CAR WILL NOT START. THE IMMOBILIZER ICON SHOWS UP IN THE DASH AND BOTH SMART KEY FOBS DO NOT WORK. CALLED HYUNDAI CUSTOMER SERVICE AND COULD NOT DO ANYTHING BUT REFER ME TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP.. DEALER PROMISED TO CALL BACK BUT NEVER DID.
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 →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
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.
Engine complaints
233 reportsTHIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE, WHEN HITTING ANY TYPE OF BUMP IN THE ROAD, THE REAR OF THE CAR FEELS LIKE IT IS GOING TO FISHTAIL, WORSE ON WET ROADS. THE ABS BRAKES WORK AND THEN THEY DON'T, THE STEERING WILL FEEL LOOSE AND THEN TIGHT. I HAVE NOTICED THERE IS A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE CAR FEELING LIKE IT IS GOING TO FISHTAI…
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THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE, WHEN HITTING ANY TYPE OF BUMP IN THE ROAD, THE REAR OF THE CAR FEELS LIKE IT IS GOING TO FISHTAIL, WORSE ON WET ROADS. THE ABS BRAKES WORK AND THEN THEY DON'T, THE STEERING WILL FEEL LOOSE AND THEN TIGHT. I HAVE NOTICED THERE IS A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE CAR FEELING LIKE IT IS GOING TO FISHTAIL OR HAS WHEN HITTING BUMPS AND YET, NO RECALL IS FORCED ON HYUNDAI. I GUESS IT TAKES A FATALITY TO GET ANYTHING DONE. A CAR SHOULD NEVER FEEL LIKE IT IS GOING TO FISHTAIL WHEN HITTING BUMPS. THE ENGINE HESITATES WHEN GOING UPHILL OR WHEN ACCELERATOR IS PRESSED QUICKLY.
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…
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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.
MY 2013 ELANTRA STARTED MAKING A TAPPING NOISE SO I TOOK IT TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT. IT SEEMS MY 3 YEAR OLD VEHICLE NEEDS A NEW ENGINE. THAT WAS ALMOST THREE WEEKS AGO AND I AM STILL WAITING. NEITHER MY DEALER NOR HYUNDAI CAN GIVE ME AND ETA AS TO WHEN THE CAR WILL BE REPAIRED. THIS WAIT IS UNACCEPTABLE AND FROM WHAT I GATHER …
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MY 2013 ELANTRA STARTED MAKING A TAPPING NOISE SO I TOOK IT TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT. IT SEEMS MY 3 YEAR OLD VEHICLE NEEDS A NEW ENGINE. THAT WAS ALMOST THREE WEEKS AGO AND I AM STILL WAITING. NEITHER MY DEALER NOR HYUNDAI CAN GIVE ME AND ETA AS TO WHEN THE CAR WILL BE REPAIRED. THIS WAIT IS UNACCEPTABLE AND FROM WHAT I GATHER FROM THE SERVICE MANAGER AND THE POSTS ON THIS SITE, I AM NOT ALONE. MY RESPECT FOR HYUNDAI HAS CRATERED AND WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER HYUNDAI. *TR
2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA HAD AN ACCIDENT DUE TO UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. WAS PULLING ONTO MY PARKING SPOT, WHEN THE CAR JUST ACCELERATED BY ITSELF, CAUSING ME TO CRASH INTO MY BUILDING. *TR
I BOUGHT A USED 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA WITH 29,802 MILES ON IT ON OCTOBER 6, 2014. BY FEBRUARY 2015 I STARTED HEARING A TAPPING NOISE FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND A NOISE WHEN I PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL WHICH STOPPED WHEN I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL. I TOOK IT TO A HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP IN FEBRUARY 2015 AND IT WAS DETERMINED I NEEDED …
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I BOUGHT A USED 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA WITH 29,802 MILES ON IT ON OCTOBER 6, 2014. BY FEBRUARY 2015 I STARTED HEARING A TAPPING NOISE FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND A NOISE WHEN I PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL WHICH STOPPED WHEN I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL. I TOOK IT TO A HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP IN FEBRUARY 2015 AND IT WAS DETERMINED I NEEDED MY ENGINE REPLACED. HYUNDAI AGREED TO REPLACE IT UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY. I HAD 32,500 I BELIEVE MILES ON IT. THE DEALERSHIP HAD MULTIPLE CARS SITTING ON THEIR LOT WHICH NEEDED THEIR ENGINES REPLACED. WHILE I WAS WAITING FOR A RENTAL CAR BUSINESS TO COME PICK ME UP AT THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP TO GET ME A RENTAL CAR TO DRIVE WHILE MY CAR WAS WAITING TO BE FIXED, I SPOKE TO A COUPLE WHO CAME IN TO DROP OFF THEIR RENTAL CAR. THEIR 2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA NEEDED AN ENGINE REPLACEMENT AS WELL--AT 23,000 MILES. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT THESE CARS HAD ENGINE PROBLEMS MORE OFTEN IN THE NORTHEAST DUE TO THE MORE SEVERE WEATHER IN THE WINTER. I SO REGRET EVER BUYING MY FIRST EVER HYUNDAI VEHICLE! *TR
