NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Structure complaints
14 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Apr 14, 2026
EngineExterior LightingStructure
I am submitting a vehicle safety complaint regarding a vehicle purchased on March 5, 2026. Within days of purchase, the vehicle exhibited multiple safety-related issues despite reportedly passing a Virginia safety inspection on February 27, 2026. The safety concerns identified include: - Driver-side headlight partially inoperabl…
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I am submitting a vehicle safety complaint regarding a vehicle purchased on March 5, 2026. Within days of purchase, the vehicle exhibited multiple safety-related issues despite reportedly passing a Virginia safety inspection on February 27, 2026. The safety concerns identified include: - Driver-side headlight partially inoperable, which resulted in a traffic stop on March 15, 2026 - Front hood not properly secured/latching, creating a risk of opening while driving - No engine oil present upon inspection shortly after purchase - Coolant reservoir completely empty - Check engine light illuminated shortly after purchase Diagnostic testing following the check engine light revealed code P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold). A mechanic advised that this condition is not a new issue and would have developed over time, indicating that it likely existed prior to the sale of the vehicle. At the time of purchase, the vehicle had an outstanding manufacturer safety recall identified as NHTSA Recall No. 23V651000 (Recall #251), dated April 3, 2024. This recall had not been completed prior to sale and was only addressed on March 24, 2026, after I took the vehicle to a Hyundai dealership. Additionally, the vehicle was subject to a manufacturer campaign identified as Campaign #P33, dated December 15, 2025. This further indicates that the vehicle required manufacturer-related service that had not been fully addressed prior to sale. An independent inspection conducted on March 16, 2026 confirmed conditions inconsistent with a vehicle that had recently passed a safety inspection. These issues raise serious concerns about the safety, inspection integrity, and roadworthiness of the vehicle at the time it was sold. I am requesting that this matter be reviewed for potential safety-related concerns and any related violations. I am available to provide supporting documentation, including inspection reports, diagnostic results, service records, and photographic evidence.
NHTSA ODI #11731101
Mileage unknown · Mar 17, 2026
Air BagsSeat BeltsStructure
testung
NHTSA ODI #11725040
Mileage unknown · Jun 20, 2024
Structure
i received a Manufacturer's Service Campaign 984 Notice from Hyundai. I made an appointment for a treatment of an underbody cavity wax and undercoating spray to prevent corrosion at King Hyundai in Deerfield Beach, FL, the closest dealer. When I arrived at the dealership I was informed that the correction could not be made b…
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i received a Manufacturer's Service Campaign 984 Notice from Hyundai. I made an appointment for a treatment of an underbody cavity wax and undercoating spray to prevent corrosion at King Hyundai in Deerfield Beach, FL, the closest dealer. When I arrived at the dealership I was informed that the correction could not be made because Hyundai did not supply Florida dealers with the needed products. I explained that the vehicle had been used for three years in the Washington DC area and then relocated to Florida. I called Hyundai Customer Car Center at 1-855-371-9460 and was advised that Hyundai did not supply the needed products to any state that did not experience winter weather; I believe she said that was a total of 16 states. As I received a recall notice at my Florida address, please explain why Hyundai is exempt from the recall issued in accordance with federal law.
NHTSA ODI #11595452
Mileage unknown · Nov 15, 2023
EngineService BrakesStructure
My car's engine had damaged engine seals and was leaking oil. Also, when I accelerate it seems to be very forceful and the gears don't change well, they seem to be stuck. I had to take the front axle in for repair since something seemed to break. Also in the second or third year I had to take it under warranty since I had pro…
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My car's engine had damaged engine seals and was leaking oil. Also, when I accelerate it seems to be very forceful and the gears don't change well, they seem to be stuck. I had to take the front axle in for repair since something seemed to break. Also in the second or third year I had to take it under warranty since I had problems with the brakes and the sensor was damaged. The button to raise and lower the window does not work. El motor de mi auto se le dañaron los sellos del motor y estuvo liquidando aceite. Además, cuando acelero parece hacer mucha fuerza y no cambia los cambios bien parece estar estancados. El tren delantero lo tuve que llevar a reparar ya que perece se le rompió algo. También al segundo o tercer año tuve que llevarlo a la garantía ya que tuve problemas con los frenos y se daño el sensor. El botón de subir y bajar la ventana no sirve.
NHTSA ODI #11555197
Mileage unknown · Mar 19, 2023
StructureUnknown Or Other
Defective paint chipping and/or pealing off in large chunks with wind when driving can cause to hit another vehicles windshield especially, the drivers behind that can cause temporary obstruction to the road.
