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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.

About this comparison →

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

What owners actually said

1,313 reports
41,048 miles · Oct 19, 2014
Electrical System

THE INDICATOR LIGHT CONTINUES TO GO OFF AND ON BECAUSE THE DOOR IS BEING INDICATED AS OPEN. IT SUBSEQUENTLY UNLOCKS THE DOORS AND TURNS THE DOME LIGHTS REPEATEDLY ON AND OFF AGAIN. THIS CAUSES A SAFETY CONCERN BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW WHAT OTHER CAR FUNCTIONS TURN OFF IF THE DOOR IS "OPEN". *TR

NHTSA ODI #10648626

6,700 miles · Oct 14, 2014
TiresWheelsCrashInjury

MY DAUGHTER HAS A HYUNDAI ELANTRA 2013 WITH 6700 MILES, SHE WAS DRIVING AT 60MPH ON A FREEWAY AND HER PASSENGER FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT. SHE LOST CONTROL AND RAN INTO THE CONCRETE BARRIER ON THE FREEWAY. SHE HAS FRAME AND BODY DAMAGE TO HER FRONT END. THANK GOD SHE IS OK EXCEPT FOR HER COLLAR BONE AREA BEING BRUISED FROM HER SEAT B…

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MY DAUGHTER HAS A HYUNDAI ELANTRA 2013 WITH 6700 MILES, SHE WAS DRIVING AT 60MPH ON A FREEWAY AND HER PASSENGER FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT. SHE LOST CONTROL AND RAN INTO THE CONCRETE BARRIER ON THE FREEWAY. SHE HAS FRAME AND BODY DAMAGE TO HER FRONT END. THANK GOD SHE IS OK EXCEPT FOR HER COLLAR BONE AREA BEING BRUISED FROM HER SEAT BELT. SHE DID NOT HIT ANYTHING BEFORE THE BLOW OUT. SHE COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY HURT. NO TIRE WITH ONLY 6700MILES SHOULD HAVE A BLOW OUT LIKE THIS ONE DID. THE CAR HAS NEXEN CP671 TIRES. I AM WAITING ON NEXEN TIRE COMPANY TO CALL ME BACK. HYUNDAI REALLY HAS NOT OFFERED ANY HELP. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10644605

10,150 miles · Oct 13, 2014
Electronic Stability Control (esc)SteeringSuspension

MY 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA LIMITED HAS THE SWERVING PROBLEM. ANY TIME I'M ON AN UNEVEN PATCH OF ROAD OR A BUMP, IT'S LIKE I LOSE CONTROL OF MY CAR. YOU HAVE TO KEEP 2 HANDS ON THE WHEEL AT ALL TIMES TO TRY & KEEP SOME CONTROL. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DOING MY WEEKLY DRIVE FROM DE TO NY!! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10644345

41,063 miles · Oct 9, 2014
Electronic Stability Control (esc)SteeringSuspension

I BOUGHT MY 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA GT ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2014, IT HAD 41053 MILES ON IT. AS I LEFT THE DEALERSHIP IT WAS RAINING VERY HARD AND I NOTICED THAT IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO KEEP THE CAR IN MY LANE; MY CAR WAS PULLING TO THE RIGHT, NOT ONLY THAT, I HIT A BUMP OR MANHOLE AND THE BAD END OF THE CAR FISHTAILED SO BAD THAT I TH…

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I BOUGHT MY 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA GT ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2014, IT HAD 41053 MILES ON IT. AS I LEFT THE DEALERSHIP IT WAS RAINING VERY HARD AND I NOTICED THAT IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO KEEP THE CAR IN MY LANE; MY CAR WAS PULLING TO THE RIGHT, NOT ONLY THAT, I HIT A BUMP OR MANHOLE AND THE BAD END OF THE CAR FISHTAILED SO BAD THAT I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO HIT THE CAR THAT WAS IN THE RIGHT LANE. I WAS DRIVING A FEW DAYS LATER, I HIT ANOTHER POTHOLE AND THE CAR DID THAT SAME THING BUT THIS TIME THE ROADS WERE DRY. AT THIS POINT, I REALIZE THAT THE FIRST INCIDENT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE ROADS BEING WET, IT WAS THE SUSPENSION ON THE CAR THAT'S CAUSES THE CAR TO PULL TO ONE SIDE AND FOR IT TO FISHTAIL THE WAY IT DOES. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND I REALIZED THAT HYUNDAI OWNERS HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS PROBLEM FOR QUITE SOMETIME BUT THE HYUNDAI CORPORATION FAILS TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS AS A PROBLEM; THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM. TO BE HONEST, I'M A LITTLE FRIGHTEN TO DRIVE MY CAR; HYUNDAI CORPORATION NEEDS TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THERE IS A SUSPENSION PROBLEM WITH THE MAKE AND MODEL AND THEY NEED TO DO SOMETHING TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM ASAP BEFORE SOMEONE LOSES THEIR LIFE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10643620

8,000 miles · Oct 9, 2014
TiresWheels

SECOND SIDE WALL TIRE BLOW OUT ON HYUNDAI ELANTRA WAS DRIVING ON A PRETTY TYPICAL ROAD (BUMPS ETC) BUT NO HUGE CHUCK HOLES AND TIRE SIDEWALL GAVE OUT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10643541

