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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

Service Brakes complaints

164 reports
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10,000 miles · Jan 21, 2014
Service BrakesCrash

IT WAS THE FIRST SNOW STORM IN NJ. I WAS DRIVING, GOT A RED LIGHT AND WAS SLOWING DOWN THE CAR. THERE WERE A COUPLE OF CARS STOPPING AT RED LIGHT. MY CAR WAS ALMOST STOPPED ALSO BUT THE LAST MOMENT, THE BRAKE WOULDN'T WORK AND JUST HELPLESSLY SLID AND HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS THE FIRST TIME I GOT AN ACCIDENT AND THERE W…

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IT WAS THE FIRST SNOW STORM IN NJ. I WAS DRIVING, GOT A RED LIGHT AND WAS SLOWING DOWN THE CAR. THERE WERE A COUPLE OF CARS STOPPING AT RED LIGHT. MY CAR WAS ALMOST STOPPED ALSO BUT THE LAST MOMENT, THE BRAKE WOULDN'T WORK AND JUST HELPLESSLY SLID AND HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS THE FIRST TIME I GOT AN ACCIDENT AND THERE WERE SO MANY SMALL ACCIDENTS AROUND SO I THOUGHT IT WAS MY MISTAKE SOMEHOW. BUT AFTERWARDS, I GET SIMILAR ISSUES AND I DON'T FEEL SAFE ANY MORE. MY CAR IS JUST ONE YEAR OLD. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING FOR 10 YEARS, NEVER HAD THIS KIND OF ISSUE BEFORE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10560901

6,000 miles · Jan 14, 2014
Service Brakes

I HAVE RUST ON MY 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA ROTORS AND IT MAKES NOISE WHEN I BRAKE. I HAD TO GET NEW PADS IN DECEMBER BECAUSE OF A LOUD NOISE WHILE BRAKING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10559988

500 miles · Dec 27, 2013
Service BrakesSteeringSuspension

THE BRAKES MAKE HORRIBLE CREAKING AND GRINDING NOISES WHEN WET. SOMETIMES IT WILL EVEN CAUSE THE CAR TO SHAKE. I HAVE CONTACTED HYUNDAI SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY DO NOT TAKE THIS SERIOUS. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIX IT. I JUST TOOK IT IN LAST WEEK AND THEY EVEN TRIED TO GET ME …

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THE BRAKES MAKE HORRIBLE CREAKING AND GRINDING NOISES WHEN WET. SOMETIMES IT WILL EVEN CAUSE THE CAR TO SHAKE. I HAVE CONTACTED HYUNDAI SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY DO NOT TAKE THIS SERIOUS. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIX IT. I JUST TOOK IT IN LAST WEEK AND THEY EVEN TRIED TO GET ME TO PAY 100 FOR A CLEANING OF THE BRAKE COMPONENTS, I FEEL I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY TO FIX A PROBLEM WE HAVE HAD SINCE WE BOUGHT THE CAR NEW AND HAVE HAD IT IN SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIX IT. I AM NOT CONFIDENT DRIVING THE CAR NOW AND CLEARLY NO ONE WOULD WANT IT BUY IT OFF US WHEN IT MAKES SUCH HORRIBLE NOISES. I ALSO BELIEVE IT CANNOT BE SAFE AND WILL CAUSE PREMATURE FAILURE OF THE BRAKE CALIPERS AND / OR POSSIBLE THE BALL JOINTS OR FRONT STEERING SUSPENSION. I THINK THEY HAVE A FAULTY DESIGN IN THE BRAKE HYDRAULICS AND THE DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURES BETWEEN THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKES ARE NOT RIGHT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10557403

Mileage unknown · Nov 14, 2013
Service Brakes

I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK, WHEN I NOTICED THERE WAS A NEW WARNING ON MY DASHBOARD AND SO WHEN LOOKING UP WHAT IT MEANS IN MY BOOK, IT PERTAINS TO MY BRAKES!! WHEN I CALLED THE DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPT ABOUT ANOTHER ISSUE I AM HAVING WITH THE CAR, I TOLD HER ABOUT THIS ONE TOO. SHE SAID WE NEED TO GET YOU IN ASAP TO HAVE IT LOOK…

