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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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13,900 miles · Aug 15, 2014
SteeringSuspension

I PURCHASED THE 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA GLS WITH 13,400 MILES ON FEBRUARY 15, 2014. AFTER A FEW DAYS OF DRIVING THE VEHICLE I REALIZED THAT THE CAR FLOATS ALL OVER THE ROAD WHEN DRIVING PRETTY MUCH AT ANY SPEED. YOU HAVE TO HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL WITH BOTH HANDS TO KEEP CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE ALSO JUMPS AR…

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I PURCHASED THE 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA GLS WITH 13,400 MILES ON FEBRUARY 15, 2014. AFTER A FEW DAYS OF DRIVING THE VEHICLE I REALIZED THAT THE CAR FLOATS ALL OVER THE ROAD WHEN DRIVING PRETTY MUCH AT ANY SPEED. YOU HAVE TO HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL WITH BOTH HANDS TO KEEP CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE ALSO JUMPS AROUND WHEN DRIVING OVER IMPERFECTIONS ON THE ROADWAY. THE BACK END SUSPENSION IS VERY STIFF AND WHEN GOING OVER THESE IMPERFECTIONS THE VEHICLES VEERS INTO ANOTHER LANE OR SHOULDER. I HAVE CALLED HYUNDAI WITH NO RESPONSE AND EMAILED THEM ONLY TO BE TOLD TO BRING IT TO A HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO THE FREEHOLD HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP TWICE NOW AND WAS TOLD THE VEHICLE OPERATES TO FACTORY SPECS. THIS IS AN UNACCEPTABLE ANSWER. I HAVE A FAMILY AND FEAR THAT AN ACCIDENT IS GOING TO OCCUR WITH THIS VEHICLE DUE TO THE POOR HANDLING AND SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET INJURED OR EVEN KILLED. I DEMAND HYUNDAI REIMBURSE ME FOR WHAT I HAVE PAID FOR THIS VEHICLE OR ISSUE A RECALL AND FIX THE PROBLEMS THAT MANY OF THE ELANTRA OWNERS ARE DEALING WITH. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10622543

15,000 miles · Aug 8, 2014
Suspension

WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY AND DRIVING THROUGH NORMAL TRAFFIC FLOW, DROVE ON WIDE CURVE PORTION ON ROAD, I RAN INTO SOME UNEVEN PORTIONS OF ROAD WHEN ON CURVE AND REAR END OF VEHICLE FELT LIKE SWAYING (SLIGHTLY LOOSING CONTROL). FELT REAL LOOSE. THIS ALSO HAPPENS ON UNEVEN ROADS ON STRAIGHTAWAYS. THIS HAPPENED AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 60…

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WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY AND DRIVING THROUGH NORMAL TRAFFIC FLOW, DROVE ON WIDE CURVE PORTION ON ROAD, I RAN INTO SOME UNEVEN PORTIONS OF ROAD WHEN ON CURVE AND REAR END OF VEHICLE FELT LIKE SWAYING (SLIGHTLY LOOSING CONTROL). FELT REAL LOOSE. THIS ALSO HAPPENS ON UNEVEN ROADS ON STRAIGHTAWAYS. THIS HAPPENED AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 60-70 AS THIS HAPPENED QUITE OFTEN ON UNEVEN ROADS. DID NOT NOTIFY DEALER ON THIS DIRECTLY, NOTIFIED THEM ON HYUNDAI (E-MAIL TO ME) ON VEHICLE SATISFACTORY SUGGESTION REPORT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10620810

10,000 miles · Aug 8, 2014
Service BrakesSuspension

DRIVING ON FREEWAY AT SPEED OF APPROX. 65-70, HIT OFF LEVEL PAVEMENT ON RIGHT SIDE ON ROAD WHILE BRAKING TO SLOW (FOR TRAFFIC) AND BRAKE PEDAL HARDENED (PEDAL HARD TO PRESS FOR FEW SECONDS) WHILE MAKING CLICKING SOUND, BUT THEN FUNCTIONED PROPERLY. FELT LIKE FRONT PASS WHEEL. FIGURED NOTHING. MONTHS PASSED, DRIVING IN SHOPPING C…

