Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
1470–25K
3625–50K
2450–75K
2675–100K
32100–150K
3150K+
268 reports with mileage · 694 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Engine. Review the 643 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 161 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 67 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
14 crash reports23 fire reports11 injury reports
What owners actually said
962 reports
9,000 miles · Apr 29, 2019
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control
I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN ON TO A STREET GOING UPHILL AND MY 2017 HYUNDAI SANTE FE SPORT AWD ULTIMATE HESITATED FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 SECONDS. WHEN I PRESSED THE GAS I COULD NOT GET SPEED. MY TRACTION LIGHTS BLINKED ON AND OFF. I HAD TO FLOOR THE GAS TO GAIN SPEED. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. I COULD HAVE BEEN T- BONED OR HIT FRO…
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I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN ON TO A STREET GOING UPHILL AND MY 2017 HYUNDAI SANTE FE SPORT AWD ULTIMATE HESITATED FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 SECONDS. WHEN I PRESSED THE GAS I COULD NOT GET SPEED. MY TRACTION LIGHTS BLINKED ON AND OFF. I HAD TO FLOOR THE GAS TO GAIN SPEED. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. I COULD HAVE BEEN T- BONED OR HIT FROM BEHIND IF THERE WAS TRAFFIC ON THE STREET.
NHTSA ODI #11204635
13,200 miles · Apr 1, 2019
Steering
STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO GET HARD LIKE STICKY WHEN TURN IT OVER RIGHT OR LEFT, NEEDING MORE POWER TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AND PUTTING ME IN RISK WHEN REACH 60 MILES PER HOUR
NHTSA ODI #11193004
2,747 miles · Mar 25, 2019
SeatsVisibility/wiper
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT MADE AN ABNORMAL SQUEAKING SOUND. THE SEAT LEANED TOWARDS THE CONSOLE AND SQUEAKED NONSTOP WHILE DRIVING. IN ADDITION, THE REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT MADE AN ABNORMAL SQUEAKING SOUND. THE SEAT LEANED TOWARDS THE CONSOLE AND SQUEAKED NONSTOP WHILE DRIVING. IN ADDITION, THE REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NAPLETON HYUNDAI (649 DUNN RD, HAZELWOOD, MO 63042, (314) 548-0956) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE'S COMPUTER NEEDED TO BE UPDATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED; HOWEVER, AN APPOINTMENT WAS MADE TO SERVICE THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,747.
NHTSA ODI #11191434
10,000 miles · Mar 20, 2019
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT'S CLIENT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT WAS A LAWYER AND STATED THAT HIS CLIENT'S VEHICLE STALLED. THE CLIENT ATTEMPTED TO MERGE ONTO THE HIGHWAY, BUT COULD NOT ENTER THE ONRAMP BECAUSE THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER TO THE ROAD SHOULDER. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS I…
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TL* THE CONTACT'S CLIENT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT WAS A LAWYER AND STATED THAT HIS CLIENT'S VEHICLE STALLED. THE CLIENT ATTEMPTED TO MERGE ONTO THE HIGHWAY, BUT COULD NOT ENTER THE ONRAMP BECAUSE THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER TO THE ROAD SHOULDER. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DANBURY HYUNDAI (102 FEDERAL RD, DANBURY, CT 06810, (203) 730-4700) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT NO FAILURE WAS FOUND. THE CONTACT DID NOT KNOW IF HIS CLIENT'S VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BECAUSE THE MECHANIC DID NOT PROVIDE A STRAIGHT ANSWER. THE CONTACT'S CLIENT WAS INSTRUCTED BY THE LAWYER NOT TO RETRIEVE THE VEHICLE UNTIL THERE WAS CONFIRMATION THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND A CASE MANAGER WAS ASSIGNED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.
NHTSA ODI #11190247
Mileage unknown · Mar 11, 2019
Engine
ENGINE STARTING MAKING A KNOCKING NOISE. BROUGHT INTO DEALER AND WAS TOLD IT HAD COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO BROKEN BEARING AND I WOULD NEED A NEW ENGINE. DENIED REQUEST THROUGH WARRANTY. ONLY AROUND 43000 MILES ARE ON THE CAR. HYUNDAI INFORMED ME IT WAS DENIED DUE TO OIL NOT BEING CHANGED PROPERLY AS EVIDENCED BY TWO ARE…
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ENGINE STARTING MAKING A KNOCKING NOISE. BROUGHT INTO DEALER AND WAS TOLD IT HAD COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO BROKEN BEARING AND I WOULD NEED A NEW ENGINE. DENIED REQUEST THROUGH WARRANTY. ONLY AROUND 43000 MILES ARE ON THE CAR. HYUNDAI INFORMED ME IT WAS DENIED DUE TO OIL NOT BEING CHANGED PROPERLY AS EVIDENCED BY TWO AREAS OF SLUDGE ON THE INSIDE OF THE HOOD OF THE ENGINE. SERVICE RECORDS BROUGHT TO HYUNDAI SHOWING OIL WAS CHANGED WITHIN THE 7500 MILE AS INDICATED ON HYUNDAI'S WEBSITE AND OWNERS MANUEL.
