NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Service Brakes complaints
34 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Jun 9, 2022
Electrical SystemService BrakesUnknown Or Other
Just received another letter from Hyundai (First one in Feb./March this one in June) telling me about the same problem with the ABS System and how it might short out and cause an engine fire. STILL NO REMEDY! The letter said I'd receive a second notice ...I guess they meant a third notice! What's taking so long to find a fix??? …
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Just received another letter from Hyundai (First one in Feb./March this one in June) telling me about the same problem with the ABS System and how it might short out and cause an engine fire. STILL NO REMEDY! The letter said I'd receive a second notice ...I guess they meant a third notice! What's taking so long to find a fix??? I'm supposed to be confident taking this vehicle on a trip knowing it may short out and cause a fire at any time while driving or parked!?? This is not acceptable.
NHTSA ODI #11468470
124,000 miles · May 20, 2022
Service BrakesFire
The contact owned a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while coming off the highway ramp she saw smoke coming from the hood of the vehicle. A witness stated there was fire coming from the hood. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled over to the parking lot and the vehicle would not stop. The contact …
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The contact owned a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while coming off the highway ramp she saw smoke coming from the hood of the vehicle. A witness stated there was fire coming from the hood. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled over to the parking lot and the vehicle would not stop. The contact let the vehicle slow down until she hit a bump and safely jumped out of the vehicle. There were no injuries and there was no medical attention needed. The fire and police were there to file a report. The fire department extinguished the fire. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The vehicle was towed to a city pound. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V056000 ( Engine Compartment Fire) was referenced. The failure mileage was 124,000.
NHTSA ODI #11465477
Mileage unknown · May 3, 2022
Service Brakes
The recall, listed by Hyundai as RECALL 218, repair or replacement of the ABS system, which was dated 2/2/22. I was not notified of the recall until approximately 4/5/22 by your agency (nearly 2 months after the initial recall by Hyundai). As of 5/3/22, 3 months after the initial generation of the recall and1 month after your a…
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The recall, listed by Hyundai as RECALL 218, repair or replacement of the ABS system, which was dated 2/2/22. I was not notified of the recall until approximately 4/5/22 by your agency (nearly 2 months after the initial recall by Hyundai). As of 5/3/22, 3 months after the initial generation of the recall and1 month after your agency notified me (recall 22V056) of the recall Hyundai still has not scheduled a date to repair or replace the ABS module.
NHTSA ODI #11463209
33,000 miles · Apr 12, 2022
Service BrakesCrash
The contact owned a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph, the traffic stopped and the brake pedal was applied but the vehicle failed to stop. As a result, the contact crashed into an unknown vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The air bags deployed. A police report wa…
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The contact owned a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph, the traffic stopped and the brake pedal was applied but the vehicle failed to stop. As a result, the contact crashed into an unknown vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The air bags deployed. A police report was filed. There was no reported fire or injuries. The vehicle was towed to an independent lot. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 33, 000.
NHTSA ODI #11460560
Mileage unknown · Apr 11, 2022
Electrical SystemService BrakesCrashInjury
I went to a drive through car wash. Put my car in neutral and it drives your car through the wash. Once it was done I changed to drive and tapped lightly to get out. I was going to have the car wash attendant wipe down my car. As I approached him my brakes wouldn’t work and the car continued to accelerate despite not pressing do…
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I went to a drive through car wash. Put my car in neutral and it drives your car through the wash. Once it was done I changed to drive and tapped lightly to get out. I was going to have the car wash attendant wipe down my car. As I approached him my brakes wouldn’t work and the car continued to accelerate despite not pressing down on the gas pedal. None of my electrical lights were working. It took me onto a busy street in Chicago and kept accelerating at full speed. I was trying to brake, put it into neutral or drive, use emergency brake system and nothing was working. I was swerving to avoid hitting other cars or pedestrians. I erratically drove about 1.5 blocks until I hit another SUV. All my airbags deployed. My full trauma work up was negative at the hospital. I am not sure if anyone sustained major injuries in the other car. I filed an insurance claim and my car was deemed a total loss. Insurance company thinks there was definitely an electrical shortage but did not further investigate. They said it would take more money to investigate the cause rather than paying a lump sum for car. I filed a claim case with Hyundai 2 days after the accident. The initial representative said a case manager would call within 5-7 business days and would like the car preserved in case of investigation. I have called over 5 times and have never received a call back nor an initial call from the case manager assigned. There was no active recalls out at the time and the car was serviced a month prior at a Hyundai dealership. Since the accident occurred we received a new recall that the anti-lock brake system could malfunction and cause an electrical short. But according to recall notice there is still no remedy available.
