NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Unknown Or Other complaints
123 reportsClear category filter25,000 miles · Apr 12, 2018
Unknown Or Other
EXPLODING SUNROOF WHILE DRIVING ON A CLEAR, SUNNY, 70 DEGREE DAY ON A SMOOTH INTERSTATE AT 60 MPH, RIGHT LANE ABOUT TO EXIT, SCARED ME HALF TO DEATH. SAW ABSOLUTELY NOTHING AROUND ME THAT COULD HAVE HIT ME AND NOT KNOWING WHAT, QUICKLY SLOWED TO PULL OVER ON SHOULDER BEFORE MY DESTINED EXIT, WHERE I DETERMINED ON A HIGHWAY OF…
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EXPLODING SUNROOF WHILE DRIVING ON A CLEAR, SUNNY, 70 DEGREE DAY ON A SMOOTH INTERSTATE AT 60 MPH, RIGHT LANE ABOUT TO EXIT, SCARED ME HALF TO DEATH. SAW ABSOLUTELY NOTHING AROUND ME THAT COULD HAVE HIT ME AND NOT KNOWING WHAT, QUICKLY SLOWED TO PULL OVER ON SHOULDER BEFORE MY DESTINED EXIT, WHERE I DETERMINED ON A HIGHWAY OF FAST MOVING CARS, THAT MY FORWARD PIECE SUNROOF WAS SHATTERED. HAD CAR TOWED AS I DIDN'T WANT MORE FLYING GLASS ON HWY. ORIGINAL OWNER FOR 25000 MILES, GARAGE KEPT AND HAVE TAKEN CARE OF MINOR RECALLS TO DATE. MY ELANTRA GT MODEL IS CLOSE TO VELOSTAR, BOTH SIMILAR WITH FULL PANORAMIC SUNROOFS, WHICH I UNDERSTAND HAS HAD ROOF RECALLS SINCE. ELANTRAS HAVE NOT? DEALER DENIED THIS BEING ANYTHING BUT A FLUKE AND FIRST EXAMINED FOR A ROCK OR BULLET, WHICH WAS NEVER FOUND. I PROVIDED MY INSURANCE INFO. WHILE IT HAS SINCE BEEN VERBALLY REPRESENTED TO ME BY DEALER THAT MANUFACTURER WOULD DO THE RIGHT THING BY ME AND WAIVE THE ONE MONTH PURPORTEDLY BEYOND 5 YR WARRANTY AND REPLACE, CAR IS STILL WITH DEALER ONE WEEK LATER AS MECHANIC HAVING DIFFICULTY WITH INSTALL. GLASS STILL IN TRACK RENDERING IT IMMOVABLE I'VE BEEN TOLD, STILL WORKING ON IT ALTHOUGH INITIALLY SUGGESTED A ONE DAY JOB AFTER PART CAME. I HAVE NO CAR 1 WEEK LATER, NO LOANER ALLOWED FROM DEALER NO INFO ON COMPLETION. DEALERS NEED TO BE EDUCATED ON THIS DEFECT THEY SEEM TO DENY, THEIR MECHANICS TRAINED AND PUBLIC NOTIFIED OF THIS CONCERN. I ALSO DON'T EXPECT TO PURCHASE A CAR THEY DON'T KNOW HOW TO LATER FIX. I WAS LUCKY MY INNER SLIDE WAS CLOSED AS GLASS PIECES FLOATED ON TOP. THE EFFECTS ON MY NERVOUS SYSTEM REMAIN. THE MAIN INNER PART OF THE GLASS DISAPPEARED ON THE HIGHWAY; NEVER SAW WHERE IN MY REAR VIEW. HOPE NO ONE BEHIND ME SUFFERED WHICH I NEVER DID SEE. CHP WAS INFORMED. HELP DO THE RIGHT THING BY THE PUBLIC SAFETY AND RECALL THESE EXPLOSIVE MONSTERS.
NHTSA ODI #11084690
50,000 miles · Feb 7, 2018
EngineUnknown Or Other
THEY IS MOVEMENT IN THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND A THOPPING WHEN YOU LET UP OFF THE BRAKE. FLASHERS FREEZE WHEN ITS COLD.
