NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
962 reports59,000 miles · Jan 15, 2020
Air Bags
MY AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON JUST BEFORE THE 60K MILE WARRANTY EXPIRED. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS ADVISED TO BRING IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE THE AIRBAGS MIGHT NOT DEPLOY IF WE WERE IN AN ACCIDENT. THEY SAID IT JUST NEEDED TO BE RESET. WELL, AT JUST OVER 62K MILES, IT CAME BACK ON THIS MORNING. A QUICK GOOGLE…
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MY AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON JUST BEFORE THE 60K MILE WARRANTY EXPIRED. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS ADVISED TO BRING IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE THE AIRBAGS MIGHT NOT DEPLOY IF WE WERE IN AN ACCIDENT. THEY SAID IT JUST NEEDED TO BE RESET. WELL, AT JUST OVER 62K MILES, IT CAME BACK ON THIS MORNING. A QUICK GOOGLE SEARCH INDICATES IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM ACROSS HYUNDAI'S ENTIRE FLEET OF VEHICLES. HOW HAS THIS NOT ALREADY BEEN ADDRESSED?! I HAVE 4 KIDS AND CANNOT TAKE THE CHANCE OF THE AIRBAGS NOT DEPLOYING.
NHTSA ODI #11299446
30,700 miles · Jan 14, 2020
Power TrainUnknown Or OtherVehicle Speed Control
WHEN I DRIVE GOING STRAIGHT AT ABOUT 40 TO 48 MPH ON ECO MODE OR ANY DRIVE MODE THE CAR JUMPS/ JERKS LIKE IT SHIFTS INTO A LOW GEAR AND THEN GOES BACK INTO A HIGH GEAR WITH NO HEAVY ACCELERATION. IF I HAVE IT ON CRUISE CONTROL AT 45MPH IT WILL KICK BACK AND FORTH OCCASIONALLY AS IF I WAS SLAMMING ON THE GAS PEDAL THEN SLIGHTLY O…
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WHEN I DRIVE GOING STRAIGHT AT ABOUT 40 TO 48 MPH ON ECO MODE OR ANY DRIVE MODE THE CAR JUMPS/ JERKS LIKE IT SHIFTS INTO A LOW GEAR AND THEN GOES BACK INTO A HIGH GEAR WITH NO HEAVY ACCELERATION. IF I HAVE IT ON CRUISE CONTROL AT 45MPH IT WILL KICK BACK AND FORTH OCCASIONALLY AS IF I WAS SLAMMING ON THE GAS PEDAL THEN SLIGHTLY ON THE BREAK BUT QUICKLY.
NHTSA ODI #11299281
Mileage unknown · Jan 8, 2020
Steering
WHILE DRIVING (VEHICLE IN MOTION) THE STEERING WHEEL SEEMS TO STICK REQUIRING ME TO EXERT EXTRA FORCE TO "BREAK" IT LOOSE IN ORDER TO KEEP THE CAR TRAVELING IN A STRAIGHT LINE. I KNOW IT ISN'T MECHANICAL STEARING LIKE I'M USED TO BUT THE SERVO MOTOR SEEMS TO PREVENT ME FROM TURNING THE WHEEL WHEN I NEED TO CORRECT. I CONTINUOUSL…
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WHILE DRIVING (VEHICLE IN MOTION) THE STEERING WHEEL SEEMS TO STICK REQUIRING ME TO EXERT EXTRA FORCE TO "BREAK" IT LOOSE IN ORDER TO KEEP THE CAR TRAVELING IN A STRAIGHT LINE. I KNOW IT ISN'T MECHANICAL STEARING LIKE I'M USED TO BUT THE SERVO MOTOR SEEMS TO PREVENT ME FROM TURNING THE WHEEL WHEN I NEED TO CORRECT. I CONTINUOUSLY HAVE TO OVERCORRECT FOR THE STICKING/NOTCHY STEERING. VERY ANNOYING AND TIRING AND COULD BE A SAFETY HAZARD UNDER THE RIGHT CONDITIONS. FOUND SEVERAL OTHER OWNERS ON THIS SITE WHO IS HAVING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. I TOTALLY AGREE THAT THERE IS DEFINITELY SOMETHING WRONG WITH THIS ELECTRONIC DRIVE-BY-WIRE STEERING MECHANISM. LIKE OTHERS HAVE SAID, PLEASE LET HYUNDAI KNOW THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM HERE. I NOTICE THIS MOSTLY WHILE DRIVING IN CITY TRAFFIC. I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE FOR OVER TWO YEARS AND I'M EXPERIENCING THE STEERING ISSUE MORE AND MORE NOW. IF MOST DRIVERS ARE NOT TRULY PAYING ATTENTION TO THERE DRIVING AND THIS STICKING THIS WILL LEAD TO CRASHES AND DEATHS.
