NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
155 reportsClear category filter62,000 miles · Jul 5, 2017
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE BATTERY DIED AND THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE JUMPSTARTED IN ORDER TO GET TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ENTERED THE VEHICLE AND COULD NOT SHIFT GEARS EVEN WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE BATTERY DIED AND THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE JUMPSTARTED IN ORDER TO GET TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ENTERED THE VEHICLE AND COULD NOT SHIFT GEARS EVEN WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE BRAKE LIGHTS CONTINUED TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED AT ALL TIMES. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER (JENKINS HYUNDAI IN LEESBURG, FLORIDA) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000.
NHTSA ODI #11003142
63,000 miles · May 9, 2017
Electrical SystemEngineVehicle Speed Control
I BOUGHT A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA LIMITED NEW. 3 YEARS LATER THE CAR STALLS OUT WHEN STOPPED AND IT DIFFICULT TO START. HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP SO MANY TIMES (10) WITHIN A 2 MONTH PERIOD, I USE THE LOANER MORE THAN MY OWN CAR. THE LAST TIME I PICKED IT UP THEY HAD CHANGED OUT THE TIMING COVER WITH OIL PUMP, CAM SHAF…
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I BOUGHT A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA LIMITED NEW. 3 YEARS LATER THE CAR STALLS OUT WHEN STOPPED AND IT DIFFICULT TO START. HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP SO MANY TIMES (10) WITHIN A 2 MONTH PERIOD, I USE THE LOANER MORE THAN MY OWN CAR. THE LAST TIME I PICKED IT UP THEY HAD CHANGED OUT THE TIMING COVER WITH OIL PUMP, CAM SHAFT AND TIMING CHAIN. CALLED ME TO COME PICK MY VEHICLE UP AS IT WAS READY. WHEN EXITING THE DEALERSHIP, I CAME TO THE STOP LIGHT AND THE CAR STALLED ONCE AGAIN WITH IT BEING DIFFICULT TO START. TURNED AROUND AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT DRIVE FASTER THAN 20 MPH. THE SERVICE MANAGER CAME OUT AND ASKED WHAT WAS WRONG. I ASKED HIM TO GET IN THE VEHICLE THAT THEY HAD JUST FIXED. HE DROVE IT AND THEY NOW HAVE MY CAR ONCE AGAIN AND I'M DRIVING THE LOANER. THEY CAN'T SEEM TO FIND OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS AND SAY THEY KEEP CALLING THE MANUFACTURER FOR INPUT. APPARENTLY NO ONE KNOWS WHAT IS WRONG AND I WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER HYUNDAI AS IT SEEMS THEY CAN'T REPAIR THEIR VEHICLES WITH THESE SIMILAR PROBLEMS.
NHTSA ODI #10984539
Mileage unknown · Apr 8, 2017
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other
ON OR ABOUT 10/20/2016 MY CAR ALL OF A SUDDEN WOULD NOT START, I WAS WORKING OUT IN THE FIELD WENT INTO A PATIENTS HOME AND THE CAR AS I TURNED THE IGNITION KEY, NOTHING HAPPENED. THE LIGHTS WOULD COME ON AND OFF. CALLED LUTES KIA FOR SERVICE. THEY SAID IT WAS BATTERY PUT NEW BATTERY IN. THE NEXT DAY THE EXACT SAME THING HAPPENE…
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ON OR ABOUT 10/20/2016 MY CAR ALL OF A SUDDEN WOULD NOT START, I WAS WORKING OUT IN THE FIELD WENT INTO A PATIENTS HOME AND THE CAR AS I TURNED THE IGNITION KEY, NOTHING HAPPENED. THE LIGHTS WOULD COME ON AND OFF. CALLED LUTES KIA FOR SERVICE. THEY SAID IT WAS BATTERY PUT NEW BATTERY IN. THE NEXT DAY THE EXACT SAME THING HAPPENED WOULD NOT START, CALLED LUTES KIA AFTER SEVERAL DAYS I WAS TOLD THEY WERE NOT SURE WHAT WAS WRONG AND REPLACED THE STARTER. I GET MY CARS OIL CHANGED EVERY 3000 MILES, KEEP UP ON MY MAINTENANCE. ELECTRICAL IS AFFECTED SOMETHING KEEPS SHORTING OUT HEAD LIGHTS/ TAIL LIGHTS. I HAVE RECEIPTS AND SERVICE ORDERS. IT LOSES POWER ON LOAD AND IS VERY UNSTABLE. I HAVE BEEN PULLED OVER SEVERAL TIMES BECAUSE OF THE HEADLIGHTS AND TURNS ON WHEN IT WANTS TO.
