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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

Suspension complaints

99 reports
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35,000 miles · Apr 17, 2015
Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHEN TRAVELING OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD OR UNLEVELED LAND AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE SWAYED BACK AND FORTH AS IF THE SUSPENSION WERE UNSTABLE. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE FAILURE PROGRESSED EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR DIAGNOSED.…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHEN TRAVELING OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD OR UNLEVELED LAND AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE SWAYED BACK AND FORTH AS IF THE SUSPENSION WERE UNSTABLE. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE FAILURE PROGRESSED EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TO BE TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR FURTHER INSPECTION AND DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.....UPDATED 07/22/15 *BF UPDATED 10/06/2017*CN

NHTSA ODI #10706333

22,124 miles · Apr 8, 2015
SteeringSuspensionVehicle Speed Control

WHEN GOING OVER ANY ROAD DEFECTS OR ABNORMALITIES, WHILE DRIVING THE CAR, I HAVE BECOME AWARE OF HOW THE SUSPENSION IS ON THIS VEHICLE MAKES NOISES, FISHTAILS, AND SEEMS TO BOTTOM OUT WITH ANY SPEED BUMP. REAR WHEELS SEEM TO LOSE TRACTION WHEN HITTING ANY TYPE OF SMALL HOLE, CRACK, OR DROP IN ROAD FLATNESS. SUSPENSION ALSO SWAYS…

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WHEN GOING OVER ANY ROAD DEFECTS OR ABNORMALITIES, WHILE DRIVING THE CAR, I HAVE BECOME AWARE OF HOW THE SUSPENSION IS ON THIS VEHICLE MAKES NOISES, FISHTAILS, AND SEEMS TO BOTTOM OUT WITH ANY SPEED BUMP. REAR WHEELS SEEM TO LOSE TRACTION WHEN HITTING ANY TYPE OF SMALL HOLE, CRACK, OR DROP IN ROAD FLATNESS. SUSPENSION ALSO SWAYS AWKWARDLY WITH CERTAIN TURNS. ONLY GETTING MORE AND MORE NOTICEABLE AS THE CAR CONTINUES TO AGE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10704445

39,000 miles · Mar 14, 2015
SteeringSuspension

SINCE BUYING THIS CAR IN NOVEMBER 2014, I NOTICED AN ISSUE WITH STABILITY WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND WAS UNSURE AS TO WHAT WAS CAUSING THE CAR TO FEEL LIKE IT WAS JUMPING AFTER HITTING SMALL BUMPS. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH I UNDERSTAND NOW THAT IT IS THE SUSPENSION THAT IS CAUSING THIS INSTABILITY. THE BUMPS I HIT ON THE…

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SINCE BUYING THIS CAR IN NOVEMBER 2014, I NOTICED AN ISSUE WITH STABILITY WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND WAS UNSURE AS TO WHAT WAS CAUSING THE CAR TO FEEL LIKE IT WAS JUMPING AFTER HITTING SMALL BUMPS. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH I UNDERSTAND NOW THAT IT IS THE SUSPENSION THAT IS CAUSING THIS INSTABILITY. THE BUMPS I HIT ON THE HIGHWAY ARE NOT MAJOR BUMPS, THESE ARE JUST THE SMALL ONES THAT TRANSITION FROM SECTION TO SECTION OF THE HIGHWAY SO I KNOW IT ISN'T THE ROAD I DRIVE ON, IT IS THE CAR. THIS IS ACTUALLY THE THIRD HYUNDAI I HAVE OWNED, AND HAVE NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES LIKE THIS WITH THEIR VEHICLES. I HAVE ALWAYS FELT SAFE WHILE DRIVING THEM UNTIL THIS HYUNDAI ELANTRA 2013. ALSO WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, ANYWHERE FROM 45-65MPH THE DRIVING STABILITY FEELS UNSAFE AND THE VEHICLE WAVERS BACK AND FORTH ON THE HIGHWAY, HAVING TO ALWAYS CORRECT IT. WHEN IT IS WINDY IT IS EXTREMELY WORSE. I CANNOT BELIEVE HYUNDAI MADE A CAR THIS UNSAFE. DRIVING THIS WINTER I HAVE ONLY HOPED THAT THE JUMPING AND WAVERING DIDN'T CAUSE AN ACCIDENT ON THE HIGHWAY. THAT IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE TO FEEL THAT WAY IN A NEWER VEHICLE. PLEASE CONTINUE LOOKING INTO AND INVESTIGATING THIS ISSUE AS THE COMPANY SHOULD BE MADE RESPONSIBLE FOR THESE ISSUES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10694257

