NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
425 reports130,000 miles · Apr 5, 2017
Electrical SystemEngine
ON THE 3.3L ENGINE THERE IS A FAULT IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET THAT CAUSES OIL TO LEAK ONTO THE ALTERNATOR CAUSING PREMATURE ALTERNATOR FAILURE. IF THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER WHILE DRIVING THIS CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH. THIS PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED ON OTHER VEHICLES WITH THIS SAME ENGINE SUCH AS THE VERACRUZ AND A RECALL …
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ON THE 3.3L ENGINE THERE IS A FAULT IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET THAT CAUSES OIL TO LEAK ONTO THE ALTERNATOR CAUSING PREMATURE ALTERNATOR FAILURE. IF THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER WHILE DRIVING THIS CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH. THIS PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED ON OTHER VEHICLES WITH THIS SAME ENGINE SUCH AS THE VERACRUZ AND A RECALL HAS BEEN INITIATED. FOR SOME REASON THE RECALL DOES NOT EXTEND TO THE SONATA AS IT SHOULD. THE FOLLOWING IS FROM THE VERACRUZ RECALL INVOLVING THE SAME ENGINE. "HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY (HYUNDAI) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2012 VERACRUZ VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 26, 2006, THROUGH JULY 24, 2012. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE AN OIL LEAK FROM THE FRONT CYLINDER BANK VALVE COVER GASKET. IF THERE IS A SUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF OIL DROPPED ONTO THE ALTERNATOR, THE ALTERNATOR WILL BE DAMAGED CAUSING THE CHARGING SYSTEM TO BECOME INOPERATIVE." MY ALTERNATOR HAS FAILED TWICE NOW, ONCE WHILE DRIVING AND I EXPERIENCED A TOTAL LOSS OF VEHICLE POWER. I WAS ABLE TO FORCE THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT INCIDENT BUT IT EASILY COULD HAVE GONE BAD ON ME AS I WAS ON THE FREEWAY IN TRAFFIC. ONCE MY ALTERNATOR AND SUBSEQUENTLY MY BATTERY DIED I WAS LEFT WITHOUT CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND WITHOUT LIGHTS ON THE VEHICLE TO WARN OTHER DRIVERS OF MY SITUATIONS.
NHTSA ODI #10970794
117,000 miles · Mar 28, 2017
Service Brakes
WE RETURNED TO THE CHICAGO AIRPORT FROM A VACATION AND WERE GOING TO DRIVE THE REST OF THE WAY HOME, 200 MILES TO GREEN BAY. THE BRAKE PEDAL SEEMED TO DEPRESS FURTHER THAN NORMAL RIGHT AWAY BUT WE FIGURED IT WAS DUE TO THE CAR SITTING FOR A WEEK. WE PROCEEDED WITH OUR DIVE BUT AFTER ABOUT 100 MILES NEEDED TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. T…
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WE RETURNED TO THE CHICAGO AIRPORT FROM A VACATION AND WERE GOING TO DRIVE THE REST OF THE WAY HOME, 200 MILES TO GREEN BAY. THE BRAKE PEDAL SEEMED TO DEPRESS FURTHER THAN NORMAL RIGHT AWAY BUT WE FIGURED IT WAS DUE TO THE CAR SITTING FOR A WEEK. WE PROCEEDED WITH OUR DIVE BUT AFTER ABOUT 100 MILES NEEDED TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. THE BRAKES WERE NOT RESPONDING AS THEY SHOULD. WE PUT BRAKE FLUID IN THE VEHICLE BUT STILL THE BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING CORRECTLY. AT ONE POINT I HAD DEPRESSED THE PEDAL ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND THE CAR WAS STILL MOVING. I FOUND A MECHANIC TO TAKE A LOOK AT THE ISSUE RIGHT AWAY AND WAS TOLD THE BRAKE LINES WERE RUSTED THROUGH. AFTER GETTING A LOANER TO GET HOME, I HAD TO DRIVE BACK THE NEXT DAY AND RETRIEVE MY CAR. THIS WAS AT A COST OF $750.00. THIS COULD HAVE KILLED MY FAMILY OR SOMEONE ELSE HAD WE CONTINUED OUR DRIVE AND I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A RECALL ISSUED. I HAVE REVIEWED THE INTERNET AND FOUND THIS IS NOT THE FIRST ISSUE OF BRAKES FAILING ON THIS VEHICLE, YET A RECALL HAS NOT BEEN ISSUED FOR THE BRAKE LINES. THERE WAS NO NOTIFICATION OR WARNING LIGHT THAT WENT ON IN THE CAR, ONLY THE PRESENCE OF MIND THAT SOMETHING WAS WRONG. I HAVE THE INVOICE FROM THE REPAIR THAT SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT BOTH BRAKE LINES WERE RUSTED. I HAVE ASKED THE MECHANIC IF HE COULD SALVAGE THE PARTS FOR ME TO KEEP IN CASE WE NEED THEM. I HAVE NOTIFIED HYUNDAI AS WELL VIA E-MAIL.
