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2013 Hyundai Elantra

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Elantra years

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

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

795 reports with mileage · 518 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

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

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

93 crash reports31 fire reports48 injury reports

Structure complaints

51 reports
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116,000 miles · Sep 17, 2018
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DOORS FAILED TO UNLATCH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EMERGENCY UNLOCK FEATURE WAS ALSO INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED. HYUNDAI OF CENTRAL FLORIDA (LOCATED AT 17325 E HWY 50, CLERMONT, FL 34711, (352) 224-9400) WAS NOTIFIED AND AN…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DOORS FAILED TO UNLATCH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EMERGENCY UNLOCK FEATURE WAS ALSO INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED. HYUNDAI OF CENTRAL FLORIDA (LOCATED AT 17325 E HWY 50, CLERMONT, FL 34711, (352) 224-9400) WAS NOTIFIED AND AN APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11129814

62,000 miles · Aug 4, 2018
Structure

I NOTICED THE PAINT ON MY DRIVER SIDE, SIDE WINDOW LOOKED LIKE IT HAD BUBBLED, GOT WORSE AND IS STARTING TO HAPPEN ON THE OTHER SIDE. ALSO, THE GRILL IN FRONT LOOKS LIKE IT HAS MELTED IN NUMEROUS AREAS. BROUGHT TO DEALERSHIP AND MANAGER OF BODY SHOP SAID HE HAS NEVER SEEN PAINT MELT AND BUBBLE LIKE THAT THIS NEEDS TO BE FIXED!

NHTSA ODI #11115686

68,200 miles · Jul 18, 2018
EngineStructureFire

HYUNDAI REPLACED MY 2013 ELANTRA'S ENGINE (68K MILES) AS A "GOODWILL GESTURE" DUE TO A FLAW IN THE ORIGINAL ENGINE WHICH WASN'T ALLOWING ENOUGH OIL TO GET TO THE ENGINE. TWO DAYS AFTER THE ENGINE REPLACEMENT THE CAR DIED WHILE BEING DRIVEN IN WHICH THEY SUSPECTED IT BE A FUEL PUMP ISSUE. AFTER RESOLVING THAT SUSPECTED ISSUE THE …

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HYUNDAI REPLACED MY 2013 ELANTRA'S ENGINE (68K MILES) AS A "GOODWILL GESTURE" DUE TO A FLAW IN THE ORIGINAL ENGINE WHICH WASN'T ALLOWING ENOUGH OIL TO GET TO THE ENGINE. TWO DAYS AFTER THE ENGINE REPLACEMENT THE CAR DIED WHILE BEING DRIVEN IN WHICH THEY SUSPECTED IT BE A FUEL PUMP ISSUE. AFTER RESOLVING THAT SUSPECTED ISSUE THE CAR AGAIN SHUT OFF WHILE IN MOTION DURING THE TEST DRIVE AND CAUGHT FIRE WHILE THE CAR WAS PULLED TO THE SIDE OF A CITY STREET AFTER BEING DRIVEN FOR ONLY ONE BLOCK.

NHTSA ODI #11112279

38,000 miles · Apr 25, 2018
Service BrakesStructureVehicle Speed ControlCrash

I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE ON A SUNDAY AFTERNOON AT A BUSINESS PARK. IT WAS MID DAY AND DRY. I WAS SLOWING DOWN AND HALF WAY INTO THE SPACE WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. IT SEEMED LIKE THE CAR WENT OUT OF MY CONTROL. THE CAR WAS STOPPED BY A 3' SHRUB OR ELSE I WOULD HAVE CRASHED INTO THE BUILDING. IN THE PROCESS, A …

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I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE ON A SUNDAY AFTERNOON AT A BUSINESS PARK. IT WAS MID DAY AND DRY. I WAS SLOWING DOWN AND HALF WAY INTO THE SPACE WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. IT SEEMED LIKE THE CAR WENT OUT OF MY CONTROL. THE CAR WAS STOPPED BY A 3' SHRUB OR ELSE I WOULD HAVE CRASHED INTO THE BUILDING. IN THE PROCESS, A CAR PARKED BESIDE ME WAS ALSO DAMAGED.

