Driving on a slight upgrade, lost power and smoke started to come out of the vents and from under the hood. Had no brakes and by the time we were able to drift to a stop, the engine compartment was on fire. There was no warning lights. Witnesses saw fire under the car while we were coming to a stop. The car and all contents …
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Driving on a slight upgrade, lost power and smoke started to come out of the vents and from under the hood. Had no brakes and by the time we were able to drift to a stop, the engine compartment was on fire. There was no warning lights. Witnesses saw fire under the car while we were coming to a stop. The car and all contents were totally consumed. Following some research on NHTSA vin decoder we found that this car has the same engine (GDI THETA II) that has been involved in many fires and is involved in class action suits. Even though this car has the same engine, it was never recalled. That may indicate that there are other cars out there that may have the same problem but have not been informed.
NHTSA ODI #11617604
Mileage unknown · Sep 14, 2024
Service Brakes
None
NHTSA ODI #11614636
Mileage unknown · Aug 2, 2024
Electrical SystemService BrakesWheels
Abs system is randomly locking up calipers causing a dangerous speed wobble. Dealership can't re create so won't diagnose. Have had to replace all brake calipers and components were near new but ruined because of abs applying brakes when unnecessary. Vehicle is very unsafe to drive, pulled hard to left at one point veering me in…
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Abs system is randomly locking up calipers causing a dangerous speed wobble. Dealership can't re create so won't diagnose. Have had to replace all brake calipers and components were near new but ruined because of abs applying brakes when unnecessary. Vehicle is very unsafe to drive, pulled hard to left at one point veering me into oncoming traffic. Independent mechanic has made caliper release by manually releasing abs system. Same results were not found by releasing pressure at master cylinder making abs the obvious culprit. No warning lights but I just replaced two cracked rotors on rear at 130k miles. That should not happen. Has caused hub readings of 270 on three different tires at 3 different times. Santa fe has recall on this system for every year but mine, very curious as to why not. If this was not a dealership only part , it might not be such a big issue, but being it is main source of stopping a 4000 lb vehicle, I have concerns. Hyundai dealership was very condescending and of little to no help. I have an Independent are certified mechanic who is happy to talk with you if needed. Please help, as of right now am.making payments on an unsafe vehicle with not much hope of it being fixed.
NHTSA ODI #11606096
Mileage unknown · Mar 19, 2024
Service BrakesVehicle Speed Control
My car started accelerating on its own, out of nowhere. There were no prior indications. No prior damage. It began accelerating on its own. After shutting the vehicle off and turning it back on, the issue has persisted. Anytime it is in drive or reverse, it accelerates at an extreme rate. It also disabled the brake, when the acc…
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My car started accelerating on its own, out of nowhere. There were no prior indications. No prior damage. It began accelerating on its own. After shutting the vehicle off and turning it back on, the issue has persisted. Anytime it is in drive or reverse, it accelerates at an extreme rate. It also disabled the brake, when the acceleration began.
NHTSA ODI #11578371
Mileage unknown · May 16, 2023
Power TrainService BrakesVehicle Speed Control
I was driving my 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe to my morning job, & noticed a slight trembling of the vehicle initially. Upon approaching a stop sign at a 2 way stop, I noticed that my brakes were not fully engaging so I pumped them a couple times. Immediately my car started accelerating on its own faster and faster until my brakes were…
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I was driving my 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe to my morning job, & noticed a slight trembling of the vehicle initially. Upon approaching a stop sign at a 2 way stop, I noticed that my brakes were not fully engaging so I pumped them a couple times. Immediately my car started accelerating on its own faster and faster until my brakes were not stopping the car at all even with my foot pushing the brake pedal down as far as possible. My foot wasn’t on the accelerator at all. I noticed a pickup truck about to cross the intersection for which I needed to stop. Because I had no control over the car to get it to stop, I slammed the car into park, & it finally stopped just before my car crossed through the intersection. If I had not done that I would’ve been hit directly on my drivers side door by a truck going at least 55 mph. The car revved really high for several seconds after putting the car in park. I drove 10 mph to my work destination, & experienced exactly the same symptoms when I was pulling into my parking spot. As soon as I started braking to come to a stop to park, the car immediately started to accelerate again beyond my control & the ability to engage my brakes, even with my brakes pushed down as far as they would go. Again I slammed the car into park, otherwise my car would’ve run through the side of a barn & a horse stall with a horse and the barn owner inside. I checked to make sure nothing was impeding the movement of my accelerator and braking pedals, and nothing was. No warning lights came on at any time. I am very concerned as I am reading multiple reports of almost identical incidents for other Hyundai Santa Fe owners of a variety of years, & because this issue can’t be reproduced, there is no recall, and no code comes up, owners are not being given a solution or any type of support by Hyundai dealers or the manufacturer itself. I absolutely do not feel safe driving my car for my own safety & the safety of those on the road with me. I was almost killed today.
NHTSA ODI #11522385
Mileage unknown · Mar 16, 2023
Power TrainService BrakesSteering
While driving the car experienced a catastrophic engine failure as well as loss of steering and brakes. Was able to get to the side of the road without injury. This could have resulted in injury or loss of life if the drivetrain would have locked up. The vehicle is at the dealer now, after a 250-mile tow. The dealer said that t…
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While driving the car experienced a catastrophic engine failure as well as loss of steering and brakes. Was able to get to the side of the road without injury. This could have resulted in injury or loss of life if the drivetrain would have locked up. The vehicle is at the dealer now, after a 250-mile tow. The dealer said that they have eight cars at their dealership with the same blown engine issue. No warning lights came on prior to the incident.
NHTSA ODI #11512144
Mileage unknown · Oct 24, 2022
Service Brakes
I wish to file a complaint against Hyundai for the untimely manner in which they’ve handled recall 218. This recall has been in place for several months with many notifications that the recall exists. Yet, the company has failed to provide a solution to this highly sensitive and dangerous problem. At a moment’s notice, these car…
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I wish to file a complaint against Hyundai for the untimely manner in which they’ve handled recall 218. This recall has been in place for several months with many notifications that the recall exists. Yet, the company has failed to provide a solution to this highly sensitive and dangerous problem. At a moment’s notice, these cars can short circuit and burst into flames, this can be fatal and the company is not doing everything they should be to ensure their consumers are safe!
NHTSA ODI #11490654
Mileage unknown · May 26, 2021
Service BrakesUnknown Or Other
The ABS, traction control, and another light are illuminated. Upon investigating online this is a known issue with these cars. No recall has been issued. My car is available for inspection.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Santa Fe, 2017-2018 Santa Fe Sport, 2019 Santa Fe XL, and 2014-2015 Tucson vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.
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 multi-fuse, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 31, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 218.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the secondary hood latch actuating cable may corrode and bind, causing the secondary hood latch to remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the hood is not securely closed or the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary latch cable, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owner's may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for the recall is 163.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured September 1, 2015 to February 12, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the wires in the front seat belt buckle harnesses may be damaged by the seat's height adjuster mechanism, resulting in a failure to provide an audible warning when front seat occupants do not fasten their seat belts. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Without a warning to remind the front seat occupants that their seat belts are not buckled, they may forget to buckle their seat belt, increasing their risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and reroute the wires in the front seat belt buckle harnesses to their proper locations, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 27, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 141.
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
3
AQ23002 · Hyundai And Kia Abs Module Fires
Opened Nov 17, 2023 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.
DP22003 · 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.
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