NHTSA ODI #10969196
90,000 miles · Mar 11, 2017
Air Bags
MY AIRBAG LIGHT IS STUCK ON AT ALL TIMES. I HAVE NOT BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENTS NO BODY WORK HAS BEEN DONE TO THE CAR. THE LIGHT DOESNT FLASH OFF AND ON, IT STAYS ON ALL THE TIME. SEVERAL MECHANICS CANNOT CLEAR THE CODE OR FIGURE OUT WHY. IVE BEEN SENT TO CERTIFIED HYUNDAI DEALERSHIPS AND THEY CAN'T FIGURE IT OUT. I VE READ ALL OVER …
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MY AIRBAG LIGHT IS STUCK ON AT ALL TIMES. I HAVE NOT BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENTS NO BODY WORK HAS BEEN DONE TO THE CAR. THE LIGHT DOESNT FLASH OFF AND ON, IT STAYS ON ALL THE TIME. SEVERAL MECHANICS CANNOT CLEAR THE CODE OR FIGURE OUT WHY. IVE BEEN SENT TO CERTIFIED HYUNDAI DEALERSHIPS AND THEY CAN'T FIGURE IT OUT. I VE READ ALL OVER THE INTERNET OF PEOPLE PUMPING THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS INTO FIXING IT, ONLY TO HAVE THE LIGHT COME BACK ON. IM NOT PUTTING MONEY INTO A BLACK HOLE FOR THE PROBLEM TO NEVER HAVE A PERMANENT SOLUTION. I FEEL UNSAFE NOT KNOWING THE REAL ISSUE. ITS NOT THE AIRBAG FUSE OR WIRING AS THAT HAS BEEN INSEPECTED AND TESTED. I HAVE ONE DEALERSHIP WHO WON'T EVEN LOOK AT MY CAR BECAUSE I THINK THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH IT. I HAVE NO DOCUMENTS TO ATTACH BECAUSE TECHNICALLY NOTHING HAPPENED TO MY CAR TO TRIGGER THIS LIGHT. IT JUST CAME ON ONE DAY. IT DOESNT MATTER IF THE CAR IS PARKED OR IN DRIVING MODE OR ANYTHING. ITS ALWAYS ON. I CAN'T PASS ANY STATE INSPECTIONS.
NHTSA ODI #10960113
Mileage unknown · Feb 19, 2017
Air BagsElectrical SystemExterior Lighting
MY DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR QUITE SOME TIME, AND MY PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG LIGHT IS NOT DETECTING ANYONE SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. I TOOK MY CAR TO A MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD IT'S AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE WITH MY AIRBAGS AND MAY BE DUE TO A FAULTY WIRING ISSUE UNDER THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. ADDITIONALLY, THE L…
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MY DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR QUITE SOME TIME, AND MY PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG LIGHT IS NOT DETECTING ANYONE SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. I TOOK MY CAR TO A MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD IT'S AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE WITH MY AIRBAGS AND MAY BE DUE TO A FAULTY WIRING ISSUE UNDER THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. ADDITIONALLY, THE LOW BEAM ON MY DRIVER SIDE LIGHTING FIXTURE IS NOT WORKING, ALTHOUGH I'VE HAD THE BULB REPLACED MULTIPLE TIMES. FURTHER, THE HEADLIGHTS, ALTHOUGH ALSO REPLACED, DON'T WORK AT ALL.
