← 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

Electrical System complaints

155 reports
Clear category filter
40,611 miles · Jun 11, 2015
Electrical System

I WAS JUST LEAVING FOR WORK AND I TRIED TO START THE CAR, AND I TURNED THE KEY ALL THE LIGHT ON THE DASH LIGHT UP AND NOTHING HAPPEN, NO SOUND NOTHING WAS TURNING, I COULD USE THE RADIO AND ROLLS THE POWER WINDOWS UP AND DOWN AND I HAD TO REMOVE THE KEY AND TRIED IT 2 MORE TIMES AND THEN IT STARTED UP WITH NO PROBLEMS THIS IS …

Read full complaint

I WAS JUST LEAVING FOR WORK AND I TRIED TO START THE CAR, AND I TURNED THE KEY ALL THE LIGHT ON THE DASH LIGHT UP AND NOTHING HAPPEN, NO SOUND NOTHING WAS TURNING, I COULD USE THE RADIO AND ROLLS THE POWER WINDOWS UP AND DOWN AND I HAD TO REMOVE THE KEY AND TRIED IT 2 MORE TIMES AND THEN IT STARTED UP WITH NO PROBLEMS THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAPPEN AND BOTH TIMES I LEFT THE CAR OVERNIGHT AND TRIED IT START IT IN THE MORNING.

NHTSA ODI #10724784

18,000 miles · May 26, 2015
Electrical SystemSteering

FIRST INCIDENT HAPPENED IN APRIL OF 2014. PULLING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT. CALLED THE DEALERSHIP, MADE AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE FOLLOWING WEEK TO BRING MY CAR IN AND IT HAD ONLY HAPPENED ONCE AT LOW SPEEDS. POWER STEERING WENT OUT 2 MORE TIMES DURING THE DAY, CALLED THE DEALERSHIP BACK AND INFORMED THEM I WA…

Read full complaint

FIRST INCIDENT HAPPENED IN APRIL OF 2014. PULLING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT. CALLED THE DEALERSHIP, MADE AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE FOLLOWING WEEK TO BRING MY CAR IN AND IT HAD ONLY HAPPENED ONCE AT LOW SPEEDS. POWER STEERING WENT OUT 2 MORE TIMES DURING THE DAY, CALLED THE DEALERSHIP BACK AND INFORMED THEM I WAS BRINGING MY CAR IN AT THAT MOMENT AS I FELT UNSAFE. ON MY WAY TO THE DEALERSHIP DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, THE POWER STEERING GAVE OUT ON ME WHILE EXITING THE HIGHWAY GOING 75 MPH. I WAS ABLE TO GET OFF AND LUCKILY THE DEALERSHIP WAS RIGHT OFF THE EXIT. THE EPS LIGHT WAS ON AND IT THREW A CODE. THEY TOLD ME MY STEERING COLUMN WAS BAD. THEY REPLACED IT AND ALL WAS FINE. THEN I HAD AN ISSUE WITH MY FACTORY INSTALLED REMOTE START A FEW MONTHS LATER. THEY TOLD ME A CIRCUIT WAS BLOWN AND IT HAD TO BE REPLACED. NOW THIS YEAR (MAY OF 2015) I HAVE HAD THE REMOTE START AND THE POWER STEERING GO OUT ON ME ONCE AGAIN. MY CAR IS IN THE SHOP, WAS TOLD I NEEDED STEERING COLUMN REPLACED AGAIN. I REFUSED THIS ANSWER, AND THEY ARE DIGGING DEEPER AND HAVE FIGURED OUT THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH MY CAR. I HAVE HAD A LOANER CAR FOR 4 DAYS AND THEY STILL ARE NO CLOSER TO FIGURING OUT WHAT IS WRONG.

