME LIGHTS N THE OTHER PANEL LIGHT. SUSPENSION UNDER THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR RATTLE. ALSO WHEN STOPPING THE CAR WHEN IT RAINING IT SLIDS

NHTSA ODI #10864252

45,000 miles · Nov 5, 2015
Electrical SystemEngineSteeringCrash

I OWN A HYUNDAI 2013 ELANTRA AND I HAVE HAD SEVERAL ISSUES WITH THIS CAR. THE CAR HAS SEVERAL TIMES REFUSED TO START AND THE BREAK PAD GETS STUCK AND I CAN'T MOVE THE CAR OUT OF PARK. I'VE HAD TO CALL THE TOW TRUCK SEVERAL TIMES AND THE ONLY WAY TO MAKE THE CAR START AGAIN IS TO MANUALLY SHIFT IT INTO NEUTRAL. THIS IS A HUGE SAF…

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I OWN A HYUNDAI 2013 ELANTRA AND I HAVE HAD SEVERAL ISSUES WITH THIS CAR. THE CAR HAS SEVERAL TIMES REFUSED TO START AND THE BREAK PAD GETS STUCK AND I CAN'T MOVE THE CAR OUT OF PARK. I'VE HAD TO CALL THE TOW TRUCK SEVERAL TIMES AND THE ONLY WAY TO MAKE THE CAR START AGAIN IS TO MANUALLY SHIFT IT INTO NEUTRAL. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY HAZARD, THE CAR ALMOST RAN OVER ME, ONCE WHEN I DIDNT APPLY THE EMERGENCY BREAK ON WHEN THE PERSON WAS MANUALLY PUTTING THE CAR IN NEUTRAL!!!! ADDITIONALLY, THE CAR SHAKES. I TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND BECAUSE IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY THEY INSPECTED IT. ONCE I CAME BACK THEY SAID THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE, AND THAT THE SHAKING WAS DUE TO THE POWER OF THE MOTOR, THAT I NEEDED TO GET USE TO IT!! I'VE HAD TO ALSO REPLACE MY TIRES BECAUSE THEY SEEM TO WEAR OFF, AND I CAN'T DRIVE THE VEHICLE OVER ANYTHING WITHOUT SWERVING. I'VE HAD THE CAR ALIGNED AND MY CAR STILL SWERVES/PULLS TO THE LEFT! THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ON THIS CAR!! I CANT GET MY CAR FIXED BECAUSE THE DEALERSHIP CANT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT! I AM NOW STUCK MAKING CAR PAYMENTS TO A LEMON CAR! I'VE HAD TWO ACCIDENTS ON THIS CAR ALREADY ONE I REPORTED TO THE MY INSURANCE AND THEY WERE ABLE TO FIX IT. THERE WAS A TIRE ON THE HIGHWAY AND I WAS TOO SCARE TO SWIRVE THE CAR TO AVOID IT BECAUSE I KNOW THE CAR CANT HANDLE SOMETHING LIKE THAT. SO I HAD TO GET THE IMPACT OF IT. PLEASE RECALL THIS CAR!

NHTSA ODI #10788686

45,235 miles · Nov 3, 2015
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

I HAVE OWNED MY CAR FOR A LITTLE OVER 3 YEARS NOW. I STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY FOB NOT UNLOCKING MY CAR. I WOULD HAD TO PRESS THE UNLOCK BUTTON SEVERAL TIMES TO UNLOCK. THEN I ALSO STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH NOT BEING ABLE TO TURN ON MY CAR(WITH THE PUSH START) BECAUSE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS REALLY STIFF. I HAD TO PRESS HAR…

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I HAVE OWNED MY CAR FOR A LITTLE OVER 3 YEARS NOW. I STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY FOB NOT UNLOCKING MY CAR. I WOULD HAD TO PRESS THE UNLOCK BUTTON SEVERAL TIMES TO UNLOCK. THEN I ALSO STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH NOT BEING ABLE TO TURN ON MY CAR(WITH THE PUSH START) BECAUSE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS REALLY STIFF. I HAD TO PRESS HARD ON THE BRAKE IN ORDER TO SUCCESSFULLY TURN ON MY CAR. RECENTLY I'VE HAD A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COME ON SPORADICALLY. SOMETIMES THE LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF WHILE DURING MY DRIVES IN THE CITY. TWO DAYS AGO, I ATTEMPTED TO TURN ON MY CAR AND THE CAR BEGAN TO START, BUT CONTINUED TO MAKE THE IGNITION START SOUND FOR SEVERAL SECONDS--ABOUT 10 SECONDS-- THAN USUAL. THIS WAS OF COURSE NOT THE NORM, SO I PRESSED THE START UP BUTTON TO TURN OFF THE CAR. WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO TURN ON AGAIN, IT TURNED ON FINE WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AGAIN. I WENT TO PEP BOYS AND MENEIKE TO CHECK THIS OUT AND THEY SAID THAT I HAD A P2096 PROBLEM. THIS CODE WAS FOLLOWED WITH THE DESCRIPTION AS FOLLOWS: POST CATALYST FUEL TRIM SYSTEM TOO LEAN BANK 1. ESSENTIALLY I WAS TOLD THAT THE RATIO OF OXYGEN AND FUEL , THE ENGINE TAKE IS OFF. THEY THOUGHT IT WAS A LEAK THAT WOULD CAUSE THE LACK OF FUEL GOING INTO THE ENGINE, BUT WHEN THEY INVESTIGATED IT, THEY DIDN'T FIND A LEAK. AS OF NOW, I DON'T HAVE A REAL DIAGNOSIS FOR MY CAR. I'M NOT SURE IF ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS CORRELATE OR HAVE A DOMINO EFFECT ON EACH OTHER, BUT THE ISSUE WILL TAKE A WHILE TO TAKE CARE OF.