NHTSA ODI #11460464
54,000 miles · Apr 5, 2022
Service BrakesFire
The contact owned a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while at a stop light, smoke was present coming from under the hood. While attempting to pull over to park, the brakes suddenly failed and an explosion occurred within the engine compartment causing flames from under the hood of the vehicle. The contact exited th…
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The contact owned a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while at a stop light, smoke was present coming from under the hood. While attempting to pull over to park, the brakes suddenly failed and an explosion occurred within the engine compartment causing flames from under the hood of the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle and called the fire department who came to the scene an extinguished the flames. During the incident no injuries were reported, the vehicle was destroyed and towed away and a police and fire report was taken at the scene. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The day after the incident the contact received a recall notice from the manufacturer for the NHTSA Campaign Number 22v056000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure listed in the recall which included a fire hazard. The failure mileage was 54,000.
NHTSA ODI #11459713
Mileage unknown · Mar 8, 2022
Electrical SystemEngineService Brakes
Icalled my dealer where I purchase my Hyundai & I called Hyundai customer care as well. Both p;laces told me since they do not have a remedy to cure this default there is nothing they can do. They both advised me to park my car away from other vehicles & structures as a fire could be triggered in the engine that could damage the…
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Icalled my dealer where I purchase my Hyundai & I called Hyundai customer care as well. Both p;laces told me since they do not have a remedy to cure this default there is nothing they can do. They both advised me to park my car away from other vehicles & structures as a fire could be triggered in the engine that could damage the surrounding area. This is preposterous that they recommended me to continue to drive the car but not keep it next to anything. I am a young mother with an 8 month old baby & I am petrified to drive the car & they will not provide me with a substitute car or rental car until they can fix the issue, which they have no timeframe to complete. The recall number for Hyundai is 22V056. Hyundai has it as 218. Please let me know what I can do to expedite this issue & feel safe. Thanks.
NHTSA ODI #11455729
3,000 miles · Feb 20, 2018
Service Brakes
THIS COMPLAINT HAS TO DO WITH THE AEB ( AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING ) SYSTEM. THIS WAS A FEATURE THAT LED ME TO PURCHASE THE CAR AND I DISCUSSED IT WITH THE SALESMAN AT LENGTH AT THE TIME I PURCHASED IT. SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR, I STARTED TRYING TO TEST IT TO SEE IF AND HOW IT WORKED. I COULD GET NO INDICATION IT WAS…
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THIS COMPLAINT HAS TO DO WITH THE AEB ( AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING ) SYSTEM. THIS WAS A FEATURE THAT LED ME TO PURCHASE THE CAR AND I DISCUSSED IT WITH THE SALESMAN AT LENGTH AT THE TIME I PURCHASED IT. SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR, I STARTED TRYING TO TEST IT TO SEE IF AND HOW IT WORKED. I COULD GET NO INDICATION IT WAS WORKING WITHOUT WRECKING IT. THERE IS SUPPOSED TO BE 3 WARNING STAGES ACCORDING TO THE MANUAL ( 1 A MESSAGE ON LCD WITH WARNING ALARMS, 2 A 2ND COLLISION WARNING MESSAGE AND LIMITED CONTROL OF THE BRAKES, 3 EMERGENCY BRAKING ). I NEVER SAW ANY OF THESE. