MY CAR AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON 3 WEEKS AGO. IT HASN'T TURNED OFF. THE AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON WHILE I'M DRIVING, AND WHEN I'M IN PARK.
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.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Elantra years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
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.
Electrical System complaints
155 reportsTHEYRE WAS A RECALL ON,MY BRAKES IN 2016 THE HYUNDAI SHOP SAID IT WAS ALREADY FIXED AND NOW I HAVE TO PAY BUT IT HAS MESSED UP AGAIN I HAVE NO BRAKE LIGHTS.I DIDN'T TV NOTICE IF I,BOUGHT IT THIS WAY OR JUST HAPPENED
AT LESS THAN 5 YEARS OF USE THE "CLOCK-SPRING" LOCATED IN THE STEERING COLUMN BECAME "DEFECTIVE" CAUSING THE SRS IDIOT LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE AND INDICATING THE ENTIRE SRS SYSTEM IS SHUTDOWN. THIS VEHICLE IS LESS THAN 5 YEARS OF AGE WITH A DEFECTIVE CRITICAL SAFETY COMPONENT FAILURE THAT HYUNDAI REFUSES TO COVER FOR ANY REASON OTHE…
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AT LESS THAN 5 YEARS OF USE THE "CLOCK-SPRING" LOCATED IN THE STEERING COLUMN BECAME "DEFECTIVE" CAUSING THE SRS IDIOT LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE AND INDICATING THE ENTIRE SRS SYSTEM IS SHUTDOWN. THIS VEHICLE IS LESS THAN 5 YEARS OF AGE WITH A DEFECTIVE CRITICAL SAFETY COMPONENT FAILURE THAT HYUNDAI REFUSES TO COVER FOR ANY REASON OTHER THAN FORCE BY GOVERNMENT AGENCY. THIS COMPONENT IS NOT EXTERNAL BUT RATHER WELL PROTECTED AND NOT SUSCEPTIBLE TO FLUIDS, OR EXTERNAL FORCES OTHER THAN ITS NORMAL OPERATION OF SIMPLY TURNING WITH THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS COMPONENT CONNECTS THE STEERING WHEEL AIRBAG TO THE SRS SYSTEM HOWEVER INSTEAD OF SIMPLY DISABLING THE STEERING WHEEL AIRBAG, IT'S FAILURE DISABLES ALL THE AIRBAGS AS WELL AS ANY OTHER SAFETY DEVICE CONNECTED TO THE SRS SYSTEM. THROUGH NO FAULT OF THE OWNER OR THE OPERATOR OF THE VEHICLE, THE SRS SYSTEM CAN SHUTDOWN WHILE DRIVING WITH NO AUDIBLE INDICATION OTHER THAN A SMALL IDIOT LIGHT ON THE DASH WHICH CAN EASILY BE UNNOTICED. IF A CRASH SITUATION OCCURS, THE OPERATOR OF THE VEHICLE CAN BE SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED DUE TO NO AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. I CONTEND THIS PART IN THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN POORLY DESIGNED AND MANUFACTURED AND BECOMES DEFECTIVE LONG BEFORE THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM SERVICE. THIS PART, AT THE VERY LEAST, SHOULD BE PAID FOR BY HYUNDAI. FURTHERMORE A STUDY OF EXISTING CLOCK-SPRINGS USED BY THIS MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE STUDIED AS THIS IS NOT A FIRST FOR THIS PART AND THIS MANUFACTURER. ATTACHMENT DOC SHOWS REPAIR, PART NUMBER, AND COST OF REPAIR. FURTHERMORE, THIS ITEM SHOULD NOT BE A MILEAGE WARRANTY PART...THE LIFE OF THIS PART IS BASED ON HOW MANY TIMES THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED, NOT HOW MANY MILES THE CAR IS DRIVEN..A CITY CAR WILL HAVE MUCH MORE TURNS THAN A HIGHWAY VEHICLE.
WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START VEHICLE THE "P" DOES NOT SHOW IN THE INFORMATION PANEL AND THE CAR WILL NOT START. VIGOROUS SHAKING OF THE GEAR SELECTOR SOMETIMES ALLOWS THE "P" TO ILLUMINATE AND THEN THE CAR WILL START. THE VEHICLE IS NOT IN MOTION AND HAS BEEN PARKED IN GARAGE. THIS STARTED IN OCTOBER AND HAPPENS MORE AND MORE FRE…
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WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START VEHICLE THE "P" DOES NOT SHOW IN THE INFORMATION PANEL AND THE CAR WILL NOT START. VIGOROUS SHAKING OF THE GEAR SELECTOR SOMETIMES ALLOWS THE "P" TO ILLUMINATE AND THEN THE CAR WILL START. THE VEHICLE IS NOT IN MOTION AND HAS BEEN PARKED IN GARAGE. THIS STARTED IN OCTOBER AND HAPPENS MORE AND MORE FREQUENTLY.
