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2013 Hyundai Elantra

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Elantra years

Owner complaints for the 2013 Hyundai Elantra are substantially higher than the model-year median of 182.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

795 reports with mileage · 518 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Steering. Review the 271 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 233 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 168 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

93 crash reports31 fire reports48 injury reports

What owners actually said

1,313 reports
6,025 miles · Aug 22, 2014
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Steering

JUST ARRIVED AT MY RESIDENCE WHEN POWER STEERING STOPPED. HAD TO FORCE CAR TO TURN IN MY DRIVE. ELECTRONIC STEERING CONTROL AND ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHTS ON. DELIVERED CAR TO DEALER ON 8/19/2014. DEALER HAD CAR FOR THREE DAYS FOR REPAIR. NEW STEERING COLUMN WITH ANGLE SENSORS HAD TO BE INSTALLED AND ADJUSTED. THIS…

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JUST ARRIVED AT MY RESIDENCE WHEN POWER STEERING STOPPED. HAD TO FORCE CAR TO TURN IN MY DRIVE. ELECTRONIC STEERING CONTROL AND ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHTS ON. DELIVERED CAR TO DEALER ON 8/19/2014. DEALER HAD CAR FOR THREE DAYS FOR REPAIR. NEW STEERING COLUMN WITH ANGLE SENSORS HAD TO BE INSTALLED AND ADJUSTED. THIS WAS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND THE SAME THING HAS HAPPENED TO OTHER OWNERS ON THIS SITE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10627614

15,000 miles · Aug 20, 2014
Suspension

I PREVIOUSLY OWNED A 2012 ELANTRA AND HAD NO COMPLAINTS, I TRADED IT FOR THE 2013 AND HAVE SERIOUS CONCERNS. WHEN THE ROADS ARE DRY THE CAR DRIVES GREAT, HOWEVER WHEN THE ROADS ARE WET OR PLOWED SNOW I HAVE VERY LITTLE CONTROL OVER THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. I SPENT $800 FOR NEW SNOW TIRES HOPING THAT WOULD MAKE A DIFFERENCE BUT…

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I PREVIOUSLY OWNED A 2012 ELANTRA AND HAD NO COMPLAINTS, I TRADED IT FOR THE 2013 AND HAVE SERIOUS CONCERNS. WHEN THE ROADS ARE DRY THE CAR DRIVES GREAT, HOWEVER WHEN THE ROADS ARE WET OR PLOWED SNOW I HAVE VERY LITTLE CONTROL OVER THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. I SPENT $800 FOR NEW SNOW TIRES HOPING THAT WOULD MAKE A DIFFERENCE BUT IT DOES NOT. I DRIVE 150 MILES PER DAY ROUND TRIP FOR WORK AND IT IS MOSTLY INTERSTATE. WHEN IT RAINS OR SNOWS I AM NOT ABLE TO SAFELY DRIVE OVER 40-50MPH WITHOUT THE REAR END SWAYING AND FISHTAILING. EVERY OTHER CAR IS TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND THERE I AM IN THE RIGHT LANE JUST STRUGGLING TO KEEP MY CAR ON THE ROAD AT 45MPH. I AM FRUSTRATED THAT MY HYUNDAI DEALER AND THE HYUNDAI OFFICE ARE TOTALLY DISREGARDING MY SAFETY BY NOT ACKNOWLEDGING THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. KEEP IN MIND THAT THIS IS NOT A TIRE ISSUE BECAUSE THE PROBLEM EXISTS EVEN AFTER NEW SNOW TIRES ARE PUT ON THE CAR. ALSO, IT IS NOT A WINTER DRIVING ISSUE BECAUSE THE CAR REACTS THE SAME WAY WHEN IT IS RAINING OUTSIDE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10626777

7,200 miles · Aug 20, 2014
Air BagsCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE CONTACT ACCIDENTALLY CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT AND THE PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED MINOR SCRAPES AND BRUISES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE OTHER VEHICLE'S PASS…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE CONTACT ACCIDENTALLY CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT AND THE PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED MINOR SCRAPES AND BRUISES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE OTHER VEHICLE'S PASSENGERS ALSO REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,200. ..UPDATED 10/01/14 *BF

NHTSA ODI #10626627

2,000 miles · Aug 18, 2014
Service BrakesSuspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE VEHICLE WOULD BECOME UNSTABLE AFTER DRIVING OVER A BUMP OR POT HOLE IN THE ROAD. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE IN A STRAIGHT LINE. ALSO, THE BRAKES HAD MALFUNCTIONED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE VEHICLE WOULD BECOME UNSTABLE AFTER DRIVING OVER A BUMP OR POT HOLE IN THE ROAD. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE IN A STRAIGHT LINE. ALSO, THE BRAKES HAD MALFUNCTIONED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS AFTER DRIVING OVER A BUMP OR POT HOLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. AFTER CHANGING THE COIL SPRINGS AND REPLACING THE TIRES THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE THE FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES BUT NO SOLUTION WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000.