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER ALONG WITH A VIDEO IN WHICH I TESTED IT RUNNING OVER PARTY BALLOONS. THEY SAID IT WAS WORKING AS DESIGNED. I WROTE HYUNDAI AMERICA AND THEY SUGGESTED I TAKE TO ANOTHER DEALER WHICH I DID AND THEY SAID THE SAME THING. NO ONE CARES OR IS INTERESTED IN SEEING THAT THE SYSTEM WORKS. I HAVE ATTACHED A COUPLE OF STILL PHOTOS I TOOK FROM MY VIDEO SHOWING JUST BEFORE AND AFTER THE COLLISION WITH THE BALLOONS. I HAVE SEVERAL VIDEOS, I COULD SEND IF INTERESTED. THANK YOU
NHTSA ODI #11073851
13,000 miles · Oct 29, 2017
Power TrainService Brakes
9/18/17 WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON AND THE VEHICLE WHILE TRYING TO ACCELERATE MOVED SLOW AS IF TO NOT WANT TO SHIFT. I GOT TO THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY AND TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND WHEN I RE STARTED A FEW MINUETS LATER THE LIGHT WENT OUT AND VEHICLE OPERATED WITHOUT OUT PROBLEM. I MADE APPOINTMENT …
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9/18/17 WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON AND THE VEHICLE WHILE TRYING TO ACCELERATE MOVED SLOW AS IF TO NOT WANT TO SHIFT. I GOT TO THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY AND TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND WHEN I RE STARTED A FEW MINUETS LATER THE LIGHT WENT OUT AND VEHICLE OPERATED WITHOUT OUT PROBLEM. I MADE APPOINTMENT WITH DEALERSHIP FOR 9/26/17. THEY DID SOME RECALL ITEMS AND I MENTIONED THE PROBLEM AND WAS TOLD IF THE LIGHT IS OUT IT MAY NOT SHOW UP. THE FAILED TO NOT ON SERVICE ORDER THIS ISSUE. ON 10/24/17 WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY AND HAD TRAVELED ABOUT 50 MILES FROM HOME THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AND THIS TIME IT NOTIFIED ME ON THE RADIO SCREEN TO CONTACT BLUE LINK AS THERE WAS A POSSIBLE CONDITION WITH THE BRAKE SYSTEM. I CONTACTED BLUE LINK AND THEY MADE AN APPOINTMENT FOR 10/27/17 AT 8 AM AT THE DEALERSHIP. AFTER 6 HOURS WAITING ON HYUNDAI TECH SUPPORT TO GET BACK WITH THEM TO RUN DIAGNOSTICS. LAST 3 MONTHS VEHICLE MONTHLY REPORT ON VEHICLE SHOWS A PROBLEM WITH THE ABS SYSTEM. THEY CLAIM THEY ARE UNAWARE OF ANY ISSUES.10/24/17
NHTSA ODI #11040888
2,500 miles · Sep 5, 2017
Service BrakesVehicle Speed Control
SMART CRUISE CONTROL FAILS TO BRAKE INTERMITTENTLY. IT IS DESIGNED TO MATCH SPEED WITH THE CAR IN FRONT OF IT. IT USUALLY WORKS FINE, UNLESS ANOTHER VEHICLE CUTS IN FRONT, EVEN IF THERE IS ENOUGH TIME TO BRAKE. I HAVE TO SLAM ON THE BRAKES MANUALLY TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. I NOW FEAR USING T…
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SMART CRUISE CONTROL FAILS TO BRAKE INTERMITTENTLY. IT IS DESIGNED TO MATCH SPEED WITH THE CAR IN FRONT OF IT. IT USUALLY WORKS FINE, UNLESS ANOTHER VEHICLE CUTS IN FRONT, EVEN IF THERE IS ENOUGH TIME TO BRAKE. I HAVE TO SLAM ON THE BRAKES MANUALLY TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. I NOW FEAR USING THE CRUISE CONTROL AT ALL, AS IT DOES NOT PERFORM CORRECTLY 100% OF THE TIME. THE DEALER SAID THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG, BUT THIS IS A VERY REAL ISSUE THAT PUTS MY FAMILY AT RISK. THEY HAVE NOW CALLED IN A MASTER TECH FROM HYUNDAI TO LOOK AT IT, BUT I WANTED TO DOCUMENT THIS ISSUE. I NOTICED IT FIRST WITHIN TWO WEEKS OF PURCHASE. HYUNDAI SUPPORT CLOSED MY CASE SEVERAL TIMES WITHOUT ACTION. I BOUGHT IT 5 MONTHS AGO. CURRENT MILEAGE IS 3462, SO IT IS WELL WITHIN WARRANTY.
