NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Visibility complaints
27 reportsClear category filter39,000 miles · Jul 31, 2014
Visibility
AT APPROX. 7:20 AM ON JULY 24, 2014 THE SUNROOF ON MY 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA GT WITH PANORAMIC ROOF EXPLODED WHILE TRAVELING ON RTE 495 IN MA. IT SOUNDED LIKE A SHOTGUN BLAST IN THE CAR. ALL WINDOWS WERE UP AND THE SUNROOF WAS CLOSED. THE SHADE WAS OPEN. I ESTIMATE 75% OF THE GLASS BLEW UP AND OUT OF THE VEHICLE. SOME REMAINE…
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AT APPROX. 7:20 AM ON JULY 24, 2014 THE SUNROOF ON MY 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA GT WITH PANORAMIC ROOF EXPLODED WHILE TRAVELING ON RTE 495 IN MA. IT SOUNDED LIKE A SHOTGUN BLAST IN THE CAR. ALL WINDOWS WERE UP AND THE SUNROOF WAS CLOSED. THE SHADE WAS OPEN. I ESTIMATE 75% OF THE GLASS BLEW UP AND OUT OF THE VEHICLE. SOME REMAINED IN THE FRAME OF THE SUNROOF AND SOME FELL DOWN INTO THE CAR, A SMALL AMOUNT UPON MY HEAD AND DOWN MY BACK. THERE WAS NO VEHICLE IN FRONT OF OR NEXT TO ME IN THE THREE LANE STRETCH OF HIGHWAY. THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE PERFECT, THE HIGHWAY HAS BEEN RE-PAVED IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS. THE OUTSIDE TEMP. WAS IN THE MID 70'S, NO RAIN, NO HEAVY WINDS, NOT TOO WARM OR TOO COLD. THERE WAS A COMMERCIAL VAN BEHIND THAT EXPERIENCE A SPRAY OF TEMPERED SAFETY GLASS. AS I PULLED OVER THEY PASSED ME WITH LOOKS OF ASTONISHMENT ON THEIR FACES. THEY WERE CHECKING TO SEE IF I WAS OK AND CONCERN FOR MY SAFETY. THEY DID NOT STOP AFTER SEEING I WAS NOT INJURED. AFTER CHECKING EVERYTHING OUT I CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE CAR TO WORK. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY ARRANGED TO GET ME A LOANER CAR AND TO PICK UP THE VEHICLE FOR INSPECTION AND REPAIR. AFTER SEEING THE VEHICLE I WAS TOLD IT WAS NOT A WARRANTY ISSUE (REALLY?) AND THAT THE HYUNDAI REPRESENTATIVE SAID THERE WAS NO APPARENT INDICATION IF THE SUNROOF WAS STRUCK OR NOT STRUCK WITH ANYTHING. BUT THAT "GLASS JUST DOESN'T BREAK BY ITSELF" SO IT WILL NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. I CALLED HYUNDAI CUSTOMER AFFAIRS AND THEY GAVE ME A CASE NUMBER AND TOLD ME THEY WOULD LOOK INTO IT. THEY WERE ALSO SURPRISED A HYUNDAI ENGINEER WAS AVAILABLE TO INSPECT THE SUNROOF SO QUICKLY SINCE IT TYPICALLY TAKES SEVERAL DAYS TO SCHEDULE ONE TO GO SEE THE CAR IN PERSON. 5 DAYS LATER THEY TOLD ME THEY SPOKE TO SOMEONE AT THE DEALERSHIP AND THAT THEY WERE TOLD THE SAME THING THAT THE HYUNDAI REPRESENTATIVE HAD REPORTED.
