NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,313 reports62,500 miles · Jan 16, 2019
Steering
VEHICLE STEERING WHEEL MAKES NOISE AND JERKS WHEN TURNING, EITHER AT A STAND STILL OR DRIVING. I AM IN FEAR OF MY LIFE. HYUNDAI RESPONDED VIA EMAIL AND BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU. THEIR EMAIL DATED 1/9/19 INDICATES MY COMPLAINT IS ABOUT "CAMPAIGN TXX7," AND THAT "WEAR OF THE COUPLING DOES NOT AFFECT THE ABILITY TO STEER OR CONTROL …
Read full complaint
VEHICLE STEERING WHEEL MAKES NOISE AND JERKS WHEN TURNING, EITHER AT A STAND STILL OR DRIVING. I AM IN FEAR OF MY LIFE. HYUNDAI RESPONDED VIA EMAIL AND BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU. THEIR EMAIL DATED 1/9/19 INDICATES MY COMPLAINT IS ABOUT "CAMPAIGN TXX7," AND THAT "WEAR OF THE COUPLING DOES NOT AFFECT THE ABILITY TO STEER OR CONTROL THE VEHICLE AND IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE." MY MOTHER IN LAW ALSO HAS A 2013 ELANTRA WHERE THE PART AND LABOR WERE COVERED UNDER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY AND THE ISSUE IS WIDELY EFFECTING VEHICLES BASED ON A GOOGLE SEARCH. THEY WANT $125 TO LOOK AT MY VEHICLE AND I ADVISED THEM THEY SHOULD HAVE DONE A ROBO CALL TO POTENTIAL VICTIMS INFORMING OF THEM OF THIS WELL KNOWN ISSUE. THAT PROCESS WOULD HAVE COST THEM NOTHING. MY MOTHER IN LAW SPENT ABOUT $1,000 IN REPAIRS TO FIX THE ISSUE BEFORE MY CAR, SHORTLY THEREAFTER, HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND I GOOGLED IT LEARNING HOW PREVALENT IT IS. HER MECHANIC CALLED HYUNDAI WHO ACTED LIKE THEY HAVEN'T HEARD OF THE PROBLEM UNTIL THE EXTENDED WARRANTY WAS BROUGHT UP TO THEM. SHE WAS FEARFUL TO DRIVE HER VEHICLE AND BORROWED A CAR TO GO TO WORK WHILE SHE HAD THE WORN COUPLING ISSUE. HYUNDIA IS PUTTING PEOPLES' LIVES AT RISK DOWNPLAYING, NOT INFORMING, AND REFUSING TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE DEPTH OF THE PROBLEM. BOTH MY MOTHER IN LAWS CAR (NOW FIXED) AND NOW MINE, ARE DIFFICULT TO STEER WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED.
NHTSA ODI #11170353
80,000 miles · Jan 5, 2019
Electrical System
SECURITY SYSTEM GOES OFF WHEN THE CAR IS LOCKED EVERY COUPLE HOURS NO ONE AROUND THE CAR. IF THE CAR IS LEFT UNLOCKED IT DOESN'T HAPPEN
NHTSA ODI #11165344
45 miles · Dec 30, 2018
Suspension
'TAKATA RECALL' WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED IF I HIT A SLIGHT BUMP OR IRREGULARITY IN THE ROAD REAR END OF CAR JUMPS AROUND. ON WET OR SLICK ROADS IT IS EVEN WORSE. FROM THE COMPLAINTS I HAVE READ I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM. HYUNDAI NEEDS TO RECALL THESE VEHICLES AND FIX THIS PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE LOSES THEIR LI…
Read full complaint
'TAKATA RECALL' WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED IF I HIT A SLIGHT BUMP OR IRREGULARITY IN THE ROAD REAR END OF CAR JUMPS AROUND. ON WET OR SLICK ROADS IT IS EVEN WORSE. FROM THE COMPLAINTS I HAVE READ I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM. HYUNDAI NEEDS TO RECALL THESE VEHICLES AND FIX THIS PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE LOSES THEIR LIFE. I NOTICED AN ISSUE WITH STABILITY WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND WAS UNSURE AS TO WHAT WAS CAUSING THE CAR TO FEEL LIKE IT WAS JUMPING AFTER HITTING SMALL BUMPS. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH I UNDERSTAND NOW THAT IT IS THE SUSPENSION THAT IS CAUSING THIS INSTABILITY. THE BUMPS I HIT ON THE HIGHWAY ARE NOT MAJOR BUMPS, THESE ARE JUST THE SMALL ONES THAT TRANSITION FROM SECTION TO SECTION OF THE HIGHWAY SO I KNOW IT ISN'T THE ROAD I DRIVE ON, IT IS THE CAR. ALSO WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, ANYWHERE FROM 45-65MPH THE DRIVING STABILITY FEELS UNSAFE AND THE VEHICLE WAVERS BACK AND FORTH ON THE HIGHWAY, HAVING TO ALWAYS CORRECT IT. WHEN IT IS WINDY IT IS EXTREMELY WORSE. I CANNOT BELIEVE HYUNDAI MADE A CAR THIS UNSAFE. DRIVING THIS WINTER I HAVE ONLY HOPED THAT THE JUMPING AND WAVERING DOESN'T CAUSE AN ACCIDENT ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE TO FEEL THAT WAY IN A VEHICLE. THE COMPANY SHOULD BE MADE RESPONSIBLE FOR THESE ISSUES. THIS HAPPENS SO OFTEN AT LEAST OVER 20 TIMES IN JUST THIS YEAR I'M AFRAID FOR MY LIFE AND SO ARE A LOT OF OTHER PEOPLE WITH THE SAME ISSUE