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DRIVING ON FREEWAY AT SPEED OF APPROX. 65-70, HIT OFF LEVEL PAVEMENT ON RIGHT SIDE ON ROAD WHILE BRAKING TO SLOW (FOR TRAFFIC) AND BRAKE PEDAL HARDENED (PEDAL HARD TO PRESS FOR FEW SECONDS) WHILE MAKING CLICKING SOUND, BUT THEN FUNCTIONED PROPERLY. FELT LIKE FRONT PASS WHEEL. FIGURED NOTHING. MONTHS PASSED, DRIVING IN SHOPPING CENTER AND GOING OVER SPEED BUMP AT ABOUT 5 MPH AND FRONT WHEEL MADE CLICKING AGAIN WHILE BRAKING TO SLOW FURTHER AND BRAKE PEDAL HARDENED AGAIN (DIFFICULT TO PRESS FOR FEW SECONDS) THEN FUNCTIONED PROPERLY. TOOK CAR TO DEALER FOR REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND INFORMED DEALER OF SITUATION AND SERVICE REP CLAIMED IT WAS HOW THE ABS SYSTEM WORKED AND THAT WAS ALL IT WAS, THE ABS SYSTEM WORKING. TOLD HIM THIS PROBLEM DOES NOT HAPPEN WHEN THE LEFT WHEEL IS INVOLVED HITTING OR GOING OVER BUMP. FIRST TIME OWNED VEHICLE WITH ABS BUT I THINK THE BRAKE PEDAL IS NOT SUPPOSE TO HARDEN UP WHILE ABS SYSTEM IS FUNCTIONING AS THIS WOULD LIMIT ANY BRAKING CAPACITY. FEELS LIKE THERE IS A BIGGER PROBLEM AND DEALER IS NOT TAKING IT SERIOUSLY. ORIGINAL OWNER SINCE 7/31/13, THIS PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 4 TIMES AND ALL SEEMED TO ONLY INVOLVE THE FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10620805

25,100 miles · Jul 23, 2014
SuspensionTiresWheels

CAR PURCHASED NEW (LIMITED TRIM) IN DECEMBER 2012. DURING WINTER 2013 (DEC/JAN TIMEFRIME), I HIT A SIGNIFICANT POTHOLE ONA LOCAL HIGHWAY ON-RAMP BLOWING OUT THE FRONT PASSENGER-SIDE TIRE. AFTER BEING TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP (NO SPARE TIRE SUPPLIED), TIRE WAS REPLACED WITH A NEW IDENTICAL TIRE. SERVICE STATION CALLED ASKI…

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CAR PURCHASED NEW (LIMITED TRIM) IN DECEMBER 2012. DURING WINTER 2013 (DEC/JAN TIMEFRIME), I HIT A SIGNIFICANT POTHOLE ONA LOCAL HIGHWAY ON-RAMP BLOWING OUT THE FRONT PASSENGER-SIDE TIRE. AFTER BEING TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP (NO SPARE TIRE SUPPLIED), TIRE WAS REPLACED WITH A NEW IDENTICAL TIRE. SERVICE STATION CALLED ASKING FOR AUTHORIZATION TO REPLACE D/S FRONT TIRE ALSO SINCE IT HAD A SIDE-WALL BUBBLE. I DECLINED PERMISSION AND WHEN I PICKED UP THE CAR BROUGHT IT TO ADVANTAGE HYUNDAI FOR THE SECOND TIRE. ON JULY 11, 2014, I FOUND ANOTHER SIDEWALL BUBBLE ON THE D/S FRONT TIRE AND HAD THE SAME DEALER AGAIN SELL ME A NEW TIRE. TODAY 10 DAYS LATER, ANOTHER FRONT D/S TIRE SIDEWALL BUBBLE. NO ABNORMAL POTHOLES ENCOUNTERED. INCLUDING THE BLOWOUT, THIS IS FOUR TIRE FAILURES IN 19 MONTHS AND 25,000 MILES. TIRES ARE 17" LOW PROFILES AND RUBBER IS FROM HANKOOK. SITUATION IS UNSETTLING. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR ANYONE DRIVING IN THIS VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10615597

