NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Unknown Or Other complaints
92 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Dec 28, 2021
Unknown Or Other
The engine had a catastrophic failure due to bearing failure with no advanced warning lights. The issue occurred while accelerating to merge into highway traffic. The engine had an immediate drop in power and produced a searing grinding noise. The drop in power forced my speed from 55 to 35 mph in a matter of secondS. I had to n…
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The engine had a catastrophic failure due to bearing failure with no advanced warning lights. The issue occurred while accelerating to merge into highway traffic. The engine had an immediate drop in power and produced a searing grinding noise. The drop in power forced my speed from 55 to 35 mph in a matter of secondS. I had to negotiate across 3 lanes of traffic in order to exit the highway to find a safe stop to contact roadside assistance. Some smoke was coming from the engine but no fire. Prior to the incident, the vehicle had been driven <3 miles in local stop/go traffic from a cold start. Roadside assistance towed to local Grayson Hyundai Dealer who inspected the engine and determined the bearing failure within two days. The check engine light came on at the same instance as the engine failure. There was no advanced warning even though Hyundai performed a recall that updated software to specifically detect and alert to potential failure. Car is still awaiting warranty repairs by dealer. Dealer will not provide any written details to me or provide any cost or timeline estimates for the repair. While the failure occurred within the manufacturer’s 5 year/60K mile warranty, the warranty has now expired in the 5 months it has been waiting to be repaired.
NHTSA ODI #11445362
Mileage unknown · Nov 23, 2021
Unknown Or Other
Car loses power when taking off and turning either direction, like when you are getting out into traffic. Very dangerous. Just when you need to accelerate it looses power for a few seconds. Traction control light comes on each time, very briefly. Happens at random times, so it is hard to duplicate and trouble shoot. Service …
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Car loses power when taking off and turning either direction, like when you are getting out into traffic. Very dangerous. Just when you need to accelerate it looses power for a few seconds. Traction control light comes on each time, very briefly. Happens at random times, so it is hard to duplicate and trouble shoot. Service Dept says even if it is a known problem, Hyundai will not fix (still in warranty) unless they can duplicate problem ON MY CAR! And they will charge $150 if it doesn't happen for them.
NHTSA ODI #11441498
Mileage unknown · Nov 9, 2021
Unknown Or Other
When making a sharp right turn and accelerating the car hesitates then catches and accelerates suddenly. It can be very scary when trying to turn onto a busy road. The issue is repeatable.
NHTSA ODI #11439929
1,000 miles · Oct 26, 2021
Unknown Or Other
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that upon turning the steering wheel in either direction, the steering wheel would remain seized in the turning position without warning. The contact stated that he manually adjusted the steering wheel to prevent the steering wheel from remaining seized in the turned p…
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The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that upon turning the steering wheel in either direction, the steering wheel would remain seized in the turning position without warning. The contact stated that he manually adjusted the steering wheel to prevent the steering wheel from remaining seized in the turned position. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer and an independent mechanic where the steering wheel was realigned; however, the failure returned after each repair. Brown-Daub Hyundai (3901 Hecktown Rd, Easton, PA 18045) was also notified of the failure but was unable to schedule an appointment. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.
NHTSA ODI #11438179
Mileage unknown · Aug 22, 2021
Unknown Or Other
As I was driving on the freeway, I heard something that sounded like a bomb go off overhead. I safely pulled over and discovered that my panoramic sunroof had exploded. There were no other vehicles nearby that could have kicked up anything, especially because it was directly overhead. Thankfully I had the interior closed, but if…
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As I was driving on the freeway, I heard something that sounded like a bomb go off overhead. I safely pulled over and discovered that my panoramic sunroof had exploded. There were no other vehicles nearby that could have kicked up anything, especially because it was directly overhead. Thankfully I had the interior closed, but if it had been opened myself along with my 4 passengers (three who are young children) would have been covered in glass shards not to mention I could have ran into the wall or something else. Upon investigation, this is a known issue with Hyundai sunroofs. I have not yet been able to have anyone inspect it since it is Sunday. There were no warnings at all that this was going to happen.
NHTSA ODI #11430041
Mileage unknown · Jul 2, 2021
Unknown Or OtherCrash
Location: Apartment complex , driveway This morning I went to drop off my son at my parents place and when I made a U turn to turn around, the car accelerated on it’s own, I stepped on the brakes and it was too late, I hit the neighbors car on the corner and my right tire was on top of the sidewalk. Keep in mind the speed limit …
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Location: Apartment complex , driveway This morning I went to drop off my son at my parents place and when I made a U turn to turn around, the car accelerated on it’s own, I stepped on the brakes and it was too late, I hit the neighbors car on the corner and my right tire was on top of the sidewalk. Keep in mind the speed limit in the apartment complex is 5mph. I was going at 6mph and when the car accelerated it felt like if it was going 20mph! I bought my car last year on August 2020, since then my car has been giving signs of hesitations on the acceleration but never would of thought my car would actually drive off on its own. I have a 1yr old son and after this accident happen I don’t feel safe driving my car at all or even trust it at this point, I don’t want to be driving and it happens again and it could be worse.