NHTSA ODI #10955519
102,000 miles · Jan 27, 2017
Air BagsElectronic Stability Control (esc)
ESC OFF LIGHT COMES ON RANDOMLY ALONG WITH AIRBAG WARNING.
NHTSA ODI #10948045
102,127 miles · Dec 29, 2016
Service Brakes
BRAKES FAILED WHILE DRIVING DOWN AN INCLINE IN PARKING LOT IN TYSONS CORNER, VIRGINIA. HAD TO PUMP BRAKES TO STOP HITTING THE EXIT GATE. BRAKE LINE RUSTED, BROKE, AND ALL BRAKE FLUID LEAKED OUT. CAR HAD 102127 MILES. NEVER HAD A CAR WITH A BRAKE LINE THAT RUSTED THROUGH. MECHANICS FIXED BY REPLACING SECTION OF STEEL BRAKE L…
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BRAKES FAILED WHILE DRIVING DOWN AN INCLINE IN PARKING LOT IN TYSONS CORNER, VIRGINIA. HAD TO PUMP BRAKES TO STOP HITTING THE EXIT GATE. BRAKE LINE RUSTED, BROKE, AND ALL BRAKE FLUID LEAKED OUT. CAR HAD 102127 MILES. NEVER HAD A CAR WITH A BRAKE LINE THAT RUSTED THROUGH. MECHANICS FIXED BY REPLACING SECTION OF STEEL BRAKE LINE UNDER RIGHT SIDE OF BODY SUBFRAME THAT HAD RUSTED AND SPLIT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10938676
179,000 miles · Dec 26, 2016
Engine
THE ENGINE STARTED KNOCKING LOUDLY, SLOWING DOWN AND IDLING ROUGH. I PULLED OVER AND THE CAR WOULD NOT REMAIN RUNNING IN IDLE. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED AND INSPECTED AT THE HOUSE AND THE VALVES ARE BAD. IT HAPPENED WITHOUT ANY WARNING, LIGHTS OR GAUGES COMING ON OR PRIOR NOISE. I WAS DRIVING AROUND 45-50 TO WORK WHEN THIS HAPPENE…
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THE ENGINE STARTED KNOCKING LOUDLY, SLOWING DOWN AND IDLING ROUGH. I PULLED OVER AND THE CAR WOULD NOT REMAIN RUNNING IN IDLE. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED AND INSPECTED AT THE HOUSE AND THE VALVES ARE BAD. IT HAPPENED WITHOUT ANY WARNING, LIGHTS OR GAUGES COMING ON OR PRIOR NOISE. I WAS DRIVING AROUND 45-50 TO WORK WHEN THIS HAPPENED OUT OF THE BLUE. 179,000 MILES ON THE CAR AND REGULAR OIL CHANGES SINCE I HAD THE VEHICLE. I PURCHASE THE VEHICLE WITH 60,000 MILES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10937487
150,000 miles · Dec 23, 2016
Exterior LightingService Brakes
THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL NOT GO OFF! A LIGHT SAYS ESC OFF, WHEN I TURN THE CAR OFF , LATER THE LIGHT IS OUT BUT I STILL DO NOT HAVE FUNCTIONING BRAKE LIGHTS THEY JUST STAY ON WHILE IN MOTION.
