NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Structure complaints
11 reportsClear category filter70,000 miles · May 1, 2023
StructureTires
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. Additionally, the contact self-inspected the vehicle and noticed and excessive amount of corrosion on the subframe. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repa…
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The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. Additionally, the contact self-inspected the vehicle and noticed and excessive amount of corrosion on the subframe. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
NHTSA ODI #11519848
Mileage unknown · May 10, 2022
Structure
The back driver side child safety lock is stuck between on and off and the door will not open. I am an Uber driver. If there was an accident a passenger might get trapped inside.
NHTSA ODI #11464089
Mileage unknown · Jul 21, 2020
Power TrainStructure
WHEN TRAVELING AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS AND UPON ACCELERATION THERE'S LOSS OF POWER FOR A SPLIT SECOND, AND THEN IT'S BUMPING REAL HARD. IT CAN BE DESCRIBED AS A BUMPING NOISE, CLUNKING NOISE OR THUMPING NOISE. MORE LIKELY TO HAPPEN BETWEEN 50-70 MPH. ALSO, THE PASSENGER BACK DOOR LOCK HAS BEEN WORKING OFF AND ON. IT FINALLY HAS STOP…
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WHEN TRAVELING AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS AND UPON ACCELERATION THERE'S LOSS OF POWER FOR A SPLIT SECOND, AND THEN IT'S BUMPING REAL HARD. IT CAN BE DESCRIBED AS A BUMPING NOISE, CLUNKING NOISE OR THUMPING NOISE. MORE LIKELY TO HAPPEN BETWEEN 50-70 MPH. ALSO, THE PASSENGER BACK DOOR LOCK HAS BEEN WORKING OFF AND ON. IT FINALLY HAS STOPPED OPENING THE DOOR ENTIRELY. I'VE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY HAVE YET TO DIAGNOSE AN ISSUE AFTER TWO INSPECTIONS. AS OF 7/21/20 THE VEHICLE IS STILL HAVING THESE ISSUES.
NHTSA ODI #11340723
153,000 miles · Jun 12, 2019
Structure
THE PASSENGER REAR DOOR WORKS OFF AND ON. SOME DAYS IT OPENS AND SOME DAYS IT DOESN'T AND THERE IS NO DAMAGE TO THE DOOR HANDLE OR THE DOOR ITSELF. FOR THE PAST MONTH IS HAS TOTALLY GAVE UP ON OPENING AT ALL AND THERE IS STILL NO DAMAGE TO THE HANDLE OR THE DOOR.
NHTSA ODI #11219617
65,000 miles · Oct 16, 2018
Structure
IN 2013 THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR DOOR ACTUATOR MECHANISM WAS REPLACED (WARRANTY). IN OCTOBER 2018, THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE DOOR ACTUATOR MECHANISM WAS REPLACED, AND THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR DOOR ACTUATOR MECHANISM WAS REPLACED. COULD NOT OPEN DOOR FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE.
NHTSA ODI #11140712
Mileage unknown · Jun 23, 2018
Structure
THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR WILL NOT LOCK WHEN SHUTTING THE DOOR THERE FOR YOU CAN NOT OPEN THE DRIVERS DOOR WITH THE OUTSIDE HANDLE. YOU NEED TO OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE AND LOCK THE DOOR BEFORE YOU SHUT IT OR IT WILL NOT STAY SHUT.