NHTSA ODI #11067405
50,000 miles · Jan 19, 2018
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other
WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START VEHICLE THE "P" DOES NOT SHOW IN THE INFORMATION PANEL AND THE CAR WILL NOT START. VIGOROUS SHAKING OF THE GEAR SELECTOR SOMETIMES ALLOWS THE "P" TO ILLUMINATE AND THEN THE CAR WILL START. THE VEHICLE IS NOT IN MOTION AND HAS BEEN PARKED IN GARAGE. THIS STARTED IN OCTOBER AND HAPPENS MORE AND MORE FRE…
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WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START VEHICLE THE "P" DOES NOT SHOW IN THE INFORMATION PANEL AND THE CAR WILL NOT START. VIGOROUS SHAKING OF THE GEAR SELECTOR SOMETIMES ALLOWS THE "P" TO ILLUMINATE AND THEN THE CAR WILL START. THE VEHICLE IS NOT IN MOTION AND HAS BEEN PARKED IN GARAGE. THIS STARTED IN OCTOBER AND HAPPENS MORE AND MORE FREQUENTLY.
NHTSA ODI #11063702
29,000 miles · Jan 17, 2018
Unknown Or Other
MY VEHICLE HAD AN ONGOING WATER LEAK INTO THE REAR HATCH AREA AND UNDER INTO THE SPARE TIRE AREA UNDER THE CARPET/REMOVAL FLOOR. THE LEAK COULD NOT BE TRACED FOR MONTHS AND CAME AND WENT. FINALLY FROM ANOTHER OWNERS HELP WE TRACED IT TO THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF. THE OUTER PLASTIC "FRAME" THAT HELPS SUPPORT AND FIT THE SUNROOF TO TH…
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MY VEHICLE HAD AN ONGOING WATER LEAK INTO THE REAR HATCH AREA AND UNDER INTO THE SPARE TIRE AREA UNDER THE CARPET/REMOVAL FLOOR. THE LEAK COULD NOT BE TRACED FOR MONTHS AND CAME AND WENT. FINALLY FROM ANOTHER OWNERS HELP WE TRACED IT TO THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF. THE OUTER PLASTIC "FRAME" THAT HELPS SUPPORT AND FIT THE SUNROOF TO THE CAR CRACKED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR. IT WAS APPROXIMATELY ABOVE THE REAR SEAT HEADREST OR JUST BEHIND IT UNDER THE HEADLINER. DROPPING THE HEADLINER WAS NECESSARY TO FIND THE CRACK AND LEAK. IF THE CAR SAT ON A SLIGHT INCLINE WITH THE REAR OF THE CAR AT THE LOWEST POINT ABOUT .5" OF WATER WOULD ACCUMULATE INTO THE SPARE TIRE AREA OVER TIME. GRANTED THE AMOUNT OF WATER THAT LEAKED IN DEPENDED ON HOW MUCH IT RAINED AND FOR HOW LONG. ALSO DURING THIS SAME TIME THAT THE LEAK WAS ONGOING, THE SUNROOF WOULD MAKE EXCESSIVE CREAKING AND NOISE WHEN DRIVING OVER UNEVEN PAVEMENT. I CANT HELP BUT ASSUME THAT THE CRACK WAS EITHER DEVELOPING OR ALREADY PRESENT WHILE THE NOISE WAS HEARD. THE SUNROOF ENDED UP BEING REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY.
NHTSA ODI #11063321
45,000 miles · Oct 13, 2017
StructureUnknown Or Other
DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN A LOUD EXPLOSIVE SOUND LIKE A GUNSHOT OCCURRED. THE CAR SHOOK VIOLENTLY, I THOUGHT I HAD BEEN HIT, ALTHOUGH NOTHING HAD BEEN CLOSE TO ME. WHEN I REALIZED I WAS STILL DRIVING ON ALL FOUR TIRES AND NOT FLIPPING END FOR END, THOUGH THE WHEEL WAS STILL VIBRATING VIOLENTLY, I FELT GLASS RAINING DOWN ON …
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DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN A LOUD EXPLOSIVE SOUND LIKE A GUNSHOT OCCURRED. THE CAR SHOOK VIOLENTLY, I THOUGHT I HAD BEEN HIT, ALTHOUGH NOTHING HAD BEEN CLOSE TO ME. WHEN I REALIZED I WAS STILL DRIVING ON ALL FOUR TIRES AND NOT FLIPPING END FOR END, THOUGH THE WHEEL WAS STILL VIBRATING VIOLENTLY, I FELT GLASS RAINING DOWN ON MY HEAD AND THERE WAS EXTENSIVE AIR NOISE. I LOOKED UP AND ALMOST ALL THE ENTIRE PANORAMIC SUNROOF WAS GONE, AND WHAT WAS LEFT WAS FALLING ON MY HEAD. THE ROAD WAS SMOOTH, THERE WAS NO OVERPASS NEAR, AND NO CARS WERE IN MY IMMEDIATE VICINITY. I PULLED OFF THE INTERSTATE AND CALLED THE DEALERSHIP.