NHTSA ODI #10788066

16,000 miles · Oct 28, 2015
Electrical System

AT 16,000 MILES CAR WILL SIMPLY NOT TURN ON AGAIN. AAA HAS DONE TESTING OF BATTERY, STARTER, RECHARGING SYSTEM AND BATTERY DRAIN; ALL PASSED. DID SOME RESEARCH OF COMPLAINTS AND THIS IS THE BEGINNING OF SERIOUS, KNOWN ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THESE CARS (DRIVING THEMSELVES OFF THE ROAD, CATCHING FIRE). CALLED HYUNDAI AND THEY ST…

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AT 16,000 MILES CAR WILL SIMPLY NOT TURN ON AGAIN. AAA HAS DONE TESTING OF BATTERY, STARTER, RECHARGING SYSTEM AND BATTERY DRAIN; ALL PASSED. DID SOME RESEARCH OF COMPLAINTS AND THIS IS THE BEGINNING OF SERIOUS, KNOWN ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THESE CARS (DRIVING THEMSELVES OFF THE ROAD, CATCHING FIRE). CALLED HYUNDAI AND THEY STATE NO KNOWLEDGE OF ANY ISSUES. GETTING RID OF IT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE (AFTER AAA COMES BACK OUT TO GET IT TO TURN ON AGAIN).

NHTSA ODI #10786706

17,000 miles · Oct 27, 2015
Electrical System

SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE PAST 2 MONTHS THE VEHICLE SPORADICALLY WILL NOT START OR TURN OFF. THIS HAS HAPPENED WHEN PUSHING THE IGNITION BUTTON. IT APPEARS TO ME THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM OR THE IGNITION BUTTON. I HAVE NOT TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER YET AS I WANTED TO CHECK TO SEE IF THERE WERE COMPLAINTS OR …

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SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE PAST 2 MONTHS THE VEHICLE SPORADICALLY WILL NOT START OR TURN OFF. THIS HAS HAPPENED WHEN PUSHING THE IGNITION BUTTON. IT APPEARS TO ME THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM OR THE IGNITION BUTTON. I HAVE NOT TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER YET AS I WANTED TO CHECK TO SEE IF THERE WERE COMPLAINTS OR RECALLS. APPARENTLY MANY OTHERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI #10786539

62,000 miles · Oct 15, 2015
Electrical SystemPower Train

MY 2014 HYUNDAI ELANTRA DID NOT START ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS OVER THE PAST MONTH. THE DASH LIGHTS AND INDICATORS CAME ON BUT THE ENGINE DID NOT CRANK OR MAKE ANY SOUND. EVENTUALLY AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS OVER 10 MINUTES, THE ENGINE STARTED. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE CAR WILL NOT START AT ALL AND LEAVE ME STRANDED. ON ONE …

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MY 2014 HYUNDAI ELANTRA DID NOT START ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS OVER THE PAST MONTH. THE DASH LIGHTS AND INDICATORS CAME ON BUT THE ENGINE DID NOT CRANK OR MAKE ANY SOUND. EVENTUALLY AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS OVER 10 MINUTES, THE ENGINE STARTED. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE CAR WILL NOT START AT ALL AND LEAVE ME STRANDED. ON ONE OTHER OCCASION AFTER STARTING, THE GEAR SHIFT WOULD NOT MOVE OUT OF THE PARK POSITION.

NHTSA ODI #10782466

64,000 miles · Oct 1, 2015
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

FOR THE SIXTH TIME MY CAR WONT START.IT HAPPENS AT RANDOM TIMES AND IS VERY ANNOYING. I AM SICK OF THE DEALERSHIP SAYING THAT THE CAR STARTED RIGHT UP FOR THEM OR THEY CANT FIND ANYTHING WRONG.I HAVE HAD THE BATTERY REPLACED AND IT HAS BEEN FIXED FOR A CAMPAIGN. ALL MY ELECTRIC STUFF TURNS ON WITH NO PROBLEM. NOW I AM CURRENTLY …

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FOR THE SIXTH TIME MY CAR WONT START.IT HAPPENS AT RANDOM TIMES AND IS VERY ANNOYING. I AM SICK OF THE DEALERSHIP SAYING THAT THE CAR STARTED RIGHT UP FOR THEM OR THEY CANT FIND ANYTHING WRONG.I HAVE HAD THE BATTERY REPLACED AND IT HAS BEEN FIXED FOR A CAMPAIGN. ALL MY ELECTRIC STUFF TURNS ON WITH NO PROBLEM. NOW I AM CURRENTLY MISSING A DAY OF WORK THAT IS GOING TO BE UNPAID.

NHTSA ODI #10778992

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

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