NHTSA ODI #11185835
46,921 miles · Mar 9, 2019
EngineFuel/propulsion System
CARBON MONOXIDE INSIDE THE CABIN WHEN TRAVELING ON THE FREEWAY ABOUT 70 MILES AN HOUR
NHTSA ODI #11185575
1,200 miles · Mar 4, 2019
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System
NAVIGATION SCREEN DOES NOT TURN OFF AFTER THE IGNITION IS TURNED CAUSING THE BATTERY TO DRAIN AND CAR WILL NOT START
NHTSA ODI #11183958
Mileage unknown · Feb 22, 2019
Power Train
WHILE I AM DRIVING AND MY CAR IS CHANGING GEARS, IT DOES FINE UNTIL ITS IN FOURTH GEAR. THE RPM WILL GO TO ABOUT 2,800 UNTIL IT CHANGES TO FIFTH GEAR. ONVE ITS IN 5TH GEAR THE RPM WILL GO INTO A "NEUTRAL" STATE AND REV FROM 4,700 RPM TO 5,700 WITHOUT ANY ACCELERATION. THIS HAPPENS WHEN ACCELERATING UP A FREEWAY ENTRANCE . I HAVE…
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WHILE I AM DRIVING AND MY CAR IS CHANGING GEARS, IT DOES FINE UNTIL ITS IN FOURTH GEAR. THE RPM WILL GO TO ABOUT 2,800 UNTIL IT CHANGES TO FIFTH GEAR. ONVE ITS IN 5TH GEAR THE RPM WILL GO INTO A "NEUTRAL" STATE AND REV FROM 4,700 RPM TO 5,700 WITHOUT ANY ACCELERATION. THIS HAPPENS WHEN ACCELERATING UP A FREEWAY ENTRANCE . I HAVE BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP 3X NOW AND ALL THEY KEEP SAYING IS THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS AN UPDATE. AND THE ADAPTIVE VALUES NEED TO BE RE- LEARNED. I HAVE NOW HAD MY TRANSMISSION FLUID FILLED ONCE AND THEN I PAID TO GET A TRANNY FLUSH. AND ADADPTIVE VALUES RESET TWICE. NOTHING HAS CHANGED. I HAVE 38,000 MILES AND THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR ABOUT THE LAST 15,000 MILES.
NHTSA ODI #11182026
16,895 miles · Feb 22, 2019
Suspension
KNOCKING NOISE UNDERNEATH THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHILE DRIVING.
NHTSA ODI #11181759
20,000 miles · Feb 13, 2019
Electrical SystemEngine
CAR COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING AT A SLOW SPEED TURNING RIGHT FROM A STOP SIGN, WAS LUCKY TO BE ABLE TO PULL OVER TO SIDE OF ROAD. ALL ELECTRICAL/COMPUTER SHUT DOWN, ENGINE CUT OFF. RESTARTED BUT ENGINE SPUTTERS, FEELS LIKE IT IS TRYING TO SHIFT GEARS WHILE STILL IN PARK. IT WAS A VERY UNSAFE SITUATION. WAS NOT ABLE T…
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CAR COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING AT A SLOW SPEED TURNING RIGHT FROM A STOP SIGN, WAS LUCKY TO BE ABLE TO PULL OVER TO SIDE OF ROAD. ALL ELECTRICAL/COMPUTER SHUT DOWN, ENGINE CUT OFF. RESTARTED BUT ENGINE SPUTTERS, FEELS LIKE IT IS TRYING TO SHIFT GEARS WHILE STILL IN PARK. IT WAS A VERY UNSAFE SITUATION. WAS NOT ABLE TO GET STARTED TO DRIVE HOME. ONE WEEK EARLIER I NOTICED THE COMPUTER ACTING UP WHEN I FIRST STARTED UP, BUT RESTATED AND DROVE ANYWAY (NO PROBLEM THAT TIME WHILE DRIVING).
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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
DP24001 · 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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