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2012 Hyundai Elantra

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Elantra years

Owner complaints for the 2012 Hyundai Elantra are substantially higher than the model-year median of 182.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

428 reports with mileage · 224 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 139 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 126 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 124 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

47 crash reports11 fire reports30 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

126 reports
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52,000 miles · Sep 15, 2014
Electrical SystemEngine

YESTERDAY AFTERNOON I GOT INTO MY CAR TO GO TO THE STORE, AND IT WOULDN'T START. I CONTINUED TO TURN THE KEY TO ON POSITION, THEN BACK OFF AND WOULDN'T START. THEN TRIED AGAIN IN THEN IT FINALLY STARTED BARELY. AGAIN I GOT INTO MY CAR TO GO TO WORK, AND IT WOULDN'T START AGAIN. I SWITCHED THE KEY BACK OFF POSITION AND ON AGAIN A…

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YESTERDAY AFTERNOON I GOT INTO MY CAR TO GO TO THE STORE, AND IT WOULDN'T START. I CONTINUED TO TURN THE KEY TO ON POSITION, THEN BACK OFF AND WOULDN'T START. THEN TRIED AGAIN IN THEN IT FINALLY STARTED BARELY. AGAIN I GOT INTO MY CAR TO GO TO WORK, AND IT WOULDN'T START AGAIN. I SWITCHED THE KEY BACK OFF POSITION AND ON AGAIN AND STILL NO START. TRIED IT AGAIN 2 MORE TIMES TO START AND FINALLY IT STARTED UP. I HAD THIS ISSUE ABOUT A YEAR AGO ABOUT A MONTH AFTER I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE AND GOT IT TOWED TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY FOUND NOTHING BECAUSE IT STARTED RIGHT UP FOR THEM. PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT TO DO TO GET THIS ISSUE FROM OCCURRING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10633251

59,100 miles · Sep 12, 2014
Electrical SystemPower TrainUnknown Or Other

I LEFT HOME FOR A 1,000 MILE ROAD TRIP STARTING ON THE DATE SPECIFIED ABOVE. MILEAGE INDICATED ABOVE IS A CLOSE APPROXIMATION TO WHEN THE INCIDENT FIRST OCCURRED. ON THE FIRST DAY, I STOPPED FOR GASOLINE AT A STATION. WHEN I TRIED TO START THE CAR BACK UP, I HAD POWER TO EVERYTHING BUT MY CAR MADE NO ATTEMPT TO START. AFTER TRYI…

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I LEFT HOME FOR A 1,000 MILE ROAD TRIP STARTING ON THE DATE SPECIFIED ABOVE. MILEAGE INDICATED ABOVE IS A CLOSE APPROXIMATION TO WHEN THE INCIDENT FIRST OCCURRED. ON THE FIRST DAY, I STOPPED FOR GASOLINE AT A STATION. WHEN I TRIED TO START THE CAR BACK UP, I HAD POWER TO EVERYTHING BUT MY CAR MADE NO ATTEMPT TO START. AFTER TRYING SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE COURSE OF ABOUT 5-10 MINUTES, IT FINALLY STARTED AND RAN FINE. THIS HAPPENED FIVE TIMES OVER THE COURSE OF THE TRIP LASTED 8 DAYS. I HAVE MADE AN APPOINTMENT AT THE DEALERSHIP TO LOOK IT OVER, AGAIN. I SAY "AGAIN" BECAUSE I TOOK THE CAR IN TO THE DEALERSHIP LESS THAN 500 MILES PRIOR FOR WHAT I BELIEVE TO BE A RELATED ISSUE. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER WOULD NOT LEAVE THE "DRIVE" POSITION WHEN I STOPPED AT ONE POINT AND NEEDED TO GET OUT OF THE CAR. I COULD NOT BECAUSE I COULD NOT PUT IT IN "PARK", GEAR SHIFT LEVER WAS STUCK IN "DRIVE". BACK TO THE "WON'T START" ISSUE - WIGGLING THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEEMS TO HAVE HELPED ME START THE CAR WHEN IT PREVIOUSLY WOULD NOT. DEALER SAID THEY COULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE OF THE STUCK AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10632876

