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2013 Hyundai Elantra

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Elantra years

Owner complaints for the 2013 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

795 reports with mileage · 518 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.

  • Steering. Review the 271 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 233 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 168 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

93 crash reports31 fire reports48 injury reports

Air Bags complaints

168 reports
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900 miles · Mar 10, 2014
Air BagsCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO A STEEL BRIDGE SUPPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE IMPACTED THE STEEL SUPPORT. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE D…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO A STEEL BRIDGE SUPPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE IMPACTED THE STEEL SUPPORT. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE LEFT SHOULDER AND A PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE BACK AND LEFT SHOULDER. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 900. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10568153

24,000 miles · Jan 27, 2014
Air BagsSeat BeltsService BrakesCrash

DURING MERGE ONTO A MAJOR DALLAS TOLLWAY, TRAFFIC BECAME STOPPED IN THE RIGHT LANE AND UPON APPLYING A HARD BRAKE OF MY CAR, THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES FAILED TO ENGAGE, THE SEATBELT DID NOT LOCK, MY CAR FELT AS THOUGH IT WAS ACCELERATING EVEN THOUGH I WAS PRESSING THE BRAKE PAD HARD. I HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME ONCE AND THEN AGAIN …

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DURING MERGE ONTO A MAJOR DALLAS TOLLWAY, TRAFFIC BECAME STOPPED IN THE RIGHT LANE AND UPON APPLYING A HARD BRAKE OF MY CAR, THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES FAILED TO ENGAGE, THE SEATBELT DID NOT LOCK, MY CAR FELT AS THOUGH IT WAS ACCELERATING EVEN THOUGH I WAS PRESSING THE BRAKE PAD HARD. I HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME ONCE AND THEN AGAIN BEFORE MY CAR STOPPED, STILL RUNNING. MY CAR SUSTAINED $8500 IN DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END, BUT THE AIR BAG DID NOT EVEN DEPLOY. I HAVE OWNED IT FOR 15 MONTHS AND HAVE NOT HAD AN ISSUE OF THIS NATURE IN THE PAST, HOWEVER I AM NOW CONCERNED OF THE SAFETY OF THIS VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10561707

7,902 miles · Jan 7, 2014
Air BagsCrash

WHEN I WAS SIDESWIPED AND THEN HE DROVE DOWN THE WHOLE LEFT SIDE OF MY CAR THE AIRBAGS DID NOT GO OFF. I WENT UP A SOME HILL AND HIT CABLE BOX AND STILL NO AIRBAGS MY BACK DOOR WAS ON THE STREET AFTERWARDS. THE FRONT DRIVERS DOOR WAS PUSHED IN ABOUT 3-5 INCHES AND STILL NOT AI…

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WHEN I WAS SIDESWIPED AND THEN HE DROVE DOWN THE WHOLE LEFT SIDE OF MY CAR THE AIRBAGS DID NOT GO OFF. I WENT UP A SOME HILL AND HIT CABLE BOX AND STILL NO AIRBAGS MY BACK DOOR WAS ON THE STREET AFTERWARDS. THE FRONT DRIVERS DOOR WAS PUSHED IN ABOUT 3-5 INCHES AND STILL NOT AIRBAGS THEY SAY HE DID NOT HIT ME IN THE RIGHT SPOT. SOME OF THE FRONT AND REAR BUMPER IS MISSING TO. I AM NOT SURE WHERE HE NEEDED TO HIT ME IF WE HAVE 6 AIRBAGS THAT SHOULD GO OFF THEN WHY NO AIRBAGS . I HAVE SEEN LESS DAMAGE TO A CAR AND THERE AIRBAGS GO OFF. I HAVE OWN HYUNDAI'S FOR OVER 14 YEARS AND THIS CAR SUCKS . I WILL NEVER PAY AGAIN MY CAR IS TOTALED SO I AM STILL CONFUSED AT WHERE MY AIRBAGS NEED TO BE HIT TO GO OFF. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10558963

30,000 miles · Sep 14, 2013
Air BagsEngineStructureCrashInjury

I REAR ENDED A CAR AND NEARLY TOTALED MY CAR. FOR SOME ODD REASON THE AIRBAG NEVER DEPLOYED DURING THE TIME OF IMPACT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10543592