NHTSA ODI #11297983
32,000 miles · Jan 8, 2020
Steering
CURRENTLY 42K MILES, "STICKY STEERING WHEEL" OR "ZIG-ZAG" PROBLEM STARTED ABOUT 10K MILES AGO. DEALER SERVICE TECHS I'VE DEALT WITH SEEM TO HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM. AFTER VERIFYING THAT MY DAUGHTER WAS REALLY EXPERIENCING THE ZIG-ZAG PROBLEM, I LIFTED THE FRONT OF HER CAR SO THAT BOTH FRONT WHEELS WERE OFF THE GROUND. …
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CURRENTLY 42K MILES, "STICKY STEERING WHEEL" OR "ZIG-ZAG" PROBLEM STARTED ABOUT 10K MILES AGO. DEALER SERVICE TECHS I'VE DEALT WITH SEEM TO HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM. AFTER VERIFYING THAT MY DAUGHTER WAS REALLY EXPERIENCING THE ZIG-ZAG PROBLEM, I LIFTED THE FRONT OF HER CAR SO THAT BOTH FRONT WHEELS WERE OFF THE GROUND. WITH THE ENGINE NOT RUNNING, SLOWLY TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL RIGHT AND LEFT WOULD REVEAL THE "STICKY" SYMPTOM, WHICH IS ACTUALLY AT SOME POINT THE STEERING WHEEL HANGS FOR SOME REASON AND THEN IT TAKES INCREASINGLY MORE TORQUE APPLIED TO THE STEERING WHEEL UNTIL IT BREAKS FREE. IF THIS HAD OCCURRED DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, THE RESULT WOULD BE A SUDDEN CHANGE OF DIRECTION. THIS BEHAVIOR IN THE STEERING SYSTEM SHOULD NEVER OCCUR, BUT SHOULD BE SILKY SMOOTH LOCK TO LOCK. THE ATTACHED IMAGE SHOWS THE SYSTEM FROM THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE BOTTOM OF THE CONNECTING SHAFT. I HAVE READ REPORTS THAT THE U-JOINTS IN THE CONNECTING SHAFT ARE THE PROBLEM, OR THAT THE MDPS (MOTOR DRIVEN POWER STEERING) UNIT IS THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM. IF I WERE WORKING THIS PROBLEM, I WOULD DISCONNECT THE UPPER U-JOINT AND RERUN THE STEERING WHEEL TEST. IF THE HANGING PROBLEM WAS STILL THERE, THEN THE MDPS UNIT (OR PERHAPS THE STAR SHAPED COUPLING WITHIN THE MDPS) SHOULD BE REPLACED. OTHERWISE, THE COUPLING SHAFT SHOULD BE INSPECTED FOR BINDING OF THE U-JOINTS. IF THE JOINTS ARE STICKING, THEN A REPLACEMENT SHAFT IS IN ORDER. IF NEITHER THE MDPS UNIT NOR COUPLING SHAFT ARE AT FAULT, THEN THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM MUST BE SOMEWHERE BELOW THE CONNECTING SHAFT. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THAT MANY OWNERS HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT, AND HYUNDAI DOES NOT SEEM TO HAVE ANY DESIRE TO ACKNOWLEDGE OR TO EVEN ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. I AM A FORMER ASE L1 MASTER AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN.