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I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK, WHEN I NOTICED THERE WAS A NEW WARNING ON MY DASHBOARD AND SO WHEN LOOKING UP WHAT IT MEANS IN MY BOOK, IT PERTAINS TO MY BRAKES!! WHEN I CALLED THE DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPT ABOUT ANOTHER ISSUE I AM HAVING WITH THE CAR, I TOLD HER ABOUT THIS ONE TOO. SHE SAID WE NEED TO GET YOU IN ASAP TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT. I COULD TELL BY HER TONE, THIS WAS NOT A GOOD THING. I EXPRESSED TO HER THAT I HAVE A (19 MO OLD), OF WHICH I CANNOT HAVE ANY MAJOR DEFAULTS WITH MY CAR, ESPECIALLY WHEN DRIVING WITH HER IN IT- WHICH IS ALL THE TIME! I ASKED HER IF THIS WAS IN CONJUNCTION WITH MY BRAKES MAKING A GRINDING NOISE AND SHE SAID SHE DIDN'T KNOW. I TOLD HER I HAVE ONLY HAD THE (NEW OFF THE LOT) FOR A YEAR OR MORE AND HAVE HAD A STRING OF ISSUES. I AM NOT IMPRESSED TO SAY THE LEAST!! THIS IS MINOR IN COMPARISON TO SOME, BUT THE UPHOLSTERY ON MY SIDE ON THE RIGHT (FLOOR BOARD) HAS COMPLETELY TORN APART. IT ALMOST LOOKS LIKE SOMEONE HAD CUT IT, LIKE WHEN I BROUGHT MY CAR IN THE LAST TIME TO GET WORKED ON FROM THIS DEALER. SHE ASSURED ME THEY WOULD NEVER CUT THE FLOOR AND I SAID WHAT HAPPENED TO IT THEN AND SHE SAID A POOR JOB WHEN MADE BY HYUNDAI. GRANTED, THEY ARE GOING TO REPLACE IT, BUT NOW I HAVE A MORE IMPORTANT ISSUE TO ATTEND TO- MY BRAKES. BAD UPHOLSTERY IS NOT GOING TO PUT ME OR MY DAUGHTER IN DANGER, BUT BAD BRAKES WILL! WHEN I ASKED THE DEALER IF ANY OF MY CURRENT AND PAST ISSUES WITH THIS CAR IS NORMAL, SHE SAID TO BE HONEST- NO IT IS NOT! IF I HAVE TO CONTACT HYUNDAI, I WILL AND I WILL NOT GIVE UP UNTIL MY ISSUES HAVE BEEN RESOLVED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10552248

17,000 miles · Sep 23, 2013
Service Brakes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DECELERATE BUT THE BRAKES FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE F…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DECELERATE BUT THE BRAKES FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 17,000.

NHTSA ODI #10545021

20,900 miles · Sep 12, 2013
Service Brakes

I HAD TO STOP MODERATELY HARD AT 50 MPH AND WHEN I DID MY BRAKES MADE A LOUD GRINDING NOISE AND VIBRATED VERY ROUGH. I FOUND OUT THERE WAS A HYUNDAI TSB CAMPAIGN FOR THE BRAKES ISSUED DECEMBER 2012 AND THAT THEY SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED BY THE DEALER BEFORE THE CAR WAS SOLD BUT THE DEALERSHIP (KEY HYUNDAI IN JACKSONVILLE, FL) …

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I HAD TO STOP MODERATELY HARD AT 50 MPH AND WHEN I DID MY BRAKES MADE A LOUD GRINDING NOISE AND VIBRATED VERY ROUGH. I FOUND OUT THERE WAS A HYUNDAI TSB CAMPAIGN FOR THE BRAKES ISSUED DECEMBER 2012 AND THAT THEY SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED BY THE DEALER BEFORE THE CAR WAS SOLD BUT THE DEALERSHIP (KEY HYUNDAI IN JACKSONVILLE, FL) NEGLECTED TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE PADS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10543384

3,197 miles · Jun 17, 2013
Service BrakesVehicle Speed ControlCrash

VEHICLE SUDDEN ACCELERATION AFTER PRESSING BRAKES AND TRYING TO PARK: AS I WAS TURNING INTO A PARKING SPACE (LESS THAN 5 MPH), IN FRONT OF A GROCERY STORE TO PARK THE CAR, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, HIT A LIGHTING POLE AND COMPLETELY DAMAGED THE FRONT OF THE CAR. PRESSING THE BRAKES EVEN HARDER COULD NOT STOP THE CAR.…

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VEHICLE SUDDEN ACCELERATION AFTER PRESSING BRAKES AND TRYING TO PARK: AS I WAS TURNING INTO A PARKING SPACE (LESS THAN 5 MPH), IN FRONT OF A GROCERY STORE TO PARK THE CAR, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, HIT A LIGHTING POLE AND COMPLETELY DAMAGED THE FRONT OF THE CAR. PRESSING THE BRAKES EVEN HARDER COULD NOT STOP THE CAR. THE CAR FINALLY CAME TO A HALT AS IT HIT THE POLE (THANKFULLY NO ONE WAS INJURED). THE AIR BAG DID NOT COME ON, MY HEAD AND NECK HIT THE BRAKES. THANKFULLY, I WAS NOT INJURED AND NO ONE ELSE WAS EITHER. BRAKES COMPLETELY FAILED, THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF IT BUT COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING DEFECTIVE IN THE CAR. THIS IS VERY SCARY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10520191

5,000 miles · May 17, 2013
Service Brakes

I OWN A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA WITH APPROXIMATELY 9000 MILES ON IT AS OF MAY 2013. IN JANUARY I HAD THE CAR SITTING OUTSIDE OVERNIGHT, AND WHEN I WENT TO DRIVE IT THE NEXT MORNING I NOTICED A GRINDING SOUND COMING FROM THE BRAKES. I STOPPED AND GOT OUT TO NOTICE ALL FOUR ROTORS WERE RUSTED. I IMMEDIATELY BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER, …

