NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,313 reportsMileage unknown · Nov 14, 2013
Service Brakes
I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK, WHEN I NOTICED THERE WAS A NEW WARNING ON MY DASHBOARD AND SO WHEN LOOKING UP WHAT IT MEANS IN MY BOOK, IT PERTAINS TO MY BRAKES!! WHEN I CALLED THE DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPT ABOUT ANOTHER ISSUE I AM HAVING WITH THE CAR, I TOLD HER ABOUT THIS ONE TOO. SHE SAID WE NEED TO GET YOU IN ASAP TO HAVE IT LOOK…
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I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK, WHEN I NOTICED THERE WAS A NEW WARNING ON MY DASHBOARD AND SO WHEN LOOKING UP WHAT IT MEANS IN MY BOOK, IT PERTAINS TO MY BRAKES!! WHEN I CALLED THE DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPT ABOUT ANOTHER ISSUE I AM HAVING WITH THE CAR, I TOLD HER ABOUT THIS ONE TOO. SHE SAID WE NEED TO GET YOU IN ASAP TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT. I COULD TELL BY HER TONE, THIS WAS NOT A GOOD THING. I EXPRESSED TO HER THAT I HAVE A (19 MO OLD), OF WHICH I CANNOT HAVE ANY MAJOR DEFAULTS WITH MY CAR, ESPECIALLY WHEN DRIVING WITH HER IN IT- WHICH IS ALL THE TIME! I ASKED HER IF THIS WAS IN CONJUNCTION WITH MY BRAKES MAKING A GRINDING NOISE AND SHE SAID SHE DIDN'T KNOW. I TOLD HER I HAVE ONLY HAD THE (NEW OFF THE LOT) FOR A YEAR OR MORE AND HAVE HAD A STRING OF ISSUES. I AM NOT IMPRESSED TO SAY THE LEAST!! THIS IS MINOR IN COMPARISON TO SOME, BUT THE UPHOLSTERY ON MY SIDE ON THE RIGHT (FLOOR BOARD) HAS COMPLETELY TORN APART. IT ALMOST LOOKS LIKE SOMEONE HAD CUT IT, LIKE WHEN I BROUGHT MY CAR IN THE LAST TIME TO GET WORKED ON FROM THIS DEALER. SHE ASSURED ME THEY WOULD NEVER CUT THE FLOOR AND I SAID WHAT HAPPENED TO IT THEN AND SHE SAID A POOR JOB WHEN MADE BY HYUNDAI. GRANTED, THEY ARE GOING TO REPLACE IT, BUT NOW I HAVE A MORE IMPORTANT ISSUE TO ATTEND TO- MY BRAKES. BAD UPHOLSTERY IS NOT GOING TO PUT ME OR MY DAUGHTER IN DANGER, BUT BAD BRAKES WILL! WHEN I ASKED THE DEALER IF ANY OF MY CURRENT AND PAST ISSUES WITH THIS CAR IS NORMAL, SHE SAID TO BE HONEST- NO IT IS NOT! IF I HAVE TO CONTACT HYUNDAI, I WILL AND I WILL NOT GIVE UP UNTIL MY ISSUES HAVE BEEN RESOLVED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10552248
250 miles · Nov 10, 2013
Exterior Lighting
THE DAY TIME RUNNING LIGHTS ON MY NEW 2013 ELANTRA DO NOT WORK PROPERLY. THE LIGHTS DO NOT COME ON AUTOMATICALLY. THE OWNER'S MANUAL DOESN'T PROVIDE CORRECT INFORMATION ON HOW THIS FEATURE WORKS. THE ONLY WAY TO HAVE DAY TIME RUNNING LIGHTS IS TO TURN ON THE PARKING LIGHTS, WHICH ALSO MEANS THE TAIL LIGHTS AND THE DASH LIGHTS …
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THE DAY TIME RUNNING LIGHTS ON MY NEW 2013 ELANTRA DO NOT WORK PROPERLY. THE LIGHTS DO NOT COME ON AUTOMATICALLY. THE OWNER'S MANUAL DOESN'T PROVIDE CORRECT INFORMATION ON HOW THIS FEATURE WORKS. THE ONLY WAY TO HAVE DAY TIME RUNNING LIGHTS IS TO TURN ON THE PARKING LIGHTS, WHICH ALSO MEANS THE TAIL LIGHTS AND THE DASH LIGHTS COME ON. HOW CAN A DEALER CLAIM THE DAY TIME RUNNING LIGHT FEATURE IS INCLUDED WHEN IT TRULY ISN'T. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION AND NO WAY ARE THESE TRULY DAY TIME RUNNING LIGHTS. WHY NO RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM?? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10551699
25,278 miles · Oct 30, 2013
Vehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, SHE ATTEMPTED TO PARK THE VEHICLE WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNEXPECTEDLY. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO CRASH INTO A POLE. THE AIR BAGS DID DEPLOY HOWEVER, THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE RIGHT ANKLE, MID…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, SHE ATTEMPTED TO PARK THE VEHICLE WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNEXPECTEDLY. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO CRASH INTO A POLE. THE AIR BAGS DID DEPLOY HOWEVER, THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE RIGHT ANKLE, MID SECTION AND THE SPINAL CORD. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND YARD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ACCELERATION FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,278.