NHTSA ODI #10619603
10,000 miles · Jul 30, 2014
StructureVisibility
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
NHTSA ODI #10617753
3,000 miles · May 19, 2014
Visibility
WHILE DRIVING ON A CA HIGHWAY IN THE SLOW LANE AT APPROX. 50MPH, IN THE MORNING TIME (60-65F DEGREES), I HEARD A SUDDEN BOOM NOISE. IT SOUNDED LIKE A GUN SHOT. I WAS NOT NEAR ANY OVERPASS, NOR WERE ANY VEHICLES IN CLOSE PROXIMITY. I DID NOT SEE ANY DEBRIS, PROJECTILES OR ROCKS HIT THE CAR. I PULLED OVER ON THE HIGHWAY, AFTER…
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WHILE DRIVING ON A CA HIGHWAY IN THE SLOW LANE AT APPROX. 50MPH, IN THE MORNING TIME (60-65F DEGREES), I HEARD A SUDDEN BOOM NOISE. IT SOUNDED LIKE A GUN SHOT. I WAS NOT NEAR ANY OVERPASS, NOR WERE ANY VEHICLES IN CLOSE PROXIMITY. I DID NOT SEE ANY DEBRIS, PROJECTILES OR ROCKS HIT THE CAR. I PULLED OVER ON THE HIGHWAY, AFTER SWERVING A FEW LANES, THINKING I HAD BLOWN A TIRE. TO MY SURPRISE, THE ELANTRA GT PANORAMIC SUNROOF HAD EXPLODED. THERE WERE BREAKS ALONG THREE OF THE FOUR EDGES OF THE REAR STANDING PORTION OF THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF, NOT THE MOVING PORTION OF THE SUNROOF. THE BREAKS WERE NEAR THE EDGES ONLY, AND NOT IN THE CENTER AT ALL. THERE WERE NO PROJECTILE HOLES ANYWHERE, AND THE BREAKS WERE STRAIGHT IN NATURE. THIS SEEMS TO BE AN ISSUE WITH HYUNDAI PANORAMIC SUNROOFS, AS I KNOW THERE WAS A 2012 RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE ON ANOTHER MODEL. I HAVE ALSO READ ABOUT SEVERAL 2013 HYUNDAI PANORAMIC SUNROOF EXPLOSION INCIDENTS ON THIS NHTSA WEBSITE. THIS IS A DEFINITE SAFETY HAZARD AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. I AM FORTUNATE THERE WERE NO VEHICLES AROUND ME, AS THE LOUD BOOM CAUSED ME TO SWERVE WITHIN TWO LANES. HAD THE SUNROOF COVER BEEN OPEN, THE GLASS WOULD HAVE PENETRATED THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE, AND THE TEMPERED GLASS COULD HAVE CAUSED SEVERE LACERATIONS, WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF DEATH, DUE TO THE SPEEDS TRAVELED. THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND FIXED BEFORE IT RESULTS IN THE LOSS OF LIFE. ON A BRIGHTER NOTE, SINCE THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD 3K MILES ON IT AND WAS TWO MONTHS OLD, THE DEALER GAVE US A LOANER AND HAS AGREED TO FIX THE WINDOW AT NO COST; HOWEVER, THIS DOESN'T REMOVE THE APPREHENSION I WILL HAVE WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE ONCE IT IS FIXED, THINKING IT MAY HAPPEN AGAIN. UPDATED 12/5/2014 *JS
NHTSA ODI #10592593
825 miles · Feb 4, 2014
StructureVisibility
DRIVING ON THE LOOP 101 AND HEARD A LOUD NOISE INSIDE THE CAR ALMOST LIKE A GUNSHOT, PULLED OVER AND NOTICED THAT THE SUNROOF HAD SHATTERED INTO TINY PIECES, IT WAS NOT EXTREMELY COLD AND I HAVE ONLY HAD THIS VEHICLE FOR 2 WEEKS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10562847
29,000 miles · Feb 2, 2014
Visibility
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AT ABOUT 68MPH ALL OF A SUDDEN I HEARD A LARGE BOOM. PULLED OVER TO SEE WHAT HAPPENED AND NOTICE THAT MY MOONROOF/SUNROOF HAD SHATTERED INTO A MILLION PIECES. THE INTRIGUING PART WAS THAT I WAS ALONE WITH NO CARS AROUND WHEN THE INCIDENT HAPPENED. THE WEATHER WAS COLD, BUT NOT EXTREME THE TEMPER…
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I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AT ABOUT 68MPH ALL OF A SUDDEN I HEARD A LARGE BOOM. PULLED OVER TO SEE WHAT HAPPENED AND NOTICE THAT MY MOONROOF/SUNROOF HAD SHATTERED INTO A MILLION PIECES. THE INTRIGUING PART WAS THAT I WAS ALONE WITH NO CARS AROUND WHEN THE INCIDENT HAPPENED. THE WEATHER WAS COLD, BUT NOT EXTREME THE TEMPERATURE WAS AROUND 24 DEGREES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10562600
Mileage unknown · Jan 13, 2014
Exterior LightingVisibility
TWO ISSUES: (1) I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE ON MAY 26, 2013. I FOUND OUT THAT THE GOV. HAD ISSUED A RECALL FOR THE ELANTRA MODELS BUILT FROM 11-12-2010 THROUGH 3-5-2013. MY CAR WAS ASSEMBLED ON FEB, 22, 2013. I WAS NEVER TOLD ABOUT THIS AT TIME OF PURCHASE AND HAVE NEVER RECEIVED ANY NOTIFICATION FROM HYUNDAI MOTOR…