NHTSA ODI #10626105

41,570 miles · Aug 16, 2014
EngineUnknown Or Other

UNABLE TO MOVE THE CAR OUT OF PARK. THE ELECTRICAL WORKED (RADIO, WINDOWS). I INSERT THE KEY AND TURN BUT THE CAR WONT TURN OVER (START). I HAVE TO USE THE SHIFT LOCK RELEASE TO START THE CAR. THE PROBLEM OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY AND THERE IS NO PATTERN.

NHTSA ODI #10625733

13,900 miles · Aug 15, 2014
SteeringSuspension

I PURCHASED THE 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA GLS WITH 13,400 MILES ON FEBRUARY 15, 2014. AFTER A FEW DAYS OF DRIVING THE VEHICLE I REALIZED THAT THE CAR FLOATS ALL OVER THE ROAD WHEN DRIVING PRETTY MUCH AT ANY SPEED. YOU HAVE TO HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL WITH BOTH HANDS TO KEEP CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE ALSO JUMPS AR…

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I PURCHASED THE 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA GLS WITH 13,400 MILES ON FEBRUARY 15, 2014. AFTER A FEW DAYS OF DRIVING THE VEHICLE I REALIZED THAT THE CAR FLOATS ALL OVER THE ROAD WHEN DRIVING PRETTY MUCH AT ANY SPEED. YOU HAVE TO HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL WITH BOTH HANDS TO KEEP CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE ALSO JUMPS AROUND WHEN DRIVING OVER IMPERFECTIONS ON THE ROADWAY. THE BACK END SUSPENSION IS VERY STIFF AND WHEN GOING OVER THESE IMPERFECTIONS THE VEHICLES VEERS INTO ANOTHER LANE OR SHOULDER. I HAVE CALLED HYUNDAI WITH NO RESPONSE AND EMAILED THEM ONLY TO BE TOLD TO BRING IT TO A HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO THE FREEHOLD HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP TWICE NOW AND WAS TOLD THE VEHICLE OPERATES TO FACTORY SPECS. THIS IS AN UNACCEPTABLE ANSWER. I HAVE A FAMILY AND FEAR THAT AN ACCIDENT IS GOING TO OCCUR WITH THIS VEHICLE DUE TO THE POOR HANDLING AND SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET INJURED OR EVEN KILLED. I DEMAND HYUNDAI REIMBURSE ME FOR WHAT I HAVE PAID FOR THIS VEHICLE OR ISSUE A RECALL AND FIX THE PROBLEMS THAT MANY OF THE ELANTRA OWNERS ARE DEALING WITH. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10622543

11,500 miles · Aug 12, 2014
Power TrainService Brakes, HydraulicStructureCrashInjury

ON JULY 18, 2014, MY 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA RAN INTO A SUBWAY RESTAURANT AT 12150 S. CICERO, ALSIP, IL. I WAS GOING INTO THE SUBWAY PARKING LOT, MY GOAL WAS TO PARK, BUT MY CAR DID NOT STOP WHEN I PUT ON MY BRAKES. MY CAR KEPT GOING; IT DROVE OVER THE SIDEWALK, THROUGH THE SCRUBS, AND HIT THE BUILDING HEAD ON. HITTING THE B…

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ON JULY 18, 2014, MY 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA RAN INTO A SUBWAY RESTAURANT AT 12150 S. CICERO, ALSIP, IL. I WAS GOING INTO THE SUBWAY PARKING LOT, MY GOAL WAS TO PARK, BUT MY CAR DID NOT STOP WHEN I PUT ON MY BRAKES. MY CAR KEPT GOING; IT DROVE OVER THE SIDEWALK, THROUGH THE SCRUBS, AND HIT THE BUILDING HEAD ON. HITTING THE BUILDING IS WHAT STOPPED MY VEHICLE, MY AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I THEN PUT ON THE BRAKES, PUT IT IN REVERSE AND BACKED OFF THE BUILDING, BACKING INTO THE PARKING PLACE THAT I WAS ORIGINALLY GOING INTO TO PARK. ONCE MY CAR WAS PARKED, IT BEGAN TO SMOKE. I GOT OUT OF THE CAR, LOOKED AT THE DAMAGE TO MY CAR AND THE SUBWAY BUILDING, CALLED MY INSURANCE COMPANY, STATE FARM AND MY SON. THE 2 EMPLOYEES IN THE SUBWAY, CALLED THE POLICE AND THE SUBWAY RESTAURANT OWNER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10621850

230 miles · Aug 12, 2014
Fuel System, Gasoline

THE SHEET THAT CAME WITH THE CAR SAYS 28 MPG IN CITY DRIVING. I GET 20-21 IN THE CITY. WHEN I TAKE IT TO AUTOMAX HYUNDAI THEY DO A ROAD MILEAGE TEST AND SAY IT GET 42 MPG. I TELL THEM THAT I AM NOT CONCERNED WITH ROAD MILEAGE SINCE I ONLY DO CITY DRIVING. THEY DO NOT HAVE EQUIPMENT NECESSARY TO CHECK CITY MILEAGE AND ARE NOT CON…