18,500 miles · Jul 23, 2014
Suspension

I HAVE FOUND THAT SINCE PURCHASING MY HYUNDAI ELANTRA THAT ANYTIME I HIT A POTHOLE OR BUMP THAT THE WHOLE CAR SHIFTS TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT. I WENT AROUND A CORNER THE OTHER DAY AT A LOW SPEED AND HIT A BUMP, THE WHOLE BACK END SLID TO THE RIGHT. I FIND THIS VERY UNSETTLING. I'M NOT SURE IF THIS IS A SUSPENSION PROBLEM WITH MY …

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I HAVE FOUND THAT SINCE PURCHASING MY HYUNDAI ELANTRA THAT ANYTIME I HIT A POTHOLE OR BUMP THAT THE WHOLE CAR SHIFTS TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT. I WENT AROUND A CORNER THE OTHER DAY AT A LOW SPEED AND HIT A BUMP, THE WHOLE BACK END SLID TO THE RIGHT. I FIND THIS VERY UNSETTLING. I'M NOT SURE IF THIS IS A SUSPENSION PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE OR A VEHICLE DEFECT IN GENERAL WITH THIS CAR. I FIND IT UNSETTLING AND UNSAFE THAT MY CAR CANNOT HANDLE EVEN THE SLIGHTEST BUMP WITHOUT THE WHOLE CAR SHIFTING TO ONE SIDE OR THE OTHER. HAVE YOU HAD ANY OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS VEHICLE? I WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF ANY ISSUES WHEN PURCHASING THIS CAR BUT AM CONCERNED ENOUGH ABOUT IT TO BRING THIS TO YOUR ATTENTION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10615528

15,984 miles · Jul 20, 2014
EngineSuspension

ON MY WAY TO WORK I WAS EXITING THE HIGHWAY AND I HIT A BUMP. I WAS TAKEN BY SURPRISE AS WHAT FELT LIKE THE REAR OF THE CAR BOUNCED UP ABNORMALLY AND LURCH TOWARD THE GUARD RAIL. THE HANDLING ON ROUGH SURFACES IS AWFUL. THIS COULD LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT. I JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR USED AND THE ENGINE IS NOISY WHICH I AM TOLD THIS IS TH…

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ON MY WAY TO WORK I WAS EXITING THE HIGHWAY AND I HIT A BUMP. I WAS TAKEN BY SURPRISE AS WHAT FELT LIKE THE REAR OF THE CAR BOUNCED UP ABNORMALLY AND LURCH TOWARD THE GUARD RAIL. THE HANDLING ON ROUGH SURFACES IS AWFUL. THIS COULD LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT. I JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR USED AND THE ENGINE IS NOISY WHICH I AM TOLD THIS IS THE TIMING CHAIN. I NEVER HAD A CAR LIKE THIS IN MY LONG LIFE. THE HANDLING REALLY WORRIES ME. SUCKS! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10614781

25,000 miles · Jul 17, 2014
SteeringSuspension

THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED I HAD MY CAR FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS. I WAS DRIVING MY 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA ON A ROUGH ROAD AND THE REAR END FELT LIKE IT WAS FISH TAILING. IT WAS A VERY SCARY EXPERIENCE. I WAS DRIVING APPROX 30-35MPH. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME I DRIVE ON AN UNEVEN SURFACE. I HAVE TO HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL AS TIGHT AS PO…