NHTSA ODI #10550139
Mileage unknown · Oct 3, 2013
Fuel System, Gasoline
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE BASED ON THE GAS MILEAGE RATING AND THE 5 STAR SAFETY RATING. I TRADED A 2012 VW PASSAT SE FOR THE ELANTRA GT. THE ELANTRA COST $5,000 LESS, BUT THE INSURANCE IS $600 MORE ANNUALLY. THE VW WAS RATED 31 MPG HIGHWAY, BUT AVERAGED 33+ MPG HIGHWAY: THE ELANTRA WAS RATED AT 37 MPG HIGHWAY, BUT AT 4 DIFFEREN…
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I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE BASED ON THE GAS MILEAGE RATING AND THE 5 STAR SAFETY RATING. I TRADED A 2012 VW PASSAT SE FOR THE ELANTRA GT. THE ELANTRA COST $5,000 LESS, BUT THE INSURANCE IS $600 MORE ANNUALLY. THE VW WAS RATED 31 MPG HIGHWAY, BUT AVERAGED 33+ MPG HIGHWAY: THE ELANTRA WAS RATED AT 37 MPG HIGHWAY, BUT AT 4 DIFFERENT SPEEDS (RESETTING THE INDICATOR BETWEEN SPEEDS), THE BEST MILEAGE IS 32 MPG. TO MAKE MATTERS WORSE, THE CAR HAD TO BE REFUELED AT 400 MILES BECAUSE OF THE SMALL GAS TANK. NOT TOUTING THE VW, BUT I DROVE 540 BETWEEN FILLUPS. I AM SEEING A LOT OF HYUNDAI'S ON THE ROAD, BUT THIS CAR IS A BIG DISAPPOINTMENT. THE NHTSA HAS A 5 STAR SAFETY RATING, SO WHY DOES MY INSURANCE COST MORE? HOW CAN THE GOVERNMENT ALLOW A 37 MPG RATING ON A CAR THAT GETS AT BEST 32 MPG ON THE HIGHWAY? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10546683
2,600 miles · Oct 2, 2013
Fuel/propulsion SystemStructureCrash
ON 8/11/13 THE 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA THAT WAS PURCHASED 6/3/13 AT THE FRED BEANS DEALERSHIP IN DOYELSTOWN, PA. UNINTENTIONALLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE WALL IN THE PARKING LOT AT KING OF PRUSSIA MALL IN KING OF PRUSSIA PA. THE CAR WAS TURNING INTO A PARKING SPACE AND WHEN THE GAS PETAL WAS APPLIED THE CAR ACCELERAT…
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ON 8/11/13 THE 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA THAT WAS PURCHASED 6/3/13 AT THE FRED BEANS DEALERSHIP IN DOYELSTOWN, PA. UNINTENTIONALLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE WALL IN THE PARKING LOT AT KING OF PRUSSIA MALL IN KING OF PRUSSIA PA. THE CAR WAS TURNING INTO A PARKING SPACE AND WHEN THE GAS PETAL WAS APPLIED THE CAR ACCELERATED FULL SPEED INTO THE WALL. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPEN TO A CAR THAT WAS ONLY 9 WEEKS OLD. IT HAD HAPPENED IN OUR DRIVEWAY 4 WEEKS PRIOR TO THE COLLISION ON 8/11/13, BUT THE CAR WAS BROUGHT UNDER CONTROL AND WE ASSUMED IT WAS JUST NOT BEING FAMILIAR WITH A NEW CAR. THE CAR WAS IMMEDIATELY TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIPS BODY SHOP FOR INSPECTION AND A CLAIM WAS OPENED WITH HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSURANCE. THE CAR WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT INSPECTOR SEVERAL WEEKS LATER AND AFTER 6 WEEK WE HAVE RECEIVED A LETTER STATING THAT THERE WAS NO FAILURE ON THE MANUFACTURERS PART AND THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. I HAVE REQUESTED TESTING RESULTS AND DOCUMENTATION FROM HYUNDAI AND I WAS TOLD IT WAS CLASSIFIED, SO I ASKED FOR A LIST OF TESTS PERFORMED AND IT CANNOT BE GIVEN TO US. WE HAVE RECEIVED SEVERAL LETTER FROM HYUNDAI, NONE OF WHICH HAD A PERSONS LAST NAME OR ANY NAME AT ALL. I HAVE HAD THE CAR'S BODY WORK REPAIRED AND HAVE TRIED TO TRADE THE CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP FOR ANOTHER NEW CAR BUT THE DEALERSHIP WILL REQUIRE ANOTHER SUBSTANTIAL DOWN PAYMENT WHICH MAKES THIS OPTION UNFEASIBLE. THE DEALERSHIP HAS NOT HAD ANY CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND HAS REQUESTED I FORMALLY ASK FOR SOME MONETARY RELIEF TOWARDS THE NEW CAR REPLACEMENT. I HAVE MADE SEVERAL REQUESTS AND HAVE GOTTEN A FINAL "NO" DECISION FROM HYUNDAI. THE CAR HAS AND STILL SITS AT THE DEALERSHIP AND I WILL NOT ALLOW MY DAUGHTER TO DRIVE AN UNSAFE AN UNDOCUMENTED CAR. PLEASE LET ME KNOW HOW TO PROCEED.