NHTSA ODI #10971240
69,000 miles · Mar 27, 2017
Electrical System
O2 SENSOR NEEDS RECALIBRATION
NHTSA ODI #10968763
36,110 miles · Jan 21, 2017
Electrical SystemPower TrainUnknown Or Other
THE ENGINE OF MY 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA GLS FAILED TO START THE MORNING OF 1/3/17 WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. I TURNED THE KEY IN THE IGNITION NUMEROUS TIMES WITHOUT SUCCESS. THE DASH LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE, BUT THE CAR WOULDN'T START OR EVEN TRY TO TURN OVER. AFTER APPX. 15 ATTEMPTS, IT FINALLY STARTED. I BOUGHT A NEW BATTERY …
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THE ENGINE OF MY 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA GLS FAILED TO START THE MORNING OF 1/3/17 WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. I TURNED THE KEY IN THE IGNITION NUMEROUS TIMES WITHOUT SUCCESS. THE DASH LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE, BUT THE CAR WOULDN'T START OR EVEN TRY TO TURN OVER. AFTER APPX. 15 ATTEMPTS, IT FINALLY STARTED. I BOUGHT A NEW BATTERY HOPING THAT WOULD FIX PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM REPEATED ON 1/18/17, AGAIN WHILE PARKED IN DRIVEWAY. AFTER ROUGHLY 50 ATTEMPTS TO START THE CAR AND TRYING TO WIGGLE THE GEAR SHIFT, IT FINALLY STARTED. I THEN DROVE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND LEFT THE CAR WITH THEM OVERNIGHT. THE FOLLOWING DAY I WAS ADVISED BY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT SINCE THEY COULD NOT GET THE CAR TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM OR TRIGGER ANY DIAGNOSTIC CODES, THEY COULD NOT REPAIR IT OR REPLACE ANY PARTS. FORTUNATELY, TO DATE I HAVE BEEN IN SAFE PLACES DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS WHEN MY CAR FAILED TO START. HOWEVER, I MAY NOT ALWAYS BE SO FORTUNATE AND COULD POSSIBLY BE STRANDED IN A VERY VULNERABLE LOCATION IN THE FUTURE. OUT OF THE 430 COMPLAINTS LISTED AGAINST THE 2013 ELANTRA ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE, ROUGHLY 7% OF THE OWNERS REPORTED EXPERIENCING THIS IDENTICAL PROBLEM. A FURTHER SEARCH OF THE INTERNET REVEALS MANY, MANY MORE SUCH COMPLAINTS. ONE MIGHT BELIEVE THAT COULD INDICATE THE EXISTENCE OF A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM; YET, IT DOES NOT APPEAR THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAS ISSUED ANY RECALLS OR SERVICE BULLETINS SPECIFIC TO MY VEHICLE MODEL TO ADDRESS/FIX THIS ENGINE FAILURE.