Mileage unknown · Sep 12, 2013
Air Bags

I RECENTLY LEASE THE ABOVE VEHICLE FROM LOCAL DEALER UNIVERSAL HYUNDAI IN ORLANDO. AFTER DRIVING A SHORT DISTANCE I REALIZED THAT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT WAS LIT (MEANING OFF) EVEN THOUGH MY WIFE WAS IN IT. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP WHO HAD ME SPEAK TO A SERVICE ADVISOR (SCOTT). HE TOLD ME THAT I SHOULD BUY A PILLOW S…

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I RECENTLY LEASE THE ABOVE VEHICLE FROM LOCAL DEALER UNIVERSAL HYUNDAI IN ORLANDO. AFTER DRIVING A SHORT DISTANCE I REALIZED THAT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT WAS LIT (MEANING OFF) EVEN THOUGH MY WIFE WAS IN IT. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP WHO HAD ME SPEAK TO A SERVICE ADVISOR (SCOTT). HE TOLD ME THAT I SHOULD BUY A PILLOW SINCE MY WIFE WAS ONLY ABOUT 103 POUNDS IN WEIGHT, AND THAT THERE WERE NO ADJUSTMENTS WHICH COULD BE MADE TO THE SEAT. THIS DID NOT MAKE SENSE TO ME SO I CONTINUED TO MY SALES REP(GEORGE SPENCER). HE HAD THE SERVICE MANAGER (NESTOR DIAS) CONTACT ME AND HE BASICALLY TOLD ME THAT UNDER 150 POUNDS THE AIRBAG WON'T DEPLOY. IF I HAD REALIZED THIS UP FRONT, I WOULD NEVER HAVE LEASED THE ELANTRA. NOW, THE AIRBAG LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF WHEN IT CHOOSES. I LOVE MY WIFE AND AM TRULY CONCERNED ABOUT HER SAFETY. PLEASE ADVISE. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10543313

1,400 miles · Aug 8, 2013
Air BagsVehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury

WAS ABOUT 2 TENTHS OF A MILE FROM A STOP SIGN. AS I WAS BEGINNING TO MAKE MY APPROACH, THE CAR ACCELERATED, LURCHED FORWARD AND SPED ACROSS A FOUR LANE HIGHWAY BEFORE I COULD REACT. THE CAR WAS T-BONED ON THE PASSENGERS SIDE. THE IMPACT STRAIGHTENED MY VEHICLES TRAJECTORY FROM 90 DEGREES TO ABOUT 30 TO 45 DEGREES. I THEN IMPAC…

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WAS ABOUT 2 TENTHS OF A MILE FROM A STOP SIGN. AS I WAS BEGINNING TO MAKE MY APPROACH, THE CAR ACCELERATED, LURCHED FORWARD AND SPED ACROSS A FOUR LANE HIGHWAY BEFORE I COULD REACT. THE CAR WAS T-BONED ON THE PASSENGERS SIDE. THE IMPACT STRAIGHTENED MY VEHICLES TRAJECTORY FROM 90 DEGREES TO ABOUT 30 TO 45 DEGREES. I THEN IMPACTED A GUARDRAIL WITH A SOMEWHAT NEARLY HEAD-ON ANGLE. AFTER I WENT THROUGH THE GUARDRAIL I THEN IMPACTED A TREE HEAD-ON WHICH BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO A STOP. MY PASSENGER'S SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS DEPLOYED BUT THE FRONT (DASH) AIR BAGS DID NOT. MY PASSENGER RECEIVED A BROKEN COLLAR BONE, FRACTURED RIB, SCALP LACERATIONS (STITCHES), A CONCUSSION AND MULTIPLE BRUISES FROM HEAD TO TOE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10534274

30 miles · Aug 6, 2013
Air BagsSteeringSuspension

WHEN I DROVE THE NEW CAR OFF THE LOT IT BEGAN PULLING TO THE RIGHT, BUT SINCE WE BOUGHT IT LATE ON A FRIDAY AFTERNOON I COULDN'T DO ANYTHING UNTIL THE FOLLOWING DAY. THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT ALSO CAME ON (I'M REFERRING TO THE LIGHT BY THE TACHOMETER, NOT THE ONE BELOW THE RADIO). BLUELINK PERFORMED AN INSPECTION REMOTELY & SA…