NHTSA ODI #10721518

480 miles · May 14, 2015
Electrical SystemEngineSteeringFire

SNOW PREDICTED. LEFT HOME TO GO RUN ERRANDS AT 9:30 AM, CAR LOOKED SHOWROOM NEW, GOT 1/2 MILE, CAR PULLED ITSELF RIGHT (AS IT HAS PREVIOUSLY) AND BUMPED A SMALL TREE, NO DAMAGE. CAR BACKED UP TO ROADSIDE 10', CAR CUT ITSELF OFF (AS IT HAD BEFORE), WINDSHIELD WENT FROM 30 DEGREES TO 450 DEGREES IN 3 SECONDS. I LEFT MY PURSE (WITH…

Read full complaint

SNOW PREDICTED. LEFT HOME TO GO RUN ERRANDS AT 9:30 AM, CAR LOOKED SHOWROOM NEW, GOT 1/2 MILE, CAR PULLED ITSELF RIGHT (AS IT HAS PREVIOUSLY) AND BUMPED A SMALL TREE, NO DAMAGE. CAR BACKED UP TO ROADSIDE 10', CAR CUT ITSELF OFF (AS IT HAD BEFORE), WINDSHIELD WENT FROM 30 DEGREES TO 450 DEGREES IN 3 SECONDS. I LEFT MY PURSE (WITH $1200 IN IT) AND EVERYTHING AND FLED ACROSS ROAD TO SAVE MY LIFE. ASKED MAN THERE IF HE HAD A FIRE EXTINQUISHER, HE DIDN'T, ASKED ME TO STAY BECAUSE IT WAS SO COLD, AND I SAID NO, I WANTED TO CHECK MY CAR AND IN THAT 60 SECONDS, I WALKED OUT AND STOOD IN HIS DRIVEWAY AND CAR WAS TOTALLY A BLAZE. IT HAPPENED SO QUICKLY I WOULD NOT HAVE SURVIVED HAD I NOT FLED THE VEHICLE THE CAR FROM DAY 2 RARELY CRANKED, OFTEN CUT OFF GOING 5-55 MPH, PULLED OFF ROAD TO RIGHT, AND SCARED ME SPEECHLESS. LIKE IT WAS HAUNTED AND DROVE ITSELF. I ONLY HAD IT 4 MONTHS. IT WAS A DEATH TRAP AND SHOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN PUT ON THE HIGHWAY. FOR SOME REASON, I GOT ARRESTED, I WAS TOTALLY SOBER AND HAD NO MEDICATION IN MY SYSTEM. TROOPER HAD A BREATH ALYZER, NEVER USED IT. CUFFED ME VERY TIGHTLY, READ ME NO RIGHTS, AND TOOK ME TO STATION ENTRANCE. HE GRABBED MY ARM AND DREW BLOOD (ILLEGALLY) , NO PHONE CALL, FINALLY READ MY RIGHTS, AND DENIED ME SEEING MY LAWYER 3 TIMES. ILLEGALLY. FOR 3 DAYS & NIGHTS, I WAS NEVER ALLOWED A PHONE CALL OR CODE, AM DISABLED AND HAVE OSTEOPOROSIS & HAD TO SLEEP ON A 1/4" OF FLAT PLYWOOD, THOUGH MY JOINTS DON'T TOUCH, I HAVE RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME & MUST SLEEP ELEVATED, IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE. I ALSO WENT WITHOUT ANY OF MY PRESCRIPTIONS 3 DAYS. ALL BECAUSE THIS SCARY CAR BURNED TO BENT METAL WITH NO DASH, NO ENGINE OR PARTS, NO TIRES, SEATS, NOTHING. SO NOT ONLY WAS I IN SHOCK, OUT OF ANY CONTACT WITHOUT MY PRESCRIPTIONS, AND HAD TO PAY $475 BOND, THOUGH I ONLY GET $969 , THIS CAR RUINED MY LIFE OVER A YEAR AGO, AND I HAVEN'T HAD A CAR SINCE.

NHTSA ODI #10716373

13,000 miles · Jan 17, 2015
Electrical SystemFire

MY SON WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ONE MORNING AND HE SAID HE BEGAN TO SEE A LIGHT GLOW FROM INSIDE THE ACCESSORIES COMPARTMENT ABOVE THE SHIFTER. HE STATED A COUPLE OF SECONDS LATER IT MELTED AWAY AND FLAMES WERE COMING FROM THE HOLE. I HAVE NOT TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER YET DUE TO THEM TELLING ME THEY ARE BUSY AND IT WOULD BE ABOU…