67,770 miles · Sep 9, 2014
Electrical SystemEngine

THE VEHICLE IN QUESTION PERIODICALLY FAILS TO START. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. AT FIRST THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START ON OCCASION BUT HAS SINCE BEGAN HAVING STARTING ISSUES MORE FREQUENTLY. I CONTACTED MY DEALER AND WAS TOLD OF TWO POSSIBLE ISSUES REGARDING A STOP LAMP SWITCH AND A FAULTY…

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THE VEHICLE IN QUESTION PERIODICALLY FAILS TO START. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. AT FIRST THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START ON OCCASION BUT HAS SINCE BEGAN HAVING STARTING ISSUES MORE FREQUENTLY. I CONTACTED MY DEALER AND WAS TOLD OF TWO POSSIBLE ISSUES REGARDING A STOP LAMP SWITCH AND A FAULTY STARTER. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO IDENTIFY A PROBLEM. I CONTACTED HYUNDAI USA AND THEY WERE UNAWARE OF AN ISSUE REGARDING MY SPECIFIC VEHICLE AS THERE ARE NO RECALLS FOR THIS SPECIFIC ISSUE BUT THERE ARE RECALLS REGARDING THIS SAME ISSUE BUT WITH OTHER VEHICLES. I FEEL THAT HYUNDAI IS NOT STANDING BEHIND THEIR PRODUCTS WITH THEIR WARRANTY AND I DO NOT KNOW ON A DAILY BASIS IF MY VEHICLE IS GOING TO START THE NEXT TIME I ATTEMPT IT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10631964

37,850 miles · Aug 30, 2014
Electrical SystemEngine

ENGINE WOULD NOT CRANK. LIGHTS,WINDOWS,RADIO,ETC. ALL WORKED. SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL AND CAR STARTED. HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10629535

39,550 miles · Aug 29, 2014
Electrical System

SEVERAL WEEKS AGO, ON A SUNDAY, I GOT INTO MY 2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA IN THE PARKING LOT OF THE LOCAL KROGER AND TRIED TO START THE CAR. IT REFUSED TO START OR TURN OVER. IT DIDN'T MAKE A SOUND. THE LIGHTS, RADIO, ETC. WORKED FINE, BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT START AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPTS. I CALLED A FRIEND WHO CAME OVER AND JUMPED ME OF…