NHTSA ODI #10937210
82,000 miles · Dec 17, 2016
Air Bags
MY CAR ONLY HAS 82,000 MILES ON IT AND I AM THE SECOND OWNER. FOR SOME REASON THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. I RECEIVED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY NOTIFICATION EARLIER THIS YEAR IN REGARDS TO SEAT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES ON 2006-2008 SONATAS, WHICH APPLIED TO MY CAR. AT THAT TIME HOWEVER, I HAD NO ISSUES WITH THE AIRBAG LIGHT BUT NOW THE LIGHT…
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MY CAR ONLY HAS 82,000 MILES ON IT AND I AM THE SECOND OWNER. FOR SOME REASON THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. I RECEIVED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY NOTIFICATION EARLIER THIS YEAR IN REGARDS TO SEAT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES ON 2006-2008 SONATAS, WHICH APPLIED TO MY CAR. AT THAT TIME HOWEVER, I HAD NO ISSUES WITH THE AIRBAG LIGHT BUT NOW THE LIGHT HAS COME ON. I WENT TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT MY ISSUE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE HOWEVER IT HAS TO DO WITH A B1448 080 (OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM) (MAT DEFECT) I HAVE SPENT SOME TIME DOING RESEARCH AND IT APPEARS THAT A NUMBER OF PEOPLE HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING THIS ISSUE. I AM NOT SURE WHATS GOING ON HERE BUT I THINK WE NEED TO LOOK INTO THE AIR BAG ISSUE. I HAVE BEEN QUOTED A COST OF $1,300 TO FIX THIS PROBLEM AND I DO NOT FEEL THAT THIS IS ACCEPTABLE AND THAT THE COST SHOULD NOT BE PUSHED ON TO THE CONSUMER, GIVEN THAT IT APPEARS TO BE MAT DEFECT WHICH PROBABLY STEMS FROM THE MANUFACTURER. I HAVE ALSO TAKEN THIS CAR TO THE SAME DEALER FOR SERVICE AND ALL THE RECORDS OF SERVICE ARE AVAILABLE. I AM JUST CONCERNED THAT THIS AIR BAG ISSUE MAY BE VERY SERIOUS.
NHTSA ODI #10935960
Mileage unknown · Dec 17, 2016
Air BagsExterior LightingSeats
IM JUST WRITING BECAUSE IM GETTING ALOT OF ALERTS FROM YOU GUYS AND I DONT LIVE AT THE SAME ADDRESS WHEN I PURCHASED MY CAR. SO IM NOT GETTING MY RECALL LETTERS OR NOTICES. SO WHAT IM WOUNDERING IS WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO TO MAKE SURE MY CAR IS NOT BEING EFFECTIVE BY THESES RECALLS. THANK YOU AND HAVE A NICE DAY.
NHTSA ODI #10935937
Official recalls
3Aug 12, 2013
Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2006-2010 Sonata vehicles manufactured March 1, 2005, through January 21, 2010; and model year 2006-2011 Azera vehicles manufactured September 27, 2005, through November 22, 2010 originally sold in, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Road salt and water can enter portions of the rear crossmember, leading to corrosion of the crossmember steel. This may lead to detachment of one of the rear control arms.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Control arm separation may suddenly change the rear wheel alignment, affecting the handling of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will repair or replace the crossmember assembly. The recall began on October 8, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai Customer Care Center at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall number is 113.
Apr 1, 2013
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburon vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Hyundai recalled 1,059,824 model year 2007-2009 Accent and Tucson, model year 2007-2010 Elantra, model year 2007-2011 Santa Fe, model year 2008-2009 Veracruz, model year 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, and model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. In September 2013, Hyundai informed the agency that it was adding more vehicles to this campaign, representing an additional 652,512 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 1,712,336. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake transmission shift interlock feature, preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of Park without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.
Apr 10, 2008
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 393,308 MY 2006-2008 SONATA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN ADVANCED AIR BAG SYSTEM WHICH FEATURES AN OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) IN THE RIGHT FRONT SEAT. THE PURPOSE OF THE OCS IS TO DISABLE THE RIGHT PASSENGER SEAT FRONT AIR BAG WHEN IT DETECTS THE PRESENCE OF A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM OR SMALL CHILD IN THE RIGHT FRONT SEAT. THE RIGHT FRONT AIR BAG IS DISABLED TO PREVENT INJURIES TO A CHILD THAT MAY RESULT FROM A RIGHT FRONT AIR BAG INFLATION DURING A CRASH.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: MISCLASSIFICATION OF A SMALL STATURE ADULT AS A CHILD IN THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SEAT MAY CAUSE THE RIGHT FRONT AIR BAG TO NOT INFLATE IN AN ACCIDENT THAT MERITS AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT AND MAY RESULT IN INJURY TO THE RIGHT FRONT OCCUPANT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL VERIFY THAT THE OCS DOES NOT PROPERLY RECOGNIZE A PROPERLY SEATED ADULT OCCUPANT. AFTER VERIFICATION, DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE RIGHT FRONT SEAT CUSHION ASSEMBLY AND SHIP IT TO AN EVALUATION AND REPAIR FACILITY. THIS FACILITY WILL EVALUATE AND REPAIR OR REPROGRAM THE SEAT CUSHION AND OCS AS NECESSARY. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT MAY 26, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.