NHTSA ODI #11033176
66,900 miles · Sep 17, 2017
Unknown Or Other
MY CAR INTERMITTENTLY WON'T START. IT HAPPENED FOR THE THIRD TIME IN 10-11 MONTHS JUST TWO DAYS AGO AND IS IN THE SHOP AGAIN. THE SHOP HASN'T BEEN ABLE TO FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT, BUT THE LIGHTS HAVE NEVER BEEN LEFT ON NOR HAS A DOOR BEEN LEFT AJAR BECAUSE IT WOULDN'T ALLOW ME TO SET THE ALARM IF THIS WERE THE CASE AND THE A…
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MY CAR INTERMITTENTLY WON'T START. IT HAPPENED FOR THE THIRD TIME IN 10-11 MONTHS JUST TWO DAYS AGO AND IS IN THE SHOP AGAIN. THE SHOP HASN'T BEEN ABLE TO FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT, BUT THE LIGHTS HAVE NEVER BEEN LEFT ON NOR HAS A DOOR BEEN LEFT AJAR BECAUSE IT WOULDN'T ALLOW ME TO SET THE ALARM IF THIS WERE THE CASE AND THE ALARM HAS BEEN SET CORRECTLY EACH TIME. LAST TIME THIS HAPPENED, 6 MONTHS AGO, THEY PERFORMED A TEST ON THE BATTERY AND IT TESTED POOR SO THEY REPLACED IT CONVINCED THAT WAS IT, THOUGH I TOLD THEM I DIDN'T THINK THAT WAS THE ISSUE WITH IT. NOW, ONE OF MY WARRANTIES HAS TIMED OUT, BUT IT DID THE SAME THING AGAIN WITH A BRAND NEW BATTERY. I DID A SEARCH AND SOMEONE POINTED ME TO THIS WEBSITE BECAUSE OTHERS HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE WITH IT. I AM TRYING TO FIGURE OUT THE BEST WAY TO GET THE DEALERSHIP TO CORRECTLY IDENTIFY WHAT THE ISSUE IS SO IT CAN BE FIXED ONCE AND FOR ALL. I HAVE SEEN, IN THE SEARCH I DID, THAT OTHERS MENTIONED THINGS LIKE THE SHIFT INTERLOCK, RANGE SWITCH, FAULTY RAIN SENSOR, SHIFTER ASSEMBLY, OR SHIFTER ASSEMBLY CABLE. I AM WONDERING IF THIS IS A COMMON COMPLAINT WITH THIS CAR? THE CAR WAS SITTING IN MY GARAGE AND HAD BEEN DRIVEN WITH NO ISSUES LESS THAN 24 HOURS BEFORE. IT WAS SO DEAD IT WOULDN'T EVEN UNLOCK USING THE KEY FAB. I USED THE KEY TO UNLOCK THE DOOR, NO LIGHTS WENT ON, IT WAS COMPLETELY DEAD. WHEN THE TOW TRUCK CAME, THEY HOOKED IT UP TO THE CHARGER TO BE ABLE TO MOVE IT OUT OF THE GARAGE ONTO THE TRUCK AND WITHIN JUST A FEW SECONDS THE CAR'S LIGHTS TURNED ON AND THE ALARM STARTED GOING OFF. HE WAS ABLE TO START IT AND DRIVE IT ONTO THE TRUCK THEN WITH NO ISSUES. I HAVE INVOICES FROM THE PAST SHOWING WHAT TESTS WERE PERFORMED, BUT ESSENTIALLY THEY HAVE TESTED THE ALTERNATOR AND STARTER AND SAID THEY TESTED FOR A PARASITIC DRAW, BUT SO FAR THE ONLY ACTUAL FIX THEY HAVE DONE IS TO REPLACE THE BATTERY 6 MONTHS AGO.