NHTSA ODI #10546559
17,000 miles · Sep 23, 2013
Service Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DECELERATE BUT THE BRAKES FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE F…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DECELERATE BUT THE BRAKES FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 17,000.
NHTSA ODI #10545021
12 miles · Sep 22, 2013
Steering
CAR WANDERS ON ROADWAY, RETURNED CAR TO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS THREE TIMES, THE FIRST DEALER TOLD ME THERE WAS 60PSI IN ONE TIRE, THE TIRES WERE ADJUSTED AND WAS TOLD THAT THIS WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM, IT DID NOT. THE SECOND TIME I TOOK THE CAR IN I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR AND IT WAS WITHIN SPECS, AND TH…
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CAR WANDERS ON ROADWAY, RETURNED CAR TO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS THREE TIMES, THE FIRST DEALER TOLD ME THERE WAS 60PSI IN ONE TIRE, THE TIRES WERE ADJUSTED AND WAS TOLD THAT THIS WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM, IT DID NOT. THE SECOND TIME I TOOK THE CAR IN I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR AND IT WAS WITHIN SPECS, AND THAT I MAY BE HAVING PROBLEMS ADJUSTING TO THE ELECTRONIC STEERING, AND THAT IF I HAD BOUGHT THE CAR FROM HIS DEALERSHIP THAT HE WOULD WORK SOMETHING OUT WITH ME. AFTER TALKING TO THE COMPANY ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, I HAD THEM MAKE THE LAST ARRANGEMENT TO GET THE CAR IN TO THE ORIGINAL DEALER WHERE I WAS TOLD ONCE AGAIN THAT THERE WAS NO PROBLEM WITH THE CAR. I'M 54 YEARS OLD, AND HAVE DRIVEN MANY CARS, AND THIS ONE IS A NIGHTMARE TO DRIVE, CAN YOU HELP?
NHTSA ODI #10544807
2,000 miles · Sep 20, 2013
Exterior Lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH IN A DIM AREA, THE LOW BEAM HEAD LIGHTING APPEARED TO BE DIMMER THAN NORMAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE POSED AS A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE HE RESIDED IN A MOUNTAINOUS AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH IN A DIM AREA, THE LOW BEAM HEAD LIGHTING APPEARED TO BE DIMMER THAN NORMAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE POSED AS A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE HE RESIDED IN A MOUNTAINOUS AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE CONTACT'S CONCERNS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 12,000.
NHTSA ODI #10544595
30,000 miles · Sep 14, 2013
Air BagsEngineStructureCrashInjury
I REAR ENDED A CAR AND NEARLY TOTALED MY CAR. FOR SOME ODD REASON THE AIRBAG NEVER DEPLOYED DURING THE TIME OF IMPACT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10543592
20,900 miles · Sep 12, 2013
Service Brakes
I HAD TO STOP MODERATELY HARD AT 50 MPH AND WHEN I DID MY BRAKES MADE A LOUD GRINDING NOISE AND VIBRATED VERY ROUGH. I FOUND OUT THERE WAS A HYUNDAI TSB CAMPAIGN FOR THE BRAKES ISSUED DECEMBER 2012 AND THAT THEY SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED BY THE DEALER BEFORE THE CAR WAS SOLD BUT THE DEALERSHIP (KEY HYUNDAI IN JACKSONVILLE, FL) …
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I HAD TO STOP MODERATELY HARD AT 50 MPH AND WHEN I DID MY BRAKES MADE A LOUD GRINDING NOISE AND VIBRATED VERY ROUGH. I FOUND OUT THERE WAS A HYUNDAI TSB CAMPAIGN FOR THE BRAKES ISSUED DECEMBER 2012 AND THAT THEY SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED BY THE DEALER BEFORE THE CAR WAS SOLD BUT THE DEALERSHIP (KEY HYUNDAI IN JACKSONVILLE, FL) NEGLECTED TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE PADS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10543384
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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