NHTSA ODI #11297914
30,000 miles · Jan 3, 2020
Vehicle Speed Control
WHEN MAKING RIGHT TURNS, MY CAR SUDDENLY STOPS ACCELERATING FOR A FEW SECONDS. THIS USUALLY HAPPENS WHEN EITHER THE CAR IS STOPPED AND THEN I GO TO TURN, OR TURNING AT A VERY LOW RATE OF SPEED AROUND A CORNER. WHEN I PUSH DOWN ON THE GAS PEDAL TO GO, IT TAKES OFF ABRUPTLY OR WITH A SURGE. THIS IS CONCERNING, ESPECIALLY IF A CA…
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WHEN MAKING RIGHT TURNS, MY CAR SUDDENLY STOPS ACCELERATING FOR A FEW SECONDS. THIS USUALLY HAPPENS WHEN EITHER THE CAR IS STOPPED AND THEN I GO TO TURN, OR TURNING AT A VERY LOW RATE OF SPEED AROUND A CORNER. WHEN I PUSH DOWN ON THE GAS PEDAL TO GO, IT TAKES OFF ABRUPTLY OR WITH A SURGE. THIS IS CONCERNING, ESPECIALLY IF A CAR IS FOLLOWING BEHIND ME. I ALSO NOTICE IT WHEN STOPPED AT A LIGHT, GOING STRAIGHT ALSO BUT NOT NEARLY AS MUCH AS WHEN I AM MAKING A TURN.
NHTSA ODI #11296800
20,997 miles · Dec 25, 2019
EnginePower Train
WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STOPPED, AND WHEN STARTING TO ACCELERATE, THERE ARE TIMES WHEN I'LL EXPERIENCE A 1-2 SECOND DELAY OR HESITATION, BEFORE THE ENGINE/TRANSMISSION ENGAGE. THIS SEEMS TO OCCUR MOSTLY WHEN THE WHEELS ARE IN A TURNED POSITION. IT CAN BE A FRIGHTENING EXPERIENCE AT AN INTERSECTION, WITH NO POWER. THIS HAS OCCURRED A…
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WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STOPPED, AND WHEN STARTING TO ACCELERATE, THERE ARE TIMES WHEN I'LL EXPERIENCE A 1-2 SECOND DELAY OR HESITATION, BEFORE THE ENGINE/TRANSMISSION ENGAGE. THIS SEEMS TO OCCUR MOSTLY WHEN THE WHEELS ARE IN A TURNED POSITION. IT CAN BE A FRIGHTENING EXPERIENCE AT AN INTERSECTION, WITH NO POWER. THIS HAS OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY A DOZEN TIMES.
NHTSA ODI #11291168
56,000 miles · Dec 24, 2019
Steering
NOTCHY STEERING, FEELS LIKE THE STEERING WHEEL STICKS, REQUIRING YOU TO USE ADDITIONAL FORCE TO TURN THE WHEEL. THIS CAUSES OVER-CORRECTING WITH THE POTENTIAL TO SWERVING INTO OTHER LANES OR OFF THE ROAD.
