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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

Tires complaints

55 reports
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29,741 miles · Oct 1, 2014
TiresInjury

WE WERE TRAVELING IN A REMOTE AREA AND WHILE GOING DOWN A HILL THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM ALERT CAME ON. THERE WAS NO PLACE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD DUE TO GUARD RAILS, SO I SLOWED DOWN AND CONTINUED DOWN THE HILL UNTIL I COULD PULL OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THERE WAS NO CELL PHONE SERVICE AND THIS CAR HAS NO SPARE TIRE. THE T…

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WE WERE TRAVELING IN A REMOTE AREA AND WHILE GOING DOWN A HILL THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM ALERT CAME ON. THERE WAS NO PLACE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD DUE TO GUARD RAILS, SO I SLOWED DOWN AND CONTINUED DOWN THE HILL UNTIL I COULD PULL OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THERE WAS NO CELL PHONE SERVICE AND THIS CAR HAS NO SPARE TIRE. THE TIRE WAS NOT COMPLETELY FLAT AND A NAIL WAS SEEN IN A REPAIRABLE AREA OF THE TREAD ON THE DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE. THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDES FREE ROAD SERVICE, BUT SINCE THERE WAS NO CELL PHONE SERVICE, I HAD NO CHOICE EXCEPT TO USE THE PROVIDED TIRE REPAIR AND INFLATION KIT. THE INSTRUCTIONS WERE FOLLOWED AND THE TIRE WAS INFLATED TO 32 PSI AS PER THE INSTRUCTIONS. I DISCONNECTED THE TIRE REPAIR AIR PUMP FROM THE VALVE STEM AND MY WIFE WAS ABOUT TO REPLACE THE VALVE STEM CAP WHEN THE TIRE EXPLODED AND FORCE FROM THE AIR KNOCKED HER TO THE GROUND AND ONTO THE ROADWAY. SHE SKINNED HER KNEES AND HAD A HEADACHE FOR HOURS AFTER THIS. THE FORCE OF THE TIRE EXPLOSION ALSO SHATTERED THE WHEEL WELL PLASTIC LINER. HAD THE TIRE EXPLOSION BEEN ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE TIRE MY WIFE WOULD LIKELY HAVE BEEN GRAVELY INJURED. THE LOUD SOUND FROM THE TIRE EXPLODING GOT THE ATTENTION OF A RANCH CREW REPAIRING FENCES IN THE AREA. THEY SAID IT SOUNDED LIKE A SHOTGUN BLAST. ONE OF THE CREW MEMBERS OFFERED US USE OF HIS PHONE TO CALL FOR HELP. WE SPENT 2 HOURS IN THE HEAT ARRANGING FOR A TOW AND WAITING FOR THE TOW TRUCK. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE NEAREST TIRE SHOP THAT HAD THE CORRECT SIZE TIRE FOR SALE. THIS WAS OVER 25 MILES AWAY IN PINETOP, AZ. I HAVE CONTACTED HYUNDAI NUMEROUS TIMES IN AN ATTEMPT FOR THEM TO COMPENSATE ME FOR THE DAMAGE TO MY CAR AND INJURY TO MY WIFE CAUSED BY THEIR TIRE REPAIR KIT WITHOUT ANY REASONABLE RESPONSE FROM THEM. IN MY OPINION, THEIR TIRE REPAIR KIT IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY HYUNDAI, AND I SHOULD BE COMPENSATED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10640650

36,000 miles · Sep 22, 2014
TiresWheels

TIRES THAT CAME FACTORY ON THE VEHICLE DID NOT LAST AS LONG AS THE TIRE WAS RATED FROM THE MANUFACTURES WEBSITE. THEY ARE NEARLY BALD, DUE TO HIGHWAY DRIVING, AND THE MANUFACTURE AND CAR COMPANY WILL NOT HONOR THE TREAD LIFE WARRANTY. THEY SAID THAT THERE IS NOT AN OWNER WARRANTY BECAUSE I DID NOT PURCHASE THE TIRES. THIS IS …

