I WAS PARKING MY CAR IN A PARKING LOT OF A STORE. I SLOWED DOWN AND APPLIED THE BRAKES. SOMEHOW THE BRAKES FAILED AND I HIT ANOTHER CAR. THE COLLISION STOPPED THE CAR. I HAVE ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR 1 YEAR AND FEEL VERY UNSAFE.
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.
Structure complaints
51 reportsPULLING INTO THE PARKING SPACE AT WORK LESS THAN 5MPH CAR ACCELERATED AND HIT THE PARKING GARAGE WALL. REPORTED TO MY CAR INSURANCE COMPANY, CAR WAS TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP AFTER BODY SHOP. DEALERSHIP COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING ON DIAGNOSTIC REPORT.
I RECENTLY PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE USED AT A DEALERSHIP. AS I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON THE INTERSTATE I RAN OVER A PART OF THE INTERSTATE THAT WAS POT HOLES BUT FILLED IN. AS I RAN OVER THE AREA, MY BACK END STARTED TO FISH TAIL. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP ON 04/18/2015 AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE WAS WRONG AND…
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I RECENTLY PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE USED AT A DEALERSHIP. AS I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON THE INTERSTATE I RAN OVER A PART OF THE INTERSTATE THAT WAS POT HOLES BUT FILLED IN. AS I RAN OVER THE AREA, MY BACK END STARTED TO FISH TAIL. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP ON 04/18/2015 AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE WAS WRONG AND THAT I NEEDED TO BE AWARE THAT MY CAR WAS CONSIDERED A SPORTS CAR AND IT WOULD HANDLE DIFFERENTLY THAN A REGULAR CAR AND THE BACK END BEING "LOOSE" WAS NORMAL. THE TIRE PRESSURE WAS ADJUSTED BUT I AM STILL HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM ALTHOUGH NOT AS BAD AND IT IS ONLY ON CERTAIN "BUMPS" IN THE ROAD THAT THE VEHICLE TRIES TO FISH TAIL.
DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY WITH LIGHT RAIN. TEMPERATURE APPROX 34 DEGREES. WHILE AT SPEED LIMIT (65MPH) THE MOON-ROOF EXPLODED! NOT SIMPLY SHATTERED BUT EXPLODED. (INSIDE 'SUN' COVER WAS OPEN AT THE TIME) THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS ON THE ROAD WITHIN 1/2 MILE OF ME. I DID NOT JUST PASS UNDER A BRIDGE AND NO CONSTRUCTION ON THE ROADWAY…
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DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY WITH LIGHT RAIN. TEMPERATURE APPROX 34 DEGREES. WHILE AT SPEED LIMIT (65MPH) THE MOON-ROOF EXPLODED! NOT SIMPLY SHATTERED BUT EXPLODED. (INSIDE 'SUN' COVER WAS OPEN AT THE TIME) THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS ON THE ROAD WITHIN 1/2 MILE OF ME. I DID NOT JUST PASS UNDER A BRIDGE AND NO CONSTRUCTION ON THE ROADWAY AT THE TIME OF THE EXPLOSION. ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF CAR BUT MANAGED TO MAINTAIN UNTIL I COULD PULL OVER ON SIDE OF ROADWAY. SUFFERED MINOR CUTS TO SCALP, FACE AND NECK (NOTHING THAT REQUIRED HOSPITALIZATION). SIGNIFICANT SHARDS OF GLASS THROUGHOUT THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR AND SOME MINOR DAMAGE TO PAINT SURFACE FROM SHARDS OF GLASS HITTING THE OUTSIDE OF THE CAR; REAR ROOF OF CAR AND REAR DECK LID OF TRUNK. LODGED COMPLAIN WITH CORPORATE HYUNDAI (HAVE CASE NUMBER), ALSO WENT TO LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP GAVE THEM CASE NUMBER AND HAD THEM TAKE PHOTOS. DEALERSHIP INITIAL REACTION IS THAT GLASS IS NOT COVERED. THEY SUSPECT THE DROPPING TEMPERATURE MAY HAVE HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH IT. I HAVE ESCALATED MY CLAIM WITH HYUNDAI CORPORATE; ASKING UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES THAT THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A MANUFACTURE DEFECT, THAT THEY COVER ALL COSTS OF REPAIR. AWAITING THEIR RESPONSE. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DUE TO THE SUN, A GLARE REFLECTED FROM THE DASHBOARD INTO THE WINDSHIELD. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VISIBILITY WAS IMPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,000. UPDATED …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DUE TO THE SUN, A GLARE REFLECTED FROM THE DASHBOARD INTO THE WINDSHIELD. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VISIBILITY WAS IMPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,000. UPDATED 3/31/15*CN