6,700 miles · Feb 28, 2015
SteeringSuspension

MY 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA GLS HAS THE SWERVING PROBLEM. ANY TIME I'M ON AN UNEVEN PATCH OF ROAD OR A BUMP, IT'S LIKE I LOSE CONTROL OF MY CAR. YOU HAVE TO KEEP 2 HANDS ON THE WHEEL AT ALL TIMES TO TRY & KEEP SOME CONTROL. I HOPE YOU AGREE THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. PLEASE OPEN AN INVESTIGATION. THIS SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS IN A G…

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MY 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA GLS HAS THE SWERVING PROBLEM. ANY TIME I'M ON AN UNEVEN PATCH OF ROAD OR A BUMP, IT'S LIKE I LOSE CONTROL OF MY CAR. YOU HAVE TO KEEP 2 HANDS ON THE WHEEL AT ALL TIMES TO TRY & KEEP SOME CONTROL. I HOPE YOU AGREE THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. PLEASE OPEN AN INVESTIGATION. THIS SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS IN A GROUP OF CARS PLEASE ORDER A RECALL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10691288

21,000 miles · Feb 11, 2015
SteeringSuspensionWheelsFire

I PURCHASED THIS CAR IN JULY 2014. A. 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA AND AFTER 3 WEEKS THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE WENT OUT AFTER BARELY HITTING CURB AROUND BY SEPTEMBER 2014, THE DRIVERS TIRE WAS DEFLATING REPLACED. ON 2/10/2015 THE TIRE IN REAR WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, THE DEALERSHIP SAYS IT COULD BECAUSE A NAIL GOT INTO THE TIR…

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I PURCHASED THIS CAR IN JULY 2014. A. 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA AND AFTER 3 WEEKS THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE WENT OUT AFTER BARELY HITTING CURB AROUND BY SEPTEMBER 2014, THE DRIVERS TIRE WAS DEFLATING REPLACED. ON 2/10/2015 THE TIRE IN REAR WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, THE DEALERSHIP SAYS IT COULD BECAUSE A NAIL GOT INTO THE TIRE AND CAUSED THE PROBLEM. IT JUST SEEMS A BIT UNUSUAL FOR 3 TIRES IN LESS THAN A YEAR OF OWNING THIS VEHICLE, WHICH WAS NEW PURCHASED JULY 2014. 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10682766

33,000 miles · Feb 1, 2015
SteeringSuspension

THEY CAR DRIVES FINE UNTIL YOU HIT A ANY SORT OF BUMP OR HOLE IN THE ROAD. WHEN THAT HAPPENS THE BACK END WIGGLES AND IN THE RAIN IT IS MUCH WORSE. IT IS EVEN WORSE ON THE HIGHWAY GOING AT A HIGHER SPEED. I HAVE READ SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS ONLINE WITH DRIVERS FACING SIMILAR ISSUES. I AM WORRIED THAT IT WILL ONE DAY LOSE CON…

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THEY CAR DRIVES FINE UNTIL YOU HIT A ANY SORT OF BUMP OR HOLE IN THE ROAD. WHEN THAT HAPPENS THE BACK END WIGGLES AND IN THE RAIN IT IS MUCH WORSE. IT IS EVEN WORSE ON THE HIGHWAY GOING AT A HIGHER SPEED. I HAVE READ SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS ONLINE WITH DRIVERS FACING SIMILAR ISSUES. I AM WORRIED THAT IT WILL ONE DAY LOSE CONTROL. I DO NOT FEEL LIKE I AM IN CONTROL OF THE CAR, I'VE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY SAY EVERYTHING IS FINE AND THAT IS JUST HOW THE CAR DRIVES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10680416

