← 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

Steering complaints

271 reports
Clear category filter
50 miles · Jul 5, 2013
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE STEERING FAILED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN VEERING TO THE LEFT WHILE THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE SHIFTED FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE STEERING FAILED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN VEERING TO THE LEFT WHILE THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE SHIFTED FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10523244

10 miles · Jun 28, 2013
Steering

PURCHASED CAR FROM LYNNE'S IN BLOOMFIELD, NJ ON THE 25TH OF MARCH 2013 FROM [XXX]. NOTICED THE STEERING WHEN I GOT ON THE HIGHWAY THAT NIGHT, BUT ASSUMED IT WAS A BREAK IN PERIOD FOR ME TO GET USE TO THE CAR, WELL ONE MONTH LATER I WAS CONSTANTLY ADJUSTING THE STEERING WHEEL TO GET THE CAR TO STAY IN THE LANE. I SPOKE TO SERV…

Read full complaint

PURCHASED CAR FROM LYNNE'S IN BLOOMFIELD, NJ ON THE 25TH OF MARCH 2013 FROM [XXX]. NOTICED THE STEERING WHEN I GOT ON THE HIGHWAY THAT NIGHT, BUT ASSUMED IT WAS A BREAK IN PERIOD FOR ME TO GET USE TO THE CAR, WELL ONE MONTH LATER I WAS CONSTANTLY ADJUSTING THE STEERING WHEEL TO GET THE CAR TO STAY IN THE LANE. I SPOKE TO SERVICE DEPARTMENT MANAGER ([XXX]) ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, AND WAS TOLD TO BRING THE CAR IN FOR THEM TO LOOK AT IT, EARLIEST DATE JUNE 6TH , I REQUESTED A LOANER CAR BECAUSE ONCE THEY HAD THE CAR I HAD NO WAY OF GETTING TO WORK, I CALLED TWO DAYS PRIOR TO MY SERVICE DATE TO CONFIRM THAT THERE WOULD BE A LOANER AVAILABLE, I WAS TOLD IF THAT WAS THE ARRANGEMENT MADE ON MY SET UP DATE THEN THE LOANER WOULD BE THERE. ONE DAY PRIOR TO ME GOING TO SERVICE WITH THE CAR, I RECEIVED A CALL FROM LYNNES SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT NO LOANER WAS AVAILABLE, NO REASON WHY, IT JUST WAS NOT AVAILABLE. I TOOK THE CAR TO SANSONE HYUNDAI ON THE 18TH, MY RIGHT HAND WAS STARTING TO HURT FROM HOLDING THE STEERING WHEEL SO TIGHT TO KEEP CONTROL OF THE CAR. I RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT ([XXX]) THAT THE CAR HAD 60PSI ON ONE OF THE TIRES, AIR WAS CHECKED AND ADJUSTED ON ALL THE TIRES AND WAS TOLD TO GIVE IT A TRY NOW? NO CHANGE, I CALLED [XXX] (CUSTOMER SERVICE) AND TOLD HIM THE PROBLEMS I WAS HAVING WITH THE CAR, HE RECOMMENDED I COME BACK IN ON THE 24TH OF JUNE, DROPPED OFF THE CAR, AND RECEIVED A CALL THAT AFTERNOON THAT HE ([XXX]) DROVE THE CAR AND FOUND NO PROBLEMS, AND MAYBE THIS WAS NOT THE CAR FOR ME, AND THAT IF I HAD BOUGHT THE CAR FROM HIS DEALERSHIP, HE MIGHT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO MOVE ME INTO ANOTHER CAR. I'VE BEEN DRIVING ALL TYPES OF VEHICLES FOR OVER 30 PLUS YEARS, SOME WITH BAD ALIGNMENTS AND NEVER HAVE I DRIVEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS BEFORE, IT?S A DEATH TRAP! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10522182

125 miles · Jun 24, 2013
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL HAD TO CONSTANTLY BE ADJUSTED IN ORDER TO PROPERLY STEER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL HAD TO CONSTANTLY BE ADJUSTED IN ORDER TO PROPERLY STEER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE REPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 4,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10521432

65 miles · Jun 21, 2013
Steering

VEHICLE PURCHASED 05.14.2013 NOTICED FROM DAY ONE THAT STEERING WASN'T RIGHT, THOUGHT IT WOULD TAKE TIME TO GET USE TO. ON 06.12.2013 NOTICED STEERING WHEEL WAS OFF CENTER AND TO THE LEFT AND CAR PULLED TO THE RIGHT. TOOK IT INTO DEALERSHIP ON 06.14.2013. AT FIRST THEY ATTEMPTED TO TELL ME NOTHING WAS WRONG THEN I TOOK THEM F…