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WHEN I DROVE THE NEW CAR OFF THE LOT IT BEGAN PULLING TO THE RIGHT, BUT SINCE WE BOUGHT IT LATE ON A FRIDAY AFTERNOON I COULDN'T DO ANYTHING UNTIL THE FOLLOWING DAY. THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT ALSO CAME ON (I'M REFERRING TO THE LIGHT BY THE TACHOMETER, NOT THE ONE BELOW THE RADIO). BLUELINK PERFORMED AN INSPECTION REMOTELY & SAID TO TAKE THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP ASAP. THE FOLLOWING DAY WE TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP & THEY SAID THEY NEEDED TO KEEP THE CAR UNTIL MONDAY, BUT WE WERE MOVING TO A DIFFERENT CITY THEREFORE WE WOULD HAVE TO TAKE THE CAR TO A DEALERSHIP IN OUR NEW CITY INSTEAD. I TOLD THE STORY TO THE SERVICE DEPT, LEFT THE CAR THERE AT THE NEW DEALERSHIP, 2 DAYS LATER I CAME BACK TO GET IT. THE AIR BAG ISSUE WAS FIXED BUT NOT THE PULLING TO THE RIGHT. THE ALIGNMENT SPECIALIST CAME WITH ME TO TEST IT, REALIZED THAT IT WAS STILL PULLING, WE WENT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP & SWITCHED THE TWO FRONT TIRES & WENT AGAIN FOR ANOTHER TEST. THE SPECIALIST REALIZED THAT THE CAR WAS NOW PULLING TO THE LEFT. WE TEST DROVE THE CAR OVER 8 TIMES, THEY SAID ALIGNMENT WAS GOOD & ONLY ATTEMPTED TO ROTATE THE TIRES MULTIPLE TIMES, CAR STILL PULLED. I TOOK THE CAR TO A DIFFERENT DEALERSHIP, THEY AGREED THE CAR WAS PULLING BUT WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING BECAUSE ANOTHER DEALERSHIP HAD ALREADY INSPECTED IT & I WOULD HAVE TO PAY EVEN THOUGH THE CAR WAS BARELY TWO WKS OLD! I WENT BACK TO THE PREVIOUS DEALERSHIP, WE TESTED IT AGAIN WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER. THEY TRIED TO CONVINCE ME THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG, WHEN CLEARLY THE CAR STILL PULLS STRONGLY TO THE RIGHT. I HAD TO ESCALATE THE PROBLEM TO HYUNDAI USA AS THE DEALERSHIP WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING FURTHER. AFTER READING THE OWNERS MANUAL, IT CLEARLY STATES THAT THE POWER STEERING SHOULD BE CHECKED IF THE CAR IS IN ALIGNMENT, YET PULLING TO ONE SIDE. THE DEALERSHIP NEVER RECOMMENDED THIS, NOR DID ANY TESTING OF THE STEERING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10533960

3,600 miles · Jan 12, 2013
Air BagsStructureSuspensionCrash

THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WITH LIGHT TRAFFIC TRAVELING AROUND 60 MPH. IT FIRST BEGAN WHEN I FELT AN UNBALANCE OF THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE. THE CAR SUDDENLY VEERED TO THE RIGHT REGARDLESS OF MY EFFORTS TO MAINTAIN CONTROL. MY CAR FISHTAILED FOR A MOMENTS AND ALMOST CAUSED ME TO CRASH INTO ANOTHER CAR. I…

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THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WITH LIGHT TRAFFIC TRAVELING AROUND 60 MPH. IT FIRST BEGAN WHEN I FELT AN UNBALANCE OF THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE. THE CAR SUDDENLY VEERED TO THE RIGHT REGARDLESS OF MY EFFORTS TO MAINTAIN CONTROL. MY CAR FISHTAILED FOR A MOMENTS AND ALMOST CAUSED ME TO CRASH INTO ANOTHER CAR. I HAD NO CONTROL OF THE CAR WHEN MY CAR CRASHED INTO THE WALL THAT LINED THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE FREEWAY. AFTER VISUALLY INSPECTING THE WHEEL, IT APPEARED THAT THE FRONT RIGHT RIM WAS CUT IN A HALF VERTICALLY AND ALL AROUND. IT WAS CUT IN A NEAR-PERFECT STRAIGHT LINE - SIMILAR TO WHAT A OPENED CAN LOOKS LIKE. THE TIRE REMAINED FULLY INTACT WITHOUT ANY DAMAGE. THE BODY SHOP MECHANICS TOLD US THAT THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN THE RIM CUT LIKE THAT BEFORE AND SAID THE ONLY EXPLANATION WOULD BE A DEFECT IN THE RIM. WE HAVE PICTURES AND CAN PROVIDE THEM UPON REQUEST. THE BODY SHOP MECHANICS AND INSURANCE ADJUSTERS ARE ALL CLUELESS TO HOW AND WHY THIS OCCURRED. PLEASE OPEN AN INVESTIGATION TO HELP US DETERMINE THE CAUSE. THE TOTAL ESTIMATE OF THE COSTS HAVE ESTIMATED TO BE AROUND $14000. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10492360

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.