Mileage unknown · Oct 4, 2014
SteeringSuspension

MY GIRLFRIEND PURCHASED A BRAND NEW HYUNDAI ELANTRA LAST YEAR AND SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE IT HAS NOT DRIVEN PROPERLY. AT FIRST I ATTRIBUTED IT TO THE FACT THAT SHE HAD STUDDED TIRES ON THE VEHICLE DURING THE WINTER, HOWEVER THAT IS NOT THE CASE. THE VEHICLE DRIVES WHEREVER IT WANTS, BASICALLY. IT PULLS TO THE LEFT, IT PULLS…

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MY GIRLFRIEND PURCHASED A BRAND NEW HYUNDAI ELANTRA LAST YEAR AND SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE IT HAS NOT DRIVEN PROPERLY. AT FIRST I ATTRIBUTED IT TO THE FACT THAT SHE HAD STUDDED TIRES ON THE VEHICLE DURING THE WINTER, HOWEVER THAT IS NOT THE CASE. THE VEHICLE DRIVES WHEREVER IT WANTS, BASICALLY. IT PULLS TO THE LEFT, IT PULLS TO THE RIGHT--ANYWHERE BUT STRAIGHT!! IT IS DIFFICULT TO STEER THE VEHICLE. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP--GARVEY HYUNDAI, IN PLATTSBURGH, NY ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT CLEARLY DOESN'T HAVE AN HONEST ANSWER FOR ME AND BASICALLY TOLD ME THAT THE VEHICLE IS KNOWN FOR THAT, AND IT "TAKES SOME GETTING USED TO." HE ATTRIBUTES IT TO THE ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING, HOWEVER IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THIS HAS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO DO WITH IT AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT IS WELL AWARE OF THIS. THEY DID AN ALIGNMENT CHECK AND CONFIRMED THAT EVERYTHING IS "NORMAL." WELL EVERYTHING IS NOT "NORMAL." MY GIRLFRIEND IS 8 MONTHS PREGNANT AND IS DRIVING AROUND IN A VEHICLE THAT IS VERY UNSAFE. SAFETY IS SOMETHING THAT SHE EXPECTED, AND THAT THE DEALERSHIP ASSURED HER OF WHEN SHE MADE THE DECISION TO SPEND ALMOST $30,000 ON A VEHICLE. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND I WILL NOT STOP UNTIL THE DEALERSHIP OR HYUNDAI MAKE THIS RIGHT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10641408

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

18,960 miles · Sep 29, 2014
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Steering

THIS CAR WAS PURCHASED FOR MY WIFE ABOUT A MONTH AGO AND I DRIVE IT VERY LITTLE. WHEN I HAVE, THE CAR SEEMS TO WONDER REAL BAD, MUCH WORSE ON NEW ROADS. IT IS ALMOST LIKE IT FLOATS SIDE TO SIDE. THIS LAST WEEKEND IT KEPT DRIFTING BOTH WAYS AND WENT OFF THE ROAD SEVERAL TIMES. THE DEALER CLAIMED EVERY THING IS ALRIGHT, BUT I KNOW…

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THIS CAR WAS PURCHASED FOR MY WIFE ABOUT A MONTH AGO AND I DRIVE IT VERY LITTLE. WHEN I HAVE, THE CAR SEEMS TO WONDER REAL BAD, MUCH WORSE ON NEW ROADS. IT IS ALMOST LIKE IT FLOATS SIDE TO SIDE. THIS LAST WEEKEND IT KEPT DRIFTING BOTH WAYS AND WENT OFF THE ROAD SEVERAL TIMES. THE DEALER CLAIMED EVERY THING IS ALRIGHT, BUT I KNOW IT SHOULD NOT WANDER LIKE THIS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10639732

29,000 miles · Sep 26, 2014
Air BagsEngineExterior LightingCrashInjury

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE CAR. IT WAS A DARK ROAD IN THE NIGHT. PERHAPS SHE DIDN'T SEE THE STOP SIGN AND CRASHED INTO A VEHICLE COMING FROM RIGHT HAND SIDE, GOING IN THE SAME DIRECTION MY WIFE WAS GOING. MY WIFE CRASHED THE OTHER VEHICLE FROM BEHIND. IT WAS SERIOUS CRASH IN WHICH THE ENTIRE FRONT PORTION OF THE CAR IS DAMAGED. …

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MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE CAR. IT WAS A DARK ROAD IN THE NIGHT. PERHAPS SHE DIDN'T SEE THE STOP SIGN AND CRASHED INTO A VEHICLE COMING FROM RIGHT HAND SIDE, GOING IN THE SAME DIRECTION MY WIFE WAS GOING. MY WIFE CRASHED THE OTHER VEHICLE FROM BEHIND. IT WAS SERIOUS CRASH IN WHICH THE ENTIRE FRONT PORTION OF THE CAR IS DAMAGED. BUT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT COME OUT. MY WIFE HAD HER HEAD HIT THE STEERING WHEEL AND HAD AN INJURY. MY COMPLAINT IS "WHY DID THE AIR BAG NOT INFLATE IN SUCH A SERIOUS CRASH?" ..UPDATED 10/06/14 *BF. UPDATED 05/13/2015 *JS

NHTSA ODI #10639325

500 miles · Sep 23, 2014
SteeringSuspension

WHEN CORNERING AND THE ROAD IS SLIGHTLY UNEVEN THE CAR SKITTERS SIDE WAYS, OR IN BAD CASES IF YOU HIT A BUMP THE CAR STEPS SIDEWAYS. DEPENDING ON THE SPEED OR THE TIGHTNESS OF THE TURN, THE CAR CAN DRIFT SIDEWAYS BY QUITE A DISTANCE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10638341

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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