Read full complaint

VEHICLE PURCHASED 05.14.2013 NOTICED FROM DAY ONE THAT STEERING WASN'T RIGHT, THOUGHT IT WOULD TAKE TIME TO GET USE TO. ON 06.12.2013 NOTICED STEERING WHEEL WAS OFF CENTER AND TO THE LEFT AND CAR PULLED TO THE RIGHT. TOOK IT INTO DEALERSHIP ON 06.14.2013. AT FIRST THEY ATTEMPTED TO TELL ME NOTHING WAS WRONG THEN I TOOK THEM FOR A RIDE. IT WAS THEN AGREED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS OFF CENTER AND CAR WAS PULLING TO THE RIGHT. I WAS THEN TOLD NO REPAIR WAS AVAILABLE. I CONTACTED HYUNDAI INC. 06.18.2013, THEY IN TURN CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP WHICH WITHHELD THE INFORMATION THAT THEY HAD AGREED THERE WAS A NON REPAIRABLE PROBLEM WITH MY CAR. I THEN CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND SPOKE WITH THE PERSON THAT WITH HELD INFORMATION AND HE STATED HE DID SO BECAUSE HE WAS NOT ASKED. HE IS ALSO CLAIMING THE SHOP FOREMAN IS IN SCHOOL TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM AND I AM TO TAKE MY CAR IN ON 06.24.2013 FOR THE REPAIR WHICH WILL TAKE APPROXIMATELY 2 HOURS. THE PROBLEM IS GETTING WORSE BY THE DAY. MORE AFTER THE ATTEMPTED REPAIR IS MADE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10521044

125 miles · Jun 18, 2013
Steering

CONSTANTLY ADJUSTING STEERING TO KEEP CAR ON THE ROAD, BELIEF PROBLEM WITH FRONT END, TOOK CAR BACK TO DEALER ON THE 18TH OF JUNE, THE RESULTS TOLD TO ME BY DEALER WAS THAT ONE TIRE HAD 60PSI IN ONE OF THE TIRE, AIR PRESSURE WAS ADJUSTED IN EACH TIRE, BUT CAR STILL HAS THE PROBLEM. LOOKING AT THE HISTORY OF HYUNDAI IT SEEMS …

Read full complaint

CONSTANTLY ADJUSTING STEERING TO KEEP CAR ON THE ROAD, BELIEF PROBLEM WITH FRONT END, TOOK CAR BACK TO DEALER ON THE 18TH OF JUNE, THE RESULTS TOLD TO ME BY DEALER WAS THAT ONE TIRE HAD 60PSI IN ONE OF THE TIRE, AIR PRESSURE WAS ADJUSTED IN EACH TIRE, BUT CAR STILL HAS THE PROBLEM. LOOKING AT THE HISTORY OF HYUNDAI IT SEEMS THAT THEIR SONATAS AND ELANTRAS HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM FOR AT LEAST 2 YEARS, PUTTING THESE DEATH TRAPS ON THE ROAD. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10520582

500 miles · Jun 2, 2013
Steering

1) WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY VEHICLE ENCOUNTERED ABRUPT CHANGE IN PAVEMENT HEIGHT AT BRIDGE AND SWERVED TOWARD ADJACENT LANE DUE TO VERY LOOSE STEERING. 2) WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY VEHICLE ENCOUNTERED MODEST WIND AND SWERVED TOWARD ADJACENT LANE DUE TO VERY LOOSE STEERING. 3) WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE HI…

Read full complaint

1) WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY VEHICLE ENCOUNTERED ABRUPT CHANGE IN PAVEMENT HEIGHT AT BRIDGE AND SWERVED TOWARD ADJACENT LANE DUE TO VERY LOOSE STEERING. 2) WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY VEHICLE ENCOUNTERED MODEST WIND AND SWERVED TOWARD ADJACENT LANE DUE TO VERY LOOSE STEERING. 3) WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY VEHICLE ENCOUNTERED BUMP ON PAVEMENT AND SWERVED TOWARD ADJACENT LANE DUE TO VERY LOOSE STEERING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10514679