NHTSA ODI #11023877
70,000 miles · Aug 11, 2017
Unknown Or Other
OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS THE CAR WILL GET SHIFTED INTO DRIVE AND A BLANK SPACE WILL GO WHERE THE D IS SUPPOSED TO NEXT TO THE SPEEDOMETER. UPON STOPPING AND TRYING TO PARK, THE GEAR SHIFTER GETS STUCK IN NEUTRAL AND WILL NOT MOVE TO PARK. YOU MUST RESTART THE CAR IN NEUTRAL JUST TO PUT IT IN PARK. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST THREE…
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OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS THE CAR WILL GET SHIFTED INTO DRIVE AND A BLANK SPACE WILL GO WHERE THE D IS SUPPOSED TO NEXT TO THE SPEEDOMETER. UPON STOPPING AND TRYING TO PARK, THE GEAR SHIFTER GETS STUCK IN NEUTRAL AND WILL NOT MOVE TO PARK. YOU MUST RESTART THE CAR IN NEUTRAL JUST TO PUT IT IN PARK. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST THREE TIMES IN THE PAST TWO YEARS.
NHTSA ODI #11014560
33,500 miles · Aug 9, 2017
Unknown Or Other
THE CAR INTERMITTENTLY WON'T START. SOMETIMES IT STARTS ON THE SECOND ATTEMPT. SOMETIMES ON THE FIFTH. SO FAR, I HAVEN'T HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED, BUT I NEVER KNOW WHEN THIS IS GOING TO HAPPEN. I'VE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER TWICE AND AN INDEPENDENT CAR SHOP ONCE, AND THEY HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS…
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THE CAR INTERMITTENTLY WON'T START. SOMETIMES IT STARTS ON THE SECOND ATTEMPT. SOMETIMES ON THE FIFTH. SO FAR, I HAVEN'T HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED, BUT I NEVER KNOW WHEN THIS IS GOING TO HAPPEN. I'VE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER TWICE AND AN INDEPENDENT CAR SHOP ONCE, AND THEY HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THIS HAPPENING; A RECALL IS NEEDED.
NHTSA ODI #11014044
45,368 miles · Jul 2, 2017
Unknown Or Other
10/2015 VEHICLE STALLED, WHEN PUTTING CAR IN PARK AND TURNING ENGINE OFF, INTERIOR/EXTERIOR LIGHTS FLICKERED UNTIL CAR DIED, WOULD NOT RESTART. INTERIOR SOAKED FROM HEADLINER DOWN WINDSHIELD, BEHIND DASH TO FLOOR, WATER MARKS DOWN DOOR WINDOWS, DOOR PANELS TO FLOOR, CARPET WET ROLLIN DOWN UNDER DASH, SEATS MOIST, INTERIOR GLOVEB…
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10/2015 VEHICLE STALLED, WHEN PUTTING CAR IN PARK AND TURNING ENGINE OFF, INTERIOR/EXTERIOR LIGHTS FLICKERED UNTIL CAR DIED, WOULD NOT RESTART. INTERIOR SOAKED FROM HEADLINER DOWN WINDSHIELD, BEHIND DASH TO FLOOR, WATER MARKS DOWN DOOR WINDOWS, DOOR PANELS TO FLOOR, CARPET WET ROLLIN DOWN UNDER DASH, SEATS MOIST, INTERIOR GLOVEBOX MOIST. VEHICLE WAS FOUND TO HAVE CRACK IN PANORAMIC SUNROOF FRAME AND WAS FIXED UNDER WARRANTY, SERVICE COULD NOT DUPLICATE STALLING. 12/2015 FILED A CLAIM WITH MANUFACTURER, VEHICLE DEAD OR STALLING CONTINUED, VEHICLE MILDEWED. 6/2016 ON INTERSTATE 70MPH CAR SHUT OFF STEERING LOCKED UP, THEN STARTED AFTER A PERIOD OF TIME, ENGINEER CAME 7/2016 SEVERAL MONTHS AFTER FIRST SEEN MADE REPAIRS ATTACHED. 4/2017 VEHICLE STALLING AGAIN WHILE DIVING, DOES NOT START IMMEDIATELY BUT WILL USUALLY RESTART AFTER SITTING AWHILE. 52 PLUS DAYS AND CURRENTLY ATI SERVICE DEPT.SUNROOF OPENED AND CLOSES SPONTANEOUSLY, POWER SEATS WORK SPORADICALLY, DRIVER PASSENGER WINDOW OPENS SPONTANEOUSLY, REAR LIGHT ARE INTERMITTENTLY DIM.