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SEVERAL WEEKS AGO, ON A SUNDAY, I GOT INTO MY 2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA IN THE PARKING LOT OF THE LOCAL KROGER AND TRIED TO START THE CAR. IT REFUSED TO START OR TURN OVER. IT DIDN'T MAKE A SOUND. THE LIGHTS, RADIO, ETC. WORKED FINE, BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT START AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPTS. I CALLED A FRIEND WHO CAME OVER AND JUMPED ME OFF. I THOUGHT THIS COULD BE RELATED TO MY BATTERY, BUT FOR THE NEXT TWO WEEKS, I HAD NO PROBLEMS. THIS PAST SUNDAY, AUGUST 24, I PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND IT GAVE A LITTLE HICCUP, AS IF IT WASN'T GOING TO START, BUT THEN IT STARTED ANYWAY. I MADE A SHORT TRIP INTO TOWN, STOPPED AT THE STORE, CAME BACK AND THE CAR STILL STARTED FINE. BUT THE NEXT MORNING, MONDAY, AUG. 25, IT WOULD NOT START AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPTS. MY NEIGHBOR GAVE ME A JUMP-OFF - IT TOOK A COUPLE OF MINUTES, BUT FINALLY THE CAR STARTED. I ASSUMED THIS WAS DEFINITELY THE BATTERY, SO I HEADED TO AUTOZONE AND GOT A NEW BATTERY INSTALLED. SEVERAL DAYS PASSED, AND EVERYTHING WAS FINE. ON THURSDAY MORNING, AUGUST 28, IT WOULDN'T START AGAIN. I TRIED REPEATEDLY, NO LUCK. I CALLED A FRIEND, WHO CAME OVER TO JUMP IT OFF. STILL WOULDN'T START. I CALLED HYUNDAI ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND THEY HAD IT TOWED TO PRIDE HYUNDAI, A DEALERSHIP IN BATESVILLE, MISS. I GOT A RIDE TO WORK AND, LATER, I GOT A CALL FROM PRIDE HYUNDAI. THEY SAID THE CAR STARTED JUST FINE. THEY ALSO REPORTED THAT THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER SAID IT STARTED FOR HIM AS WELL. I EXPLAINED THE SITUATION AND THEY SAID THEY'D LOOK AT IT. HOURS LATER, I CALLED THEM BACK (SINCE IT WAS CLEAR THEY HAD FORGOTTEN TO CALL ME) AND THEY SAID THEY'D HOOKED IT UP TO THE COMPUTER AND FOUND NO PROBLEMS. I ASKED THEM TO KEEP IT OVERNIGHT AND TRY IT AGAIN THE NEXT MORNING. THE LADY ON THE PHONE WENT OUT TO THE LOT AND CAME BACK - SHE SAID IT STARTED FINE FOR HER AND AGAIN SHE INSISTED THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG WITH MY CAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10629334

31,500 miles · Aug 21, 2014
Electrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline

AFTER SITTING OVERNIGHT, VEHICLE FAILED TO START FOLLOWING MORNING. ALTHOUGH ALL COMPONENTS REQUIRING POWER (WINDOWS, HEADLIGHTS, RADIO, INTERIOR LIGHTS, ETC.) SEEMED TO BE FUNCTIONING OK, JUMP STARTED VEHICLE, AND IT STARTED IMMEDIATELY. A FEW DAYS LATER PROBLEM RECURRED; LET VEHICLE SIT FOR SOME TIME, AND VEHICLE THEN STARTED …

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AFTER SITTING OVERNIGHT, VEHICLE FAILED TO START FOLLOWING MORNING. ALTHOUGH ALL COMPONENTS REQUIRING POWER (WINDOWS, HEADLIGHTS, RADIO, INTERIOR LIGHTS, ETC.) SEEMED TO BE FUNCTIONING OK, JUMP STARTED VEHICLE, AND IT STARTED IMMEDIATELY. A FEW DAYS LATER PROBLEM RECURRED; LET VEHICLE SIT FOR SOME TIME, AND VEHICLE THEN STARTED IMMEDIATELY (NO JUMP START). TODAY PROBLEM OCCURRED YET AGAIN (WAITING TO SEE IF VEHICLE WILL EVENTUALLY START). A QUICK REVIEW OF ONLINE FORUMS INDICATES A POSSIBLE ISSUE WITH THE SHIFT INTERLOCK, OR PERHAPS A FAULTY RAIN SENSOR. AS AN ASIDE, A LONGER-TERM SPORADIC, PRESUMABLY ELECTRICAL, ISSUE ALSO EXISTS WITH THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT WINDOW. THE WINDOW WILL GO DOWN WITHOUT ISSUE, BUT IT OFTEN TAKES MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS FROM EITHER THE PASSENGER SIDE OR DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW CONTROL TO GET THE WINDOW BACK UP. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10626965

26,091 miles · Aug 20, 2014
Electrical SystemEngine

THE CAR WILL NOT START ONCE IT IS TURNED OFF. IT COULD START ONCE AND GO TO THE STORE, AND THEN LOCK UP FOR A FEW HOURS. EVENTUALLY IT WILL ACT NORMAL AGAIN AD THEN START ALL OVER AGAIN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10626569

