NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,313 reports50,000 miles · Dec 5, 2014
TiresWheels
I HAVE A 2013 ELANTRA GT AND HAVE HAD NUMEROUS ISSUES WITH WHEELS AND TIRES. IN THE WINTER OF 2013-14, I HAD THIS CAR FOR ONLY 4 MONTH AND STARTED HAVING ISSUES WITH BUBBLES IN SIDEWALLS OF THE TIRES. THE ORIGINAL TIRES WERE KUMHO 245/45R17 TIRES AND BUBBLED OR WENT FLAT AFTER NORMAL DRIVING OR UPON ENCOUNTERING A BUMP OR POTH…
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I HAVE A 2013 ELANTRA GT AND HAVE HAD NUMEROUS ISSUES WITH WHEELS AND TIRES. IN THE WINTER OF 2013-14, I HAD THIS CAR FOR ONLY 4 MONTH AND STARTED HAVING ISSUES WITH BUBBLES IN SIDEWALLS OF THE TIRES. THE ORIGINAL TIRES WERE KUMHO 245/45R17 TIRES AND BUBBLED OR WENT FLAT AFTER NORMAL DRIVING OR UPON ENCOUNTERING A BUMP OR POTHOLE. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED WITH FALKEN 245/45R17 TIRES IN FEBRUARY OF 2014. IN NOVEMBER OF 2014, ANOTHER BUBBLE APPEARED AND A SECOND ON DECEMBER 4, 2014. IT IS A CONCERNING CONDITION OF UNSAFETY AND UNRELIABILITY WHEN A VEHICLES TIRES ARE SO PRONE TO DAMAGE. I WAS ABLE TO PURCHASE THE ROAD HAZARD WARRANTY WITH THE REPLACEMENT TIRES, BUT HAVE LEARNED THAT THIS WILL NO LONGER BE AVAILABLE AND THE 17" TIRES WILL BE CONSIDERED 'LOW PROFILE' GOING FORWARD AND REPLACEMENTS WILL NOT BE COVERED AND WILL NEED TO BE PAID OUT OF POCKET. NOT ONLY IS THIS A SCARY SITUATION, IT IS EXPENSIVE AND TIME CONSUMING. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS COMPLAINT AND THE MANY OTHERS THAT HAVE BEEN SUBMITTED FOR THE SAME ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10662404
15,765 miles · Nov 27, 2014
Electrical SystemSteering
WHEN REACHING 45-50 MPH, STEERING BECAME SO LOOSE THAT IT WAS DIFFICULT TO STAY IN MY LANE. PULLED OVER TO SEE IF THERE WERE ANY APPARENT PROBLEMS WITH THE TIRES, BUT NONE WERE SEEN. TRIED DRIVING AGAIN, SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED AT ABOUT THE SAME SPEED (NOTICED IT AROUND 40 MPH THIS TIME). COULD NOT CONTINUE TRIP; HAD TO BE TOWED 5…
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WHEN REACHING 45-50 MPH, STEERING BECAME SO LOOSE THAT IT WAS DIFFICULT TO STAY IN MY LANE. PULLED OVER TO SEE IF THERE WERE ANY APPARENT PROBLEMS WITH THE TIRES, BUT NONE WERE SEEN. TRIED DRIVING AGAIN, SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED AT ABOUT THE SAME SPEED (NOTICED IT AROUND 40 MPH THIS TIME). COULD NOT CONTINUE TRIP; HAD TO BE TOWED 50 MILES BACK TO INDIANAPOLIS. HAVE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALERSHIP TOMORROW (CLOSED FOR THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY TODAY). TRACTION CONTROL HAD BRIEFLY ENGAGED ABOUT 10 MINUTES EARLIER ON A SLICK AREA, BUT SEEMED TO BE AN APPROPRIATE RESPONSE, AND THE LIGHT WENT OFF. NOT SURE IF THIS IS RELATED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10661142
2,100 miles · Nov 23, 2014
Wheels
I HAD JUST OWNED MY BRAND NEW 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA LIMITED FOR 6 MONTHS WHEN I HIT A SMALL POTHOLE WHILE CROSSING A BRIDGE AND THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT AND THE RIM GOT DENTED AS WELL. I HAVE OWNED IT NOW FOR 1.5 YEARS AND HAVE HAD 2 BLOWN TIRES AND 3 DENTED RIMS IN TOTAL, ALL FROM MINOR POTHOLES THAT HAD NEVER GIVE…
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I HAD JUST OWNED MY BRAND NEW 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA LIMITED FOR 6 MONTHS WHEN I HIT A SMALL POTHOLE WHILE CROSSING A BRIDGE AND THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT AND THE RIM GOT DENTED AS WELL. I HAVE OWNED IT NOW FOR 1.5 YEARS AND HAVE HAD 2 BLOWN TIRES AND 3 DENTED RIMS IN TOTAL, ALL FROM MINOR POTHOLES THAT HAD NEVER GIVEN ME ANY TYPE OF ISSUE WITH ANY OF MY PREVIOUS VEHICLES. I'M 39, NEVER SPEED AND A CAREFUL DRIVER, I HAD NEVER HAD THIS ISSUE BEFORE. DEALERSHIP SAYS IT'S BECAUSE OF BAD NEW YORK CITY ROADS AND THAT THEY ARE NOT AWARE OF ANY PROBLEMS BUT I THINK THAT THE 17 INCH RIM AND LOW PROFILE TIRES THAT THE ELANTRA LIMITED COMES WITH ARE NOT REALLY COMPATIBLE WITH THE CARS STIFF SUSPENSION. I DON'T KNOW WHAT I'LL DO NOW, I MIGHT HAVE TO SPEND OVER 1,000. DOLLARS TO BUY NEW 16 INCH RIMS AND LARGER PROFILE TIRES, I DON'T THINK THIS IS FAIR AFTER PAYING TOP DOLLAR FOR A NEW VEHICLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10660371