NHTSA ODI #11002701
Mileage unknown · May 6, 2017
Unknown Or OtherVisibility
LOW TO NO VISIBILITY WHEN REVERSING/BACKING UP. THE CONSUMER STATED THE THERE WAS A VERY LARGE BLIND SPOT LOOKING IN THE MIRROR WHILE REVERSING. THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO BE ADVISED ON OPTIONS CONCERNING RETURNING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP. UPDATED 07/10/2017*JS
NHTSA ODI #10983870
Official recalls
4Sep 22, 2023
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.
Nov 30, 2017
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Elantra sedan, coupe and GT vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released. This will allow the brake lights to remain illuminated continuously. It can also allow the shift lever to be moved without depressing the brake pedal, or activate the engine management brake pedal override feature.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 8, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 170. This campaign expands recall 16V574.
Aug 2, 2016
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model 2013 Elantra vehicles manufactured December 1, 2012, to April 30, 2013. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad with an improved part, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on September 30, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 146.
Apr 1, 2013
Hyundai Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Elantra vehicles manufactured from November 12, 2010, through March 5, 2013. A support bracket attached to the headliner may become displaced during a side curtain airbag deployment.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the headliner support bracket makes contact with an occupant during a crash, it may cause a laceration injury.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will apply adhesive strips to the headliner, free of charge. The safety recall began during April 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 109.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Structure
Hyundai Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Elantra vehicles manufactured from November 12, 2010, through March 5, 2013. A support bracket attached to the headliner may become displaced during a side curtain airbag deployment.
Consequence: If the headliner support bracket makes contact with an occupant during a crash, it may cause a laceration injury.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will apply adhesive strips to the headliner, free of charge. The safety recall began during April 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 109.
Air Bags:side/window
Hyundai Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Elantra vehicles manufactured from November 12, 2010, through March 5, 2013. A support bracket attached to the headliner may become displaced during a side curtain airbag deployment.
Consequence: If the headliner support bracket makes contact with an occupant during a crash, it may cause a laceration injury.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will apply adhesive strips to the headliner, free of charge. The safety recall began during April 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 109.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
4AQ23002 · Hyundai And Kia Abs Module Fires
Opened Nov 17, 2023 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.
EA21003 · Engine Fires
Opened Dec 22, 2021 · Closed Feb 5, 2024
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine
On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on various model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles. During the PE investigations, Hyundai and Kia issued several recalls to address vehicle fires, including those due to engine failures involving various engine types. The remedies for the engine failure recalls typically involve engine inspection (to detect existing damage), and if necessary, engine replacement. Additionally, both manufacturers have been installing an engine control software modification known as Knock Sensor Detection Software (KSDS) which is intended to detect impending engine failure, alert the driver, and limit engine power (to lessen likelihood of engine failure).KSDS is being installed under recalls and non-safety field actions, and both companies have extended limited engine warranties (see recall files). On December 22, 2021, ODI upgraded PE19-003 and PE19-004 to this Engineering Analysis (EA21-003, covering both Hyundai and Kia) to evaluate the scope of the prior recalls related to engine failures/fires and the efficacy of the recall remedies for the recalls, as well as the long-term viability of related programs and non-safety field actions being conducted by Hyundai and Kia. The former issue involved approximately 550,000 MY 2013 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2011 Kia Sorento, and MY 2012-2015 Kia Rio. The latter issue involved approximately 2.5 million recalled vehicles, which have been identified as displaying potential remedy concerns: Hyundai recalls 15V-568, 17V-226, 20V-746, and 21V-727; and Kia recalls 17V-224, 19V-120, 20V-750, and 21V-844. Regarding the recall scope issue, among all of the scope vehicles identified at EA opening, ODI