20,630 miles · Aug 10, 2014
Electrical SystemEngineFuel System, Gasoline

MY 2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA WOULD NOT START THIS MORNING AND THIS WAS THE THIRD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED STARTING IN MAY 2014. I HIT MY DOOR UNLOCK ON MY KEY FAB AND THE DOORS UNLOCKED FROM HERE I PROCEEDED START MY CAR. EVERYTHING STARTED BUT THE CAR. I TURNED BACK TO THE STARTING POSITION AND TRIED AGAIN SAME RESULTS. I WAITED A …

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MY 2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA WOULD NOT START THIS MORNING AND THIS WAS THE THIRD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED STARTING IN MAY 2014. I HIT MY DOOR UNLOCK ON MY KEY FAB AND THE DOORS UNLOCKED FROM HERE I PROCEEDED START MY CAR. EVERYTHING STARTED BUT THE CAR. I TURNED BACK TO THE STARTING POSITION AND TRIED AGAIN SAME RESULTS. I WAITED A FEW MINUTES AND TRIED AGAIN AMAZINGLY IT STARTED. WHAT IS GOING ON WITH MY CAR? THIS HAS HAPPEN BEFORE THE FIRST TIME CALLED A TOW TRUCK DRIVER AND BY THE TIME HE ARRIVED IT STARTED . THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY A VISIT TO NORTH COUNTY HYUNDAI IN CARLSBAD,CA. OF COURSE THE DEALERSHIP FOUND NOTHING WRONG . AGAIN WHAT IS WRONG WITH MY CAR? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10621224

31,652 miles · Jul 31, 2014
Electrical System

MY 2012 ELANTRA STARTED FINE THIS MORNING AND EVERY DAY PREVIOUSLY, BUT WHEN I WENT TO START IT AFTER SHOPPING, IT WOULDN'T START. I TURNED THE KEY IN THE IGNITION SWITCH AND NOTHING. HOWEVER, ALL OF THE LIGHTS INSIDE WORKED. I TRIED SEVERAL TIMES TO GET IT TO START AND IT FINALLY STARTED. I CAME HOME AND THEN AFTER A COUPLE…

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MY 2012 ELANTRA STARTED FINE THIS MORNING AND EVERY DAY PREVIOUSLY, BUT WHEN I WENT TO START IT AFTER SHOPPING, IT WOULDN'T START. I TURNED THE KEY IN THE IGNITION SWITCH AND NOTHING. HOWEVER, ALL OF THE LIGHTS INSIDE WORKED. I TRIED SEVERAL TIMES TO GET IT TO START AND IT FINALLY STARTED. I CAME HOME AND THEN AFTER A COUPLE OF HOURS, I WENT OUT TO GO SOMEWHERE AND ONCE AGAIN, IT WOULDN'T START. AFTER 3-4 TIMES OF TURNING THE KEY, IT FINALLY STARTED. I CURRENTLY HAVE IT READY TO BE PICKED UP TO GO TO THE DEALERSHIP AS I AM ASSUMING IT WILL NOT START AGAIN THE NEXT TIME. I HAVE READ NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS WITH THE EXACT SAME ISSUE AS WELL AS VIEWING VIDEOS OF THE SAME EXACT THING HAPPENING. I PURCHASED THIS CAR NEW IN JUNE OF 2012 SO I WOULDN'T HAVE TO HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT GETTING STRANDED, BUT I MAY BE REGRETTING MY DECISION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10618021

40,000 miles · Jul 31, 2014
Electrical SystemEngine

WHENEVER I TRY TO TURN ON MY CAR EVERYTHING TURNS ON EXCEPT THE ENGINE. THE LIGHTS AND EVERYTHING ARE FINE. THE BATTERY TESTS FINE. I HAVE BEEN TO THE DEALER 3 TIMES AND THEY SAY NOTHING IS WRONG WITH IT. IT HAS NOT STARTED APPROXIMATELY 15-20 TIMES. BASED ON ACCOUNTS FROM OTHERS WITH THE SAME VEHICLE WHO HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM T…