Read full complaint

MY SON WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ONE MORNING AND HE SAID HE BEGAN TO SEE A LIGHT GLOW FROM INSIDE THE ACCESSORIES COMPARTMENT ABOVE THE SHIFTER. HE STATED A COUPLE OF SECONDS LATER IT MELTED AWAY AND FLAMES WERE COMING FROM THE HOLE. I HAVE NOT TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER YET DUE TO THEM TELLING ME THEY ARE BUSY AND IT WOULD BE ABOUT A WEEK BEFORE THEY COULD GET IT IN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10676244

15,765 miles · Nov 27, 2014
Electrical SystemSteering

WHEN REACHING 45-50 MPH, STEERING BECAME SO LOOSE THAT IT WAS DIFFICULT TO STAY IN MY LANE. PULLED OVER TO SEE IF THERE WERE ANY APPARENT PROBLEMS WITH THE TIRES, BUT NONE WERE SEEN. TRIED DRIVING AGAIN, SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED AT ABOUT THE SAME SPEED (NOTICED IT AROUND 40 MPH THIS TIME). COULD NOT CONTINUE TRIP; HAD TO BE TOWED 5…

Read full complaint

WHEN REACHING 45-50 MPH, STEERING BECAME SO LOOSE THAT IT WAS DIFFICULT TO STAY IN MY LANE. PULLED OVER TO SEE IF THERE WERE ANY APPARENT PROBLEMS WITH THE TIRES, BUT NONE WERE SEEN. TRIED DRIVING AGAIN, SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED AT ABOUT THE SAME SPEED (NOTICED IT AROUND 40 MPH THIS TIME). COULD NOT CONTINUE TRIP; HAD TO BE TOWED 50 MILES BACK TO INDIANAPOLIS. HAVE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALERSHIP TOMORROW (CLOSED FOR THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY TODAY). TRACTION CONTROL HAD BRIEFLY ENGAGED ABOUT 10 MINUTES EARLIER ON A SLICK AREA, BUT SEEMED TO BE AN APPROPRIATE RESPONSE, AND THE LIGHT WENT OFF. NOT SURE IF THIS IS RELATED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10661142

59,900 miles · Nov 14, 2014
Electrical System

CAR WOULD NOT START. AFTER A FEW ATTEMPTS WITH HOLDING THE KEY ON START POSITION IT WOULD START AS NORMAL. IT WAS TAKEN TO LOCAL DEALERSHIP WHO STATE THE ENGINE GROUND WIRES WERE CORRODED. IT'S A 2013 ELANTRA WHEN ASKED WHAT CAUSED THE CORROSION , THE DEALERSHIP STATED THEY DIDN'T KNOW BUT THEY HAVE HAD 8 OTHER VEHICLES WITH THE…

Read full complaint

CAR WOULD NOT START. AFTER A FEW ATTEMPTS WITH HOLDING THE KEY ON START POSITION IT WOULD START AS NORMAL. IT WAS TAKEN TO LOCAL DEALERSHIP WHO STATE THE ENGINE GROUND WIRES WERE CORRODED. IT'S A 2013 ELANTRA WHEN ASKED WHAT CAUSED THE CORROSION , THE DEALERSHIP STATED THEY DIDN'T KNOW BUT THEY HAVE HAD 8 OTHER VEHICLES WITH THE SAME ISSUE THIS MONTH. I'D BE CONCERNED THIS COULD BECOME A FIRE HAZARD AND IT CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO SHUT OFF WHILE RUNNING. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10654998

425 miles · Nov 11, 2014
Electrical SystemEngineStructureCrashFire

CAR LOOSELY STEERED BARELY OFF ROAD, 1/8 MILE FROM HOME,BUMPED TREE 15' AWAY, BACKED UP, ENGINE SHUT OFF (AS USUAL SINCE DAY 2 OF LEASE), WINDSHIELD HEATED TO OVER 150 DEGREE'S IN 35 DEGREE WEATHER, SO I VACATED CAR, WHICH WAS IN FLAMES 2-3 MINUTES AND BURNED TO ASH..HAD 5 MONTHS, DAILY PROBLEMS, BATTERY, FUSES, IGNITION, NUMERO…