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
4DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power
Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
DP21003 · Throttle Control System Vulnerabilities
Opened Nov 12, 2021 · Closed Jun 20, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:throttle
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003. Accordingly, Model Year (MY) 2005-2016 Kia Optima/K5, MY 2006-2015 Kia Sorento, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Santa Fe, MY 2006-2015 Hyundai Sonatas are all part of the subject population. The petition was originally filed as a Vehicle Owner Questionnaire that can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under reference (ODI) number 11439675.On November 12, 2021, ODI opened Defect Petition DP21-003 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. ODI performed trend analyses of the VOQs related to vehicle speed control issues for all the subject vehicles and found that none of the 52 Model/Model Year Hyundai/Kia vehicles demonstrated any actionable trend that warranted an investigation.Petitioners submitted 1119 VOQs and non-VOQ cases in which sudden uncommanded acceleration (SUA) or loss of motive power (LOMP) incidents were alleged.For the 1119 reports, 220 were incidents involving crashes, from which 69 subject Hyundai-Kia vehicles were inspected by Hyundai/Kia dealer technicians, Hyundai/Kia engineers, and/or third-party representatives.ODI found the inspections identified no vehicle defects related to the ETC system.Of the 220 crash-involved reports, 13 Event Data Recorder (EDR) records were downloaded successfully and 11 of those indicated driver error: (i.e.) pedal misapplication.A condition where the accelerator pedal is mistakenly applied instead of the brake pedal when the driver wants to stop the vehicle.In addition, ODI reviewed a scientific journal paper published in Forensic Science International in 2016 by Mr. Park et al ., as well as related test videos. ODI does not believe there is any evidence of uncontrollable SUA occurrences in any of the tests reviewed. NHTSA's Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) reviewed the allegations regarding the potential noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 124.Based on the information provided, the Agency concludes there is insufficient information for us to determine if a possible non-compliance exists.Finally, both Hyundai and Kia informed ODI that all their vehicles manufactured after 2012 were equipped with an ETC management system, in which the engine speed will go to idle when the system sees signals from both the brake pedal and accelerator pedal at the same time; this is commonly known as the brake-throttle override system.After thoroughly assessing the material submitted by the petitioner, information already in NHTSA's possession, information submitted by Hyundai and Kia in response to an Information Request letter, and the potential risks to safety implicated by the petitioner's allegation, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. After full consideration of appropriate factors, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA?s reasons for denial of the petition will be published.