NHTSA ODI #11090188

45,000 miles · Oct 13, 2017
StructureUnknown Or Other

DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN A LOUD EXPLOSIVE SOUND LIKE A GUNSHOT OCCURRED. THE CAR SHOOK VIOLENTLY, I THOUGHT I HAD BEEN HIT, ALTHOUGH NOTHING HAD BEEN CLOSE TO ME. WHEN I REALIZED I WAS STILL DRIVING ON ALL FOUR TIRES AND NOT FLIPPING END FOR END, THOUGH THE WHEEL WAS STILL VIBRATING VIOLENTLY, I FELT GLASS RAINING DOWN ON …

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DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN A LOUD EXPLOSIVE SOUND LIKE A GUNSHOT OCCURRED. THE CAR SHOOK VIOLENTLY, I THOUGHT I HAD BEEN HIT, ALTHOUGH NOTHING HAD BEEN CLOSE TO ME. WHEN I REALIZED I WAS STILL DRIVING ON ALL FOUR TIRES AND NOT FLIPPING END FOR END, THOUGH THE WHEEL WAS STILL VIBRATING VIOLENTLY, I FELT GLASS RAINING DOWN ON MY HEAD AND THERE WAS EXTENSIVE AIR NOISE. I LOOKED UP AND ALMOST ALL THE ENTIRE PANORAMIC SUNROOF WAS GONE, AND WHAT WAS LEFT WAS FALLING ON MY HEAD. THE ROAD WAS SMOOTH, THERE WAS NO OVERPASS NEAR, AND NO CARS WERE IN MY IMMEDIATE VICINITY. I PULLED OFF THE INTERSTATE AND CALLED THE DEALERSHIP.

NHTSA ODI #11033176

48,280 miles · Aug 8, 2017
Service BrakesSteeringStructure

ON JULY 14, 2017, I WAS DRIVING MY 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA AND WAS ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN AT A SIGNALIZED INTERSECTION AT A SPEED OF ABOUT 15 MILES PER HOUR. ABOUT MIDWAY INTO THE TURN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND I COULD NOT TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO COMPLETE THE LEFT TURN. IN ADDITION, I WAS BRAKING AND THE ABS B…

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ON JULY 14, 2017, I WAS DRIVING MY 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA AND WAS ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN AT A SIGNALIZED INTERSECTION AT A SPEED OF ABOUT 15 MILES PER HOUR. ABOUT MIDWAY INTO THE TURN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND I COULD NOT TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO COMPLETE THE LEFT TURN. IN ADDITION, I WAS BRAKING AND THE ABS BRAKING DID NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY AND DID NOT STOP THE VEHICLE UNTIL IT RAN INTO A CONCRETE CURB. THE RESULT OF THE MALFUNCTIONS OF THE STEERING AND BRAKING ON MY 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA WAS DAMAGE TO THE FRONT RIGHT OF THE VEHICLE, INCLUDING BUMPER, WHEEL, TIRE, RADIATOR SUPPORT, ETC. I AM VERY THANKFUL THAT I WAS NOT HIT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE OR INJURED. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE PERFORMANCE - OR THE LACK THEREOF - ON JULY 14TH. SOMETHING HAPPENED AND NO ONE SEEMS TO BE ABLE TO EXPLAIN IT DESPITE INSPECTING SCANNING CODES, ETC. THE VEHICLE ENGINE KEPT RUNNING, THE KEY WAS IN THE IGNITION, AND THERE WAS DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG(S). THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE ELECTRIC ASSISTED STEERING AND BRAKING ON THE 2013 ELANTRA ACCORDING TO RESEARCH. I WANT TO MAKE YOU AWARE OF AN ADDITIONAL COMPLAINT REGARDING MY ELANTRA. THE DAMAGE REQUIRED REPLACEMENT FRIGHT FRONT WHEEL, RIGHT FRONT TIRE, RIGHT FENDER LINER AND INNER BRACKET, RADIATOR SUPPORT, RIGHT HINGE PILLAR, RIGHT LOWER CONTROL ARM, RIGHT FENDER, PAINTING AND 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENT. THE VEHICLE STEERING MALFUNCTIONED AND LOCKED EVEN THOUGHT THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING. THIS MALFUNCTION PROHIBITED ME FROM TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL AND COMPLETING THE LEFT TURN SAFELY. THE BRAKING SYSTEM FAILED AS IT DID NOT STOP THE VEHICLE AND I NOTICED A SLOW ABS SOUND VERSUS THE TYPICAL VERY RAPID ABS SOUND WHEN HARD BRAKING. THE MALFUNCTION OF THE STEERING AND THE BRAKES COULD HAVE CAUSED A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE BUT FORTUNATELY DID NOT.

