Engine. Review the 274 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Steering. Review the 52 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 49 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

16 crash reports30 fire reports14 injury reports

Steering complaints

52 reports

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28,602 miles · Apr 20, 2015

Steering

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I WAS DRIVING ON THE 405 FREEWAY AND I STARTED NOTICING THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT STAY IN ITS LANE EVEN THOUGH I WASN'T MOVING THE STEERING WHEEL, IT VEER TO THE RIGHT AND LEFT CONTINUOUSLY I HAD TO KEEP MY HANDS ON THE STEERING WHEEL IN ORDER TO TRY TO KEEP IT STRAIGHT, WHEN I PURCHASE THIS VEHICLE I DID NOT NOTICE THE ISSUE BECAUSE I ONLY DROVE IT FOR A MILE OR TWO DOWN THE FREEWAY, I HEADED HOME AND THAT'S WHEN I NOTICE THE PROBLEM, TO ME THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN AND I THINK THAT HYUNDAI SHOULD LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE BEFORE SOMEONE HAS AN ACCIDENT. I'LL BE BRINGING IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP TO SEE IF THEY ARE ABLE TO RESOLVE THE CONCERN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10706687

147 miles · Apr 20, 2015

Steering

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VEHICLE IS UNSTABLE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ABOVE 55+ MPH. VEHICLE HAS 3 STEERING MODES (COMFORT, NORMAL & SPORT) AND REGARDLESS OF WHICH ONE, THE VEHICLE REQUIRES CONSTANT COURSE CORRECTION. AT FIRST I THOUGHT CROSS WINDS MIGHT HAVE BEEN THE ISSUE AND IT IS NOT. CROSS WINDS WILL ACTUALLY MAKE IT WORSE. I'VE CONTACT THE DEALER AND I WAS INFORMED THE PROBLEM WAS A KNOWN ISSUE. I HAVE AN INFANT CHILD AND ANOTHER ON THE WAY. THIS IS A SERIOUS CONCERN AS THIS VEHICLE SHOWS SIGNS TO BE UNSTABLE AND CAUSES FATIGUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10706638

100 miles · Apr 8, 2015

Steering

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WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, IT IS DIFFICULT TO KEEP THE VEHICLE DRIVING STRAIGHT. THE VEHICLE TENDS TO WANDER AND REQUIRES CONSTANT STEERING CORRECTIONS TO KEEP IT GOING IN A STRAIGHT LINE EVEN ON A STRAIGHT LEVEL ROAD WITH NO WIND, AND WILL SOMETIMES VEER OFF QUICKLY IN EITHER DIRECTION, LEAVING ITS LANE, FOR NO APPARENT REASON.THIS CAN BE PARTICULARLY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL WHEN PASSING ANOTHER VEHICLE--ESPECIALLY A TRUCK. WHEN DRIVING FOR A LONG DISTANCE, IT IS ALSO VERY TIRING TO CONSTANTLY HAVE TO BE "STEERING" THE VEHICLE ALL DAY LONG. MY DESCRIPTION OF DRIVING THIS VEHICLE IS THAT, "IT IS LIKE HERDING A CAT DOWN THE HIGHWAY.". I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE BACK TO MY DEALER TWICE: THE FIRST TIME THEY CHECKED ALIGNMENT (NOTHING FOUND), THE SECOND TIME THEY REPLACED THE ORIGINAL KUHMO TIRES WITH CONTINENTAL TIRES FROM A 2015 SANTA FE (THIS MADE A HUGE IMPROVEMENT, AND MADE THE VEHICLE DRIVABLE, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS). I THEN WENT TO ANOTHER DEALER (THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG, BUT DID SUGGEST INCREASING THE TIRE PRESSURE TO 40 PSI). I THEN CONTACTED HYUNDAI CORPORATE CUSTOMER SERVICE TO SEE IF THEY HAD ANY SUGGESTIONS/RECALL/ETC. & ALTHOUGH THEY WERE VERY PLEASANT TO TALK WITH, THEY DID NOT SEEM TO KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE PROBLEM. ALTHOUGH IT WILL COST ME ALMOST $10,000 TO MAKE A CHANGE; BECAUSE OF THE SAFETY ISSUE, I HAVE DECIDED TO SELL THE VEHICLE, AS I FEEL THAT IT IS TOO UNSAFE TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE. (I ALSO HAVE A 2008 SANTA FE, WHICH I PURCHASED NEW, AND WHICH HAS NEVER HAD ANY KIND OF STEERING/HANDLING ISSUE.). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10704384