NHTSA ODI #11423230
Mileage unknown · Feb 5, 2021
Unknown Or Other
I AM HAVING TO GET AN OIL CONSUMPTION EVERY 1000 MILES WHICH HAS ME CONCERNED.
NHTSA ODI #11394791
45,000 miles · Jan 17, 2021
EnginePower TrainUnknown Or Other
I WAS DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY AND MY OIL LIGHT INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON IN THE CAR AND WENT OFF AFTER I GOT OFF THE EXPRESSWAY PULLED OVER AT A GAS STATION. SO I STARTED DRIVING AGAIN AND AGAIN THE OIL LIGHT COMES ON SO I RECORDED IT ON MY CELL PHONE.I JUST HAD MY OIL CHANGED A WEEK PRIOR TO THIS. TOOK MY VEHICLE BACK TO THE HY…
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I WAS DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY AND MY OIL LIGHT INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON IN THE CAR AND WENT OFF AFTER I GOT OFF THE EXPRESSWAY PULLED OVER AT A GAS STATION. SO I STARTED DRIVING AGAIN AND AGAIN THE OIL LIGHT COMES ON SO I RECORDED IT ON MY CELL PHONE.I JUST HAD MY OIL CHANGED A WEEK PRIOR TO THIS. TOOK MY VEHICLE BACK TO THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP IN MATTESON ILLINOIS WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM. AND GET ALL MY OIL CHANGES DONE ON THE VEHICLE. THEY CHECKED OUT MY VEHICLE AND SAID THAT THEY DIDN'T GET THE COMING ON WHEN THEY TOOK MY CAR ON A TEST DRIVE. SO I SHOW THE MECHANIC THE VIDEO I RECORDED ON MY PHONE. HE LOOKS AT THE VIDEO AND SAYS TO ME WELL IF THE OIL LIGHT COMES BACK ON BRING THE VEHICLE BACK. AND TELLS ME THE VEHICLE IS OK TO DRIVE AS IT IS. TWO DAYS LATER I'M RUNNING AN ARRON IN TRAFFIC ON A BUSY CITY STREET AND AS I'M DRIVING MY CAR STARTS JERKING AND STALLING AND A FLASHING ENGINE LIGHT ON THE DASH BOARD I PUT MY HAZARD LIGHTS ON AND PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. CALLED HYUNDAI SERVICE DEPARTMENT. BECAUSE I WAS CLOSE BY THE DEALERSHIP THE SERVICE PERSONNEL TOLD ME TO DRIVE THE MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP SO I DID. THEY TOLD ME MY ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACED. FOR THE SECOND TIME MIND YOU. 1ST TIME WAS A YEAR PRIOR. SO THEY KEPT MY CAR FOR A WEEK AND 2DAYS. GET MY CAR BACK A WEEK LATER I'M DRIVING ON MY WAY TO WORK AND THE FLASHING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AGAIN. SO I TAKE IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE KNOCK SENSOR THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED THIS TIME. THEY REPAIR IT THE SAME DAY. MEAN WHILE WAITING I FIND AN VIDEO ON YOU TUBE ABOUT THE VERY PROBLEM I WAS HAVING WITH MY VEHICLE. BUT IT'S FROM THE HYUNDAI MANUFACTURES ABOUT THE 2014-2018 SANTA FE ,SONATA AND TUSON VEHICLE ABOUT KNOWN MALFUNCTIONS AND PROBLEMS THESE VEHICLES ARE HAVING AND WOULD HAVE. SO I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THESE ARE NOT RECALLS. NOW AGAIN YESTERDAY 1/16/21
NHTSA ODI #11388559
Mileage unknown · Dec 11, 2020
EngineUnknown Or Other
MY VEHICLE WILL PERIODICALLY STALL WHEN AT A COMPLETE STOP. VIN DOES NOT SHOW RECALLS, BUT THERE ARE RECALLS FOR OTHER 2017 SANTA FE VEHICLES WITH THE SAME ISSUE. MY VEHICLE WAS MADE IN 2017,THE RECALL WAS IN NOVEMBER 2017; THEREFORE I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY MY VIN IS NOT SHOWING THAT A RECALL IS WARRANTED AS THE PARTS WOULD HAV…
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MY VEHICLE WILL PERIODICALLY STALL WHEN AT A COMPLETE STOP. VIN DOES NOT SHOW RECALLS, BUT THERE ARE RECALLS FOR OTHER 2017 SANTA FE VEHICLES WITH THE SAME ISSUE. MY VEHICLE WAS MADE IN 2017,THE RECALL WAS IN NOVEMBER 2017; THEREFORE I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY MY VIN IS NOT SHOWING THAT A RECALL IS WARRANTED AS THE PARTS WOULD HAVE BEEN USED TO MAKE IT. THIS CAN LITERALLY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH. I WILL ALSO BE CONTACTING HYUNDAI CUSTOMER SERVICE.