5,815 miles · May 30, 2013
SteeringUnknown Or OtherWheels

I PURCHASED THE CAR IN MARCH, IT WAS MY FIRST TIME BUYING A NEW CAR. WITHIN THE FIRST COUPLE OF DAYS AFTER BUYING THE CAR I NOTICED A FEW RATTLING AND CLANKING NOISES. I BELIEVED THIS TO BE THE CARS MOVING PARTS, AND DIDN'T THINK MUCH OF IT AT THE TIME, ESPECIALLY SINCE I WAS USED TO DRIVING USED CARS THAT SOUNDED WORSE. AFTER A…

Read full complaint

I PURCHASED THE CAR IN MARCH, IT WAS MY FIRST TIME BUYING A NEW CAR. WITHIN THE FIRST COUPLE OF DAYS AFTER BUYING THE CAR I NOTICED A FEW RATTLING AND CLANKING NOISES. I BELIEVED THIS TO BE THE CARS MOVING PARTS, AND DIDN'T THINK MUCH OF IT AT THE TIME, ESPECIALLY SINCE I WAS USED TO DRIVING USED CARS THAT SOUNDED WORSE. AFTER A FEW WEEKS, I NOTICED THAT THE NOISES WHERE NOTICEABLY LOUDER, ALONG WITH A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE WHEN I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL. THE DEALERSHIP THAT I PURCHASED THE CAR FROM (UNIVERSAL HYUNDAI IN ORLANDO) WAS BOOKED UP SO I MADE AN APPOINTMENT AT ORLANDO HYUNDAI. SHORTLY AFTER BRINGING MY CAR IN, AND HAVING THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT LOOK AT THE CAR, I WAS TOLD THAT THE CAR WAS SOLD TO ME DEFECTIVE, THAT "THE LEFT AND RIGHT INNER TIRE RODS AND LOCK NUTS WERE LOOSE, THREADS WERE DAMAGED, AND THE LOCK NUTS WERE LEFT LOOSE FROM THE FACTORY". THE SERVICE MANAGER EXPLAINED TO ME THAT THIS COULD HAVE EASILY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT, AND THAT "ONE TIRE WOULD'VE WENT ONE WAY AND THE OTHER TIRE WOULD'VE WENT THE OTHER WAY, CAUSING YOUR CAR TO COME TO A SUDDEN HALT". THIS MIGHT HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT, AND KNOWING THAT I WAS DRIVING THAT CAR ON THE HIGHWAY, TAKING TRIPS WITH MY FAMILY AND CHILDREN, WHILE THE CAR WAS DEFECTIVE WAS VERY SCARY AND UPSETTING. I WAS VERY EXCITED ABOUT PURCHASING A NEW CAR, AND HOPED THAT I WOULD NOT HAVE TO DEAL WITH THESE KINDS OF PROBLEMS. I AM EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED AND WANT ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO DO WITH HYUNDAI. I HAVE THE STATEMENT FROM THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT STATING THAT THE FACTORY MADE A MISTAKE AND I PLAN ON FILING A COMPLAINT THROUGH HYUNDAI AND THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY SAFETY ADMINISTRATION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10514414

2,472 miles · Feb 12, 2013
Steering

I WAS DRIVING IN VERY LIGHT SNOW IN MY 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA ON HIGHWAY 12 N44.44043 AND W79.12958, CLOSE TO BEAVERTON, ONTARIO GOING TRAVELING NORTH NEAREST EXIT CONCESSION 7 THORAH AROUND 8 PM ON THE 11TH FEB. 2013 AND THE CAR STARTED TO FISHTAIL AT A VERY LOW SPEED OF ABOUT 40 KILOMETER PER HOUR. I JUST PARKED MY CAR ON THE SH…

Read full complaint

I WAS DRIVING IN VERY LIGHT SNOW IN MY 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA ON HIGHWAY 12 N44.44043 AND W79.12958, CLOSE TO BEAVERTON, ONTARIO GOING TRAVELING NORTH NEAREST EXIT CONCESSION 7 THORAH AROUND 8 PM ON THE 11TH FEB. 2013 AND THE CAR STARTED TO FISHTAIL AT A VERY LOW SPEED OF ABOUT 40 KILOMETER PER HOUR. I JUST PARKED MY CAR ON THE SHOULDER AND CALLED CAA, I WAS TERRIFIED TO GO ANY FURTHER. I ONLY HAVE 2472 KILOMETERS ON THE SPEEDOMETER! IT DOESN'T SEEM LIKE A VERY SAFE CAR. BY THE WAY, I ALSO HAVE SNOW TIRES ON MY CAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10497832