Mileage unknown · Jan 16, 2015

Steering

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THE CAR FEELS VERY UNSTABLE WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. IT WONDERS ACROSS THE ROAD AND I AM ALWAYS TRYING TO CORRECT WITH THE STEERING WHEEL. I TRADED IN MY 2011 SANTA FE LIMITED AND THE STEERING WAS EXCELLENT ON MY OLD CAR. SO I AM VERY UNHAPPY AND DON'T FEEL VERY SAFE DRIVING MY NEW 2014 SANTA FE SPORT. I HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED THE FEELING OF IT SWAYING AS REPORTED BY OTHERS TOO. THERE ARE MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THESE SAME ISSUES AND THEY NEED TO CORRECT THESE UNSAFE ISSUES. THE BLIND SPOT ON THE RIGHT REAR IS PRETTY BAD TOO. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10676156

15,000 miles · Dec 12, 2014

Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE SWERVED TO THE RIGHT INDEPENDENTLY AND NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PERFORMING AS DESIGNED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE INCIDENT. THE FAILURE M…

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NHTSA ODI #10663949

1,900 miles · Nov 12, 2014

Steering

STEERING ISSUE ON HYUNDAI SANTA FE 2014. VEHICLE WANDERS BACK AND FORTH ACROSS DRIVING LANE AT SPEEDS OVER 45 MPH. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO HOLD THE VEHICLE ON A STRAIGHT LINE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10654542

5,800 miles · Sep 30, 2014

SteeringSuspension

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WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, STARTING AROUND 55MPH, THE CAR STARTS GETTING WOBBLY ON THE ROAD. IT IS A CONSTANT STRUGGLE WITH THE STEERING WHEEL TO KEEP THE CAR GOING STRAIGHT. IF THERE IS ANY WIND OR DRIVING BY TRUCKS, THE CAR BECOMES EVEN MORE DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. I HAVE SEEN MANY OTHERS HAVING THE SAME ISSUE AND THERE DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE A FIX, HOWEVER DEALER ATTEMPTS SEEM TO EVEN WORSEN THE ISSUE WITH OTHERS, SO I HAVE YET TO ADDRESS THIS WITH THE DEALER. I DO WORRY WHEN MY WIFE DRIVES THE CAR BECAUSE SHE IS NOT USED TO IT, AND HAS ' THROWN' HER INTO THE BREAKDOWN LANE SEVERAL TIMES. I'M HOPING HYUNDAI WILL ACKNOWLEDGE THE ISSUE AND COME UP WITH A VIABLE SOLUTION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10640264