Read full complaint

CAR LOOSELY STEERED BARELY OFF ROAD, 1/8 MILE FROM HOME,BUMPED TREE 15' AWAY, BACKED UP, ENGINE SHUT OFF (AS USUAL SINCE DAY 2 OF LEASE), WINDSHIELD HEATED TO OVER 150 DEGREE'S IN 35 DEGREE WEATHER, SO I VACATED CAR, WHICH WAS IN FLAMES 2-3 MINUTES AND BURNED TO ASH..HAD 5 MONTHS, DAILY PROBLEMS, BATTERY, FUSES, IGNITION, NUMEROUS CALLS TO DEALER, SHOP, NO HELP, COULD EASILY HAVE DIED IN FIRETRAP ALIVE, CAR DOVE ITSELF, WHEN & WHERE IT PLEASED, AND WAS UNCONTROLLABLE.EVEN HYUNDAI MOTOR FINANCE HAS NOT PAID ON GAP COVERAGE IN 11 MONTHS, RUINING MY CREDIT TO BOOT, AND WAS OVER FINANCED PAST LEGAL LIMITS, ON A TOTAL NEW LEMON AND NOT ONLY WAS CAR NOT REPLACED AS PROMISED,I CANNOT GET A RESPONSE FROM HYUNDAI, OR HYUNDAI FINANCE.,THIS WAS THE BIGGEST MISTAKE OF MY LIFE, AND I WILL TELL EVERYONE TO NEVER PURCHASE A HYUNDAI PRODUCT. YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED.AND LOSE YOUR FRANCHISE LICENSE.I WILL HAVE TO SUE TO EVER BEGIN TO BE COMPENSATED FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE TO ME, AND BECAUSE OF YOUR PRODUCT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10654133

41,048 miles · Oct 19, 2014
Electrical System

THE INDICATOR LIGHT CONTINUES TO GO OFF AND ON BECAUSE THE DOOR IS BEING INDICATED AS OPEN. IT SUBSEQUENTLY UNLOCKS THE DOORS AND TURNS THE DOME LIGHTS REPEATEDLY ON AND OFF AGAIN. THIS CAUSES A SAFETY CONCERN BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW WHAT OTHER CAR FUNCTIONS TURN OFF IF THE DOOR IS "OPEN". *TR

NHTSA ODI #10648626

21,000 miles · Sep 16, 2014
Air BagsElectrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemCrash

WHILE TURNING INTO A PARKING SPOT. MY CAR SUDDENLY JUMPED AND ACCELERATED AND SLAMMED INTO A CONCRETE BARRIER. THE AIR BAG ALSO DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10633607

6,000 miles · Aug 26, 2014
Electrical SystemSteering

UNABLE TO INSERT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION NO MATTER HOW HARD WE TRIED.THIS HAPPENED FAIRLY SOON AFTER WE PURCHASED THE CAR FROM THE DEALER; IT HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES AND HAS BEEN TOWED TO THE DEALER 3 TIMES, BUT THE DEALER EVENTUALLY GETS THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND CLAIMS THERE IS NO PROBLEM "CAN NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM"…

Read full complaint

UNABLE TO INSERT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION NO MATTER HOW HARD WE TRIED.THIS HAPPENED FAIRLY SOON AFTER WE PURCHASED THE CAR FROM THE DEALER; IT HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES AND HAS BEEN TOWED TO THE DEALER 3 TIMES, BUT THE DEALER EVENTUALLY GETS THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND CLAIMS THERE IS NO PROBLEM "CAN NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM". AT ONE INCIDENT THE DRIVE OF THE TOW TRUCK HAMMERED THE KEY QUITE HARD IN THE IGNITION AND FORCED THE KEY IN! I HAVE CONTACTED HYUNDAI MOTOR AND THEY SAY THEY CAN NOT DO ANYTHING FOR ME AND CLAIM THAT" THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM, AND I NEED TO STEER THE STEERING WHEEL REALLY HARD TO GET THE STEERING MECHANISM LOOSE" THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN WITH 6 MONTHS OLD CAR WHILE IT IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY.ANY INPUT OR ADVICE WOULD BEAPPRECIATED. THANK YOU. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10628592

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