AT 11:15AM I WAS DRIVING SOUTH BOUND ON I-294 MILE MARKER 29 GOING ABOUT 60 MPH IN THE FAST LANE ON THE LEFT. WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY ENGINE LIGHT, BATTERY LIGHT, AND ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH BOARD LIT UP, AT THE EXACT SAME TIME MY CAR BEGAN TO SPIN. I BEGAN TO SPIN 360 DEGREES, INTO 2 OF THE RIGHT LANES AS I TURNED THE STEE…
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AT 11:15AM I WAS DRIVING SOUTH BOUND ON I-294 MILE MARKER 29 GOING ABOUT 60 MPH IN THE FAST LANE ON THE LEFT. WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY ENGINE LIGHT, BATTERY LIGHT, AND ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH BOARD LIT UP, AT THE EXACT SAME TIME MY CAR BEGAN TO SPIN. I BEGAN TO SPIN 360 DEGREES, INTO 2 OF THE RIGHT LANES AS I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL I BEGAN TO SPIN 3 LANES BACK TO THE LEFT. BY THE TIME I STOPPED SPINNING I HAD SPUN INTO THE EMERGENCY LANE FACING SOUTH. FORTUNATELY THE SPEEDING CARS WERE ABLE TO DODGE HITTING ME AND I ENDED UP IN THE EMERGENCY LANE WITHOUT HITTING THE MEDIAN STRIP OR ANY CARS OR TRUCK. MY CAR APPEARED TO BE IN PERFECT CONDITION EXCEPT MY DASH BOARD LIGHTS WERE LITE BUT I HAD NOTICED THAT THE HEAT WENT OFF SIMULTANEOUSLY WITH THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH BOARD TURNING ON. I HAD NEVER HAD ANYTHING LIKE THIS HAPPEN BEFORE. I CALLED 911 AND A STATE TROOPER CAME ALONG WITH I-DOT WHO ADVISED ME TO CALL FOR A TOW AND THEY PULLED OFF LEAVING ME IN A DANGEROUS SPOT WITH NO HAZARD LIGHTS IN THE LIGHT DRIZZLE. IT BEGAN TO RAIN AND EVENTUALLY SNOW. AFTER2 HOURS I CALLED *999 TO INFORM THEM THAT I WAS STILL ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THAT CARS WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO SEE ME DUE TO THE SLEET AND THE SLIGHT FOG IT WAS CREATING. I ALSO LET THEM KNOW THAT THE TOW COMPANY DIDN'T WANT TO TOW ME FROM THE LEFT SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. I-DOT CAME, TRIED TO JUMP MY CAR, AND THEN LEFT ME TO WAIT FOR THE TOW TRUCK. AFTER A TOTAL 4 HOURS THE TOW TRUCK FINALLY ARRIVED AND TOWED ME TO PEP BOYS. ONCE AT PEP BOYS THEY STATED THAT MY BATTERY WAS DEAD BUT MY ALTERNATOR WAS WORKING PROPERLY. THEY REPLACED THE BATTERY AND I DROVE HOME 6 MILES WITHOUT INCIDENT. MY HYUNDAI GAVE ME NO WARNING AND TURNED OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY FOR NO APPARENT REASON. I BLESSED TO HAVE ESCAPED DEATH AND A MASSIVE TRUCK AND CAR PILE-UP ON I-294 RIGHT OUTSIDE OF CHICAGO.
AS I AM DRIVING THE CAR THE TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT COMES ON AND STARTS FLASHING AND AT THE SAME TIME THE RADIO AND THE CLOCK SHUT OFF. THE TIRE LIGHT STOPS FLASHING WITHIN THIRTY SECONDS TO A MINUTE. I ALSO CAN NOT USE MY KEY FOB TO LOCK MY DOORS UNTIL THE CAR HAS RESET. USUALLY CAR WILL RESET BETWEEN FIVE MINTUES TO AN HOUR. (…
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AS I AM DRIVING THE CAR THE TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT COMES ON AND STARTS FLASHING AND AT THE SAME TIME THE RADIO AND THE CLOCK SHUT OFF. THE TIRE LIGHT STOPS FLASHING WITHIN THIRTY SECONDS TO A MINUTE. I ALSO CAN NOT USE MY KEY FOB TO LOCK MY DOORS UNTIL THE CAR HAS RESET. USUALLY CAR WILL RESET BETWEEN FIVE MINTUES TO AN HOUR. (WHERE I CAN PLAY THE RADIO AND SEE THE CLOCK ETC,) THIS IS STARTING TO HAPPEN MORE AND MORE NOW. THE CAR IS FOUR YEARS OLD. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. I AM STARTING TO GET TIRED OF THIS AND WANT IT TO STOP. I WAS REALLY UPSET THAT DEALER COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR; WHEN CLEARLY IT HAS A PROBLEM WITH IT. HAS ANYONE ELSE HAD THIS PROBLEM?