found only the MY 2011 Kia Sorento vehicles equipped with both the Theta II 2.4L 4-cylinder Multi-Point Injection (MPI) and the Lambda II 3.5L 6-cylinder MPI engines experienced relatively high rates of reported fires. In December 2023, Kia issued recall 23V-877 that will cover about 80,000 MY 2011 Kia Sorento vehicles equipped with the Theta II 2.4L MPI engines. The remedy will involve an inspection, and if necessary, a replacement of the engine, as well as the installation of KSDS. It should be noted that in 2021 these vehicles were included in a KSDS product improvement campaign with warranty extension. For the MY 2011 Sorento vehicles equipped with the Lambda II 3.5L engines, ODI believes that future engine failures/fires involving these vehicles will likely be due to a lax in adhering to the proper or scheduled engine maintenance (regular engine oil changes), rather than a design or manufacturing engine issue. Regarding the issue of the efficacy of the recall remedies, ODI found the majority of the recalled Hyundai and Kia vehicles, by model, experienced lower reported fire rates after the remedies were applied. Furthermore, ODI found that for most vehicles that did not receive the recall remedies, by model, experienced relatively high fire rates. To address this problem, Hyundai informed ODI in December 2023, that it will renotify all of its owners covered by the Hyundai recalls of engine failures/fires every 8 months for the next 3 years. In December 2023, Kia stated that it will renotify the majority of its owners every 8 months for the next 3 years.Several previously recalled Kia models are excluded from the renotification due to their lower reported rates of engine fires. Overall, the renotification actions will help to increase the recall completion rates, thus reduce the frequency of engine fires in the future. In view of the recall action being taken by Kia and renotification actions being taken by both Kia and Hyundai, ODI is closing this Engineering Analysis. Also, both companies have been released from the 2020-iniated Consent Orders (Kia since November 2022 and Hyundai since November 2023). The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
DP21003 · Throttle Control System Vulnerabilities
Opened Nov 12, 2021 · Closed Jun 20, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:throttle
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003. Accordingly, Model Year (MY) 2005-2016 Kia Optima/K5, MY 2006-2015 Kia Sorento, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Santa Fe, MY 2006-2015 Hyundai Sonatas are all part of the subject population. The petition was originally filed as a Vehicle Owner Questionnaire that can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under reference (ODI) number 11439675.On November 12, 2021, ODI opened Defect Petition DP21-003 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. ODI performed trend analyses of the VOQs related to vehicle speed control issues for all the subject vehicles and found that none of the 52 Model/Model Year Hyundai/Kia vehicles demonstrated any actionable trend that warranted an investigation.Petitioners submitted 1119 VOQs and non-VOQ cases in which sudden uncommanded acceleration (SUA) or loss of motive power (LOMP) incidents were alleged.For the 1119 reports, 220 were incidents involving crashes, from which 69 subject Hyundai-Kia vehicles were inspected by Hyundai/Kia dealer technicians, Hyundai/Kia engineers, and/or third-party representatives.ODI found the inspections identified no vehicle defects related to the ETC system.Of the 220 crash-involved reports, 13 Event Data Recorder (EDR) records were downloaded successfully and 11 of those indicated driver error: (i.e.) pedal misapplication.A condition where the accelerator pedal is mistakenly applied instead of the brake pedal when the driver wants to stop the vehicle.In addition, ODI reviewed a scientific journal paper published in Forensic Science International in 2016 by Mr. Park et al ., as well as related test videos. ODI does not believe there is any evidence of uncontrollable SUA occurrences in any of the tests reviewed. NHTSA's Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) reviewed the allegations regarding the potential noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 124.Based on the information provided, the Agency concludes there is insufficient information for us to determine if a possible non-compliance exists.Finally, both Hyundai and Kia informed ODI that all their vehicles manufactured after 2012 were equipped with an ETC management system, in which the engine speed will go to idle when the system sees signals from both the brake pedal and accelerator pedal at the same time; this is commonly known as the brake-throttle override system.After thoroughly assessing the material submitted by the petitioner, information already in NHTSA's possession, information submitted by Hyundai and Kia in response to an Information Request letter, and the potential risks to safety implicated by the petitioner's allegation, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. After full consideration of appropriate factors, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA?s reasons for denial of the petition will be published.