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TIRES THAT CAME FACTORY ON THE VEHICLE DID NOT LAST AS LONG AS THE TIRE WAS RATED FROM THE MANUFACTURES WEBSITE. THEY ARE NEARLY BALD, DUE TO HIGHWAY DRIVING, AND THE MANUFACTURE AND CAR COMPANY WILL NOT HONOR THE TREAD LIFE WARRANTY. THEY SAID THAT THERE IS NOT AN OWNER WARRANTY BECAUSE I DID NOT PURCHASE THE TIRES. THIS IS CONFUSING TO ME, ONLY BECAUSE I BOUGHT A $24,000 CAR! CONTINENTAL WAS CONTACTED BY ME TO DISCUSS THIS, AND I'VE TAKEN MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. NEITHER IS WILLING TO ACCEPT THE FACT THAT THE TIRES DID NOT LAST LIKE THEY HAD ADVERTISED. NEXT VEHICLE I PURCHASE I PLAN ON REMOVING ANYTHING WITH THE NAME CONTINENTAL ON IT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10638260

8,044 miles · Aug 29, 2014
TiresWheels

THE TIRES THAT CAME WITH MY ELANTRA ((HANKOOK H426 215/45 17) HAD TO BE REPLACED IN LESS THAN 18 MONTHS AS THE SIDE WALL WAS BULGING DANGEROUSLY. MY SON WHO HAS A 2010 ELANTRA WITH HANKOOK TIRES HAD A BLOW-OUT WHILE DRIVING. I THINK THESE HANKOOK TIRES ARE DANGEROUSLY UNRELIABLE. THANK YOU. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10629417

25,100 miles · Jul 23, 2014
SuspensionTiresWheels

CAR PURCHASED NEW (LIMITED TRIM) IN DECEMBER 2012. DURING WINTER 2013 (DEC/JAN TIMEFRIME), I HIT A SIGNIFICANT POTHOLE ONA LOCAL HIGHWAY ON-RAMP BLOWING OUT THE FRONT PASSENGER-SIDE TIRE. AFTER BEING TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP (NO SPARE TIRE SUPPLIED), TIRE WAS REPLACED WITH A NEW IDENTICAL TIRE. SERVICE STATION CALLED ASKI…

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CAR PURCHASED NEW (LIMITED TRIM) IN DECEMBER 2012. DURING WINTER 2013 (DEC/JAN TIMEFRIME), I HIT A SIGNIFICANT POTHOLE ONA LOCAL HIGHWAY ON-RAMP BLOWING OUT THE FRONT PASSENGER-SIDE TIRE. AFTER BEING TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP (NO SPARE TIRE SUPPLIED), TIRE WAS REPLACED WITH A NEW IDENTICAL TIRE. SERVICE STATION CALLED ASKING FOR AUTHORIZATION TO REPLACE D/S FRONT TIRE ALSO SINCE IT HAD A SIDE-WALL BUBBLE. I DECLINED PERMISSION AND WHEN I PICKED UP THE CAR BROUGHT IT TO ADVANTAGE HYUNDAI FOR THE SECOND TIRE. ON JULY 11, 2014, I FOUND ANOTHER SIDEWALL BUBBLE ON THE D/S FRONT TIRE AND HAD THE SAME DEALER AGAIN SELL ME A NEW TIRE. TODAY 10 DAYS LATER, ANOTHER FRONT D/S TIRE SIDEWALL BUBBLE. NO ABNORMAL POTHOLES ENCOUNTERED. INCLUDING THE BLOWOUT, THIS IS FOUR TIRE FAILURES IN 19 MONTHS AND 25,000 MILES. TIRES ARE 17" LOW PROFILES AND RUBBER IS FROM HANKOOK. SITUATION IS UNSETTLING. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR ANYONE DRIVING IN THIS VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10615597

27,000 miles · Jul 22, 2014
Tires

NOTHING "HAPPENED" JUST NOTICED ONE DAY THAT THERE WAS A BUBBLE ON SIDEWALL OF FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10615409

11,000 miles · Jul 3, 2014
TiresWheels

PURCHASED 2013 ELANTRA LESS THAN A YEAR AGO WITH HANKOOK TIRES. DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT ON 6/15/14 AT 11K MILES. THANK GOD IT HAPPENED GOING AROUND A CORNER AT SLOWER SPEED THAN HIGHWAY DRIVING. ANOTHER TIRE ON THE REAR WAS ALSO BLISTERED AND READY TO POP - WE HAD TO CHANGE BEFORE DRIVING TO AVOID BENDING ANOTHER RIM SHOULD TI…