NHTSA ODI #11013741

30,000 miles · May 18, 2017
Structure

I WAS DRIVING AT 45MPH WHEN MY FRONT SUNROOF EXPLODED AND SHATTERED. I HEARD A LOUD NOISE THAT SOUNDED LIKE A GUNSHOT, THEN NOTICED MY SUNROOF WAS SHATTERED. MOST OF THE GLASS THEN FELL INSIDE OF MY CAR. THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS IN FRONT OF OR AROUND ME.

NHTSA ODI #10986333

95,000 miles · Sep 11, 2016
SteeringStructureWheelsCrash

MY SON 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA WOULD NOT STOP CORRECTLY WHILE HE WAS DRIVING IT CAUSING IT TO TURN IN A SEMI CIRCLE AND ULTIMATELY CRASHING INTO A SHOULDER ON A FREEWAY TO STOP. AFTER WHICH THE WHEELS BROKE OFF ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF IT.

NHTSA ODI #10905641

28,000 miles · Sep 9, 2016
Air BagsStructureCrash

MY 19 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS IN AN ACCIDENT ON APRIL 9TH 2016 IN HER 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. . BOTH VEHICLES WERE AT A DEAD STOP AT AN INTERSECTION BEFORE EITHER OF THEM STARTED MOVING. MY DAUGHTER WAS GOING STRAIGHT AND THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS TURNING, BOTH OF WHICH WERE GOING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH. MY DAUGHTERS CAR HIT THE FRONT …

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MY 19 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS IN AN ACCIDENT ON APRIL 9TH 2016 IN HER 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. . BOTH VEHICLES WERE AT A DEAD STOP AT AN INTERSECTION BEFORE EITHER OF THEM STARTED MOVING. MY DAUGHTER WAS GOING STRAIGHT AND THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS TURNING, BOTH OF WHICH WERE GOING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH. MY DAUGHTERS CAR HIT THE FRONT FENDER OF THE OTHER VEHICLE CAUSING A BENT WHEEL AND A SMALL DENT TO THE FENDER. MY DAUGHTERS HYUNDAI, TOTALED. EVERY AIRBAG IN THE HYUNDAI DEPLOYED, INCLUDING THE BACK SEAT WHICH SEEMED STRANGE SINCE IT WAS A FRONTAL CRASH. THE TRANSMISSION WOULDN'T GO IN TO ANY OTHER GEAR IT WAS STUCK IN DRIVE. THE HOOD WAS SMASHED UP TO THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. THE DAMAGE TO THE CAR WAS OVER $12,000 THERE HAS TO BE SOME FAULTY PART(S) OR EQUIPMENT ON THE CAR TO CAUSE SUCH DAMAGE AT SUCH LOW SPEEDS. I CAN'T IMAGINE WHAT COULD HAPPEN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IN A CRASH IN A HYUNDAI. I WROTE TO HYUNDAI ABOUT SAFETY CONCERNS OF THEIR HYUNDAI ELANTRAS, THEIR RESPONSE WAS UNACCEPTABLE: "WE UNDERSTAND THAT YOU ARE DISSATISFIED WITH THE DESIGN OF THE 2013 ELANTRA AND WE APOLOGIZE FOR ANY DISAPPOINTMENT THIS HAS CAUSED YOU. THIS INFORMATION HAS BEEN FORWARDED TO ALL APPROPRIATE PARTIES WITHIN HYUNDAI FOR REVIEW, INCLUDING HYUNDAI MANAGEMENT." REALLY HYUNDAI! PEOPLE CAN BE SEVERELY INJURED OR DIE IN THESE VEHICLES WHICH I FEEL HYUNDAI NEEDS TO BE A LITTLE MORE CONCERNED.