AS OTHERS HAVE MENTIONED, I HAVE HAD BOTH PROBLEMS STARTING THE VEHICLE (THE CAR COULD NOT BE STARTED ON TWO OCCASIONS SO FAR, DESPITE HAVING ADEQUATE FUEL AND A CHARGED BATTERY), AND WITH THE REAR OF THE CAR SWINGING OUT WHEN TRAVELING OVER A BUMP OR ON SLIPPERY ROAD CONDITIONS (EVEN AT SPEEDS AS LOW AS 35 MPH, THERE IS A NOTIC…
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AS OTHERS HAVE MENTIONED, I HAVE HAD BOTH PROBLEMS STARTING THE VEHICLE (THE CAR COULD NOT BE STARTED ON TWO OCCASIONS SO FAR, DESPITE HAVING ADEQUATE FUEL AND A CHARGED BATTERY), AND WITH THE REAR OF THE CAR SWINGING OUT WHEN TRAVELING OVER A BUMP OR ON SLIPPERY ROAD CONDITIONS (EVEN AT SPEEDS AS LOW AS 35 MPH, THERE IS A NOTICEABLE KICK FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH HAS WORSENED WITH TIME). FOR BOTH CASES, THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO FIND AN ISSUE, AND/OR SAID ANY KIND PROBLEM WAS "WITHIN TOLERANCE." *TR
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…
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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
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE CAR. IT WAS A DARK ROAD IN THE NIGHT. PERHAPS SHE DIDN'T SEE THE STOP SIGN AND CRASHED INTO A VEHICLE COMING FROM RIGHT HAND SIDE, GOING IN THE SAME DIRECTION MY WIFE WAS GOING. MY WIFE CRASHED THE OTHER VEHICLE FROM BEHIND. IT WAS SERIOUS CRASH IN WHICH THE ENTIRE FRONT PORTION OF THE CAR IS DAMAGED. …
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MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE CAR. IT WAS A DARK ROAD IN THE NIGHT. PERHAPS SHE DIDN'T SEE THE STOP SIGN AND CRASHED INTO A VEHICLE COMING FROM RIGHT HAND SIDE, GOING IN THE SAME DIRECTION MY WIFE WAS GOING. MY WIFE CRASHED THE OTHER VEHICLE FROM BEHIND. IT WAS SERIOUS CRASH IN WHICH THE ENTIRE FRONT PORTION OF THE CAR IS DAMAGED. BUT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT COME OUT. MY WIFE HAD HER HEAD HIT THE STEERING WHEEL AND HAD AN INJURY. MY COMPLAINT IS "WHY DID THE AIR BAG NOT INFLATE IN SUCH A SERIOUS CRASH?" ..UPDATED 10/06/14 *BF. UPDATED 05/13/2015 *JS
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN JUNE 2013. I HAD NO COMPLAINTS UNTIL JULY OF 2014, WHEREIN MY CAR PICKS AND CHOOSES WHEN TO START. I HAVE LOOKED ONLINE AND THERE ARE MANY OTHERS WHO SEEM TO HAVE THIS COMPLAINT. I FINALLY GAVE IN ON AUG. 24, AFTER MY CAR SAT FOR TWO DAYS BECAUSE I COULD NOT GET IT TO START. I CALLED THE HYUNDAI 24 HO…
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I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN JUNE 2013. I HAD NO COMPLAINTS UNTIL JULY OF 2014, WHEREIN MY CAR PICKS AND CHOOSES WHEN TO START. I HAVE LOOKED ONLINE AND THERE ARE MANY OTHERS WHO SEEM TO HAVE THIS COMPLAINT. I FINALLY GAVE IN ON AUG. 24, AFTER MY CAR SAT FOR TWO DAYS BECAUSE I COULD NOT GET IT TO START. I CALLED THE HYUNDAI 24 HOUR ROADSIDE AND HAD THEM TOW IT TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER INITIALLY TRIED TO START IT, AND IT DIDN'T. HE POPPED THE BUTTON NEAREST THE TOP OF THE SHIFTER AND PRESSED IT IN, AND PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL, IT THEN STARTED BUT SPUTTERED LIKE IT WANTED TO TURN OFF. HE WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR ONTO THE TOW TRUCK. THE NEXT MORNING, I SPOKE WITH THE MECHANIC AT THE DEALERSHIP WHO INDICATED THAT THE CAR WAS STARTING FOR THEM JUST FINE. HE SAID THERE ARE SO MANY SENSORS THAT IT COULD BE ONE, BUT THEY WOULDN'T KNOW WHERE TO START AS THERE ARE SO MANY AND COULD NOT MAKE AN EDUCATED GUESS. HE WANTED TO KEEP IT OVERNIGHT TO SEE IF IT WOULD ACT UP FOR THEM. IT IS NOW 2PM TWO DAYS LATER AND THE MECHANIC CLAIMS THERE IS STILL NO ISSUE, HE SAID THEY HAVE LET IT RUN ALL MORNING AND IT IS FINE. THIS HAS BECOME RIDICULOUS, ESPECIALLY WHEN I SEE SO MANY OTHERS WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT, YET NOTHING BEING DONE. HELP, NHTSA! *TR
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.
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
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.
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
Illustration