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PURCHASED 2013 ELANTRA LESS THAN A YEAR AGO WITH HANKOOK TIRES. DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT ON 6/15/14 AT 11K MILES. THANK GOD IT HAPPENED GOING AROUND A CORNER AT SLOWER SPEED THAN HIGHWAY DRIVING. ANOTHER TIRE ON THE REAR WAS ALSO BLISTERED AND READY TO POP - WE HAD TO CHANGE BEFORE DRIVING TO AVOID BENDING ANOTHER RIM SHOULD TIRE BLOW. ANYWAY, TO MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT, NEITHER DEALER OR TIRE MANUFACTURER WOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS DEFECT AND COVER UNDER IT THEIR WARRANTY. OUT OF POCKET EXPENSES CURRENTLY AT $1600. HAD TO PURCHASE 4 GOOD YEAR TIRES (INCLUDING RIM, ALIGNMENT, STRUT, ETC) SINCE NO ONE IS SAFE DRIVING WITH TIRES THAT CAME WITH VEHICLE (18 YR OLD DAUGHTER IS PRIMARY DRIVER). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10607969

8,000 miles · Jun 25, 2014
TiresWheels

EVERY FEW MONTHS ONE OF THE TIRES ON OUR 2013 ELANTRA LIMITED FAILS WHILE DRIVING. OUR CAR CURRENTLY HAS JUST 11,000 MILES AND IS LESS THAN 1 YEAR OLD AND SINCE WE BOUGHT THE CAR WE HAVE HAD 2 TIRES BLOW HOLES IN THE SIDEWALL (MONTHS APART FROM EACH OTHER) AND A THIRD DEVELOPED A LARGE BLISTER. MY DEALER REFERRED ME TO HYUNDAI C…

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EVERY FEW MONTHS ONE OF THE TIRES ON OUR 2013 ELANTRA LIMITED FAILS WHILE DRIVING. OUR CAR CURRENTLY HAS JUST 11,000 MILES AND IS LESS THAN 1 YEAR OLD AND SINCE WE BOUGHT THE CAR WE HAVE HAD 2 TIRES BLOW HOLES IN THE SIDEWALL (MONTHS APART FROM EACH OTHER) AND A THIRD DEVELOPED A LARGE BLISTER. MY DEALER REFERRED ME TO HYUNDAI CUST SVC, HYUNDAI CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLD ME THAT THEY DO NOT COVER THE TIRES AT ALL AND IT IS NOT THEIR PROBLEM. CONTINENTAL TIRE CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLD ME THAT THEY MANUFACTURED THE TIRE SPECIFICALLY FOR HYUNDAI AND TO THEIR SPECIFICATIONS AND IF THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH DESIGN THEN I WOULD HAVE TO PURSUE IT THROUGH HYUNDAI BECAUSE THEY DO NOT WARRANT AGAINST "ROAD HAZARDS." I DO NOT FEEL THAT THIS IS A SAFE VEHICLE FOR MY WIFE TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE UNLESS THIS SITUATION IS ADDRESSED. CURRENTLY WE HAVE HAD 2 TIRES BLOW OUT WHILE DRIVING LEAVING MY WIFE STRANDED AND WITHOUT A SPARE (VEHICLE DOES NOT COME WITH A SPARE!) THE CAR THEN NEEDS TO BE TOWED. OEM TIRE BRAND IS CONTINENTAL CONTIPROCONTACT RADIAL - 215/45R17 87H. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10605811

699 miles · Jun 23, 2014
TiresWheels

PURCHASED NEW 2013 FROM DEALER. MILEAGE AT PICK UP - 212. I PICKED THE CAR UP, APPROXIMATELY 2 WKS AFTER SIGNING PAPERWORK, BECAUSE MY MOM WAS HOSPITALIZED. I DROVE THE CAR FOR A COUPLE OF WKS - TO WORK, THE HOSPITAL. I'M 48 YRS OLD, I DRIVE CAUTIOUSLY. IT'S MY FIRST NEW CAR IN 17 YEARS. I'M PARKING FAR FROM ALL CARS + BEING…