NHTSA ODI #11164059
92,000 miles · Dec 29, 2018
Steering
'TAKATA RECALL' I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON THE HIGHWAY GOING 65 MPH AND LOST CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE. TO REGAIN CONTROL I HIT MY BRAKES AND CONTINUE MY JOURNEY TO WORK. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES AND NOW I'M SCARED TO DRIVE MY CAR SO I CARPOOL WITH A FRIEND TO WORK WHICH IS RIDICULOUS. I DON'T FEEL SAFE TO DRIVE MY OWN CAR
NHTSA ODI #11164016
129,000 miles · Dec 24, 2018
Electrical System
I TRIED TO START MY 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA LIMITED. THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD NOT DEPRESS AND THE CAR WOULD NOT START BUT MADE AN ELECTRONIC CLICKING NOISE. THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS NOW BUT BECOMING MORE FREQUENT. IT HAS STRANDED ME AMD MY INFANT CHILDREN TWICE THIS PAST YEAR AND MYSELF TWICE. THE DEALER HAS MADE …
Read full complaint
I TRIED TO START MY 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA LIMITED. THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD NOT DEPRESS AND THE CAR WOULD NOT START BUT MADE AN ELECTRONIC CLICKING NOISE. THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS NOW BUT BECOMING MORE FREQUENT. IT HAS STRANDED ME AMD MY INFANT CHILDREN TWICE THIS PAST YEAR AND MYSELF TWICE. THE DEALER HAS MADE SUGGESTIONS BUT NONE WORK. LOOKED ONLINE AND HUNDREDS OF OTHER OWNERS OF ALL MODELS HAVING STARTING ISSUES. DON'T UNDERSTAND WHYISSUE HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED BUT I'M GOING TO HAVE TO TRADE MY CAR IN FOR NEW ONE AS I NEED RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION FOR MY CHILDREN. ALL INSTANCES OCCURRED AFTER VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN, PARKED AND STARTING ATTEMPTS. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS MATTER. IT MAY HAVE NOT RECIEVED MANY COMPLAINTS ON THIS PAGE, HOWEVER, ONLINE BLOGS ARE FULL OF SAME ISSUE WITH AN LARGE AMOUNT OF HYUNDAI OWNERS.
NHTSA ODI #11163234
70,000 miles · Dec 16, 2018
Steering
FREE PLAY IN STEERING WHEEL BETWEEN 11 AND 1. VERY DANGEROUS ON SKINNY FREEWAY LANES...VEHICLE ALMOST DRIFTED INTO BARRIER WALL ON GROOVED PAVEMENT IN CONSTRUCTION ZONE WITHOUT ABILITY TO SAFELY CORRECT AND MAINTAIN LANE. IN RESEARCHING, APPEARS AS RECALL ON OTHER MODELS, BUT NOT ON THIS MODEL. SCHEDULED FOR SERVICE ON 12/17/18 …
Read full complaint
FREE PLAY IN STEERING WHEEL BETWEEN 11 AND 1. VERY DANGEROUS ON SKINNY FREEWAY LANES...VEHICLE ALMOST DRIFTED INTO BARRIER WALL ON GROOVED PAVEMENT IN CONSTRUCTION ZONE WITHOUT ABILITY TO SAFELY CORRECT AND MAINTAIN LANE. IN RESEARCHING, APPEARS AS RECALL ON OTHER MODELS, BUT NOT ON THIS MODEL. SCHEDULED FOR SERVICE ON 12/17/18 AT DEALERSHIP TO REPLACE THE $2.00 FAULTY PART. NOT LOOKING FORWARD TO THE LABOR BILL TO REPAIR VEHICLE TO SAFELY MANEUVER THE DAILY FREEWAY TRAVELING CONDITION. THIS IS CLEARLY A SAFETY ISSUE THAT COULD POTENTIALLY COST LIVES AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED WITH THE MANUFACTURER.
NHTSA ODI #11161881
130,000 miles · Dec 14, 2018
Electrical SystemExterior LightingVehicle Speed Control
MY BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT WORK, I'VE HAD THEM REPLACED 3 TIMES. MY RPMS DO NOT WORK WHEN I PUSH THE GAS, THE VEHICLE WON'T GO MORE THAN 20 MPH, WHEN CHANGING MY GEARS, IT DOESN'T WORK, AND WHEN I AM AT A STOP LIGHT OR JUST SITTING IN A PARKING LOT WITH THE VEHICLE RUNNING IT TURNS OFF ON IT'S OWN. WHEN I TRY TO START THE VEHICLE IT…
Read full complaint
MY BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT WORK, I'VE HAD THEM REPLACED 3 TIMES. MY RPMS DO NOT WORK WHEN I PUSH THE GAS, THE VEHICLE WON'T GO MORE THAN 20 MPH, WHEN CHANGING MY GEARS, IT DOESN'T WORK, AND WHEN I AM AT A STOP LIGHT OR JUST SITTING IN A PARKING LOT WITH THE VEHICLE RUNNING IT TURNS OFF ON IT'S OWN. WHEN I TRY TO START THE VEHICLE IT WON'T TURN MOST THE TIME.