300 miles · Sep 19, 2014

Steering

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AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OF AROUND 65+ MPH, THE VEHICLE REQUIRES CONSTANT, BUT VERY SLIGHT, STEERING CORRECTIONS WHERE THE SLIGHTEST LAPSE IN ATTENTION MAY RESULT IN THE VEHICLE LEAVING ITS LANE AND POSSIBLY RESULT IN A CRASH. ODDLY, THIS IS MOST NOTICEABLE ON SMOOTH, STRAIGHT, LEVEL HIGHWAYS WITHOUT WIND OR OTHER VEHICLES NEARBY THAT COULD AFFECT THE TRACKING OF THE VEHICLE. IT SEEMS TO BE AN ALIGNMENT ISSUE (NEG. OR 0 DEG TOE) OR AN ELECTRIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM ISSUE (TORQUE SENSOR TOO COARSE, DRIVE MOTOR TOO AGGRESSIVE, OR IMPROPER GAIN (I.E. SYSTEM RESPONDS TOO LATE TO INPUT, THEN OVER RESPONDS WHEN IT DOES RESPOND))...THOUGH THESE ARE EDUCATED GUESSES. MY FIRST DEALERS REFUSED TO CHECK THE ALIGNMENT BECAUSE THEY "HAVE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO CONFIRM THE ISSUE," AND "THEY ARE NOT ALLOW TO DRIVE OVER 65 MPH." EVEN IF THEY WERE ABLE TO DRIVE ABOVE 65 MPH, THEY WOULD HAVE TO DO IT ON THE RIGHT TYPE OF HIGHWAY AND UNDER THE RIGHT CONDITIONS FOR THE ISSUE TO SHOW ITSELF, AND I DOUBT MANY DEALERS WILL GO THROUGH SUCH AN EFFORT. THIS IS A VERY COMMON COMPLAINT WITH THE 2013 MODELS AND, TO A LESSER DEGREE, WITH THE 2014 MODELS. PLEASE SEE: HTTP://WWW.HYUNDAI-FORUMS.COM/DM-2013-SANTA-FE/152283-2013-SANTA-FE-SPORT-STEERING-ISSUES-33.HTML NOTE THAT MANY PEOPLE WITH SIMILAR COMPLAINTS WERE UNABLE TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM WITH AN ALIGNMENT (POINTING TO THE EPS HAVING AN ISSUE). THE SAME COMPLAINTS ALSO APPEAR WITH THE HYUNDAI SONATA. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10637457

21 miles · Aug 25, 2014

SteeringSuspension

CAR WONDERS WHEN TRAVELING ON FREEWAY GOING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS. CORRECTING FOR THIS DARTING FROM SIDE TO SIDE SEEMS SCARY AT THESE SPEEDS. CHANGING THE DRIVING MODE SELECTION ON THE STEERING WHEEL DOESN'T CHANGE THE PROBLEM. I STILL EXPERIENCE THE SAME WONDERING AND DARTING THAT I AM CONSTANTLY TRYING TO CORRECT. THOUGHT IT MIGHT…

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NHTSA ODI #10628048

300 miles · Apr 14, 2014

Steering

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2014 SANTA FE SPORT AWD - THE CAR WANDERS EXCESSIVELY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND THE PROBLEM BECOMES WORSE AS THE SPEED INCREASES. THE CAR NEEDS CONTINUOUS STEERING CORRECTING JUST TRYING TO TRAVEL IN A STRAIGHT LINE. THE CAR WILL DART FRONT RIGHT TO LEFT AT VARYING DEGREES OF INTENSITY. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WITH LESS THAN 500 MILES TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE AND THE DEALER CHECKED THE ALIGNMENT BUT FOUND NO ISSUES WITH IT. AS DESCRIBED BY OTHERS, THE CAR BEHAVES AS IF IT HAD WORN OUT BALL JOINTS, HOWEVER IT IS A BRAND NEW VEHICLE. I HAD THOUGHT THAT THIS WAS AN ISOLATED ISSUE WITH MY VEHICLE, BUT AFTER TEST DRIVING ANOTHER SANTA FE SPORT AWD AND READING ONLINE REVIEWS FROM PLACES SUCH AS EDMUNDS.COM AND NUMEROUS OWNER COMMUNITY FORUMS BY SIMPLY SEARCHING "SANTA FE WANDERING", IT APPEARS THAT A VAST NUMBER OF PEOPLE ARE EXPERIENCING THIS TERRIFYING ANOMALY. THIS ISSUE MAKES ME FEEL INCREDIBLY UNSAFE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY ESPECIALLY WHEN PASSING TRAFFIC OR NEXT TO OTHER VEHICLES AS THE CAR DOES NOT WANT TO DRIVE IN A STRAIGHT LINE. *JS

NHTSA ODI #10579526

Official recalls

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.

