NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,313 reports36,000 miles · Sep 22, 2014
TiresWheels
TIRES THAT CAME FACTORY ON THE VEHICLE DID NOT LAST AS LONG AS THE TIRE WAS RATED FROM THE MANUFACTURES WEBSITE. THEY ARE NEARLY BALD, DUE TO HIGHWAY DRIVING, AND THE MANUFACTURE AND CAR COMPANY WILL NOT HONOR THE TREAD LIFE WARRANTY. THEY SAID THAT THERE IS NOT AN OWNER WARRANTY BECAUSE I DID NOT PURCHASE THE TIRES. THIS IS …
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TIRES THAT CAME FACTORY ON THE VEHICLE DID NOT LAST AS LONG AS THE TIRE WAS RATED FROM THE MANUFACTURES WEBSITE. THEY ARE NEARLY BALD, DUE TO HIGHWAY DRIVING, AND THE MANUFACTURE AND CAR COMPANY WILL NOT HONOR THE TREAD LIFE WARRANTY. THEY SAID THAT THERE IS NOT AN OWNER WARRANTY BECAUSE I DID NOT PURCHASE THE TIRES. THIS IS CONFUSING TO ME, ONLY BECAUSE I BOUGHT A $24,000 CAR! CONTINENTAL WAS CONTACTED BY ME TO DISCUSS THIS, AND I'VE TAKEN MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. NEITHER IS WILLING TO ACCEPT THE FACT THAT THE TIRES DID NOT LAST LIKE THEY HAD ADVERTISED. NEXT VEHICLE I PURCHASE I PLAN ON REMOVING ANYTHING WITH THE NAME CONTINENTAL ON IT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10638260
21,000 miles · Sep 16, 2014
Air BagsElectrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemCrash
WHILE TURNING INTO A PARKING SPOT. MY CAR SUDDENLY JUMPED AND ACCELERATED AND SLAMMED INTO A CONCRETE BARRIER. THE AIR BAG ALSO DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10633607
5,500 miles · Sep 11, 2014
Wheels
ON SEPTEMBER 9, 2014, MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING OUR 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA (PURCHASED JANUARY 2014) TO SCHOOL ON A SURFACE STREET. SHE STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT AND UPON ACCELERATING HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY INTO A PARKING SPACE. SHE NOTICED THAT SHE HAD A FLAT TIRE. SHE CALLED ME IMMEDIATELY AND I SHOWED UP …
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ON SEPTEMBER 9, 2014, MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING OUR 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA (PURCHASED JANUARY 2014) TO SCHOOL ON A SURFACE STREET. SHE STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT AND UPON ACCELERATING HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY INTO A PARKING SPACE. SHE NOTICED THAT SHE HAD A FLAT TIRE. SHE CALLED ME IMMEDIATELY AND I SHOWED UP TO CHANGE THE TIRE. I NOTICED A LARGE HOLE IN THE OEM HANKOOK OPTIMO TIRE AND I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER (HYUNDAI INLAND EMPIRE) FOR REPAIR. THE HOLE WAS TOO BIG TO REPAIR AND I WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE TIRE. TWO HOURS LATER THE SERVICE ADVISOR CALLED ME AND STATED THAT I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE RIM BECAUSE IT WAS CRACKED. THE COST OF REPLACEMENT WAS $399 FOR THE RIM AND $153.67 FOR THE TIRE. I COULD NOT BELIEVE THAT THE RIM WAS CRACKED. THERE WAS NO SIGNIFICANT MECHANISM TO CRACK THE RIM. THIS WAS A SIMPLE FLAT TIRE ON A HIGH TRAFFIC, 30 - 40 MPH STREET, AT 7:30 IN THE MORNING. BOTH OF MY DAUGHTERS WERE IN THE CAR AND BOTH CONFIRM THAT THEY HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY. THERE WAS NO TIRE SIDEWALL DAMAGE AND NO EVIDENCE OF RIM DAMAGE. I HAVE OWNED 8 CARS IN MY LIFETIME AND HAVE HAD SEVERAL FLAT TIRES, AND I HAVE NEVER HAD A CRACKED RIM. THIS IS AN 8 MONTH OLD CAR WITH LOW MILES AND THERE IS NO OTHER REASON FOR A CRACKED $399 RIM, OTHER THAN MANUFACTURE DEFECT. I HAVE RESEARCHED THE INTERNET AND HAVE FOUND 12 OTHER REPORTED CASES OF CRACKED RIMS IN THE 2013 ELANTRA. AS A PARENT, WHO PURCHASED THIS CAR FOR HIS DAUGHTER BASED ON THE SAFETY RATING, I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE SIZE OF THE TIRE BLOW-OUT AND THE CRACKED RIM. I HAVE CONTACTED HYUNDAI, BOTH CUSTOMER CARE AND THE DEALER, AND THEY HAVE REFUSED TO COVER THE COST OF THE RIM OR ADMIT ANY DEFECT OR FAULT. A NINE MONTH OLD RIM SHOULD NOT CRACK WITH A SIMPLE FLAT TIRE. THE FACT THAT 12 OTHER CASES HAVE BEEN REPORTED IN THE LAST 9 MONTHS IS SUBSTANTIAL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10632590
15 miles · Sep 11, 2014
Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE BECAME VERY UNSTABLE AND CAUSED THE DRIVER TO NEARLY LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES AND THE REAR SUSPENSION, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED.…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE BECAME VERY UNSTABLE AND CAUSED THE DRIVER TO NEARLY LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES AND THE REAR SUSPENSION, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15.
NHTSA ODI #10632425
36,000 miles · Sep 5, 2014
Power Train
TRANSMISSION MADE A LOUD SCRAPING NOISE AS I STARTED OUT FROM A STOP. IT WAS HARD TO GET THE CAR GOING, BUT I GOT THE CAR TO GO A SHORT DISTANCE (ABOUT 1/4 MILE) BUT IT WAS TOO DIFFICULT TO DRIVE. WHEN I PULLED OVER, I HEARD THE SCRAPING AGAIN. I HAD TO CALL TWICE FOR A TOW; THE FIRST DRIVER SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG EXCE…
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TRANSMISSION MADE A LOUD SCRAPING NOISE AS I STARTED OUT FROM A STOP. IT WAS HARD TO GET THE CAR GOING, BUT I GOT THE CAR TO GO A SHORT DISTANCE (ABOUT 1/4 MILE) BUT IT WAS TOO DIFFICULT TO DRIVE. WHEN I PULLED OVER, I HEARD THE SCRAPING AGAIN. I HAD TO CALL TWICE FOR A TOW; THE FIRST DRIVER SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG EXCEPT OIL UNDER THE CAR. I COULD NOT GET IT GOING, SO I HAD IT TOWED BY A SECOND DRIVER TO THE CLOSEST DEALER, WHO REFUSED TO CONSIDER THAT THE TRANSMISSION MIGHT HAVE A PROBLEM AND THE FLUID MIGHT BE FROM THAT. HE REFUSED TO CHECK THE CAR UNLESS I PAID $110 UPFRONT. SINCE HE HAD TAKEN OUT THE OIL FILTER, I TOLD HIM TO CHANGE THE OIL; THEY FINALLY DID AFTER SOME TIME AND THEN WHEN THEY TRIED TO DRIVE IT, THEY COULD NOT GET IT TO GO MORE THAN 10 MPH, AND DECIDED IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION. THEY KEPT THE CAR AND DID NOT GIVE ME A WORK ORDER, WHICH IS CONTRARY TO CALIFORNIA STATE LAW. I HAD TO CALL THE NEXT DAY TO INSIST THAT THEY EMAIL IT TO ME. IT TOOK SEVEN DAYS FOR THE PART TO ARRIVE AND FOR THEM TO FIX THE CAR, WHICH I PICKED UP ON MARCH 5. I AM CURRENTLY HAVING PICKUP PROBLEMS IN THE LOWER GEARS (FROM 0 TO 35 MPH) WITH THE NEW TRANSMISSION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10631199