NHTSA ODI #10904940

60,000 miles · Dec 14, 2015
EngineStructureCrashInjury

THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED ON A SATURDAY AROUND 1PM. I WAS HEADING HOME WHEN I APPROACHED A INTERSECTION WHEN A LADY COMING FROM A STREET ON THE RIGHT SIDE WAS COMING OUT AND EVEN THOUGH SHE HAD A STOP SIGN SHE FAIL TO FULLY STOP AND ME HAVING NO TIME TO REACT I HIT THE MIDDLE OF THE CAR (T-BONE HER).

NHTSA ODI #10810164

Official recalls

4

23V651000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

Sep 22, 2023

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.

17V769000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:pedals And Linkages

Nov 30, 2017

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

Consequence & remedy

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

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

16V574000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

Aug 2, 2016

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

Consequence & remedy

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

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

13V115000 · Air Bags:side/window; Structure

Apr 1, 2013

Hyundai Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Elantra vehicles manufactured from November 12, 2010, through March 5, 2013. A support bracket attached to the headliner may become displaced during a side curtain airbag deployment.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the headliner support bracket makes contact with an occupant during a crash, it may cause a laceration injury.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will apply adhesive strips to the headliner, free of charge. The safety recall began during April 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 109.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Structure

Hyundai Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Elantra vehicles manufactured from November 12, 2010, through March 5, 2013. A support bracket attached to the headliner may become displaced during a side curtain airbag deployment.

Consequence: If the headliner support bracket makes contact with an occupant during a crash, it may cause a laceration injury.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will apply adhesive strips to the headliner, free of charge. The safety recall began during April 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 109.

Air Bags:side/window

Hyundai Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Elantra vehicles manufactured from November 12, 2010, through March 5, 2013. A support bracket attached to the headliner may become displaced during a side curtain airbag deployment.

Consequence: If the headliner support bracket makes contact with an occupant during a crash, it may cause a laceration injury.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will apply adhesive strips to the headliner, free of charge. The safety recall began during April 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 109.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

4

AQ23002 · Hyundai And Kia Abs Module Fires

Opened Nov 17, 2023 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

EA21003 · Engine Fires

Opened Dec 22, 2021 · Closed Feb 5, 2024

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine

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

DP21003 · Throttle Control System Vulnerabilities

Opened Nov 12, 2021 · Closed Jun 20, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:throttle

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003. Accordingly, Model Year (MY) 2005-2016 Kia Optima/K5, MY 2006-2015 Kia Sorento, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Santa Fe, MY 2006-2015 Hyundai Sonatas are all part of the subject population. The petition was originally filed as a Vehicle Owner Questionnaire that can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under reference (ODI) number 11439675.On November 12, 2021, ODI opened Defect Petition DP21-003 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. ODI performed trend analyses of the VOQs related to vehicle speed control issues for all the subject vehicles and found that none of the 52 Model/Model Year Hyundai/Kia vehicles demonstrated any actionable trend that warranted an investigation.Petitioners submitted 1119 VOQs and non-VOQ cases in which sudden uncommanded acceleration (SUA) or loss of motive power (LOMP) incidents were alleged.For the 1119 reports, 220 were incidents involving crashes, from which 69 subject Hyundai-Kia vehicles were inspected by Hyundai/Kia dealer technicians, Hyundai/Kia engineers, and/or third-party representatives.ODI found the inspections identified no vehicle defects related to the ETC system.Of the 220 crash-involved reports, 13 Event Data Recorder (EDR) records were downloaded successfully and 11 of those indicated driver error: (i.e.) pedal misapplication.A condition where the accelerator pedal is mistakenly applied instead of the brake pedal when the driver wants to stop the vehicle.In addition, ODI reviewed a scientific journal paper published in Forensic Science International in 2016 by Mr. Park et al ., as well as related test videos. ODI does not believe there is any evidence of uncontrollable SUA occurrences in any of the tests reviewed. NHTSA's Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) reviewed the allegations regarding the potential noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 124.Based on the information provided, the Agency concludes there is insufficient information for us to determine if a possible non-compliance exists.Finally, both Hyundai and Kia informed ODI that all their vehicles manufactured after 2012 were equipped with an ETC management system, in which the engine speed will go to idle when the system sees signals from both the brake pedal and accelerator pedal at the same time; this is commonly known as the brake-throttle override system.After thoroughly assessing the material submitted by the petitioner, information already in NHTSA's possession, information submitted by Hyundai and Kia in response to an Information Request letter, and the potential risks to safety implicated by the petitioner's allegation, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. After full consideration of appropriate factors, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA?s reasons for denial of the petition will be published.