EA12008 · Headliner Bracket Detachment
Opened Sep 13, 2012 · Closed Dec 9, 2013
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:side/window; Structure:body:roof And Pillars; Unknown Or Other
In March 2013, Hyundai issued a safety recall to reinforce the attachment of the metal support brackets to the headliner assembly in approximately 186,254 model year 2011-2013 Hyundai Elantra vehicles built in Korea and sold in the U.S. (see NHTSA recall 13V-115 for more information).The recall covers vehicles built up to March 5, 2013.After that date, Hyundai began using headliners with reinforced bracket attachments in the Korea-built Elantra vehicles.ODI has opened a Recall Query (RQ13-004) to investigate model year 2009-2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring vehicles.During EA12-008, ODI found these vehicles are equipped with a support bracket design and layout similar to that in the above-mentioned Elantra vehicles.Also, the headliner manufacturing processes used were similar for both models.Like the Elantra vehicles built before the recall, the Elantra Touring model headliner does not contain reinforced bracket attachments.This Engineering Analysis is closed.See attached report for additional information.The ODI report cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification number: 10457696
Additional source detail variants (3)
Air Bags:side/window
In March 2013, Hyundai issued a safety recall to reinforce the attachment of the metal support brackets to the headliner assembly in approximately 186,254 model year 2011-2013 Hyundai Elantra vehicles built in Korea and sold in the U.S. (see NHTSA recall 13V-115 for more information).The recall covers vehicles built up to March 5, 2013.After that date, Hyundai began using headliners with reinforced bracket attachments in the Korea-built Elantra vehicles.ODI has opened a Recall Query (RQ13-004) to investigate model year 2009-2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring vehicles.During EA12-008, ODI found these vehicles are equipped with a support bracket design and layout similar to that in the above-mentioned Elantra vehicles.Also, the headliner manufacturing processes used were similar for both models.Like the Elantra vehicles built before the recall, the Elantra Touring model headliner does not contain reinforced bracket attachments.This Engineering Analysis is closed.See attached report for additional information.The ODI report cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification number: 10457696
Structure:body:roof And Pillars
In March 2013, Hyundai issued a safety recall to reinforce the attachment of the metal support brackets to the headliner assembly in approximately 186,254 model year 2011-2013 Hyundai Elantra vehicles built in Korea and sold in the U.S. (see NHTSA recall 13V-115 for more information).The recall covers vehicles built up to March 5, 2013.After that date, Hyundai began using headliners with reinforced bracket attachments in the Korea-built Elantra vehicles.ODI has opened a Recall Query (RQ13-004) to investigate model year 2009-2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring vehicles.During EA12-008, ODI found these vehicles are equipped with a support bracket design and layout similar to that in the above-mentioned Elantra vehicles.Also, the headliner manufacturing processes used were similar for both models.Like the Elantra vehicles built before the recall, the Elantra Touring model headliner does not contain reinforced bracket attachments.This Engineering Analysis is closed.See attached report for additional information.The ODI report cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification number: 10457696
Unknown Or Other
In March 2013, Hyundai issued a safety recall to reinforce the attachment of the metal support brackets to the headliner assembly in approximately 186,254 model year 2011-2013 Hyundai Elantra vehicles built in Korea and sold in the U.S. (see NHTSA recall 13V-115 for more information).The recall covers vehicles built up to March 5, 2013.After that date, Hyundai began using headliners with reinforced bracket attachments in the Korea-built Elantra vehicles.ODI has opened a Recall Query (RQ13-004) to investigate model year 2009-2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring vehicles.During EA12-008, ODI found these vehicles are equipped with a support bracket design and layout similar to that in the above-mentioned Elantra vehicles.Also, the headliner manufacturing processes used were similar for both models.Like the Elantra vehicles built before the recall, the Elantra Touring model headliner does not contain reinforced bracket attachments.This Engineering Analysis is closed.See attached report for additional information.The ODI report cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification number: 10457696
Illustration