25,000 miles · Sep 5, 2014
Service Brakes
COMING TO THE END OF A PASSING LANE AT ABOUT 60 MPH, CARS GOT CONGESTED, BRAKE HARD AND THE BRAKES LOCKED UP CAUSING ME TO LOSE CONTROL OF MY CAR, STARTED TO GO INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. I LET UP ON THE BRAKES AND BRAKED AGAIN, BRAKES LOCKED UP AS BEFORE. I THOUGHT ANTI-LOCK BRAKES PREVENTED THIS FROM HAPPENING. THIS HAS HAPPENE…
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COMING TO THE END OF A PASSING LANE AT ABOUT 60 MPH, CARS GOT CONGESTED, BRAKE HARD AND THE BRAKES LOCKED UP CAUSING ME TO LOSE CONTROL OF MY CAR, STARTED TO GO INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. I LET UP ON THE BRAKES AND BRAKED AGAIN, BRAKES LOCKED UP AS BEFORE. I THOUGHT ANTI-LOCK BRAKES PREVENTED THIS FROM HAPPENING. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWO OTHER TIMES, JUST NOT THIS BAD, PLUS WHEN I GO OVER RAILROAD TRACKS OF HIT A POTHOLE, I CAN'T USE THE BRAKES. I NOTICED THE OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE FACTORY HANCOCK TIRES, THEY SHOULD BE BAN FROM NEW CARS, I HAD TWO ACCIDENTS IN ONE DAY DUE TO LIGHT SNOW. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10631053
14,000 miles · Aug 30, 2014
Air BagsWheelsCrashInjury
WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN AT A INTERSECTION AND T BONED A PICK UP TRUCK, EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO FRONT END OF THE ELANTRA FRONT END,[ AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY ON THE ELANTRA ] EVEN THOUGH THE WHOLE FRONT END WAS TORE OFF. DRIVER DOOR DAMAGED,WINDSHIELD CRACKED BOTH FRONT FENDERS DAMAGED, PLUS UNKNOWN IF TRANSMISSION AND OR TRANSAXLE HAS…
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WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN AT A INTERSECTION AND T BONED A PICK UP TRUCK, EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO FRONT END OF THE ELANTRA FRONT END,[ AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY ON THE ELANTRA ] EVEN THOUGH THE WHOLE FRONT END WAS TORE OFF. DRIVER DOOR DAMAGED,WINDSHIELD CRACKED BOTH FRONT FENDERS DAMAGED, PLUS UNKNOWN IF TRANSMISSION AND OR TRANSAXLE HAS BEEN DAMAGED UNTIL THE CAR CAN BE REPAIRED. HYUNDAI HAS STOP ANY REPAIRS UNTIL THEY SEND A HYUNDAI INVESTIGATOR TO LOOK AT THE CAR, WHICH THEY SAY COULD TAKE UP TO 6 TO 8 WEEKS TO CHECK IT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10629528
8,044 miles · Aug 29, 2014
TiresWheels
THE TIRES THAT CAME WITH MY ELANTRA ((HANKOOK H426 215/45 17) HAD TO BE REPLACED IN LESS THAN 18 MONTHS AS THE SIDE WALL WAS BULGING DANGEROUSLY. MY SON WHO HAS A 2010 ELANTRA WITH HANKOOK TIRES HAD A BLOW-OUT WHILE DRIVING. I THINK THESE HANKOOK TIRES ARE DANGEROUSLY UNRELIABLE. THANK YOU. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10629417
6,000 miles · Aug 26, 2014
Electrical SystemSteering
UNABLE TO INSERT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION NO MATTER HOW HARD WE TRIED.THIS HAPPENED FAIRLY SOON AFTER WE PURCHASED THE CAR FROM THE DEALER; IT HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES AND HAS BEEN TOWED TO THE DEALER 3 TIMES, BUT THE DEALER EVENTUALLY GETS THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND CLAIMS THERE IS NO PROBLEM "CAN NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM"…