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TWO ISSUES: (1) I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE ON MAY 26, 2013. I FOUND OUT THAT THE GOV. HAD ISSUED A RECALL FOR THE ELANTRA MODELS BUILT FROM 11-12-2010 THROUGH 3-5-2013. MY CAR WAS ASSEMBLED ON FEB, 22, 2013. I WAS NEVER TOLD ABOUT THIS AT TIME OF PURCHASE AND HAVE NEVER RECEIVED ANY NOTIFICATION FROM HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA. THE DEALERS ARE NOT RESPONSIVE. (2) THE "AUTO-DIMMING REARVIEW MIRROR WITH HOMELINK & COMPASS" RARELY FUNCTIONS. REAL PROBLEM IS THAT MIRROR IMAGE AND HEADLIGHTS ARE SAME INTENSITY/ CLARITY WHETHER UNIT IS TURNED ON OR OFF--VERY DANGEROUS AT NIGHT. THE DEALER I PURCHASED CAR FROM AND ANOTHER DEALER REFUSED TO INVESTIGATE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10559703
6,500 miles · Jan 2, 2014
Visibility
THE WINDSHIELD WASHER DOES NOT WORK IN BELOW 24 DEGREES. I HAVE HAD TO STOP WHILE DRIVING MANY TIMES TO CLEAN WINDSHIELD BY HAND ,PUTTING MY SELF AND OTHER DRIVERS IN GREAT DANGER. I HAVE USED MULTIPLE BRANDS OFF WASHER FLUIDS INCLUDING DE-ICERS WITH OUT SUCCESS. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING FOR 40 YEARS AND HAVE HAD MANY VEHICLES AND …
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THE WINDSHIELD WASHER DOES NOT WORK IN BELOW 24 DEGREES. I HAVE HAD TO STOP WHILE DRIVING MANY TIMES TO CLEAN WINDSHIELD BY HAND ,PUTTING MY SELF AND OTHER DRIVERS IN GREAT DANGER. I HAVE USED MULTIPLE BRANDS OFF WASHER FLUIDS INCLUDING DE-ICERS WITH OUT SUCCESS. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING FOR 40 YEARS AND HAVE HAD MANY VEHICLES AND NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM. 2013 ELANTRA GT (NOT ON DROP DOWN LIST) *TR
NHTSA ODI #10558203
7,980 miles · Aug 17, 2013
VisibilityVisibility/wiper
I HEARD AN EXPLOSION AND STARTED FEELING SOMETHING FALLING DOWN ON ME AS I WAS DRIVING. I LOOKED UP TO SEE THE SUNROOF PART OF MY PANORAMIC ROOF HAD SHATTERED AND SHARDS OF GLASS WERE FALLING DOWN ON ME. THIS WAS IN THE MORNING, NOTHING ABOVE ME OR AROUND ME, NO TRUCKS.. JUST A RANDOM BREAK. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD …
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I HEARD AN EXPLOSION AND STARTED FEELING SOMETHING FALLING DOWN ON ME AS I WAS DRIVING. I LOOKED UP TO SEE THE SUNROOF PART OF MY PANORAMIC ROOF HAD SHATTERED AND SHARDS OF GLASS WERE FALLING DOWN ON ME. THIS WAS IN THE MORNING, NOTHING ABOVE ME OR AROUND ME, NO TRUCKS.. JUST A RANDOM BREAK. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD TO CONTACT MY INSURANCE. I LOOKED ONLINE AND SEE THERE HAVE BEEN MANY ISSUES WITH THE SUNROOFS DOING THE SAME THING ON DIFFERENT MODELS. THE DEALERSHIP IS ORDERING THE REPLACEMENT RIGHT NOW. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10535871
3,036 miles · Jun 23, 2013
VisibilityInjury
WE WERE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY 101 SOUTH ABOUT 60 MPH WHEN IT SOUNDED LIKE SOMEONE SHOT AT US ONLY TO FIND THAT THE SUNROOF IMPLODED ON US. CHUNKS OF GLASS WERE FALLING ON US WHILE WE WERE DRIVING! SHARDS OF GLASS WERE EVERYWHERE. MY SISTER FOUND SOME UNDER MY EYE, I HAD TO DIG GLASS OUT OF MY HAND AND LATER THE NEXT DAY I STILL …
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WE WERE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY 101 SOUTH ABOUT 60 MPH WHEN IT SOUNDED LIKE SOMEONE SHOT AT US ONLY TO FIND THAT THE SUNROOF IMPLODED ON US. CHUNKS OF GLASS WERE FALLING ON US WHILE WE WERE DRIVING! SHARDS OF GLASS WERE EVERYWHERE. MY SISTER FOUND SOME UNDER MY EYE, I HAD TO DIG GLASS OUT OF MY HAND AND LATER THE NEXT DAY I STILL HAD GLASS IN MY BODY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10521276
220 miles · Jun 10, 2013
Visibility
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE COLOR OF THE DEFROSTER DISH CAUSED A GLARE IN THE FRONT WINDSHIELD AND THE CONTACT WAS DISTRACTED WHEN DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE PROBLEM WAS REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 220. …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE COLOR OF THE DEFROSTER DISH CAUSED A GLARE IN THE FRONT WINDSHIELD AND THE CONTACT WAS DISTRACTED WHEN DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE PROBLEM WAS REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 220. UPDATED 7/8/13 *CN
NHTSA ODI #10516112
Official recalls
4Sep 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.
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.
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.
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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