I STARTED NOTICING WHEN I COME OUT OF MY APARTMENT COMPLEX IN THE MORNING TO GO TO WORK THAT MY TRUNK WAS OPEN. AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT WAS ME. THEN ONE DAY I WAS SITTING IN MY CAR AND MY NEIGHBOR DROVE UP IN ANOTHER HYUNDAI AND MY TRUNK OPENED WITH ME SITTING IN IT! I TOOK MY CAR TO LEE HYUNDAI TWICE FOR THEM TO CHANGE THE CODE B…
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I STARTED NOTICING WHEN I COME OUT OF MY APARTMENT COMPLEX IN THE MORNING TO GO TO WORK THAT MY TRUNK WAS OPEN. AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT WAS ME. THEN ONE DAY I WAS SITTING IN MY CAR AND MY NEIGHBOR DROVE UP IN ANOTHER HYUNDAI AND MY TRUNK OPENED WITH ME SITTING IN IT! I TOOK MY CAR TO LEE HYUNDAI TWICE FOR THEM TO CHANGE THE CODE BUT THEY ADMITTED THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT THEY CAN NOT FIX! NOW MY TRUNK OPENS WHEN "RANDOM" PEOPLE PRESS THEIR KEY ALARMS. LAST WEEK I WAS WALKING TO MY CAR AND THE LIGHTS FLASHED AND THE DOORS UNLOCKED! THE MAN NEXT TO ME WAS UNLOCKING HIS CAR! THIS IS NOT SAFE! [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *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
ON JULY 18, 2014, MY 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA RAN INTO A SUBWAY RESTAURANT AT 12150 S. CICERO, ALSIP, IL. I WAS GOING INTO THE SUBWAY PARKING LOT, MY GOAL WAS TO PARK, BUT MY CAR DID NOT STOP WHEN I PUT ON MY BRAKES. MY CAR KEPT GOING; IT DROVE OVER THE SIDEWALK, THROUGH THE SCRUBS, AND HIT THE BUILDING HEAD ON. HITTING THE B…
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ON JULY 18, 2014, MY 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA RAN INTO A SUBWAY RESTAURANT AT 12150 S. CICERO, ALSIP, IL. I WAS GOING INTO THE SUBWAY PARKING LOT, MY GOAL WAS TO PARK, BUT MY CAR DID NOT STOP WHEN I PUT ON MY BRAKES. MY CAR KEPT GOING; IT DROVE OVER THE SIDEWALK, THROUGH THE SCRUBS, AND HIT THE BUILDING HEAD ON. HITTING THE BUILDING IS WHAT STOPPED MY VEHICLE, MY AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I THEN PUT ON THE BRAKES, PUT IT IN REVERSE AND BACKED OFF THE BUILDING, BACKING INTO THE PARKING PLACE THAT I WAS ORIGINALLY GOING INTO TO PARK. ONCE MY CAR WAS PARKED, IT BEGAN TO SMOKE. I GOT OUT OF THE CAR, LOOKED AT THE DAMAGE TO MY CAR AND THE SUBWAY BUILDING, CALLED MY INSURANCE COMPANY, STATE FARM AND MY SON. THE 2 EMPLOYEES IN THE SUBWAY, CALLED THE POLICE AND THE SUBWAY RESTAURANT OWNER. *TR
SUN ROOF (MOON ROOF) EXPLODED. WHILE TRAVELING AT 65 MPH, WITH THE SUN ROOF CLOSED AND THE INTERNAL CEILING SHADE CLOSED, AN EXTREMELY LOUD POP CAME FROM THE ROOF OF THE CAR. VERY LOUD! THEN, THE SOUND OF WIND AND BROKEN GLASS STREAMING OVER THE CAR AND ONTO THE CARS TRAVELING BEHIND US. WE PULLED OVER AND FOUND THE SUN ROOF…
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SUN ROOF (MOON ROOF) EXPLODED. WHILE TRAVELING AT 65 MPH, WITH THE SUN ROOF CLOSED AND THE INTERNAL CEILING SHADE CLOSED, AN EXTREMELY LOUD POP CAME FROM THE ROOF OF THE CAR. VERY LOUD! THEN, THE SOUND OF WIND AND BROKEN GLASS STREAMING OVER THE CAR AND ONTO THE CARS TRAVELING BEHIND US. WE PULLED OVER AND FOUND THE SUN ROOF SHATTERED FROM EDGE TO EDGE. WE MADE OUR WAY TO THE NEAREST HYUNDAI DEALER AND PERSUADED THEM TO VACUUM OUT THE GLASS. THEY TOLD US THAT THIS WAS DUE TO A ROCK HITTING THE TOP AND WOULD NOT BE COVERED BY THE WARRANTY. WE MADE OUR WAY HOME WITH NO TOP BUT TALKED TO MANY DIFFERENT HYUNDAI REPRESENTATIVES WHO ALL CLAIMED THAT THEY'D NEVER HEARD OF SUCH A THING. OUR SUBSEQUENT RESEARCH HAS SUGGESTED OTHERWISE. THIS IS A MAJOR CONCERN FOR THE SAFETY OF THOSE DRIVING AND OCCUPYING THESE CARS AND FOR THE OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROAD AS WELL. *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
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