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THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED I HAD MY CAR FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS. I WAS DRIVING MY 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA ON A ROUGH ROAD AND THE REAR END FELT LIKE IT WAS FISH TAILING. IT WAS A VERY SCARY EXPERIENCE. I WAS DRIVING APPROX 30-35MPH. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME I DRIVE ON AN UNEVEN SURFACE. I HAVE TO HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL AS TIGHT AS POSSIBLE WITH BOTH HANDS AND THE CAR STILL FEELS UNCONTROLLABLE. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER BUT THEY DROVE IT AND SAID THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. IT IS SO SCARY THAT THIS COMPANY WILL LET PEOPLE DRIVE A CAR AROUND THAT IS THIS DANGEROUS. I HAVE THREE CHILDREN AND IT SCARES ME TO DRIVE THE CAR WITH THEM IN IT. I HAVE ALSO HAD PROBLEMS INTER-MENTALLY WITH THE CAR FAILING TO START. THE DASH LIGHTS COME ON, THE RADIO AND A/C ALL COME ON BUT THE ENGINE WILL NOT TURN OVER. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS IT FINALLY STARTS. I TOOK THE CAR INTO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT THE CAR HAD NO PROBLEMS STARTING FOR THEM. I HAVE HAD THIS CAR FOR A LITTLE OVER A YEAR NOW AND THE PROBLEMS CONTINUE. I BOUGHT THIS CAR BASED ON THE REPUTATION OF HYUNDAI. WHAT A MISTAKE! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10611148

5,000 miles · Jul 14, 2014
SuspensionWheels

WHEN DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY APPROX 65 MPH AND YOU HIT A POTHOLE OR UNEVEN ROAD THE CAR SWAYS BACK AND FORTH LIKE A BOAT I HAVE NEW TIRES AND JUST GOT IT ALIGNED THINKING IT WOULD HELP BUT IT STILL SWAYS AND FEELS LIKE IT WILL JUMP INTO THE OTHER LANE. I HAD NOTICED IT BEFORE BUT DIDN'T THINK TOO MUCH UNTIL MY SON DROVE IT AND ME…

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WHEN DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY APPROX 65 MPH AND YOU HIT A POTHOLE OR UNEVEN ROAD THE CAR SWAYS BACK AND FORTH LIKE A BOAT I HAVE NEW TIRES AND JUST GOT IT ALIGNED THINKING IT WOULD HELP BUT IT STILL SWAYS AND FEELS LIKE IT WILL JUMP INTO THE OTHER LANE. I HAD NOTICED IT BEFORE BUT DIDN'T THINK TOO MUCH UNTIL MY SON DROVE IT AND MENTIONED SOMETHING. I HAVE VIEWED THE OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SO I KNOW I AM NOT ALONE THINKING THIS IS UNSAFE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10610558

2,000 miles · Jul 9, 2014
Suspension

REAR OF CAR BOUNCES AROUND WHEN TRAVELING OVER BUMPS ARE SPEEDS AS SLOW AS 25 MPH. NOW AT 14,000 MILES THE REAR DRIVERS TIRE IS WEARING BADLY ON INSIDE OF TIRE. CAR IS GETTING INCREASINGLY OR UNSTABLE AT SPEEDS WHEN GOING OVER ROUGH ROADS, RR TRACKS. DEALER HAS BEEN RUDE AND UNCOOPERATIVE AND TELLS ME TO CHANGE MY DRIVING STYLE.…

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REAR OF CAR BOUNCES AROUND WHEN TRAVELING OVER BUMPS ARE SPEEDS AS SLOW AS 25 MPH. NOW AT 14,000 MILES THE REAR DRIVERS TIRE IS WEARING BADLY ON INSIDE OF TIRE. CAR IS GETTING INCREASINGLY OR UNSTABLE AT SPEEDS WHEN GOING OVER ROUGH ROADS, RR TRACKS. DEALER HAS BEEN RUDE AND UNCOOPERATIVE AND TELLS ME TO CHANGE MY DRIVING STYLE. THIS IS A DANGEROUS CAR FOR THE INEXPERIENCED DRIVER, I HAVE TO COMPENSATE FOR THE DEFECT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10609421

30,000 miles · Jul 2, 2014
Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING OVER A SMALL BUMP AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE BOUNCED ROUGHLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED FOR THREE MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. UPDATED 8/12/14*CN

NHTSA ODI #10607869

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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