Mileage unknown · Sep 20, 2012
Service Brakes, HydraulicSteeringVisibility

2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO WINDSHIELD WIPER DESIGN FAILURE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE WIPER BLADE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS VERY SHORT AND THE BOTTOM END OF THE WIPER BLADE LEFT A SEMI-CIRCULAR WATER STREAK RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE PERSON SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT ON EVERY WIPE OF THE BLADE. ALSO, TH…

Read full complaint

2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO WINDSHIELD WIPER DESIGN FAILURE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE WIPER BLADE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS VERY SHORT AND THE BOTTOM END OF THE WIPER BLADE LEFT A SEMI-CIRCULAR WATER STREAK RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE PERSON SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT ON EVERY WIPE OF THE BLADE. ALSO, THERE WAS A SPOT AT THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELDS WHERE THE PASSENGER WIPER BLADE LEFT A SHORT INVERTED "V" TYPE SPOT THAT THE DRIVER'S WIPER BLADE DID NOT CLEAN WHICH WOULD FREEZE INTO IN THE WINTER. THE CONSUMER STATED THE STEERING WAS TOO SENSITIVE. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE VEHICLE HAS ELECTRIC STEERING WHICH MAY BE RELATED TO THE CONDITION. THE STEERING WAS SO SENSITIVE, THAT HE HAD TO CONSTANTLY MOVE THE WHEEL LEFT AND RIGHT JUST TO STAY OUT OF THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC LANE AND STAY IN HIS LANE OF TRAFFIC. SEVERAL TIMES, WHILE DRIVING, IN A SLIGHT CROSSING WIND WITH VARIOUS GROUPS OF TREES, THE LEVEL OF STEERING SENSITIVITY FORCED HIM TO RUN OFF THE EDGE OF THE ROAD TO AVOID ENTERING THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC LANE. ALSO, ON A FEW OCCASIONS, THE CONSUMER HAD TO HIT THE BRAKES HARDER THAN NORMAL, BUT NOT HARD ENOUGH TO ENGAGE THE ABS. WITH THE ELECTRIC ASSISTED STEERING, IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO FEEL IF THE VEHICLE WAS CENTERED IN HIS LANE PRIOR TO USING THE BRAKES.

NHTSA ODI #10476426

174 miles · Sep 18, 2012
Steering

AUGUST 25, 2012 - RETURNING FROM WORK ON ROUTE 28, A HIGH SPEED EXPRESSWAY, TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME SLAMMED ON BRAKES AND DECIDED TO SWITCH EXIT RAMPS. SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES AND STEERED CAR TO RIGHT TO AVOID HITTING THE TRUCK. WHILE DOING SO, ALL OF A SUDDEN THE STEERING WHEEL PULLED SHARPLY TO THE RIGHT AND I HAD TO SUDDENLY C…

Read full complaint

AUGUST 25, 2012 - RETURNING FROM WORK ON ROUTE 28, A HIGH SPEED EXPRESSWAY, TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME SLAMMED ON BRAKES AND DECIDED TO SWITCH EXIT RAMPS. SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES AND STEERED CAR TO RIGHT TO AVOID HITTING THE TRUCK. WHILE DOING SO, ALL OF A SUDDEN THE STEERING WHEEL PULLED SHARPLY TO THE RIGHT AND I HAD TO SUDDENLY CORRECT THE STEERING PATH IN ORDER NOT TO GO OFF THE ROAD. SEPTEMBER 5, 2012 - WAS NOTIFIED MY VEHICLE WAS READY TO BE PICKED UP BY JERRY FROM HYUNDAI CUSTOMER SERVICE . I TOOK POSSESSION OF VEHICLE BECAUSE I HAD NO OTHER CHOICE. [XXX], ASSISTANT SERVICE MANAGER,SAID HYUNDAI TECHNICAL SUPPORT TECHNICIANS WERE AWARE OF AN ISSUE WITH STEERING COLUMNS IN 2013 ELANTRA BUT, NO SERVICE BULLETINS HAD YET BEEN ISSUED. HE ALSO SAID HE WAS INFORMED THAT A RECALL MAY BE ISSUED. MY CAR WAS THE FIRST THAT HAD PRESENTED WITH THIS PROBLEM. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10475874

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