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WHENEVER I TRY TO TURN ON MY CAR EVERYTHING TURNS ON EXCEPT THE ENGINE. THE LIGHTS AND EVERYTHING ARE FINE. THE BATTERY TESTS FINE. I HAVE BEEN TO THE DEALER 3 TIMES AND THEY SAY NOTHING IS WRONG WITH IT. IT HAS NOT STARTED APPROXIMATELY 15-20 TIMES. BASED ON ACCOUNTS FROM OTHERS WITH THE SAME VEHICLE WHO HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM THE ENGINE HAS ALSO STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING. THANKFULLY THE ISSUE HAS ONLY EVER OCCURRED WHEN MY CAR IS PARKED, BUT I'D REALLY RATHER NOT RISK IT HAPPENING ON THE ROAD IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10618009

Official recalls

4

23V651000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

Sep 22, 2023

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

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 fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.

20V393000 · Equipment:electrical

Jul 2, 2020

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2012 Hyundai Elantra and Sonata Hybrid, 2012 Accent and Veloster vehicles. The 12V accessory socket outlet may have been over-tightened during installation, possibly disabling the thermal fuse and allowing the outlet to overheat with prolonged use, such as by using the Tire Mobility Kit air compressor to inflate a tire.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An overheated accessory outlet increases the risk of fire.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the Tire Mobility Kit accessory outlet plug with a direct-to-battery connection wire harness kit, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 193.

15V871000 · Electronic Stability Control (esc)

Dec 23, 2015

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Elantra vehicles manufactured October 29, 2010, to October 25, 2011. Due to an electronic stability control (ESC) sensor malfunction, the brakes for one or more wheels may be applied unexpectedly and the engine power may be reduced. These symptoms will be accompanied by illumination of the ESC indicator lamp in the instrument cluster.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the one or more of the brakes are inappropriately applied, control of the vehicle may be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will verify the proper operation of the ESC sensors, and update the ESC system's calibration, free of charge. The recall began June 6, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 137.

13V115000 · Air Bags:side/window; Structure

Apr 1, 2013

Hyundai Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Elantra vehicles manufactured from November 12, 2010, through March 5, 2013. A support bracket attached to the headliner may become displaced during a side curtain airbag deployment.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the headliner support bracket makes contact with an occupant during a crash, it may cause a laceration injury.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will apply adhesive strips to the headliner, free of charge. The safety recall began during April 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 109.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Structure

Hyundai Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Elantra vehicles manufactured from November 12, 2010, through March 5, 2013. A support bracket attached to the headliner may become displaced during a side curtain airbag deployment.

Consequence: If the headliner support bracket makes contact with an occupant during a crash, it may cause a laceration injury.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will apply adhesive strips to the headliner, free of charge. The safety recall began during April 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 109.

Air Bags:side/window

Hyundai Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Elantra vehicles manufactured from November 12, 2010, through March 5, 2013. A support bracket attached to the headliner may become displaced during a side curtain airbag deployment.

Consequence: If the headliner support bracket makes contact with an occupant during a crash, it may cause a laceration injury.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will apply adhesive strips to the headliner, free of charge. The safety recall began during April 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 109.

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

4

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.

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.

EA12008 · Headliner Bracket Detachment

Opened Sep 13, 2012 · Closed Dec 9, 2013

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:side/window; Structure:body:roof And Pillars; Unknown Or Other

In March 2013, Hyundai issued a safety recall to reinforce the attachment of the metal support brackets to the headliner assembly in approximately 186,254 model year 2011-2013 Hyundai Elantra vehicles built in Korea and sold in the U.S. (see NHTSA recall 13V-115 for more information).The recall covers vehicles built up to March 5, 2013.After that date, Hyundai began using headliners with reinforced bracket attachments in the Korea-built Elantra vehicles.ODI has opened a Recall Query (RQ13-004) to investigate model year 2009-2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring vehicles.During EA12-008, ODI found these vehicles are equipped with a support bracket design and layout similar to that in the above-mentioned Elantra vehicles.Also, the headliner manufacturing processes used were similar for both models.Like the Elantra vehicles built before the recall, the Elantra Touring model headliner does not contain reinforced bracket attachments.This Engineering Analysis is closed.See attached report for additional information.The ODI report cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification number: 10457696