59,900 miles · Nov 14, 2014
Electrical System
CAR WOULD NOT START. AFTER A FEW ATTEMPTS WITH HOLDING THE KEY ON START POSITION IT WOULD START AS NORMAL. IT WAS TAKEN TO LOCAL DEALERSHIP WHO STATE THE ENGINE GROUND WIRES WERE CORRODED. IT'S A 2013 ELANTRA WHEN ASKED WHAT CAUSED THE CORROSION , THE DEALERSHIP STATED THEY DIDN'T KNOW BUT THEY HAVE HAD 8 OTHER VEHICLES WITH THE…
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CAR WOULD NOT START. AFTER A FEW ATTEMPTS WITH HOLDING THE KEY ON START POSITION IT WOULD START AS NORMAL. IT WAS TAKEN TO LOCAL DEALERSHIP WHO STATE THE ENGINE GROUND WIRES WERE CORRODED. IT'S A 2013 ELANTRA WHEN ASKED WHAT CAUSED THE CORROSION , THE DEALERSHIP STATED THEY DIDN'T KNOW BUT THEY HAVE HAD 8 OTHER VEHICLES WITH THE SAME ISSUE THIS MONTH. I'D BE CONCERNED THIS COULD BECOME A FIRE HAZARD AND IT CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO SHUT OFF WHILE RUNNING. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10654998
20,000 miles · Nov 13, 2014
Steering
2013 ELANTRA GLS. CAR WANDERS ALL OVER THE PLACE WHEN YOU GO OVER ANY DIP OR CRACK IN THE ROAD. IT IS ALMOST LIKE YOU ARE DRIVING OVER PATCHES OF ICE WHEN YOU ARE ON DRY. ROADS. CAR HAS BECOME VERY SQUIRRELLY AND UNSAFE. HAVE READ NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON LINE OF SAME PROBLEMS FROM MANY OTHER ELANTRA OWNERS.A *TR
NHTSA ODI #10654875
425 miles · Nov 11, 2014
Electrical SystemEngineStructureCrashFire
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
NHTSA ODI #10654133
16,000 miles · Nov 5, 2014
Air BagsCrashInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AFTER ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED IN THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE., THE DRIVER SUSTAINED UNKNOWN INJURIES WHICH HE RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION ON THE SCENE AND WAS LATER TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL. A POLICE RE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AFTER ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED IN THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE., THE DRIVER SUSTAINED UNKNOWN INJURIES WHICH HE RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION ON THE SCENE AND WAS LATER TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,000.
NHTSA ODI #10652674
2,000 miles · Oct 27, 2014
Service BrakesSuspension
AT SPEEDS GREATER THAN 35 MPH ON ROUGH ROADS REAR END OF CAR WILL SLIDE OUT TO RIGHT CAUSING VEHICLE TO HEAD TOWARDS INCOMING TRAFFIC. IF BRAKES ARE APPLIED WHEN VEHICLE LOSES CONTROL ABS ACTIVATES AND CAR SEEMS TO LEAVE GROUND. THIS CONTINUES TO HAPPEN OVER AND OVER. CAR DEALER REPAIR SAYS THIS IS NOT HAPPENING. NOTES THIS …
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AT SPEEDS GREATER THAN 35 MPH ON ROUGH ROADS REAR END OF CAR WILL SLIDE OUT TO RIGHT CAUSING VEHICLE TO HEAD TOWARDS INCOMING TRAFFIC. IF BRAKES ARE APPLIED WHEN VEHICLE LOSES CONTROL ABS ACTIVATES AND CAR SEEMS TO LEAVE GROUND. THIS CONTINUES TO HAPPEN OVER AND OVER. CAR DEALER REPAIR SAYS THIS IS NOT HAPPENING. NOTES THIS MIGHT BE THE FIRST TIME I HAD THIS TYPE OF SUSPENSION. CAR DOES NOT FEEL SAFE ON INTERSTATE. I'VE TESTED THE BUMP OUT IN AN EMPTY LOT. IF NOT CORRECT BY HARD STEERING CAR WILL DEPART LANE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10650516