PE14023 · Seat Belt Buckle Electrical Malfunction
Opened Jul 22, 2014 · Closed Dec 1, 2014
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags; Seat Belts; Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly
On July 22, 2014 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a preliminary evaluation to further analyze allegations of seat belt pretensioner malfunctions on model year (MY) 2006-2008 Hyundai Sonata vehicles.ODI received 131 unique reports alleging a failure within the seat belt pretensioner system, which was typically preceded by SRS light illumination.ODI requested more information from Hyundai in order to understand the nature of the failure and how the airbag deployment algorithm, the seat belt pretensioners, and/or the airbag function may be affected. In response to ODI?s information request (IR), Hyundai submitted 764 unique consumer and field reports and 19,847 warranty claims related to a failure in the front seat belt buckle assembly potentially causing a malfunction of the seat belt pretensioners.In it's response, Hyundai advised that if the resistance specifications for the seat belt buckle pretensioner circuit, located in the seat belt stalk, exceed the nominal range, a diagnostic trouble code will be set and the SRS warning indicator lamp will illuminate.The presence of this stored code will not affect the ability of the SRS Control Module (SRSCM) to detect a collision and command deployment of the pretensioners and airbags, if warranted.In fact, the wiring harness connector may be unplugged from the seat belt buckle pretensioner, and the signal to deploy the pretensioner will still be commanded and recorded.MY 2006-2008 Sonata?s utilize a dual pretensioner system by incorporating pretensioners into both the driver and front passenger seat belt retractor and the seat belt buckle assembly.The retractor pretensioner is located inside the B-pillar and winds (pretensions) the seat belt webbing back into the retractor housing during a collision, helping to remove seat belt slack and restrain the upper torso and hips.In contrast, the buckle pretensioner is located within the stalk of the seat belt assembly and acts to supplement lower limb protection.Both pretensioners are controlled by the SRSCM but utilize separate wiring and connectors.The seat belt retractor pretensioner circuitry and operation is independent of the seat belt buckle pretensioner connector and circuitry.Hyundai produced analysis indicating that increased resistance in the seat belt pretensioner which occurs in vehicle service does not result in a loss of buckle pretensioner.Hyundai further advised that in the unlikely event that a seat belt buckle pretensioner may not deploy due to increased resistance, the retractor pretensioner would still activate.Hyundai advised that the subject vehicles maintain their 5 STAR NHTSA safety rating using the retractor based pretensioner only.ODI notes that MY 2009-10 Sonatas reverted back to a single pretensioner system, and do not utilize seat belt buckle pretensioners. Hyundai advised its intention to initiate a warranty extension program to address concerns with the seat belt buckle prentensioner faults in MY 2006-2008 Hyundai Sonata vehicles.This action will extend the warranty coverage for this issue for 15 years or 250,000 miles, whichever occurs first.Given Hyundai's action and the minimal safety consequence this issue presents, further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will monitor the issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances. The ODI complaints cited above can be reviewed at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID, se
Additional source detail variants (3)
Air Bags
On July 22, 2014 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a preliminary evaluation to further analyze allegations of seat belt pretensioner malfunctions on model year (MY) 2006-2008 Hyundai Sonata vehicles.ODI received 131 unique reports alleging a failure within the seat belt pretensioner system, which was typically preceded by SRS light illumination.ODI requested more information from Hyundai in order to understand the nature of the failure and how the airbag deployment algorithm, the seat belt pretensioners, and/or the airbag function may be affected. In response to ODI?s information request (IR), Hyundai submitted 764 unique consumer and field reports and 19,847 warranty claims related to a failure in the front seat belt buckle assembly potentially causing a malfunction of the seat belt pretensioners.In it's response, Hyundai advised that if the resistance specifications for the seat belt buckle pretensioner circuit, located in the seat belt stalk, exceed the nominal range, a diagnostic trouble code will be set and the SRS warning indicator lamp will illuminate.The presence of this stored code will not affect the ability of the SRS Control Module (SRSCM) to detect a collision and command deployment of the pretensioners and airbags, if warranted.In fact, the wiring harness connector may be unplugged from the seat belt buckle pretensioner, and the signal to deploy the pretensioner will still be commanded and recorded.MY 2006-2008 Sonata?s utilize a dual pretensioner system by incorporating pretensioners into both the driver and front passenger seat belt retractor and the seat belt buckle assembly.The retractor pretensioner is located inside the B-pillar and winds (pretensions) the seat belt webbing back into the retractor housing during a collision, helping to remove seat belt slack and restrain the upper torso and hips.In contrast, the