NHTSA ODI #11021448
Official recalls
6Feb 3, 2022
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.
Sep 20, 2017
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Santa Fe vehicles equipped with 3.3L engines. The crankshaft assemblies may have been produced with surface irregularities in the crankshaft pin, causing engine bearing wear.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The engine bearing wear may cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify all owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the engine, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 168.
Jun 5, 2017
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.
Mar 6, 2017
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The affected vehicles have a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that may not have been set in the correct mode during vehicle assembly, and therefore will not provide an appropriate warning in the event of an underinflated tire. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An underinflated inflated tire can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the TPMS sensors, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for the recall is 159.
Nov 21, 2016
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 19, 2015, to November 14, 2016, and 2017 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured November 28, 2015, to November 14, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result, in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected accessory trailer hitch wiring harnesses, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 13, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 153.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Trailer Hitches
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 19, 2015, to November 14, 2016, and 2017 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured November 28, 2015, to November 14, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result, in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected accessory trailer hitch wiring harnesses, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 13, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 153.
Electrical System:wiring
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 19, 2015, to November 14, 2016, and 2017 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured November 28, 2015, to November 14, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result, in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected accessory trailer hitch wiring harnesses, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 13, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 153.
Mar 10, 2016
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
3DP24001 · 3.3L Engine Loss Of Motive Power (lomp)
Opened Feb 8, 2024 · Closed May 16, 2024
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a petition on February 2, 2024, requesting a defect investigation into an alleged defect of the "engine" on the following vehicle model: 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles equipped with the 3.3L V-Shaped GDI Lambda-II engines. The petition cites allegations of a loss of motive power, often resulting in an engine seizure. The stall is preceded by a knocking sound, decreased performance and no warning lights. An analysis of the subject vehicle population was undertaken using complaints submitted to ODI along with manufacturer data. It was determined that the frequency of events is low for the subject population, while those that specifically report a loss of motive power event have a high mileage at the time of incident. The 2017 Santa Fe is equipped with a service interval reminder for the consumer that must be set by the consumer themselves or at a dealership. A Technical Service Bulletin (19-EM-002H) instructs the dealership to set the maintenance reminder at the completion of routine maintenance service or anytime a repair is performed that requires new engine oil. This maintenance reminder will help reinforce the need for proper oil maintenance intervals. Additionally, the Santa Fe vehicles with 3.3L V-shaped Lambda-II engines will be added to Hyundai’s existing Technical Service Bulletin (23-EM-007H) related to combustion chamber cleaning. These actions will help limit negative consumer incidents related to loss of motive power. Lastly, Hyundai has extended the limited engine warranty for MY 2013-2019 Santa Fe vehicles equipped with 3.3L V-shaped Lambda-II engines included in the Petition. The updated coverage is 15 years, or 150,000 miles and details are contained in Technical Service Bulletin 24-EM-003H. In view of the service interval reminder, combustion chamber cleaning, and extended warranty actions being taken by Hyundai, ODI is denying this Defect Petition. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the report cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
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.
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