17V358000 · Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch

Jun 5, 2017

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the secondary hood latch actuating cable may corrode and bind, causing the secondary hood latch to remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the hood is not securely closed or the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary latch cable, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owner's may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for the recall is 163.

13V624000 · Tires:sidewall

Dec 16, 2013

Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2014 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured November 5, 2013, through November 15, 2013, and equipped with P235/65R17 103T Continental Crosscontact LX tires. The tires may have a damaged sidewall.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: The damaged sidewall may result in a separation between the belt edges which could cause tread detachment or rapid air loss, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Hyundai notified dealers to suspend sales of affected Santa Fe Sport vehicles equipped with the P235/65R17 103T tires, and replace them with alternative tires. All affected vehicles were remedied prior to retail sale. Owners may contact Hyundai Customer Care Center at 1-800-633-5151.

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

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.

DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power

Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

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.

PE19003 · Non-crash Vehicle Fires

Opened Mar 29, 2019 · Closed Dec 22, 2021

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System; Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery; Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables; Electrical System:alternator/generator/regulator; Electrical System:starter Assembly; Electrical System:starter Assembly:relay; Electrical System:starter Assembly:solenoid; Electrical System:wiring; Electrical System:wiring: Rear Compartment/trunk; Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood; Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers; Electrical System:wiring:interior/under Dash; Engine; Engine And Engine Cooling; Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System; Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:fan; Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:hoses/lines/piping/fittings; Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:radiator Assembly; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:diesel; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:belts And Associated Pulleys; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:other Fuel Types:turbo/supercharger; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control ; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:catalytic Convertor; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:crankcase (pcv); Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:gas Recirculation Valve (egr Valve); Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe; Exterior Lighting; Exterior Lighting:back Up Lights; Exterior Lighting:back Up Lights:switch; Exterior Lighting:brake Lights; Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch; Exterior Lighting:fog Lights; Exterior Lighting:fog Lights:switch; Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights; Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:switch; Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:unit; Exterior Lighting:headlights; Exterior Lighting:headlights:concealment Devices; Exterior Lighting:headlights:high/low Beam Dimmer Switch; Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch; Exterior Lighting:tail Lights; Exterior Lighting:tail Lights:switch; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:flasher Unit; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:switch; Fuel System, Gasoline; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings; Unknown Or Other

During this Preliminary Evaluation (PE), the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) assessed the scope, frequency and potential safety-related consequences of non-crash vehicle fires caused by both engine failures and failures of other vehicle systems/components in model year (MY) 2011-2014 Hyundai Sonata and Santa Fe vehicles equipped with Theta II and Lambda II engines (approximately 1.3 million vehicles). ODI also reviewed field data of other Hyundai vehicles equipped with Theta II, Gamma, Nu and Lambda engines (approximately 4.8 million). As a result of this PE, Hyundai has issued NHTSA Recalls 20V-746 and 21V-727 to address potential engine failures and fires in certain Hyundai vehicles equipped with various engine types. Additional information on these and other related recall actions is available in the downloadable version of this resume available at NHTSA.gov. In addition, ODI has upgraded this PE to an Engineering Analysis (EA) 21-003 which will focus on potential recall scope concerns and recall remedy concerns related to the engine failure rewlated recalls mentioned above and conducted previously. See the EA21-003 Opening Resume available at NHTSA.gov for more information. Also available in the downloadable version of this resume is a list of the reference numbers for the 302 ODI reports, or Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs), cited above which ODI received through mid-November 2021. Note that the Manufacturer reports cited above are customer complaints received through March 2019.