NHTSA ODI #11161437
90,000 miles · Dec 14, 2018
Steering
THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED MAKING A CLICKING NOISE WHILE DRIVING AND WHEN STATIONARY. I RESEARCHED ONLINE AND SAW IT IS A COMMON COMPLAINT ON HYUNDAI CARS. WE BROUGHT THE CAR INTO THE DEALER AND WERE ADVISED IT WAS THE COUPLING. HYUNDAI RECALLED THE SONATA AND REPLACED THE COUPLING BUT DID NOT ISSUE A RECALL ON THE ELANTRA. THE …
Read full complaint
THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED MAKING A CLICKING NOISE WHILE DRIVING AND WHEN STATIONARY. I RESEARCHED ONLINE AND SAW IT IS A COMMON COMPLAINT ON HYUNDAI CARS. WE BROUGHT THE CAR INTO THE DEALER AND WERE ADVISED IT WAS THE COUPLING. HYUNDAI RECALLED THE SONATA AND REPLACED THE COUPLING BUT DID NOT ISSUE A RECALL ON THE ELANTRA. THE COST TO REPLACE THIS DEFECTIVE PART $350.00
NHTSA ODI #11161340
101,569 miles · Dec 13, 2018
Air BagsService BrakesCrashInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD AND NECK INJURIES AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SUST…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD AND NECK INJURIES AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED HEAD, NECK AND LEFT SHOULDER INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A TOW LOT. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,569.
NHTSA ODI #11161095
11,750 miles · Dec 11, 2018
Steering
WHILE DRIVING AT A MODERATE SPEED OF 45 MPH MY 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA 2 DOOR COUPE SUDDENLY EXPERIENCED EXCESSIVE PLAY IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS SUDDEN FAILURE CAUSED THE STEERING TO HESITATE AND BE A LITTLE ERRATIC. FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO GO THE FEW MILES TO HOME WITHOUT INCIDENT. UPON TAKING THE CAR TO MY LOCAL HYUNDAI…
Read full complaint
WHILE DRIVING AT A MODERATE SPEED OF 45 MPH MY 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA 2 DOOR COUPE SUDDENLY EXPERIENCED EXCESSIVE PLAY IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS SUDDEN FAILURE CAUSED THE STEERING TO HESITATE AND BE A LITTLE ERRATIC. FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO GO THE FEW MILES TO HOME WITHOUT INCIDENT. UPON TAKING THE CAR TO MY LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALER, THEY IMMEDIATELY KNEW WHAT CAUSED THE PROBLEM WITHOUT EVEN EXAMINING THE CAR, A DEFECTIVE STEERING COUPLING IN MOTOR DRIVEN POWER STEERING (MDPS). MY VEHICLE HAS ONLY 11,750 MILES AND IS FOUR MONTHS PAST THE FIVE YEAR OVERALL WARRANTEE WHEN THE STEERING FAILURE OCCURRED LAST MONTH. IT CERTAINLY WAS NOT DUE TO EXCESSIVE WARE. SOME CAR OWNERS WERE ADVISED BY LETTER FROM HYUNDAI AND KIA OF THE PENDING PROBLEM I WAS NOT. ANY STEERING DEFECT IS POTENTIALLY VERY DANGEROUS AND THIS ONE IS PERVASIVE ACROSS PRODUCT LINES. THIS PROBLEM IS SERIOUS ENOUGH THAT IT IS RECOGNIZED BY AN EXTENDED WARRANTEE BY HYUNDAI AND KIA IN VARIOUS MODELS OF ELANTRA, SONATA, FORTE AND OTHER MODELS PRODUCED FROM 2007 ' 2015. SEARCH WEBSITE 'HYUNDAI STEERING COUPLER'. THIS PROBLEM IS ALSO RECOGNIZED BY THE MANUFACTURER'S ONLINE WEBSITE HYUNDAI-FORUMS.COM AS FAR BACK AS 2007. THE OLD PART WAS REPLACED BY A NEWLY ENGINEERED PART IN 2015, PART NUMBER 56315 2K000FFF. HOWEVER, THIS SAFETY ACTION DOES NOT APPLY TO MY ELANTRA 2 DOOR COUPE, WHICH USES THE SAME PART. PERHAPS THIS IS DUE TO INSUFFICIENT COMPLAINTS FILED, OR LOWER PRODUCTION, AND LIMITED YEARS THAT THE COUPE WAS PRODUCED. THIS SAFETY INFORMATION NEEDS TO BE DISSEMINATED TO ALL ELANTRA OWNERS.
NHTSA ODI #11160808
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
Illustration