I BOUGHT THIS CAR USED IN JUNE OF THIS YEAR. ABOUT A MONTH AFTER PURCHASING, I STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR NOT WANTING TO ACCELERATE AND THEN CAR LOSING POWER COMPLETELY ON INTERSTATE. MY FATHER CAME AND THE CAR STARTED RIGHT UP AND DROVE FINE. TWO WEEKS LATER SAME THING. MY MOTHER CAME TO GET ME AND WHEN SHE GOT TH…
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I BOUGHT THIS CAR USED IN JUNE OF THIS YEAR. ABOUT A MONTH AFTER PURCHASING, I STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR NOT WANTING TO ACCELERATE AND THEN CAR LOSING POWER COMPLETELY ON INTERSTATE. MY FATHER CAME AND THE CAR STARTED RIGHT UP AND DROVE FINE. TWO WEEKS LATER SAME THING. MY MOTHER CAME TO GET ME AND WHEN SHE GOT THERE, THERE WAS NO POWER TO CAR BUT KEYS WERE STUCK IN ON POSITION AND CAR WAS STILL IN GEAR AS I HAD TO PULL EMERGENCY BRAKE TO GET THE CAR TO STOP. THE CAR WOULD NOT START AND WE HAD THE CAR TOWED TO LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALER. MY MOTHER TOLD TOW TRUCK DRIVER THAT BATTERY WOULD MOST LIKELY BE DEAD AS THE CAR HAD BEEN SITTING IN ON POSITION WAITING FOR TOW AND THEN TRIP TO DEALER. DEALER STATED BAD BATTERY AND CAR WAS OUT OF GAS. ALTHOUGH NO GAS WAS ADDED TO CAR BUT THEY PERFORMED ALL THEIR TESTS AND UPDATES TO ECM PER MANUFACTURER WITH CAR OUT OF GAS (BUT RUNNING). REPLACED BATTERY AND CAME OUT OF WORK NOT LONG AFTER AND CAR WOULD NOT START. I HIT STEERING WHEEL IN FRUSTRATION AND TRIED AGAIN AND CAR STARTED. DROVE IT HOME, LEFT IT IN ACCESSORY POSITION, LOST POWER. DID SAME THING AS BEFORE WITH HITTING STEERING WHEEL, STARTED AGAIN. RECENTLY MOVED AWAY TO COLLEGE, DROVE IT ALL DAY, WENT BACK TO MY PARENT'S HOUSE FOR A COUPLE HOURS WENT TO LEAVE AND THE KEYS WOULD NOT TURN (COULD NOT EVEN GET STEERING WHEEL UNLOCKED), IT SAT OVERNIGHT AT MY PARENTS FOR AT LEAST ONE NIGHT MAYBE TWO WHILE I DROVE MY MOTHER'S CAR. THE ORIGINAL DEALER CAME TO TAKE IT BACK AND SEE IF HE COULD FIGURE IT OUT, STARTED THE FIRST TIME HE TRIED TO START IT. TURNED IT OFF AND TRIED AGAIN AND HE COULD NOT GET STEERING WHEEL TO UNLOCK AND KEY TO TURN, WAITED A COUPLE MINUTES AND TRIED AGAIN AND IT HAS BEEN RUNNING FINE SINCE. THE DEALER I BOUGHT IT FROM IS WILLING TO LET ME TRADE THE CAR BACK TO HIM FOR SOMETHING ELSE IF I CAN FIND SOMETHING I WANT BUT I LOVE MY CAR.
OUR CRUISE CONTROL (CC) SWITCHES ON THE STEERING HAVE STOPPED WORKING! THE BEHAVIOR WAS UN-PREDICABLE AND DANGEROUS FOR WHILE WHEN HITTING CANCEL BUTTON WOULD "ENGAGE" THE CC. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE SINCE IT COULD CAUSE ACCIDENTS. I BELIEVE THIS IS DUE TO THE POOR DESIGN ON THE CONNECTOR THAT CONNECTS THE WIRES…
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OUR CRUISE CONTROL (CC) SWITCHES ON THE STEERING HAVE STOPPED WORKING! THE BEHAVIOR WAS UN-PREDICABLE AND DANGEROUS FOR WHILE WHEN HITTING CANCEL BUTTON WOULD "ENGAGE" THE CC. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE SINCE IT COULD CAUSE ACCIDENTS. I BELIEVE THIS IS DUE TO THE POOR DESIGN ON THE CONNECTOR THAT CONNECTS THE WIRES FROM THE CC SWITCHES TO THE STEERING CASE. THE CONNECTOR IS PLACED RIGHT UNDER THE HORN COVER AND WE BELIEVE THE CONNECTOR GETS SQUEEZED EVERY TIME THE HORN IS USED. I TESTED THIS MYSELF AND WAS ABLE TO GET THE CC TO WORK AFTER LIFTING THE HORN COVERS FORWARD SECTION WHICH REDUCED THE PRESSURE FROM THE CONNECTOR RIGHT UNDERNEATH IT ! WHEN I DID THIS, HITTING THE CC. ONCE AGAIN THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE CAUSE DRIVERS COULD ASSUME THEY ARE DISABLING THE CC, WHEN THEY COULD ACTUALLY BE ACTIVATING CC WHICH WILL CAUSE ACCIDENTS.