NHTSA ODI #10946883
Mileage unknown · Jan 16, 2017
Electrical SystemExterior LightingService Brakes
PARKING LIGHTS WON'T TURN OFF, CAR WON'T START WITHIN MINUTES/SECONDS LATER, HAD 7 ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE TO JUMP START ME IN TWO MONTHS, PLUS OTHERS FROM SECURITY GUARDS, ETC. MY CAR IS ON RECALL FOR THESE PROBLEMS, JUST MY VIN NUMBER ISN'T, THE HYUNDAI-IT DIES WITHIN SECONDS.IT HAPPENS WHEN I AM WAITING IN MY CAR, NO ENGINE ON, …
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PARKING LIGHTS WON'T TURN OFF, CAR WON'T START WITHIN MINUTES/SECONDS LATER, HAD 7 ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE TO JUMP START ME IN TWO MONTHS, PLUS OTHERS FROM SECURITY GUARDS, ETC. MY CAR IS ON RECALL FOR THESE PROBLEMS, JUST MY VIN NUMBER ISN'T, THE HYUNDAI-IT DIES WITHIN SECONDS.IT HAPPENS WHEN I AM WAITING IN MY CAR, NO ENGINE ON, WHEN I RUN THE RADIO ENGINE OFF, ALWAYS AFTER THE ENGINE IS OFF, WITH OR WITHOUT RADIO PLAYING OR EVERYTHING IS SHUT OFF, IT HAPPENS--MY PARKING LIGHTS STAY ON UNLESS I GET OUT OF THE CAR, OPEN THE DOOR, AND LOCK IT IMMEDIATELY IF I TAKE A FEW STEPS AND COME BACK TO LOCK IT, IT'S ALREADY DEAD, HAS LEFT ME AT WORK, SCHOOL, IN MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT, EVERYWHERE, ANYWHERE, ENGINE CUTS OF AND ON WHEN TAKING OFF OR MAKING A SLOW CURVE, CAR DIES WHILE PARKED DEALERSHIP SAID THEY COULD APPROVE MY ISSUES TO BE FIXED BECAUSE NO RECALL ON MY VIN # BUT I HAVE NO CAR HALF THE TIME ENGINE CUTS OFF AND ON WHILE DRIVING, BRAKES GRIND STRANGE NOISE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10945546
35,000 miles · Dec 15, 2016
Electrical SystemEngine
INTERMITTENTLY WILL NOT TURN OVER. BATTERY IS FINE. INHIBITOR SWITCH WAS CHANGED, ALL RECALLS PERFORMED. HAD THE CAR TO THE DEALER 3 TIMES AND THEY CANNOT REPLICATE. HAD IT TOWED THERE LAST TIME. IF YOU FIDDLE WITH THE SHIFTER, AND KEY LONG ENOUGH (10 MINUTES OR SO, IT WILL EVENTUALLY TURN OVER AND START AS NORMAL. THERE H…
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INTERMITTENTLY WILL NOT TURN OVER. BATTERY IS FINE. INHIBITOR SWITCH WAS CHANGED, ALL RECALLS PERFORMED. HAD THE CAR TO THE DEALER 3 TIMES AND THEY CANNOT REPLICATE. HAD IT TOWED THERE LAST TIME. IF YOU FIDDLE WITH THE SHIFTER, AND KEY LONG ENOUGH (10 MINUTES OR SO, IT WILL EVENTUALLY TURN OVER AND START AS NORMAL. THERE HAS BEEN NO HELP ON THIS, AND THE DEALER KEEPS CHARGING FOR DIAGNOSTICS, EVEN THOUGHT THE VEHICLE IS UNDER WARRANTY. THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE EXTREMELY MORE PREVALENT IN THE WINTER OR WHEN THE TEMP IS BELOW 35 DEGREES F.
NHTSA ODI #10935488
85,000 miles · Nov 2, 2016
Electrical System
PUSH BUTTON START. CAR WILL NOT START RIGHT AWAY AFTER DEPRESSING THE START BUTTON. WHEN START BUTTON IS DEPRESSED, INDICATING LIGHTS ON THE DASH WILL ILLUMINATE, AND APPROXIMATELY 10 SECOND LATER, THE RADIO AND THE AIR CONDITIONING WILL KICK IN. AT THIS POINT I HAVE APPROXIMATELY 10 SECONDS TO ATTEMPT TO START THE CAR AND 75…
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PUSH BUTTON START. CAR WILL NOT START RIGHT AWAY AFTER DEPRESSING THE START BUTTON. WHEN START BUTTON IS DEPRESSED, INDICATING LIGHTS ON THE DASH WILL ILLUMINATE, AND APPROXIMATELY 10 SECOND LATER, THE RADIO AND THE AIR CONDITIONING WILL KICK IN. AT THIS POINT I HAVE APPROXIMATELY 10 SECONDS TO ATTEMPT TO START THE CAR AND 75% OF THE TIME THE CAR WILL START; OTHERWISE, I HAVE TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND ATTEMPT TO RESTART AGAIN. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR APPROXIMATELY TWO MONTHS NOW. TOOK IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY STATED THEY COULD NOT RECREATE THE PROBLEM AS THE CAR STARTED FOR THEM EVERY TIME APPARENTLY AND COULD NOT DO ANYTHING TO SOLVE MY ISSUE, EVEN THOUGH THEY ADMITTEDLY TIGHTENED UP TERMINALS FOR THE BATTERY. THE CAR SEEMED TO START EVERY SINGLE TIME FOR ABOUT A WEEK AFTER THE VISIT, AND NOW IT'S DOING IT AGAIN. CALLED HYUNDAI AND THEY KNEW NOTHING ABOUT ISSUE. I'VE RESORTED TO TAKING VIDEO TO HELP DESCRIBE THE ISSUE TO TECHNICIANS, AND THE LATEST DEALERSHIP BASICALLY TOLD ME THAT THEY STILL WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO USE MY VIDEO BUT WOULD HAVE TO RECREATE THE PROBLEM THEMSELVES. THIS IS GOING TO BE REALLY BAD IF I'M STUCK IN SOMEWHERE BECAUSE MY CAR WON'T START AND HYUNDAI CLAIMING THEY CANT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT.