Additional source detail variants (432)

Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables

Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery

Electrical System:alternator/generator/regulator

Electrical System

Electrical System:starter Assembly

Electrical System:starter Assembly:relay

Electrical System:starter Assembly:solenoid

Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood

Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers

Electrical System:wiring

Electrical System:wiring:interior/under Dash

Electrical System:wiring: Rear Compartment/trunk

Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:fan

Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:hoses/lines/piping/fittings

Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System

Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:radiator Assembly

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:diesel

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:belts And Associated Pulleys

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:other Fuel Types:turbo/supercharger

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:catalytic Convertor

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:crankcase (pcv)

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:gas Recirculation Valve (egr Valve)

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe

Engine And Engine Cooling

Engine

Exterior Lighting:back Up Lights

Exterior Lighting:back Up Lights:switch

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

Exterior Lighting:fog Lights

Exterior Lighting:fog Lights:switch

Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights

Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:switch

Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:unit

Exterior Lighting:headlights:concealment Devices

Exterior Lighting:headlights:high/low Beam Dimmer Switch

Exterior Lighting:headlights

Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch

Exterior Lighting

Exterior Lighting:tail Lights

Exterior Lighting:tail Lights:switch

Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:flasher Unit

Exterior Lighting:turn Signal

Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:switch

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery

Fuel System, Gasoline

Unknown Or Other

DP18003 · Non-crash Vehicle Fires

Opened Aug 21, 2018 · Closed May 10, 2019

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System; Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel; Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery; Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables; Electrical System:alternator/generator/regulator; Electrical System:ignition; Electrical SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL Module; Electrical System:ignition:module; Electrical System:ignition:switch; Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery; Electrical System:starter Assembly; Electrical System:starter Assembly:relay; Electrical System:starter Assembly:solenoid; Electrical System:wiring; Electrical System:wiring: Rear Compartment/trunk; Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood; Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers; Electrical System:wiring:interior/under Dash; Engine; Engine And Engine Cooling; Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System; Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:fan; Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:hoses/lines/piping/fittings; Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:radiator Assembly; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:belts And Associated Pulleys; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:other Fuel Types:turbo/supercharger; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control ; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:catalytic Convertor; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:crankcase (pcv); Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:gas Recirculation Valve (egr Valve); Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe; Exterior Lighting:brake Lights; Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch; Exterior Lighting:fog Lights; Exterior Lighting:fog Lights:switch; Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights; Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:switch; Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:unit; Exterior Lighting:headlights; Exterior Lighting:headlights:concealment Devices; Exterior Lighting:headlights:high/low Beam Dimmer Switch; Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch; Exterior Lighting:tail Lights; Exterior Lighting:tail Lights:switch; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:flasher Unit; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:switch; Unknown Or Other

In a letter dated June 11, 2018, the Center for Auto Safety (CAS) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a safety defect investigation into non-collision related fires on model year (MY) 2011-2014 Kia Optima and Sorento, and Hyundai Sonata and Santa Fe vehicles. In a letter dated July 24, 2018, CAS requested that MY 2010-2015 Kia Soul vehicles be added to the petition. CAS stated that there is a higher number of complaints to NHTSA regarding non-crash fires on these vehicles compared to other similar vehicles. The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) had already opened Recall Queries (RQ17-003 and RQ17-004) on all Kia and Hyundai vehicles equipped with Theta II engines for engine failures that may cause stalling and fires.The queries cover most of the petition subject Optima, Sorento, Sonata, and Santa Fe vehicles but not any of the subject Soul vehicles.On August 21, 2018, ODI opened a Defect Petition (DP18-003) to evaluate whether to grant or deny the CAS petition. ODI sent Information Request letters to Kia and Hyundai (September and October 2018) requesting information on all engine and non-engine related fires in the petition vehicles.ODI performed extensive analysis on the information obtained from Kia and Hyundai. During the DP18-003 analysis, Kia and Hyundai each initiated three additional safety recalls related to engine compartment fires on certain petitioned and non-petitioned vehicles (nearly 740,000 total vehicles: Recalls 18V-907, 18V-934, 19V-101, 19V-063, 19V-120, and 19V-204). Based on ODI?s review of the applicable materials, including responses to Information Requests sent to multiple manufacturers, Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQ), and Early Warning Data, NHTSA decided to grant the petition.The CAS petition was granted on March 29, 2019. Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) have been opened to assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety-related consequences of alleged defects relating to non-collision vehicle fires in the 2011-2014 Kia Optima and Sorento, 2011-2014 Hyundai Sonata and Santa Fe, and 2010-2015 Kia Soul.Attached is a list of the reference numbers for the 404 VOQs cited above.