NHTSA ODI #11291079
35,000 miles · Dec 7, 2019
Air BagsCrashInjury
ON DEC 5, 2019 AT 7:50 AM, I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT WAITING TO TURN WEST AT A CITY INTERSECTION. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, I ACCELERATED AND DROVE TOWARDS THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION. THERE WAS NO ONCOMING TRAFFIC, SO I CONTINUED AND WAS ABOUT TO MAKE A LEFT TURN WHEN I GOT HIT BY 2018 FORD ESCAPE. THE DRIVER RAN THE R…
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ON DEC 5, 2019 AT 7:50 AM, I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT WAITING TO TURN WEST AT A CITY INTERSECTION. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, I ACCELERATED AND DROVE TOWARDS THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION. THERE WAS NO ONCOMING TRAFFIC, SO I CONTINUED AND WAS ABOUT TO MAKE A LEFT TURN WHEN I GOT HIT BY 2018 FORD ESCAPE. THE DRIVER RAN THE RED LIGHT AND HIT MY VEHICLE IN THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE QUARTER PANEL, CAUSING VISIBLE DAMAGE TO MY FENDER, WHEEL, PANEL AND BUMPER (MORE DAMAGE WILL BE DETERMINED BY INSURANCE ADJUSTER). THE IMPACT WAS SO HARD THAT IT MOVED MY CAR, PUSHING THE FRONT END OF MY CAR TOWARDS EAST OF THE INTERSECTION. I HAD MY TWO CHILDREN AND MY DOG IN THE CAR. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, AT ALL. THE OTHER VEHICLE HIT US HEAD ON AND THEIR AIRBAGS DID DEPLOY. MY HEAD AND UPPER BODY SLAMMED INTO THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW. EVERYONE IN MY CAR HAD THEIR SEATBELT ON AND MY DOG WAS TIED, BY HIS LEASH, TO AN ANCHOR IN THE BACK. THE IMPACT TO MY HEAD WAS SO HARD, I WENT TO THE ER AND THEY DID A CT SCAN TO MAKE SURE THERE WERE NO FRACTURES OR BLEEDING. I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A CONCUSSION DUE TO THE IMPACT. I AM ATTACHING PHOTOS OF THE SCENE AND THE DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI #11287668
Mileage unknown · Dec 1, 2019
EnginePower Train
I PURCHASED A USED 2017 SANTA FE AWD ON 11/06/2019. THE CAR FAILED TO START ON THE FIRST ATTEMPT AT A GAS STATION -- THE FIRST TIME IT HAS HAPPENED AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR. IT STARTED ON THE SECOND ATTEMPT, THE CAR DROVE SMOOTHLY TO THE DMV FOR REGISTRATION. ABOUT 1-2 HOURS OF DRIVING, THE CAR STALLED IN TOWN DESPITE ACCELERATI…
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I PURCHASED A USED 2017 SANTA FE AWD ON 11/06/2019. THE CAR FAILED TO START ON THE FIRST ATTEMPT AT A GAS STATION -- THE FIRST TIME IT HAS HAPPENED AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR. IT STARTED ON THE SECOND ATTEMPT, THE CAR DROVE SMOOTHLY TO THE DMV FOR REGISTRATION. ABOUT 1-2 HOURS OF DRIVING, THE CAR STALLED IN TOWN DESPITE ACCELERATING WITH RPMS GREATER 3. THE CAR BECAME RESPONSIVE ONLY AFTER STOPPING AND RESTARTING AT THE CURB. I NOTICED A STEADY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD FOR THE FIRST TIME AFTER THE INCIDENT AND HAVE BEEN HAVING A JERKY RIDE EXPERIENCE EVER SINCE. A CALL TO BLUELINK CONFIRMED THAT THE CAR REQUIRES A THOROUGH SYSTEM CHECK INVOLVING THE POWER TRAIN AT THE DEALERSHIP. AN APPOINTMENT HAS BEEN FOR 12/4/2019 AND THE CAR HAS BEEN PARKED.
NHTSA ODI #11283192
32,000 miles · Nov 18, 2019
Engine
WHEN GOING SLOW AROUND CORNERS AND GIVING THE CAR GAS THE CAR DOES NOT ACCELERATE. THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN WHILE GIVING IT GAS THE CAR ACCELERATES VERY FAST. THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN EVERY TIME BUT IT HAPPEN SEVERAL TIMES PER WEEK. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING AT SLOW SPEEDS ONLY.
NHTSA ODI #11280910
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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