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PURCHASED NEW 2013 FROM DEALER. MILEAGE AT PICK UP - 212. I PICKED THE CAR UP, APPROXIMATELY 2 WKS AFTER SIGNING PAPERWORK, BECAUSE MY MOM WAS HOSPITALIZED. I DROVE THE CAR FOR A COUPLE OF WKS - TO WORK, THE HOSPITAL. I'M 48 YRS OLD, I DRIVE CAUTIOUSLY. IT'S MY FIRST NEW CAR IN 17 YEARS. I'M PARKING FAR FROM ALL CARS + BEING VERY CAREFUL WITH THE CAR. THE CAR HAS BEEN HAVING SOME PROBLEMS SO I GAVE IT A REALLY CLOSE INSPECTION + DISCOVERED THE FRONT TIRE HAD A SMALL BUBBLE, THE SIZE OF A QUARTER, IN THE OUTER WALL. AT THAT POINT MILEAGE WAS UNDER 700 MILES. I RETURNED TO THE DEALER, SALESMAN IMPLIED THEY WOULD FIX IT - NOT THE CASE. THE DEALER SAID NOT OUR PRODUCT AND SENT ME TO A TIRE COMPANY WHO THEY SAID DEALS W/ NEXEN WARRANTY PAPERWORK - NOT THE CASE. I CALLED NEXEN ON JUNE 12TH (MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 726 MILES) + REPORTED IT. I GAVE THEM TONS OF INFORMATION + TOLD THEM THE NAME OF THE DEALERSHIP MANAGER I'VE BEEN DEALING WITH ON THE MULTIPLE CAR ISSUES. THEY SAID THEY WOULD CALL THE DEALERSHIP + SEE IF THEY COULD GET THEM TO COOPERATE WITH THEM. THEY ALSO SAID THEY WERE GOING TO SEE ABOUT REPLACING THE TIRE ON A 1 TIME BASIS. TO DATE I HAVE HEARD NOTHING. THE TIRES ARE WRITTEN ABOUT EXTENSIVELY ONLINE - MANY PEOPLE HAVE TROUBLE WITH THIS TIRE ON THIS CAR. SOME THINK IT COULD BE THE COMBINATION OF THE TIRE SIZE 17" + THE CAR, SPECULATING THE CAR MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO HANDLE THIS SIZE. IT'S A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. BUBBLES EQUAL BLOW OUTS, ENDANGERING THE LIVES OF THOSE IN THE CAR + THOSE DRIVING OR WALKING IN CLOSE PROXIMITY. HYUNDAI IS ALSO MISREPRESENTING THE CAR AND SO ARE THE SALES PEOPLE AT MIRAK. I TOLD THEM I DID NOT WANT LOW PROFILE TIRES. THEY TOLD ME THEY WERE NOT LOW PROFILE TIRES. AND THEY TOLD ME TO LOOK AT THE STICKER. THE STICKER DOES NOT SAY LOW PROFILE TIRES. BUT THE TIRE PROS SAY - THEY ABSOLUTELY ARE LOW PROFILE TIRES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10605326

22,000 miles · Jun 18, 2014
TiresWheels

FLAT TIRE. BRAND NEW FROM THE DEALER ONLY 22000 MILES ON THE TIRE. NOT PAST WARRANTY. NO WORK WAS EVER DONE ON THE TIRE. FOUND OUT THAT IT WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW WITH A PLUG IN IT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10599111

22,000 miles · Jun 18, 2014
TiresWheels

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY LOW PRESSURE TIRE LIGHT CAME ON. AS I WAS SLOWING DOWN, THE PASSENGER REAR TIRE SUDDENLY BLEW AND I BEGAN FISHTAILING UNTIL I COULD CONTROL THE VEHICLE AND COME TO A COMPLETE STOP ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE CAME WITH HANKOOK OPTIMO TIRES, AND THEY ARE ONLY 10 MONTHS …

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I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY LOW PRESSURE TIRE LIGHT CAME ON. AS I WAS SLOWING DOWN, THE PASSENGER REAR TIRE SUDDENLY BLEW AND I BEGAN FISHTAILING UNTIL I COULD CONTROL THE VEHICLE AND COME TO A COMPLETE STOP ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE CAME WITH HANKOOK OPTIMO TIRES, AND THEY ARE ONLY 10 MONTHS OLD WITH ABOUT 22000 MILES ON THEM, WELL UNDER THE WARRANTY. HAD TO GET A FLATBED TOW AND PURCHASE A BRAND NEW TIRE FROM LOCAL DEALERSHIP. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10599093

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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