Additional source detail variants (3)

Air Bags:side/window

In March 2013, Hyundai issued a safety recall to reinforce the attachment of the metal support brackets to the headliner assembly in approximately 186,254 model year 2011-2013 Hyundai Elantra vehicles built in Korea and sold in the U.S. (see NHTSA recall 13V-115 for more information).The recall covers vehicles built up to March 5, 2013.After that date, Hyundai began using headliners with reinforced bracket attachments in the Korea-built Elantra vehicles.ODI has opened a Recall Query (RQ13-004) to investigate model year 2009-2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring vehicles.During EA12-008, ODI found these vehicles are equipped with a support bracket design and layout similar to that in the above-mentioned Elantra vehicles.Also, the headliner manufacturing processes used were similar for both models.Like the Elantra vehicles built before the recall, the Elantra Touring model headliner does not contain reinforced bracket attachments.This Engineering Analysis is closed.See attached report for additional information.The ODI report cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification number: 10457696

Structure:body:roof And Pillars

In March 2013, Hyundai issued a safety recall to reinforce the attachment of the metal support brackets to the headliner assembly in approximately 186,254 model year 2011-2013 Hyundai Elantra vehicles built in Korea and sold in the U.S. (see NHTSA recall 13V-115 for more information).The recall covers vehicles built up to March 5, 2013.After that date, Hyundai began using headliners with reinforced bracket attachments in the Korea-built Elantra vehicles.ODI has opened a Recall Query (RQ13-004) to investigate model year 2009-2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring vehicles.During EA12-008, ODI found these vehicles are equipped with a support bracket design and layout similar to that in the above-mentioned Elantra vehicles.Also, the headliner manufacturing processes used were similar for both models.Like the Elantra vehicles built before the recall, the Elantra Touring model headliner does not contain reinforced bracket attachments.This Engineering Analysis is closed.See attached report for additional information.The ODI report cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification number: 10457696

Unknown Or Other

In March 2013, Hyundai issued a safety recall to reinforce the attachment of the metal support brackets to the headliner assembly in approximately 186,254 model year 2011-2013 Hyundai Elantra vehicles built in Korea and sold in the U.S. (see NHTSA recall 13V-115 for more information).The recall covers vehicles built up to March 5, 2013.After that date, Hyundai began using headliners with reinforced bracket attachments in the Korea-built Elantra vehicles.ODI has opened a Recall Query (RQ13-004) to investigate model year 2009-2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring vehicles.During EA12-008, ODI found these vehicles are equipped with a support bracket design and layout similar to that in the above-mentioned Elantra vehicles.Also, the headliner manufacturing processes used were similar for both models.Like the Elantra vehicles built before the recall, the Elantra Touring model headliner does not contain reinforced bracket attachments.This Engineering Analysis is closed.See attached report for additional information.The ODI report cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification number: 10457696