UPDATE TO TICKET # 1119161 - 4 SEPARATE APPTS, WITH,90 PLUS DAYS ACCUMULATED TOTAL AT A HYUNDA SERVICE CENTER EXPANDING 21 MONTHS AND 15000 MILES. 43 DAYS AT CURRENT SERVICE DEPT WITH NO UPDATE, VEHICLE CONTINUES TO STALL WHILE DRIVING, ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS CONTINUE TO EXPAND AFTER INTERIOR WAS SOAKED FROM A CONFIRMED/REPAIR…
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UPDATE TO TICKET # 1119161 - 4 SEPARATE APPTS, WITH,90 PLUS DAYS ACCUMULATED TOTAL AT A HYUNDA SERVICE CENTER EXPANDING 21 MONTHS AND 15000 MILES. 43 DAYS AT CURRENT SERVICE DEPT WITH NO UPDATE, VEHICLE CONTINUES TO STALL WHILE DRIVING, ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS CONTINUE TO EXPAND AFTER INTERIOR WAS SOAKED FROM A CONFIRMED/REPAIRED DEFECT IN SUNROOF FRAME. BEYOND THE ABILITY OF SERVICE TECHNICIANS TO DIAGNOSE, ENGINEER INSPECTED AND CONFIRMED VEHICLE STALLING WHILE DRIVING AND MESSED UP INTERIOR JULY 2016 FROM SUNROOF LEAK, REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE BUT VEHICLE CONTINUES TO STALL WHILE DRIVING, IN ADDITION ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS CONTINUE TO DEVOLOP THAT HYUNDAI WILL NOT RESOLVE, VEHICLE WAS IN BUYOUT REVIEW WITH HYUNDAI BUT WAS STOPPED DUE TO MY COMPLAINT FILED WHICH SOUTH CAROLINA CONSUMER AFFAIRS REQUESTING A REPURCHASE THAT HYUNDAI DENIED. VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE NOR AM I BEING TOLD WHAT'S GOING ON. IF TECHNICIAN CANT DIAGNOSE A CONFIRMED ISSUE BY THEIR ENGINEER THEN WHY IS VEHICLE STILL AT SERVICE CENTER AND WHY ARE THEY NOT CALLING TO ADVISE AFTER 43 DAYS.
THE CAR IS NOT COVERED ON THE CAMPAIGN #146 EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE'S MAKE, MODEL & YEAR WERE CORRESPONDING TO THE RECALL. THEY NEED TO WIDEN THE VIN NUMBERS EFFECTED AS MY VEHICLE WAS EFFECTED BY THIS SAME ISSUE. THE BREAK STOPPER BROKE INTO MANY PIECES ALL OVER MY FLOORBOARDS AND MY BREAK LIGHT WAS CONTINUOUSLY ON. IT THEN KIL…
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THE CAR IS NOT COVERED ON THE CAMPAIGN #146 EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE'S MAKE, MODEL & YEAR WERE CORRESPONDING TO THE RECALL. THEY NEED TO WIDEN THE VIN NUMBERS EFFECTED AS MY VEHICLE WAS EFFECTED BY THIS SAME ISSUE. THE BREAK STOPPER BROKE INTO MANY PIECES ALL OVER MY FLOORBOARDS AND MY BREAK LIGHT WAS CONTINUOUSLY ON. IT THEN KILLED MY CAR BATTERY BY USING THE BATTERY TO POWER THE BREAK LIGHTS WITH THE CAR OFF AND KEYS OUT THE CAR. IT WONT SHOW IF YOU ARE PRESSING THE BREAKS AND IT MAKES IT DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AS DRIVERS BEHIND YOU WILL NOT KNOW IF YOU ARE HITTING THE BREAKS. PLEASE ADVISE THEM TO BROADEN THE RECALL #146 AS THIS AFFECTS MANY DRIVERS.
Official recalls
423V651000 · 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
4AQ23002 · 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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