30 miles · Oct 22, 2014
SteeringSuspension
UPON HITTING A BUMP OR UNEVEN ROADWAY CAR( 25 MPH AND ABOVE)FEELS LIKE IT LOOSES CONTACT WITH ROADWAY AND BECOMES UNCONTROLLABLE.BY FAR THE WORST SUSPENSION IN A VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED.IF ON HIGHWAY YOU BETTER BE DOUBLE FISTED AND WHITE KNUCKLED HOLDING ON TO STEERING WHEEL BECAUSE CAR WILL BE ALL OVER THE PLACE IF YO…
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UPON HITTING A BUMP OR UNEVEN ROADWAY CAR( 25 MPH AND ABOVE)FEELS LIKE IT LOOSES CONTACT WITH ROADWAY AND BECOMES UNCONTROLLABLE.BY FAR THE WORST SUSPENSION IN A VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED.IF ON HIGHWAY YOU BETTER BE DOUBLE FISTED AND WHITE KNUCKLED HOLDING ON TO STEERING WHEEL BECAUSE CAR WILL BE ALL OVER THE PLACE IF YOU HIT A RIDGE OR UNEVENNESS IN ROAD.THE CAR FEELS LIKE IT IS OUT OF CONTROL(VERY SCARY),SO MUCH SO THAT ANY PASSENGERS IN VEHICLE ALSO FEELS IT AND GRABS HOLD OF SOMETHING FOR STABILITY.I HAVE OWNED 3 NEW HYUNDAIS,THIS IS THE FIRST WITH THIS ISSUE.HAVE BEEN HOPING FOR A RECALL OR ADMISSION OF KNOWN PROBLEM BUT CANNOT WAIT ANY LONGER, VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND I REFUSE TO BE FIRST FATALITY BEFORE SOMETHING IS DONE ABOUT THIS.AT SOME POINT SOMEONE IS GOING TO OVER CORRECT WHEN THEY FEEL THIS ON HIGHWAY AND THAT WILL NOT END WELL.SO I NOW HAVE A VEHICLE THAT HAS 16,000 MILES AND IS NOT SAFE ENOUGH WHERE I WILL LET MY WIFE OR CHILDREN DRIVE IT.NO MORE HYUNDAIS FOR ME! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10649247
8,000 miles · Oct 19, 2014
Service BrakesWheels
OUR ELANTRA BEGAN MAKING GRINDING NOISES WHEN WE PRESSED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL THAT SOUNDED LIKE THE BRAKES OR ROTOR WERE DEFECTIVE. WHEN THE SHOP INSPECTED THE CAR, THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE NOISE, AND TOLD US THE CAR WAS IN PERFECT SHAPE. OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS, THE NOISE BECAME LOUDER WHEN BRAKING, PLUS IT BEGAN M…
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OUR ELANTRA BEGAN MAKING GRINDING NOISES WHEN WE PRESSED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL THAT SOUNDED LIKE THE BRAKES OR ROTOR WERE DEFECTIVE. WHEN THE SHOP INSPECTED THE CAR, THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE NOISE, AND TOLD US THE CAR WAS IN PERFECT SHAPE. OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS, THE NOISE BECAME LOUDER WHEN BRAKING, PLUS IT BEGAN MAKING A WHUMP-WHUMP-WHUMP NOISE THAT APPEARED TO BE DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE SPEED AND ROTATION OF THE WHEELS. THE SOUND WOULD INCREASE WHEN WE STEERED THE CAR TO THE RIGHT, AND WOULD DECREASE WHEN WE STEERED LEFT. THE WHUMPS WERE BARELY AUDIBLE AT 5 MPH, BUT WERE OVERLY LOUD AT 40 MPH. I THOUGHT IT WAS PLASTIC TRIM FLUTTERING IN THE WIND, BUT COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING LOOSE. WHEN WE TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AGAIN, I THINK IN AUGUST, I TOLD THEM THE CAR WAS NOT DRIVABLE THAT THEY NEEDED TO FIND OUT WHAT WAS CAUSING THE WHUMP NOISES AND THE GRINDING NOISES WHEN WE APPLIED THE BRAKES. THIS TIME THEY FOUND THE PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY THE BOLT HOLDING THE LEFT WHEEL COMING UNSCREWED. THEY TIGHTENED THE BOLT UNDER WARRANTY REPAIR SERVICE, AND THE CAR HAS NOT MADE THE WHUMP NOISE OR HAD GRINDING BRAKES SINCE THE REPAIR. I DOUBT THIS PROBLEM WAS LIMITED TO ONE CAR IN THE FLEET, AND I BELIEVE HYUNDAI SHOULD HAVE ISSUED AN ADVISORY TO THEIR SHOP MANAGERS TO BE WATCHING FOR THIS PROBLEM SO THAT IT WOULD HAVE BEEN FOUND AND CORRECTED THE FIRST TIME THAT WE TOOK THE CAR IN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10648708
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