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THE SHEET THAT CAME WITH THE CAR SAYS 28 MPG IN CITY DRIVING. I GET 20-21 IN THE CITY. WHEN I TAKE IT TO AUTOMAX HYUNDAI THEY DO A ROAD MILEAGE TEST AND SAY IT GET 42 MPG. I TELL THEM THAT I AM NOT CONCERNED WITH ROAD MILEAGE SINCE I ONLY DO CITY DRIVING. THEY DO NOT HAVE EQUIPMENT NECESSARY TO CHECK CITY MILEAGE AND ARE NOT CONCERNED AT ALL ABOUT MY CITY MILEAGE PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10621678

15,000 miles · Aug 8, 2014
Suspension

WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY AND DRIVING THROUGH NORMAL TRAFFIC FLOW, DROVE ON WIDE CURVE PORTION ON ROAD, I RAN INTO SOME UNEVEN PORTIONS OF ROAD WHEN ON CURVE AND REAR END OF VEHICLE FELT LIKE SWAYING (SLIGHTLY LOOSING CONTROL). FELT REAL LOOSE. THIS ALSO HAPPENS ON UNEVEN ROADS ON STRAIGHTAWAYS. THIS HAPPENED AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 60…

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WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY AND DRIVING THROUGH NORMAL TRAFFIC FLOW, DROVE ON WIDE CURVE PORTION ON ROAD, I RAN INTO SOME UNEVEN PORTIONS OF ROAD WHEN ON CURVE AND REAR END OF VEHICLE FELT LIKE SWAYING (SLIGHTLY LOOSING CONTROL). FELT REAL LOOSE. THIS ALSO HAPPENS ON UNEVEN ROADS ON STRAIGHTAWAYS. THIS HAPPENED AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 60-70 AS THIS HAPPENED QUITE OFTEN ON UNEVEN ROADS. DID NOT NOTIFY DEALER ON THIS DIRECTLY, NOTIFIED THEM ON HYUNDAI (E-MAIL TO ME) ON VEHICLE SATISFACTORY SUGGESTION REPORT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10620810

10,000 miles · Aug 8, 2014
Service BrakesSuspension

DRIVING ON FREEWAY AT SPEED OF APPROX. 65-70, HIT OFF LEVEL PAVEMENT ON RIGHT SIDE ON ROAD WHILE BRAKING TO SLOW (FOR TRAFFIC) AND BRAKE PEDAL HARDENED (PEDAL HARD TO PRESS FOR FEW SECONDS) WHILE MAKING CLICKING SOUND, BUT THEN FUNCTIONED PROPERLY. FELT LIKE FRONT PASS WHEEL. FIGURED NOTHING. MONTHS PASSED, DRIVING IN SHOPPING C…

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DRIVING ON FREEWAY AT SPEED OF APPROX. 65-70, HIT OFF LEVEL PAVEMENT ON RIGHT SIDE ON ROAD WHILE BRAKING TO SLOW (FOR TRAFFIC) AND BRAKE PEDAL HARDENED (PEDAL HARD TO PRESS FOR FEW SECONDS) WHILE MAKING CLICKING SOUND, BUT THEN FUNCTIONED PROPERLY. FELT LIKE FRONT PASS WHEEL. FIGURED NOTHING. MONTHS PASSED, DRIVING IN SHOPPING CENTER AND GOING OVER SPEED BUMP AT ABOUT 5 MPH AND FRONT WHEEL MADE CLICKING AGAIN WHILE BRAKING TO SLOW FURTHER AND BRAKE PEDAL HARDENED AGAIN (DIFFICULT TO PRESS FOR FEW SECONDS) THEN FUNCTIONED PROPERLY. TOOK CAR TO DEALER FOR REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND INFORMED DEALER OF SITUATION AND SERVICE REP CLAIMED IT WAS HOW THE ABS SYSTEM WORKED AND THAT WAS ALL IT WAS, THE ABS SYSTEM WORKING. TOLD HIM THIS PROBLEM DOES NOT HAPPEN WHEN THE LEFT WHEEL IS INVOLVED HITTING OR GOING OVER BUMP. FIRST TIME OWNED VEHICLE WITH ABS BUT I THINK THE BRAKE PEDAL IS NOT SUPPOSE TO HARDEN UP WHILE ABS SYSTEM IS FUNCTIONING AS THIS WOULD LIMIT ANY BRAKING CAPACITY. FEELS LIKE THERE IS A BIGGER PROBLEM AND DEALER IS NOT TAKING IT SERIOUSLY. ORIGINAL OWNER SINCE 7/31/13, THIS PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 4 TIMES AND ALL SEEMED TO ONLY INVOLVE THE FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10620805

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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