buckle pretensioner is located within the stalk of the seat belt assembly and acts to supplement lower limb protection.Both pretensioners are controlled by the SRSCM but utilize separate wiring and connectors.The seat belt retractor pretensioner circuitry and operation is independent of the seat belt buckle pretensioner connector and circuitry.Hyundai produced analysis indicating that increased resistance in the seat belt pretensioner which occurs in vehicle service does not result in a loss of buckle pretensioner.Hyundai further advised that in the unlikely event that a seat belt buckle pretensioner may not deploy due to increased resistance, the retractor pretensioner would still activate.Hyundai advised that the subject vehicles maintain their 5 STAR NHTSA safety rating using the retractor based pretensioner only.ODI notes that MY 2009-10 Sonatas reverted back to a single pretensioner system, and do not utilize seat belt buckle pretensioners. Hyundai advised its intention to initiate a warranty extension program to address concerns with the seat belt buckle prentensioner faults in MY 2006-2008 Hyundai Sonata vehicles.This action will extend the warranty coverage for this issue for 15 years or 250,000 miles, whichever occurs first.Given Hyundai's action and the minimal safety consequence this issue presents, further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will monitor the issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances. The ODI complaints cited above can be reviewed at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID, se
Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly
On July 22, 2014 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a preliminary evaluation to further analyze allegations of seat belt pretensioner malfunctions on model year (MY) 2006-2008 Hyundai Sonata vehicles.ODI received 131 unique reports alleging a failure within the seat belt pretensioner system, which was typically preceded by SRS light illumination.ODI requested more information from Hyundai in order to understand the nature of the failure and how the airbag deployment algorithm, the seat belt pretensioners, and/or the airbag function may be affected. In response to ODI?s information request (IR), Hyundai submitted 764 unique consumer and field reports and 19,847 warranty claims related to a failure in the front seat belt buckle assembly potentially causing a malfunction of the seat belt pretensioners.In it's response, Hyundai advised that if the resistance specifications for the seat belt buckle pretensioner circuit, located in the seat belt stalk, exceed the nominal range, a diagnostic trouble code will be set and the SRS warning indicator lamp will illuminate.The presence of this stored code will not affect the ability of the SRS Control Module (SRSCM) to detect a collision and command deployment of the pretensioners and airbags, if warranted.In fact, the wiring harness connector may be unplugged from the seat belt buckle pretensioner, and the signal to deploy the pretensioner will still be commanded and recorded.MY 2006-2008 Sonata?s utilize a dual pretensioner system by incorporating pretensioners into both the driver and front passenger seat belt retractor and the seat belt buckle assembly.The retractor pretensioner is located inside the B-pillar and winds (pretensions) the seat belt webbing back into the retractor housing during a collision, helping to remove seat belt slack and restrain the upper torso and hips.In contrast, the buckle pretensioner is located within the stalk of the seat belt assembly and acts to supplement lower limb protection.Both pretensioners are controlled by the SRSCM but utilize separate wiring and connectors.The seat belt retractor pretensioner circuitry and operation is independent of the seat belt buckle pretensioner connector and circuitry.Hyundai produced analysis indicating that increased resistance in the seat belt pretensioner which occurs in vehicle service does not result in a loss of buckle pretensioner.Hyundai further advised that in the unlikely event that a seat belt buckle pretensioner may not deploy due to increased resistance, the retractor pretensioner would still activate.Hyundai advised that the subject vehicles maintain their 5 STAR NHTSA safety rating using the retractor based pretensioner only.ODI notes that MY 2009-10 Sonatas reverted back to a single pretensioner system, and do not utilize seat belt buckle pretensioners. Hyundai advised its intention to initiate a warranty extension program to address concerns with the seat belt buckle prentensioner faults in MY 2006-2008 Hyundai Sonata vehicles.This action will extend the warranty coverage for this issue for 15 years or 250,000 miles, whichever occurs first.Given Hyundai's action and the minimal safety consequence this issue presents, further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will monitor the issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances. The ODI complaints cited above can be reviewed at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID, se
Seat Belts