PE12012 · Side Curtain Air Bag Improper Deployment

Opened May 10, 2012 · Closed Sep 17, 2012

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags; Air Bags:side/window

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is aware of one incident of an improper deployment of the driver-side curtain air bag that deployed as a result of a crash involving a model year (MY) 2012 Hyundai Elantra.An inspection of this vehicle showed that a metal bracket (stiffener) in the headliner assembly had detached and was forced downward by the deploying air bag.The metal bracket caused a laceration to the driver's ear and other possible injuries.Approximately 75,000 MY 2012 Hyundai Elantra vehicles, built in Korea and sold in the U.S., have stiffeners in the headliners while the MY 2012 Elantra vehicles built in the U.S. utilize a different headliner that does not use a stiffener. Thus, the latter vehicles are not included in this investigation.Hyundai has inspected the headliner assemblies from eight Elantra vehicles (which were sold in the Korean market) with production dates in the same range as the field incident vehicle.Hyundai reported to ODI that the metal brackets from these vehicles were found to be securely attached to the headliners.Hyundai also has conducted several static deployment tests in attempts to replicate the field incident. In one test, the metal bracket detached from the headliner but the test condition did not replicate or explain the condition observed in the incident vehicle.This Preliminary Evaluation has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA12-008) to further assess whether incidents like the single field incident could potentially occur with other subject vehicles.In addition to the subject vehicles, ODI also will collect and review information on MY 2011 and 2013 Elantra vehicles that have headliners with stiffeners similar to those in the subject vehicles. To date, there have been no reports on the MY 2011 and 2013 vehicles.The ODI report cited above can be viewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification number: 10457696

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is aware of one incident of an improper deployment of the driver-side curtain air bag that deployed as a result of a crash involving a model year (MY) 2012 Hyundai Elantra.An inspection of this vehicle showed that a metal bracket (stiffener) in the headliner assembly had detached and was forced downward by the deploying air bag.The metal bracket caused a laceration to the driver's ear and other possible injuries.Approximately 75,000 MY 2012 Hyundai Elantra vehicles, built in Korea and sold in the U.S., have stiffeners in the headliners while the MY 2012 Elantra vehicles built in the U.S. utilize a different headliner that does not use a stiffener. Thus, the latter vehicles are not included in this investigation.Hyundai has inspected the headliner assemblies from eight Elantra vehicles (which were sold in the Korean market) with production dates in the same range as the field incident vehicle.Hyundai reported to ODI that the metal brackets from these vehicles were found to be securely attached to the headliners.Hyundai also has conducted several static deployment tests in attempts to replicate the field incident. In one test, the metal bracket detached from the headliner but the test condition did not replicate or explain the condition observed in the incident vehicle.This Preliminary Evaluation has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA12-008) to further assess whether incidents like the single field incident could potentially occur with other subject vehicles.In addition to the subject vehicles, ODI also will collect and review information on MY 2011 and 2013 Elantra vehicles that have headliners with stiffeners similar to those in the subject vehicles. To date, there have been no reports on the MY 2011 and 2013 vehicles.The ODI report cited above can be viewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification number: 10457696

Air Bags:side/window

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is aware of one incident of an improper deployment of the driver-side curtain air bag that deployed as a result of a crash involving a model year (MY) 2012 Hyundai Elantra.An inspection of this vehicle showed that a metal bracket (stiffener) in the headliner assembly had detached and was forced downward by the deploying air bag.The metal bracket caused a laceration to the driver's ear and other possible injuries.Approximately 75,000 MY 2012 Hyundai Elantra vehicles, built in Korea and sold in the U.S., have stiffeners in the headliners while the MY 2012 Elantra vehicles built in the U.S. utilize a different headliner that does not use a stiffener. Thus, the latter vehicles are not included in this investigation.Hyundai has inspected the headliner assemblies from eight Elantra vehicles (which were sold in the Korean market) with production dates in the same range as the field incident vehicle.Hyundai reported to ODI that the metal brackets from these vehicles were found to be securely attached to the headliners.Hyundai also has conducted several static deployment tests in attempts to replicate the field incident. In one test, the metal bracket detached from the headliner but the test condition did not replicate or explain the condition observed in the incident vehicle.This Preliminary Evaluation has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA12-008) to further assess whether incidents like the single field incident could potentially occur with other subject vehicles.In addition to the subject vehicles, ODI also will collect and review information on MY 2011 and 2013 Elantra vehicles that have headliners with stiffeners similar to those in the subject vehicles. To date, there have been no reports on the MY 2011 and 2013 vehicles.The ODI report cited above can be viewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification number: 10457696

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