17V769000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:pedals And Linkages

Nov 30, 2017

Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Elantra sedan, coupe and GT vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released. This will allow the brake lights to remain illuminated continuously. It can also allow the shift lever to be moved without depressing the brake pedal, or activate the engine management brake pedal override feature.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 8, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 170. This campaign expands recall 16V574.

16V574000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

Aug 2, 2016

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model 2013 Elantra vehicles manufactured December 1, 2012, to April 30, 2013. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad with an improved part, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on September 30, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 146.

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.

EA21003 · Engine Fires

Opened Dec 22, 2021 · Closed Feb 5, 2024

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine

On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on various model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles.  During the PE investigations, Hyundai and Kia issued several recalls to address vehicle fires, including those due to engine failures involving various engine types.  The remedies for the engine failure recalls typically involve engine inspection (to detect existing damage), and if necessary, engine replacement.  Additionally, both manufacturers have been installing an engine control software modification known as Knock Sensor Detection Software (KSDS) which is intended to detect impending engine failure, alert the driver, and limit engine power (to lessen likelihood of engine failure).KSDS is being installed under recalls and non-safety field actions, and both companies have extended limited engine warranties (see recall files). On December 22, 2021, ODI upgraded PE19-003 and PE19-004 to this Engineering Analysis (EA21-003, covering both Hyundai and Kia) to evaluate the scope of the prior recalls related to engine failures/fires and the efficacy of the recall remedies for the recalls, as well as the long-term viability of related programs and non-safety field actions being conducted by Hyundai and Kia.  The former issue involved approximately 550,000 MY 2013 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2011 Kia Sorento, and MY 2012-2015 Kia Rio.  The latter issue involved approximately 2.5 million recalled vehicles, which have been identified as displaying potential remedy concerns: Hyundai recalls 15V-568, 17V-226, 20V-746, and 21V-727; and Kia recalls 17V-224, 19V-120, 20V-750, and 21V-844. Regarding the recall scope issue, among all of the scope vehicles identified at EA opening, ODI found only the MY 2011 Kia Sorento vehicles equipped with both the Theta II 2.4L 4-cylinder Multi-Point Injection (MPI) and the Lambda II 3.5L 6-cylinder MPI engines experienced relatively high rates of reported fires.  In December 2023, Kia issued recall 23V-877 that will cover about 80,000 MY 2011 Kia Sorento vehicles equipped with the Theta II 2.4L MPI engines.  The remedy will involve an inspection, and if necessary, a replacement of the engine, as well as the installation of KSDS.  It should be noted that in 2021 these vehicles were included in a KSDS product improvement campaign with warranty extension.  For the MY 2011 Sorento vehicles equipped with the Lambda II 3.5L engines, ODI believes that future engine failures/fires involving these vehicles will likely be due to a lax in adhering to the proper or scheduled engine maintenance (regular engine oil changes), rather than a design or manufacturing engine issue. Regarding the issue of the efficacy of the recall remedies, ODI found the majority of the recalled Hyundai and Kia vehicles, by model, experienced lower reported fire rates after the remedies were applied.  Furthermore, ODI found that for most vehicles that did not receive the recall remedies, by model, experienced relatively high fire rates.  To address this problem, Hyundai informed ODI in December 2023, that it will renotify all of its owners covered by the Hyundai recalls of engine failures/fires every 8 months for the next 3 years.  In December 2023, Kia stated that it will renotify the majority of its owners every 8 months for the next 3 years.Several previously recalled Kia models are excluded from the renotification due to their lower reported rates of engine fires.  Overall, the renotification actions will help to increase the recall completion rates, thus reduce the frequency of engine fires in the future. In view of the recall action being taken by Kia and renotification actions being taken by both Kia and Hyundai, ODI is closing this Engineering Analysis.  Also, both companies have been released from the 2020-iniated Consent Orders (Kia since November 2022 and Hyundai since November 2023).  The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.  To review the reports 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.

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

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