On July 22, 2014 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a preliminary evaluation to further analyze allegations of seat belt pretensioner malfunctions on model year (MY) 2006-2008 Hyundai Sonata vehicles.ODI received 131 unique reports alleging a failure within the seat belt pretensioner system, which was typically preceded by SRS light illumination.ODI requested more information from Hyundai in order to understand the nature of the failure and how the airbag deployment algorithm, the seat belt pretensioners, and/or the airbag function may be affected. In response to ODI?s information request (IR), Hyundai submitted 764 unique consumer and field reports and 19,847 warranty claims related to a failure in the front seat belt buckle assembly potentially causing a malfunction of the seat belt pretensioners.In it's response, Hyundai advised that if the resistance specifications for the seat belt buckle pretensioner circuit, located in the seat belt stalk, exceed the nominal range, a diagnostic trouble code will be set and the SRS warning indicator lamp will illuminate.The presence of this stored code will not affect the ability of the SRS Control Module (SRSCM) to detect a collision and command deployment of the pretensioners and airbags, if warranted.In fact, the wiring harness connector may be unplugged from the seat belt buckle pretensioner, and the signal to deploy the pretensioner will still be commanded and recorded.MY 2006-2008 Sonata?s utilize a dual pretensioner system by incorporating pretensioners into both the driver and front passenger seat belt retractor and the seat belt buckle assembly.The retractor pretensioner is located inside the B-pillar and winds (pretensions) the seat belt webbing back into the retractor housing during a collision, helping to remove seat belt slack and restrain the upper torso and hips.In contrast, the buckle pretensioner is located within the stalk of the seat belt assembly and acts to supplement lower limb protection.Both pretensioners are controlled by the SRSCM but utilize separate wiring and connectors.The seat belt retractor pretensioner circuitry and operation is independent of the seat belt buckle pretensioner connector and circuitry.Hyundai produced analysis indicating that increased resistance in the seat belt pretensioner which occurs in vehicle service does not result in a loss of buckle pretensioner.Hyundai further advised that in the unlikely event that a seat belt buckle pretensioner may not deploy due to increased resistance, the retractor pretensioner would still activate.Hyundai advised that the subject vehicles maintain their 5 STAR NHTSA safety rating using the retractor based pretensioner only.ODI notes that MY 2009-10 Sonatas reverted back to a single pretensioner system, and do not utilize seat belt buckle pretensioners. Hyundai advised its intention to initiate a warranty extension program to address concerns with the seat belt buckle prentensioner faults in MY 2006-2008 Hyundai Sonata vehicles.This action will extend the warranty coverage for this issue for 15 years or 250,000 miles, whichever occurs first.Given Hyundai's action and the minimal safety consequence this issue presents, further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will monitor the issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances. The ODI complaints cited above can be reviewed at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID, se
PE13007 · Rear Control Arm Failure
Opened Mar 25, 2013 · Closed Aug 20, 2013
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension:rear
In a letter dated August 9, 2013, Hyundai-Kia America Technical Center, Inc. (Hyundai) notified NHTSA that Hyundaiis conducting a safety recall (13V-354) involving approximately 239,000 vehicles involving model year (MY) 2006 through 2010 Hyundai Sonata vehicles (approximately 215,000)produced beginning on March 1, 2005 through January 21, 2010 and model year (MY) 2006 through 2011 Hyundai Azera vehicles (approximately 24,000) produced beginning on September 27, 2005 through November 22, 2010 that are registered in and operated or originally sold in the following 20 salt belt states and the District of Columbia: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.Hyundai will also inform dealers to inspect/repair vehicles that were previously registered in salt belt states but are currently registered elsewhere. Hyundai is conducting the recall to remedy a defect involving internal corrosion of the rear sub frame that may lead to separation of the rear upper/lower control arm(s) at their respective mounting points and/or separation of the axle from the transaxle where they meet.This could result in a loss of vehicle control and/or vehicle disablement which may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.In response to NHTSA?s Information Request (IR) letter, Hyundai stated the Azera vehicles utilizes the identical cross member and upper/lower rear control arm components as the subject (Sonata) vehicles.In analysis of both Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) data submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) and consumer complaint data submitted to Hyundai, ODI identified 19 non-duplicative reports alleging excessive corrosion of the rear sub frame. All of the complaint vehicles were either originally sold or registered at the time of the incident in one of the salt belt states.Of these 19 reports, 9 alleged either a suspension component separation or a fracture of the vehicle's rear cross member assembly.Similarly, ODI identified 8 warranty claims of rear sub frame replacement in data submitted by Hyundai due to excessive corrosion, all of which involved vehicles originally sold or operated in a salt belt state. Based on Hyundai's decision to conduct a safety recall, (13V-354) this investigation is closed.The VOQs cited above can be viewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10535115, 10534110, 10525976, 10524726, 10521520, 10508368, 10505463, 10490073, 10486752, 10486435, 1048354, 10473922, and 10437887.