EA12008 · Headliner Bracket Detachment

Opened Sep 13, 2012 · Closed Dec 9, 2013

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:side/window; Structure:body:roof And Pillars; Unknown Or Other

In March 2013, Hyundai issued a safety recall to reinforce the attachment of the metal support brackets to the headliner assembly in approximately 186,254 model year 2011-2013 Hyundai Elantra vehicles built in Korea and sold in the U.S. (see NHTSA recall 13V-115 for more information).The recall covers vehicles built up to March 5, 2013.After that date, Hyundai began using headliners with reinforced bracket attachments in the Korea-built Elantra vehicles.ODI has opened a Recall Query (RQ13-004) to investigate model year 2009-2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring vehicles.During EA12-008, ODI found these vehicles are equipped with a support bracket design and layout similar to that in the above-mentioned Elantra vehicles.Also, the headliner manufacturing processes used were similar for both models.Like the Elantra vehicles built before the recall, the Elantra Touring model headliner does not contain reinforced bracket attachments.This Engineering Analysis is closed.See attached report for additional information.The ODI report cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification number: 10457696

Additional source detail variants (3)

Air Bags:side/window

In March 2013, Hyundai issued a safety recall to reinforce the attachment of the metal support brackets to the headliner assembly in approximately 186,254 model year 2011-2013 Hyundai Elantra vehicles built in Korea and sold in the U.S. (see NHTSA recall 13V-115 for more information).The recall covers vehicles built up to March 5, 2013.After that date, Hyundai began using headliners with reinforced bracket attachments in the Korea-built Elantra vehicles.ODI has opened a Recall Query (RQ13-004) to investigate model year 2009-2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring vehicles.During EA12-008, ODI found these vehicles are equipped with a support bracket design and layout similar to that in the above-mentioned Elantra vehicles.Also, the headliner manufacturing processes used were similar for both models.Like the Elantra vehicles built before the recall, the Elantra Touring model headliner does not contain reinforced bracket attachments.This Engineering Analysis is closed.See attached report for additional information.The ODI report cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification number: 10457696

Structure:body:roof And Pillars

In March 2013, Hyundai issued a safety recall to reinforce the attachment of the metal support brackets to the headliner assembly in approximately 186,254 model year 2011-2013 Hyundai Elantra vehicles built in Korea and sold in the U.S. (see NHTSA recall 13V-115 for more information).The recall covers vehicles built up to March 5, 2013.After that date, Hyundai began using headliners with reinforced bracket attachments in the Korea-built Elantra vehicles.ODI has opened a Recall Query (RQ13-004) to investigate model year 2009-2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring vehicles.During EA12-008, ODI found these vehicles are equipped with a support bracket design and layout similar to that in the above-mentioned Elantra vehicles.Also, the headliner manufacturing processes used were similar for both models.Like the Elantra vehicles built before the recall, the Elantra Touring model headliner does not contain reinforced bracket attachments.This Engineering Analysis is closed.See attached report for additional information.The ODI report cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification number: 10457696

Unknown Or Other

In March 2013, Hyundai issued a safety recall to reinforce the attachment of the metal support brackets to the headliner assembly in approximately 186,254 model year 2011-2013 Hyundai Elantra vehicles built in Korea and sold in the U.S. (see NHTSA recall 13V-115 for more information).The recall covers vehicles built up to March 5, 2013.After that date, Hyundai began using headliners with reinforced bracket attachments in the Korea-built Elantra vehicles.ODI has opened a Recall Query (RQ13-004) to investigate model year 2009-2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring vehicles.During EA12-008, ODI found these vehicles are equipped with a support bracket design and layout similar to that in the above-mentioned Elantra vehicles.Also, the headliner manufacturing processes used were similar for both models.Like the Elantra vehicles built before the recall, the Elantra Touring model headliner does not contain reinforced bracket attachments.This Engineering Analysis is closed.See attached report for additional information.The ODI report cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification number: 10457696

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