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2010 Hyundai Sonata

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Sonata years

Owner complaints for the 2010 Hyundai Sonata are substantially higher than the model-year median of 161.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

282 reports with mileage · 63 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.

  • Structure. Review the 164 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 29 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes. Review the 28 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

19 crash reports3 fire reports13 injury reports

Vehicle Speed Control complaints

11 reports
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Mileage unknown · Aug 27, 2018
Service BrakesVehicle Speed ControlCrash

CAR HAD UNSOLICITED ACCELERATION WHEN BACKING UP. CAR WENT FLYING BACK IN FULL ACCELERATION. HIT RAILING/STAIRS.I PUT CAR IN PARK. THOUGHT I MUST HAVE HIT ACCELERATION BY MISTAKE SO I WENT TO PUT CAR IN DRIVE TO PULL INTO PARKING SPACE, WHEN I TOOK FOR OF BRAKE THE CAR CAREENED OUT OF CONTROL FULL ACCELERATION. I TRIED BRAKE FO…

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CAR HAD UNSOLICITED ACCELERATION WHEN BACKING UP. CAR WENT FLYING BACK IN FULL ACCELERATION. HIT RAILING/STAIRS.I PUT CAR IN PARK. THOUGHT I MUST HAVE HIT ACCELERATION BY MISTAKE SO I WENT TO PUT CAR IN DRIVE TO PULL INTO PARKING SPACE, WHEN I TOOK FOR OF BRAKE THE CAR CAREENED OUT OF CONTROL FULL ACCELERATION. I TRIED BRAKE FOOT PRESSING PEDAL DOWN CAR WOULDN'T STOP. I STEERED INTO LOW CEMENT PARKING SPACE BUMPER AND BUSHES TO STOP CAR. - 1024.00 TO REPLACE THROTTLE BODY THAT HYUNDAI CHECKED OUT AND SAID IT WAS STICKING. HYUNDAI CHARGED ME FOR THE THROTTLE BODY REPLACEMENT - I AM WAITING ON ESTIMATE OF PROPERTY DAMAGE I DID WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO BACK OUT OF PARKING SPACE AT MY DOCTOR'S OFFICE.

NHTSA ODI #11122742

215,000 miles · Jun 20, 2018
Vehicle Speed Control

APPROXIMATELY 6 MONTHS AGO I WAS DRIVING ON A SECONDARY ROAD IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. WITH CRUISE CONTROL AT 45 MPH I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE AS TRAFFIC SLOWED AHEAD OF ME AND THE ENGINE WOULD NOT DISENGAGE OR SLOW. I HAD TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND ASSIST THE BRAKES WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP. THE THROTTLE CONTROL ASSEMBLY WAS R…

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APPROXIMATELY 6 MONTHS AGO I WAS DRIVING ON A SECONDARY ROAD IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. WITH CRUISE CONTROL AT 45 MPH I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE AS TRAFFIC SLOWED AHEAD OF ME AND THE ENGINE WOULD NOT DISENGAGE OR SLOW. I HAD TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND ASSIST THE BRAKES WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP. THE THROTTLE CONTROL ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. TWO DAYS AGO ON A HIGHWAY THE SITUATION REPEATED; I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE AND THE ENGINE WOULD NOT DISENGAGE OR SLOW AND I HAD TO STOP WITH PUTTING THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. I AM SELLING THE CAR AT A LOSS FOR PARTS. IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE

NHTSA ODI #11102736

133,000 miles · Oct 8, 2017
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Unknown Or OtherVehicle Speed Control

I'VE DRIVEN THIS CAR SINCE 2011 AND HAVE NOT HAD AN ISSUE LIKE THIS BEFORE. LAST WEEK, (OCTOBER, 1, 2017). WHILE DRIVING DOWN AN OFF-RAMP AT ~35 MPH, MY 2010 HYUNDAI SONATA'S ESC OFF LIGHT CAME ON AND WOULD NOT GO OFF ; AT THE SAME TIME MY CRUISE CONTROL HAS STOPPED WORKING. WHEN I TURN THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON AGAIN, THE ESC O…