NHTSA ODI #10923787
28,000 miles · Oct 12, 2016
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other
VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND LACK OF DIGITAL ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE ALERTED DRIVER TO ISSUE. UPON INSPECTION AT AUTHORIZED HYUNDAI SERVICE CENTER, IT WAS NOTED THAT RODENTS HAD GNAWED THROUGH WIRING AND CONNECTORS LOCATED IN THE ENGINE BAY. PER SERVICE CENTER'S RECOMMENDATION, VEHICLE WAS CONSIDERED UNSAFE T…
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VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND LACK OF DIGITAL ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE ALERTED DRIVER TO ISSUE. UPON INSPECTION AT AUTHORIZED HYUNDAI SERVICE CENTER, IT WAS NOTED THAT RODENTS HAD GNAWED THROUGH WIRING AND CONNECTORS LOCATED IN THE ENGINE BAY. PER SERVICE CENTER'S RECOMMENDATION, VEHICLE WAS CONSIDERED UNSAFE TO DRIVE, AND VEHICLE WAS LEFT AT SERVICE CENTER PENDING APPROPRIATE REPAIRS/REPLACEMENTS. IT WAS NOTED THAT THE WIRES THAT WERE CHEWED THROUGH WERE COATED WITH SOY-BASED MATERIALS INSTEAD OF PLASTIC WHICH HAD BEEN USED IN EARLIER MODELS. SERVICE CENTER CLAIMS TO SEE THIS ISSUE AT LEAST A FEW TIMES PER MONTH. RODENT DETERRENT TAPE IS BEING PURCHASED FROM HONDA (WHO ALREADY ACKNOWLEDGES THIS ISSUE AND IS CURRENT THE SUBJECT OF A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT). TAPE WILL BE WRAPPED AROUND WIRES FOLLOWING REPAIRS.
NHTSA ODI #10915549
80,000 miles · Oct 11, 2016
Air BagsElectrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)
I HAVE NOTICED THAT MY VEHICLE'S AIRBAG LIGHT IS TURNING ON AND OFF WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET AND ON HIGHWAYS. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT TRIGGERS IT TO TURN OFF AND ON. IT ALSO TURNS ON AND OFF WHILE THE VEHICLE IS NOT IN MOTION. I BELIEVE THIS IS A MAJOR SECURITY ISSUE BECAUSE IF I AM INVOLVED IN A MAJOR CAR CRAS…
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I HAVE NOTICED THAT MY VEHICLE'S AIRBAG LIGHT IS TURNING ON AND OFF WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET AND ON HIGHWAYS. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT TRIGGERS IT TO TURN OFF AND ON. IT ALSO TURNS ON AND OFF WHILE THE VEHICLE IS NOT IN MOTION. I BELIEVE THIS IS A MAJOR SECURITY ISSUE BECAUSE IF I AM INVOLVED IN A MAJOR CAR CRASH AND THE AIRBAGS ARE NOT ON THEN I WILL NOT BE SECURED.
NHTSA ODI #10915368
Official recalls
4Sep 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.
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.
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.
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
Illustration