NHTSA ODI #11103575
70,000 miles · Dec 13, 2016
Structure
WHILE DRIVING ONE MORNING, SUDDENLY THE PASSENGER DOOR JUST OPENED ON ITS OWN. WE COULD NOT GET IT TO LATCH AT ALL. I HAD TO RIDE HOLDING THE DOOR CLOSED UNTIL WE COULD GET HOME TO GET BUNGEE CORDS TO HOLD IT CLOSED. THIS HAPPENED ON A BUSY CITY STREET JUST GOING STRAIGHT. AND AGAIN WHEN WE TURNED, BUT WE ANTICIPATED IT AND …
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WHILE DRIVING ONE MORNING, SUDDENLY THE PASSENGER DOOR JUST OPENED ON ITS OWN. WE COULD NOT GET IT TO LATCH AT ALL. I HAD TO RIDE HOLDING THE DOOR CLOSED UNTIL WE COULD GET HOME TO GET BUNGEE CORDS TO HOLD IT CLOSED. THIS HAPPENED ON A BUSY CITY STREET JUST GOING STRAIGHT. AND AGAIN WHEN WE TURNED, BUT WE ANTICIPATED IT AND HELD THE DOOR SHUT. SO L TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THE NEXT MORNING (MONDAY), AND THEY SAID IT WAS A DOOR ACTUATOR AND LATCH ASSEMBLY. NO VEHICLE SHOULD EVER HAVE A DOOR THAT CANNOT LATCH! THIS IS A TERRIFYING INCIDENT. WHEN THEY HAD TO ORDER THE PART, I TOLD THEM TO FIX THE DOOR WHERE IT WOULD NOT OPEN WHEN DRIVING TO AND FROM WORK THE NEXT DAY. DIDN'T WORK. GOING DOWN THE INTERSTATE WITH THE DOOR FLOPPING BACK AND FORTH--ENOUGH TO ALLOW FUMES INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND THE DOME LIGHT TO REMAIN ON IS NOT SAFE!!! AFTER EXITING THE INTERSTATE DURING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC, I GRABBED THE BUNGEE CORD THAT WAS INSIDE AND HELD THE DOOR CLOSED WHILE I DROVE THE REST OF THE WAY HOME ABOUT 35 MPH. I WILL HAVE THREE MORE TRIPS ON THIS INTERSTATE-HOME TONIGHT, TO AND FROM THE DEALER/WORK TOMORROW, AND HOPEFULLY IT WILL BE REPAIRED. THEY SAY TWO OTHER DOORS ALSO NEED ACTUATORS. (TO THE TUNE OF $400 EACH!) THIS SHOULD NEVER HAPPEN ON A MODERN DAY CAR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10935126
40,000 miles · May 10, 2016
Air BagsElectrical SystemStructure
I BOUGHT THIS CAR WITH 40K MILES ON IT AND IT NOW HAS 63K MILES. SINCE I HAVE HAD IT, I HAVE REPLACED THE RADIO DISPLAY, SPEAKER, DRIVER SIDE WINDOW CONTROLS, STARTER AND A RECALL ON THE AIRBAGS. THE CLEAR COAT IS ALSO COMING OFF ALL THE DOOR HANDLES AND IT IS FADING THE PAINT. I NOTIFIED HYUNDAI AND THEY DID NOT ADDRESS ANY ISS…
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I BOUGHT THIS CAR WITH 40K MILES ON IT AND IT NOW HAS 63K MILES. SINCE I HAVE HAD IT, I HAVE REPLACED THE RADIO DISPLAY, SPEAKER, DRIVER SIDE WINDOW CONTROLS, STARTER AND A RECALL ON THE AIRBAGS. THE CLEAR COAT IS ALSO COMING OFF ALL THE DOOR HANDLES AND IT IS FADING THE PAINT. I NOTIFIED HYUNDAI AND THEY DID NOT ADDRESS ANY ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI #10864079
196,390 miles · Jan 28, 2016
Structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER A MANUFACTURERS RECALL WHERE THE DEALER REPLACED THE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE OIL COOLER HOSES AND THE CLAMPS BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A TURN, AN ABNORMAL THUMPING NOISE WAS HEARD. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. TH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER A MANUFACTURERS RECALL WHERE THE DEALER REPLACED THE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE OIL COOLER HOSES AND THE CLAMPS BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A TURN, AN ABNORMAL THUMPING NOISE WAS HEARD. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SPRING PROTECTOR AND THE ELASTIC SEALANT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 196,390.
NHTSA ODI #10822866
48,000 miles · Mar 21, 2015
StructureUnknown Or Other
THE VEHICLE HAS A HUMMING SOUND COMING FROM RIGHT SIDE PASSENGER SIDE WHEN DRIVEN 10 MPH IN COLD WEATHER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HYUNDAI AND BECAUSE IT COULD NOT BE REPRODUCED THERE WAS NO FURTHER INVESTIGATION. I WAS TOLD IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN, TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN. I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT ON 3/21/15. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10700798
Official recalls
2Apr 1, 2013
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburon vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Hyundai recalled 1,059,824 model year 2007-2009 Accent and Tucson, model year 2007-2010 Elantra, model year 2007-2011 Santa Fe, model year 2008-2009 Veracruz, model year 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, and model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. In September 2013, Hyundai informed the agency that it was adding more vehicles to this campaign, representing an additional 652,512 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 1,712,336. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake transmission shift interlock feature, preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of Park without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.
Apr 28, 2011
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 SANTA FE 2WD VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS AND 2.4L ENGINES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 15, 2009 THROUGH MARCH 5, 2010. THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT MAY SUFFER FROM NOISE AND EXCESSIVE WEAR DUE TO A MISALIGNMENT OF THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT WITH THE RIGHT SIDE OUTPUT GEAR. CONTINUING TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE IN THIS CONDITION LEADS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF A WHIRRING/WHINING NOISE AND CAN EVENTUALLY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION MAY CAUSE LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RIGHT SIDE OUTPUT GEAR AND INTERMEDIATE SHAFT FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JUNE 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI'S CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.