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I'VE DRIVEN THIS CAR SINCE 2011 AND HAVE NOT HAD AN ISSUE LIKE THIS BEFORE. LAST WEEK, (OCTOBER, 1, 2017). WHILE DRIVING DOWN AN OFF-RAMP AT ~35 MPH, MY 2010 HYUNDAI SONATA'S ESC OFF LIGHT CAME ON AND WOULD NOT GO OFF ; AT THE SAME TIME MY CRUISE CONTROL HAS STOPPED WORKING. WHEN I TURN THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON AGAIN, THE ESC OFF LIGHT IS OFF, BUT WITHIN 5-7 MINUTES OF DRIVING IT COMES BACK ON AGAIN AND STAYS ON AND THE CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT WORK NOW REGARDLESS OF IF THE ESC OFF LIGHT IS ON OR NOT. THIS OCCURS NOW EVERY TIME I DRIVE THE CAR. AT FIRST THE ESC OFF LIGHT IS OFF, AND EVERY TIME AFTER THE FIRST 5-7 MINUTES OF DRIVING IT LIGHTS UP. (AND PUSHING THE ESC OFF BUTTON DOES NOT AFFECT IT.) THIS OCCURS REGARDLESS OF WHERE I AM DRIVING OR HOW (ON ON A TWO-LANE, ON THE HIGHWAY, IN MY DRIVEWAY, TURNING, STOPPING, ACCELERATING ETC. THE ESC OFF LIGHT STAYS ON AND THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT COMES ON WHEN I PUSH THE CC BUTTON, BUT WHEN I TRY TO PUSH THE BUTTON TO ENGAGE THE SPEED SET, NOTHING HAPPENS, IT WILL NOT ENGAGE.) I TOOK IT TO THE ONLY HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP WITHIN 100 MILES OF WHERE I LIVE, AND I WAS TOLD IT WOULD BE $120.00 JUST TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THE CSR THAT SET UP MY APPOINTMENT SAID HE THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE THE BREAK LIGHT SWITCH. I RESEARCHED THE ISSUE MYSELF, AND APPARENTLY THERE HAS BEEN A MASSIVE RECALL OF VARIOUS 2007-2011 HYUNDAI'S (SONATA'S INCLUDED) THAT HAD FAULTY BREAK LIGHT SWITCHES AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I WAS NEVER MADE AWARE OF THIS RECALL/DEFECT. NOW, AFTER 7 YEARS AND 133,000 MILES (I'M WAY OVER THE WARRANTY PERIOD) AND HAVE TO PAY $ THAT I DO NOT HAVE JUST TO GET IT "DIAGNOSED" NOT TO MENTION HOW MUCH IT WILL COST TO "FIX" THE PROBLEM. DOES THE RECALL STILL COVER MY VEHICLE? AND IF NOT, IS THERE A WAY I CAN ORDER THE PART MYSELF AND REPLACE IT TO SEE IF THAT CORRECTS THE ISSUE? -DESPERATE IN TN-

NHTSA ODI #11032242

Mileage unknown · Dec 16, 2014
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THREE VEHICLES BEFORE BEING ABLE TO COME TO A STOP. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THREE VEHICLES BEFORE BEING ABLE TO COME TO A STOP. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10664604

60,050 miles · Sep 19, 2014
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Vehicle Speed Control

WHEN SPEEDING UP OR SLOWING DOWN THE ESC LIGHT CAN COME ON. CAR APPEARS TO HAVE TROUBLE CHANGING GEARS WHEN THIS HAPPENS. WHEN THE ISSUE OCCURS AFTER STOPPING OR YIELDING THEN THE CAR CAN GO INTO A JOLTING BACK AND FORTH MOTION FOR A FEW SECONDS UP UNTO ABOUT 30 SECONDS BEFORE IT SMOOTHS OUT. ALSO, SOME TIMES, THE CAR IS UNRESPO…

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WHEN SPEEDING UP OR SLOWING DOWN THE ESC LIGHT CAN COME ON. CAR APPEARS TO HAVE TROUBLE CHANGING GEARS WHEN THIS HAPPENS. WHEN THE ISSUE OCCURS AFTER STOPPING OR YIELDING THEN THE CAR CAN GO INTO A JOLTING BACK AND FORTH MOTION FOR A FEW SECONDS UP UNTO ABOUT 30 SECONDS BEFORE IT SMOOTHS OUT. ALSO, SOME TIMES, THE CAR IS UNRESPONSIVE FOR A FEW SECONDS UP UNTO 30 SECONDS BEFORE IT WILL RESPOND TO THE GAS PEDAL BEING PUSHED. STOPPING THE CAR AND RESTARTING THE ENGINE APPEARS TO CLEAR THE ESC LIGHT, BUT IT CAN COME BACK ON RANDOMLY AT ANOTHER SPEEDING UP OR SLOWING DOWN. DEALER APPEARS TO HAVE NO ANSWER AFTER 5 DAYS IN THEIR SERVICE SHOP. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10637573

25,072 miles · Oct 8, 2013
Vehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury

I HAD THE CRUISE CONTROL SET TO 47MPH, I WAS APPROACHING THE ROAD TO TURN RIGHT AND I TAPPED THE BRAKE TO KICK OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL AS I HAVE DONE BEFORE. I THEN LOOKED AT THE TRAFFIC AROUND ME AND HAD TO FIX MY SEAT BELT WHICH TIGHTENED TOO MUCH, TAKING MY EYES OFF THE ROAD A MOMENT. WHEN I LOOKED UP THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME …

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I HAD THE CRUISE CONTROL SET TO 47MPH, I WAS APPROACHING THE ROAD TO TURN RIGHT AND I TAPPED THE BRAKE TO KICK OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL AS I HAVE DONE BEFORE. I THEN LOOKED AT THE TRAFFIC AROUND ME AND HAD TO FIX MY SEAT BELT WHICH TIGHTENED TOO MUCH, TAKING MY EYES OFF THE ROAD A MOMENT. WHEN I LOOKED UP THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME WAS AT A DEAD STOP, AND I WAS STILL TRAVELING AT 47MPH! THE CRUISE CONTROL NEVER TURNED OFF TO SLOW THE CAR DOWN, I HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME, WHICH HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF HER. MY INSURANCE DECIDED TO TOTAL MY VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10547233

59,870 miles · Aug 8, 2013
Air BagsVehicle Speed ControlCrash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE ENGINE RPMS INCREASED EXCESSIVELY AS THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A BUILDING AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE ENGINE RPMS INCREASED EXCESSIVELY AS THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A BUILDING AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE REPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 59,870.

NHTSA ODI #10534281

1,490 miles · Sep 23, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN YOU SET THE CRUISE CONTROL THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED BEYOND THE NORMAL SPEED WHILE DRIVING DOWN HILL. WHILE DRIVING DOWN A HILL AT 70 MPH THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UP TO 80 MPH. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN YOU SET THE CRUISE CONTROL THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED BEYOND THE NORMAL SPEED WHILE DRIVING DOWN HILL. WHILE DRIVING DOWN A HILL AT 70 MPH THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UP TO 80 MPH. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CONNECTED TO HYUNDAI'S ATTEMPT TO INCREASE THE MILES PER GALLON. THE MANUFACTURER ADMITTED THAT THIS WAS A PROBLEM, BUT AT THE TIME THERE WAS NO RESOLUTION. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 1490. UPDATED 12/23/10. *LJ UPDATED 01/04/11.*JB

NHTSA ODI #10357204

4,500 miles · Aug 25, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control

CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH FAILED AT 4500 MILES DUE TO OPEN/SHORT IN SWITCH. PART WAS ORDERED AND INSTALLED. COVERED UNDER HYUNDAI'S WARRANTY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10351699

7,000 miles · Aug 25, 2010
Vehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury

AS I BACKED THE CAR FROM A PARKING SPACE AND STARTED FORWARD AND I EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN ACCELERATION. I WAS LUCKY THAT THERE WAS NO CAR IN FRONT OF ME AND I WAS ABLE TO REACH THE PARKING LOT EXIT SAFELY. I TURNED LEFT FOR SEVERAL HUNDRED YARDS AND REACHED A TRAFFIC SIGNAL, I WAS ABLE TO IMMEDIATELY TURN LEFT. I PROCEEDED SOU…

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AS I BACKED THE CAR FROM A PARKING SPACE AND STARTED FORWARD AND I EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN ACCELERATION. I WAS LUCKY THAT THERE WAS NO CAR IN FRONT OF ME AND I WAS ABLE TO REACH THE PARKING LOT EXIT SAFELY. I TURNED LEFT FOR SEVERAL HUNDRED YARDS AND REACHED A TRAFFIC SIGNAL, I WAS ABLE TO IMMEDIATELY TURN LEFT. I PROCEEDED SOUTH AND ENTERED THE LEFT TURN LANE AT ROUTE 104 AND WAS THE FIRST CAR AT THE TRAFFIC LIGHT WAITING FOR TRAFFIC ALREADY ACROSS THE INTERSECTION WAITING TO TURN LEFT ONTO ROUTE 104. THE CAR ACROSS THE INTERSECTION BEGAN TO MOVE AND I STEPPED ON THE ACCELERATOR AND THE CAR SHOT ACROSS THE INTERSECTION AT FULL SPEED INSTANTLY AND I WAS DRIVEN INTO THE CAR IN FRONT. THERE WAS NO CHANCE TO STOP THE CAR. THE STEERING WHEEL AIRBAG DEPLOYED AND CUT BOTH MY WRISTS WHEN THEY HELD THE STEERING WHEEL. THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO RACE UNTIL I TURNED OFF THE IGNITION. A POLICE OFFICER ARRIVED SHORTLY ASKED ONE OR TWO QUESTIONS AND SUGGESTED I REMAIN IN THE CAR. MEDICS FROM A PRIVATE AMBULANCE SERVICE WHO HAD BEEN IN THE EVENING TRAFFIC IMMEDIATELY STOPPED AND I OPENED MY FRONT DOOR WINDOWS AND SPOKE TO THEM (A MAN AND WOMAN EMT). THEY APPLIED BANDAGE PADS TO AIRBAG CUTS ON BOTH WRISTS THROUGH THE OPEN WINDOWS. I REMAINED IN THE CAR AND INDICATED I DID NOT NEED HOSPITALIZATION. THE DRIVER OF THE OTHER CAR IMMEDIATELY GOT OUT OF HIS CA. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10351647

Official recalls

2

13V354000 · Suspension:rear

Aug 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.

13V113000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

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.

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

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.

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.

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.