51,000 miles · Feb 1, 2015
Suspension

HITTING A POTHOLE AT. LOW SPEED DESTROYED MY TIRE AND BENT THE RIM. THIS IS THE FOURTH TIRE LOST UNDER SIMILAR CONDITIONS. THE IMPACT SEEMS TO BE BORNE BY THE RIM WHICH THEN CRUSHES THE TIRE. THIS COMPLAINT ABOUT THE 2013 ELANTRA SHOWS UP IN NUMEROUS REPORTS ON THE CARS.COM WEBSITE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10680345

2,500 miles · Jan 14, 2015
Suspension

MY 2013 ELANTRA COUPE FISHTAILS WHEN YOU HIT A BUMP OR UNEVEN PLACE IN THE ROAD. THIS IS A VERY SCARY FEELING AND WILL CAUSE ACCIDENTS. I AM VERY SHOCKED THAT HYUNDAI HAS NOT RECALLED THESE CARS FOR SAFETY REASONS BECAUSE THERE ARE MANY MANY COMPLAINTS ON HERE SO IT MUST HAVE BEEN BROUGHT TO THEIR ATTENTION. IT IS MY HOPE THA…

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MY 2013 ELANTRA COUPE FISHTAILS WHEN YOU HIT A BUMP OR UNEVEN PLACE IN THE ROAD. THIS IS A VERY SCARY FEELING AND WILL CAUSE ACCIDENTS. I AM VERY SHOCKED THAT HYUNDAI HAS NOT RECALLED THESE CARS FOR SAFETY REASONS BECAUSE THERE ARE MANY MANY COMPLAINTS ON HERE SO IT MUST HAVE BEEN BROUGHT TO THEIR ATTENTION. IT IS MY HOPE THAT THEY RECALL THIS ISSUE NOW BEFORE THERE ARE MORE ACCIDENTS. I ALSO HAVE THE PROBLEM WITH THE TRUCK POPPING OPEN WHILE INSIDE A STORE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10672596

32,000 miles · Jan 14, 2015
Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SWERVE UNCONTROLLABLY. IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR SHOCK SUSPENSION WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000.

NHTSA ODI #10672416

46,000 miles · Dec 26, 2014
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemSuspension

AS OTHERS HAVE MENTIONED, I HAVE HAD BOTH PROBLEMS STARTING THE VEHICLE (THE CAR COULD NOT BE STARTED ON TWO OCCASIONS SO FAR, DESPITE HAVING ADEQUATE FUEL AND A CHARGED BATTERY), AND WITH THE REAR OF THE CAR SWINGING OUT WHEN TRAVELING OVER A BUMP OR ON SLIPPERY ROAD CONDITIONS (EVEN AT SPEEDS AS LOW AS 35 MPH, THERE IS A NOTIC…

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AS OTHERS HAVE MENTIONED, I HAVE HAD BOTH PROBLEMS STARTING THE VEHICLE (THE CAR COULD NOT BE STARTED ON TWO OCCASIONS SO FAR, DESPITE HAVING ADEQUATE FUEL AND A CHARGED BATTERY), AND WITH THE REAR OF THE CAR SWINGING OUT WHEN TRAVELING OVER A BUMP OR ON SLIPPERY ROAD CONDITIONS (EVEN AT SPEEDS AS LOW AS 35 MPH, THERE IS A NOTICEABLE KICK FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH HAS WORSENED WITH TIME). FOR BOTH CASES, THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO FIND AN ISSUE, AND/OR SAID ANY KIND PROBLEM WAS "WITHIN TOLERANCE." *TR

NHTSA ODI #10668362

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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