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UNABLE TO INSERT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION NO MATTER HOW HARD WE TRIED.THIS HAPPENED FAIRLY SOON AFTER WE PURCHASED THE CAR FROM THE DEALER; IT HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES AND HAS BEEN TOWED TO THE DEALER 3 TIMES, BUT THE DEALER EVENTUALLY GETS THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND CLAIMS THERE IS NO PROBLEM "CAN NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM". AT ONE INCIDENT THE DRIVE OF THE TOW TRUCK HAMMERED THE KEY QUITE HARD IN THE IGNITION AND FORCED THE KEY IN! I HAVE CONTACTED HYUNDAI MOTOR AND THEY SAY THEY CAN NOT DO ANYTHING FOR ME AND CLAIM THAT" THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM, AND I NEED TO STEER THE STEERING WHEEL REALLY HARD TO GET THE STEERING MECHANISM LOOSE" THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN WITH 6 MONTHS OLD CAR WHILE IT IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY.ANY INPUT OR ADVICE WOULD BEAPPRECIATED. THANK YOU. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10628592
34,000 miles · Aug 26, 2014
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN JUNE 2013. I HAD NO COMPLAINTS UNTIL JULY OF 2014, WHEREIN MY CAR PICKS AND CHOOSES WHEN TO START. I HAVE LOOKED ONLINE AND THERE ARE MANY OTHERS WHO SEEM TO HAVE THIS COMPLAINT. I FINALLY GAVE IN ON AUG. 24, AFTER MY CAR SAT FOR TWO DAYS BECAUSE I COULD NOT GET IT TO START. I CALLED THE HYUNDAI 24 HO…
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I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN JUNE 2013. I HAD NO COMPLAINTS UNTIL JULY OF 2014, WHEREIN MY CAR PICKS AND CHOOSES WHEN TO START. I HAVE LOOKED ONLINE AND THERE ARE MANY OTHERS WHO SEEM TO HAVE THIS COMPLAINT. I FINALLY GAVE IN ON AUG. 24, AFTER MY CAR SAT FOR TWO DAYS BECAUSE I COULD NOT GET IT TO START. I CALLED THE HYUNDAI 24 HOUR ROADSIDE AND HAD THEM TOW IT TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER INITIALLY TRIED TO START IT, AND IT DIDN'T. HE POPPED THE BUTTON NEAREST THE TOP OF THE SHIFTER AND PRESSED IT IN, AND PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL, IT THEN STARTED BUT SPUTTERED LIKE IT WANTED TO TURN OFF. HE WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR ONTO THE TOW TRUCK. THE NEXT MORNING, I SPOKE WITH THE MECHANIC AT THE DEALERSHIP WHO INDICATED THAT THE CAR WAS STARTING FOR THEM JUST FINE. HE SAID THERE ARE SO MANY SENSORS THAT IT COULD BE ONE, BUT THEY WOULDN'T KNOW WHERE TO START AS THERE ARE SO MANY AND COULD NOT MAKE AN EDUCATED GUESS. HE WANTED TO KEEP IT OVERNIGHT TO SEE IF IT WOULD ACT UP FOR THEM. IT IS NOW 2PM TWO DAYS LATER AND THE MECHANIC CLAIMS THERE IS STILL NO ISSUE, HE SAID THEY HAVE LET IT RUN ALL MORNING AND IT IS FINE. THIS HAS BECOME RIDICULOUS, ESPECIALLY WHEN I SEE SO MANY OTHERS WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT, YET NOTHING BEING DONE. HELP, NHTSA! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10628519
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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