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I OWN A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA WITH APPROXIMATELY 9000 MILES ON IT AS OF MAY 2013. IN JANUARY I HAD THE CAR SITTING OUTSIDE OVERNIGHT, AND WHEN I WENT TO DRIVE IT THE NEXT MORNING I NOTICED A GRINDING SOUND COMING FROM THE BRAKES. I STOPPED AND GOT OUT TO NOTICE ALL FOUR ROTORS WERE RUSTED. I IMMEDIATELY BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER, AND AFTER INSPECTION THEY SAID ALL FOUR ROTORS WERE SEVERELY RUSTED. THEY MACHINE SHOPPED THE ROTORS DOWN SO THEY WOULD MAKE A NOISE OR MAKE THE CAR PULSATE WHILE STOPPING. THE FIRST WEEK OF MAY I LEFT THE CAR SIT OUTSIDE OVER THE ENTIRE WEEKEND. WHEN I LEFT FOR WORK MONDAY MORNING I NOTICED THE SAME PROBLEM. THE CAR WAS PULSATING AND MAKING A GRINDING SOUND AGAIN. I CALLED THE DEALER AND EXPLAINED THE PREVIOUS SITUATION. THEY SAID THAT THIS TYPE OF SITUATION HAPPENS IF THE CAR IS LEFT IN MOISTURE OVERNIGHT. I TOLD THEM THAT IS RIDICULOUS SINCE MANY PEOPLE DON'T HAVE THE LUXURY OF A GARAGE. THEY TOLD ME TO BRING IT IN THE SHOP AGAIN TO TAKE A LOOK AT IT. I AM NOW WAITING TILL THE NEXT APPOINTMENT TO BRING THE CAR IN. I HAVE A 2012 HYUNDAI TUCSON THAT SITS OUTSIDE MORE THAN THIS CAR AND I HAVE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES BEFORE! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10512528

1,800 miles · Feb 26, 2013
Service Brakes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 TO 20 MPH AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKES, THE PEDAL WENT STRAIGHT TO THE FLOOR BOARD. CLICKING AND GRINDING NOISES COULD BE HEARD. THE CONTACT COASTED THROUGH THE INTERSECTION BEFORE THE BRAKES ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 TO 20 MPH AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKES, THE PEDAL WENT STRAIGHT TO THE FLOOR BOARD. CLICKING AND GRINDING NOISES COULD BE HEARD. THE CONTACT COASTED THROUGH THE INTERSECTION BEFORE THE BRAKES ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. AFTER INSPECTION, THEY ADVISED HER THAT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 1,800. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 2,000......UPDATED 05/09/13 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKES FAILED A SECOND TIME COMING TO A STOP AT 20 MPH. CLICKING AND LOUD BLUNKING NOISE COULD BE HEARD. DRIVER PUMPED THE BRAKES AND WAS ABLE TO ACTIVATE HALF WAY THROUGH THE INTERSECTION. THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED BY DEALER NOR MANUFACTURER. VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. UPDATED 06/04/2013 *JS

NHTSA ODI #10500196

6,000 miles · Jan 31, 2013
Service Brakes

THERE IS AN EXTREMELY LOUD GRINDING NOISE THAT KEEPS COMING FROM MY BRAKES. I WAS PULLING UP TO A MAILBOX AND I WAS ON MY CELLPHONE AND SOMEONE ASKED ME WHAT THAT NOISE WAS AS IT WAS SO LOUD THEY COULD HEAR IT! I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THERE WAS A LITTLE BIT OF RUST ON THE ROTOR!! I JUST HAD THE 7500 MILE CH…

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THERE IS AN EXTREMELY LOUD GRINDING NOISE THAT KEEPS COMING FROM MY BRAKES. I WAS PULLING UP TO A MAILBOX AND I WAS ON MY CELLPHONE AND SOMEONE ASKED ME WHAT THAT NOISE WAS AS IT WAS SO LOUD THEY COULD HEAR IT! I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THERE WAS A LITTLE BIT OF RUST ON THE ROTOR!! I JUST HAD THE 7500 MILE CHECK UP AND GOT ALL GREEN CHECKS BUT 10 DAYS LATER THE GRINDING IS EVEN LOUDER THAN BEFORE. I DREAD EVEN PUTTING ON MY BRAKES AND I AM NOT CONFIDENT IF PEOPLE JUMP OUT IN FRONT OF ME THAT THEY WILL RESPOND PROPERLY. I PURCHASED THIS CAR BRAND NEW AND WENT ON TO CARCOMPLAINTS.COM AND THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE SAYING THE SAME THINGS WITH AS LOW AS 20 MILES ON THE CAR. SOMETHING IS DEFINITELY WRONG HERE. THIS IS MY FIFTH BRAND NEW CAR IN THE LAST TEN YEARS SO I KNOW THIS IS NOT SOMETHING THAT SHOULD BE GOING ON. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10495989

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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