NHTSA ODI #11383059
37,000 miles · Nov 10, 2020
SuspensionUnknown Or OtherWheels
THE V6 2017 SANTA FE SUV IS ADVERTISED IN MANY CAR MAGAZINES AND BY HYUNDAI TO TOW 5,000. LBS. I TOLD THE SALES MANAGER THE SPECS OF MY CAMPER. HE SAID IT WOULD NOT HAVE A PROBLEM TOWING MY CAMPER THAT WEIGHS 3,200. I SAID IF YOU GET IT PREPARED FOR TOWING, MEANING, HITCH, BRAKE BOX AND WIRE FOR LIGHTS, I WILL BUY IT. THE DEAL W…
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THE V6 2017 SANTA FE SUV IS ADVERTISED IN MANY CAR MAGAZINES AND BY HYUNDAI TO TOW 5,000. LBS. I TOLD THE SALES MANAGER THE SPECS OF MY CAMPER. HE SAID IT WOULD NOT HAVE A PROBLEM TOWING MY CAMPER THAT WEIGHS 3,200. I SAID IF YOU GET IT PREPARED FOR TOWING, MEANING, HITCH, BRAKE BOX AND WIRE FOR LIGHTS, I WILL BUY IT. THE DEAL WAS MADE. I TOWED A FEW TIMES THEN HAD A BAD SHAKING IN THE REAR. THE SERVICE MANAGER TRIED TO TELL ME I WAS TOWING TOO MUCH WEIGHT. IMPOSSIBLE. IT'S JUST ME AND A SMALL DOG. I ARGUED WITH ALLEN TURNER HYUNDAI IN PENSACOLA, FL AND THE CORPORATE OFFICE. THEY BELIEVED WHAT THE DEALERSHIP SAID. I TOLD THEM I CAN GO WEIGH IT ALL ON DOT SCALES TO PROVE IT. SO THEY ENDED UP FIXING IT THAT TIME. I DIDN'T TOW FOR AWHILE BECAUSE OF COVID. THE FIRST TIME I DID, ON THE WAY HOME IT STARTED SHAKING. I GO TO THE DEALER. HE TOLD ME THE RIGHT REAR PASSENGER TIRE WAS SEPARATING INSIDE. IT WOULD NEED ALIGNMENT AND STRUTS. THEY WERE NOT GOING TO PAY FOR IT EVEN WITH THE CAR WITH LOW MILES STILL UNDER WARRANTY. THEY OFFERED ME SOMETHING OFF THEIR USED LOT. WHICH I CONSIDERED IF IT HAD THE SAFETY FEATURES THAT I ORIGINALLY BOUGHT ON MY SANTA FE. NO, THEY OFFERED A BASIC SMALL TRUCK. I'M OLDER AND I HAVE GOTTEN USED TO THE SAFETY FEATURES. THE SALESMAN TALKED DOWN TO ME, TRIED TO INTIMIDATE ME AND PRACTICALLY CALLED ME STUPID. I WAS SUPPOSED TO SEE THE SERVICE MANAGER BUT HE DISMISSED ME . I'VE BOUGHT THREE CARS FROM THIS DEALER USING THE SAME SALESMAN. THEN WHEN I HAVE A PROBLEM THEY TREAT ME LIKE THIS. I HAVE TESTIMONIES FROM OTHER CAMPER TRAILER HAULERS WITH THE SAME CAR THAT EVEN TOW A HIGHER WEIGHT CAMPER. THEY HAVE NOT HAD ANY PROBLEMS. I WILL ATTACH PHOTOS OF THEIRS ALSO. THANK YOU [XXX] WHEN I'M TOWING IT ALL SOUNDS GOOD AND WORKS GOOD. I WOULDN'T KNOW THE CAMPER WAS BACK THERE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #11374023
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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