NHTSA ODI #11512599
Mileage unknown · Mar 7, 2023
Electrical SystemSteeringStructure
On February 17, 2023, my vehicle was broken into and damaged because thieves tried to highjack the car using a now common method of the end of a USB cable in the ignition. The passenger rear window, the steering column, and the key ignition were all damaged, and I had my vehicle towed to a Hyundai dealership. Nearly all 2011-202…
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On February 17, 2023, my vehicle was broken into and damaged because thieves tried to highjack the car using a now common method of the end of a USB cable in the ignition. The passenger rear window, the steering column, and the key ignition were all damaged, and I had my vehicle towed to a Hyundai dealership. Nearly all 2011-2021 Kia and Hyundai vehicles are made easy to operate without a key, to steal, and to vandalize. This security vulnerability has resulted in Kia and Hyundai owners paying for repairs (even with insurance, owners need to pay the deductible) and higher insurance premiums. Hyundai and Kia did not disclose this defect, which is a material fact, and a fact that a reasonable person would rely on when purchasing a vehicle, consequently making these vehicles easy to steal, unsafe, and worth less than they should be. The service writer at the dealership informed me that it could take 30-45 days to get the parts since this type of vandalism has increased significantly over the last six months. It has become well-known that these thefts are due to security flaws (re: failure to implement standard security measures and install anti-theft devices) in Kia and Hyundai vehicles, leaving them notably susceptible to theft. Kia and Hyundai owners, including myself, are left with limited time use of rental cars during repairs, oftentimes because of the delay in the delivery of parts. This situation also leaves Kia and Hyundai owners with higher insurance rates (or being simply denied of obtaining insurance) because of these vehicles.
NHTSA ODI #11510696
Mileage unknown · Jan 12, 2023
Structure
Cars with Pearl White paint have large pieces of paint flaking off of both the hood and trunk, this is a common issue found with others.
NHTSA ODI #11501510
Mileage unknown · Feb 4, 2022
StructureUnknown Or Other
Purchased my car from CarMax in February 2020 as a used vehicle with 30k miles on it and towards the end of 2020 around September I noticed my car paint was literally falling off in small chips and in November a huge chunk of paint fell off my the trunk part of my car. I went to the Hyundai center on Cassatt to see if it can be …
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Purchased my car from CarMax in February 2020 as a used vehicle with 30k miles on it and towards the end of 2020 around September I noticed my car paint was literally falling off in small chips and in November a huge chunk of paint fell off my the trunk part of my car. I went to the Hyundai center on Cassatt to see if it can be repaired by warranty and I was informed they couldn't do it but would file a good will claim on my behalf. I waited months for my claim to be processed and it was never done. I filed a complaint with Hyundai Corporate office and after waiting 3 months to hear from them they said they couldn't do anything. I discovered online that there was a lawsuit filed against Elantra for cars that had pearl white paint and it was thrown out. I also discovered there are currently thousands of complaints on Facebook in an Elantra car group where people who recently purchased Elantras within the past 5 years that carried pearl white paint are having the same issues and have also filed a complaint and their complaint is being ignored because Elantra is claiming expired warranty and no recall when they in fact have had recalls on cars with white pearl paint. They are not accepting responsibility for defective paint and they aren't willing to do another recall when clearly there are many people upset about this issue and it's gonna cost people thousands to fix the paint on cars they are still paying for. It's not fair to the customers who spent their money and it's not right and I believe an investigation should be a factor to the complaints of many customers who are left with a huge bill just a few months after buying. No recalls were on my car fax paperwork and I felt deceived by the purchase I made.
NHTSA ODI #11450337
69,000 miles · Feb 26, 2021
Structure
2015 HYUNDAI ELANTRA LIMITED (I BOUGHT NEW-ONLY OWNER). COLOR IS PEARL WHITE AND THE PAINT IS PEELING OFF ON HOOD AND ROOF. THE CAR LOOKS TERRIBLE. I HAVE A 1996 MAZDA PROTEJE AND A 2005 HONDA CRV AND THEY BOTH LOOKS BETTER THAN MY 2015 HYUNDAI. VERY UPSET WITH HYUNDAI THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ON THE PAINT.
NHTSA ODI #11398021
30,880 miles · Feb 12, 2020
Structure
PAINT IS PEELING, FIRST TIME WAS ON THE FRONT ROOF AND THE MOST RECENT WAS ON THE TOP OF THE DECKLID SEE PHOTO ATTACHED. LOCAL DEALER IS UNSURE IF IT FALLS UNDER WARRANTY SO I HAD TO TAKE IT TO A PAINTSHOP OUTSIDE THE DEALER TO GET IT REPAINT. THE PAINT REPAIR TECHNICIAN SAID THAT HAPPENS WHEN SHEETMETAL GETS CONTAMINATED PRIOR …
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PAINT IS PEELING, FIRST TIME WAS ON THE FRONT ROOF AND THE MOST RECENT WAS ON THE TOP OF THE DECKLID SEE PHOTO ATTACHED. LOCAL DEALER IS UNSURE IF IT FALLS UNDER WARRANTY SO I HAD TO TAKE IT TO A PAINTSHOP OUTSIDE THE DEALER TO GET IT REPAINT. THE PAINT REPAIR TECHNICIAN SAID THAT HAPPENS WHEN SHEETMETAL GETS CONTAMINATED PRIOR TO GETTING PAINTED. SEE PHOTO ATTACHED. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY WHEN PAINT PEELED OFF. IT STARTS LIKE A BLISTER THEN PEELS OFF.
NHTSA ODI #11308733
Official recalls
3May 14, 2026
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Elantra and 2016 Elantra GT vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may rupture during deployment.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An air bag inflator that ruptures may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or passengers, increasing the risk of injury or death.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the air bag inflator, as necessary, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 3, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated August, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 300. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 16, 2026.
Feb 23, 2024
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Elantra vehicles. The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the trunk latch base sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 5, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 256.
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.
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
2AQ23002 · 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.
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.