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
3DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power
Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are 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.
PE11010 · Transmission Intermediate Driveshaft
Opened Apr 7, 2011 · Closed May 10, 2011
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train:automatic Transmission; Power Train:driveline:driveshaft
On April 25, 2011, Kia Motors Corporation submitted a defect notification letter to NHTSA regarding a transmission intermediate driveshaft condition in approximately 12,690 model year (MY) 2011 Kia Sorento 2-wheel drive vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and 2.4L engines (NHTSA Recall No. 11V-258).The recall addresses a defect with the external shape of the engine block which can prevent the intermediate shaft bearing bracket from mating evenly with the engine block.This can cause a misalignment of the intermediate shaft with the right side output gear.Resulting damage could cause a loss of motive power.Additionally, on April 27, 2011, Hyundai Motor Company submitted a defect notification (NHTSA Recall No. 11V-261) for the same issue in approximately 6,169 MY 2010 Sante Fe 2-wheel drive vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and 2.4L engines that use the same components as the recalled Kia Sorento vehicles.This investigation is closed.
Additional source detail variants (4)
Power Train:automatic Transmission
On April 25, 2011, Kia Motors Corporation submitted a defect notification letter to NHTSA regarding a transmission intermediate driveshaft condition in approximately 12,690 model year (MY) 2011 Kia Sorento 2-wheel drive vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and 2.4L engines (NHTSA Recall No. 11V-258).The recall addresses a defect with the external shape of the engine block which can prevent the intermediate shaft bearing bracket from mating evenly with the engine block.This can cause a misalignment of the intermediate shaft with the right side output gear.Resulting damage could cause a loss of motive power.Additionally, on April 27, 2011, Hyundai Motor Company submitted a defect notification (NHTSA Recall No. 11V-261) for the same issue in approximately 6,169 MY 2010 Sante Fe 2-wheel drive vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and 2.4L engines that use the same components as the recalled Kia Sorento vehicles.This investigation is closed.
Power Train:automatic Transmission
On April 25, 2011, Kia Motors Corporation submitted a defect notification letter to NHTSA regarding a transmission intermediate driveshaft condition in approximately 12,690 model year (MY) 2011 Kia Sorento 2-wheel drive vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and 2.4L engines (NHTSA Recall No. 11V-258).The recall addresses a defect with the external shape of the engine block which can prevent the intermediate shaft bearing bracket from mating evenly with the engine block.This can cause a misalignment of the intermediate shaft with the right side output gear.Resulting damage could cause a loss of motive power.Additionally, on April 27, 2011, Hyundai Motor Company submitted a defect notification (NHTSA Recall No. 11V-261) for the same issue in approximately 6,169 MY 2010 Sante Fe 2-wheel drive vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and 2.4L engines that use the same components as the recalled Kia Sorento vehicles.This investigation is closed.
Power Train:driveline:driveshaft
On April 25, 2011, Kia Motors Corporation submitted a defect notification letter to NHTSA regarding a transmission intermediate driveshaft condition in approximately 12,690 model year (MY) 2011 Kia Sorento 2-wheel drive vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and 2.4L engines (NHTSA Recall No. 11V-258).The recall addresses a defect with the external shape of the engine block which can prevent the intermediate shaft bearing bracket from mating evenly with the engine block.This can cause a misalignment of the intermediate shaft with the right side output gear.Resulting damage could cause a loss of motive power.Additionally, on April 27, 2011, Hyundai Motor Company submitted a defect notification (NHTSA Recall No. 11V-261) for the same issue in approximately 6,169 MY 2010 Sante Fe 2-wheel drive vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and 2.4L engines that use the same components as the recalled Kia Sorento vehicles.This investigation is closed.
Power Train:driveline:driveshaft
On April 25, 2011, Kia Motors Corporation submitted a defect notification letter to NHTSA regarding a transmission intermediate driveshaft condition in approximately 12,690 model year (MY) 2011 Kia Sorento 2-wheel drive vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and 2.4L engines (NHTSA Recall No. 11V-258).The recall addresses a defect with the external shape of the engine block which can prevent the intermediate shaft bearing bracket from mating evenly with the engine block.This can cause a misalignment of the intermediate shaft with the right side output gear.Resulting damage could cause a loss of motive power.Additionally, on April 27, 2011, Hyundai Motor Company submitted a defect notification (NHTSA Recall No. 11V-261) for the same issue in approximately 6,169 MY 2010 Sante Fe 2-wheel drive vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and 2.4L engines that use the same components as the recalled Kia Sorento vehicles.This investigation is closed.
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