Additional source detail variants (208)

Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables

Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery

Electrical System:alternator/generator/regulator

Electrical System

Electrical SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL Module

Electrical System:ignition

Electrical System:ignition:module

Electrical System:ignition:switch

Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel

Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery

Electrical System:starter Assembly

Electrical System:starter Assembly:relay

Electrical System:starter Assembly:solenoid

Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood

Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers

Electrical System:wiring

Electrical System:wiring:interior/under Dash

Electrical System:wiring: Rear Compartment/trunk

Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:fan

Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:hoses/lines/piping/fittings

Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System

Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:radiator Assembly

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:belts And Associated Pulleys

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:other Fuel Types:turbo/supercharger

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:catalytic Convertor

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:crankcase (pcv)

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:gas Recirculation Valve (egr Valve)

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe

Engine And Engine Cooling

Engine

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

Exterior Lighting:fog Lights

Exterior Lighting:fog Lights:switch

Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights

Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:switch

Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:unit

Exterior Lighting:headlights:concealment Devices

Exterior Lighting:headlights:high/low Beam Dimmer Switch

Exterior Lighting:headlights

Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch

Exterior Lighting:tail Lights

Exterior Lighting:tail Lights:switch

Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:flasher Unit

Exterior Lighting:turn Signal

Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:switch

Unknown Or Other

RQ17004 · Scope And Timeliness

Opened May 18, 2017 · Closed Dec 22, 2021

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine

NHTSA opened Recall Query (RQ) 17-004 to investigate the timeliness and scope of Hyundai?s Theta II GDI engine recalls (Recall Nos. 15V-568 and 17V-226), and Hyundai?s compliance with reporting requirements. On November 23, 2020, the Agency entered into a Consent Order with Hyundai to administratively resolve NHTSA?s assertions of violations of law in connection with RQ17-004. NHTSA?s assertions included that Hyundai may be liable for civil penalties on multiple grounds, including the untimeliness of Recall Nos. 15V-568 and 17V-226, inaccuracies in Hyundai?s recall reports, and that a required report describing potential safety-related issues contained certain inaccuracies or omissions.Under the Consent Order, Hyundai agreed to a total civil penalty of $140,000,000. The total civil penalty included payment of $54,000,000 as a Non-Deferred Amount. Hyundai also agreed to a sum of $46,000,000 as an Abeyance Amount to be deferred and held in abeyance pending its satisfactory completion, as reasonably determined by NHTSA, of the requirements of the Consent Order.Additionally, Hyundai agreed to a $40,000,000 Performance Obligation Amount to be expended by Hyundai to fulfill specified Safety Data Analytics Infrastructure obligations and Test and Inspection Laboratory obligations. The Consent Order also includes other terms designed to enhance Hyundai?s safety practices, and requires Hyundai to retain a Third-Party Auditor who directly reports to NHTSA.Other than RQ17-004, the Consent Order is not intended to affect any other current or future investigation which may involve vehicles equipped with Theta II GDI engines. In particular, Engineering Analysis (EA) 21-003 (which is upgraded from Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 19-003) continues NHTSA?s evaluation of certain performance and design issues relating to the Theta II and other engines.Nothing in the Consent Order discharges Hyundai from any obligation to comply with the Safety Act or regulations thereunder, including the obligation to carry out recalls in accordance with law, and to initiate a recall upon any future determination by Hyundai, or upon any finally adjudicated order from NHTSA, that vehicles equipped with Theta II GDI engines contain a defect related to motor vehicle safety or do not comply with an applicable FMVSS.This RQ is closed. Closure of this RQ has no bearing on the terms of the Consent Order, including Hyundai's ongoing performance obligations, and does not represent a determination by the agency as to Hyundai?s performance under the Consent Order to date.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Engine