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2010 Hyundai Sonata

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Sonata years

Owner complaints for the 2010 Hyundai Sonata are substantially higher than the model-year median of 161.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

282 reports with mileage · 63 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.

  • Structure. Review the 164 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 29 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes. Review the 28 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

19 crash reports3 fire reports13 injury reports

What owners actually said

345 reports
Mileage unknown · May 20, 2011
Exterior Lighting

WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT ON LOW BEAMS,THERE IS A BLACK LINE MID-WAY THE WINDSHIELD DISRUPTING MY VIEWING FIELD. IT SO DISTRACTING I HATE DRIVING THIS CAR AT NIGHT!! IT IS HAZARDOUS TO MY DRIVING! HAD IT TO THE DEALER SERVICE 2 OR 3 TIMES TO CHECK THE LIGHTS AND THEY ALSO DROVE IT AT NIGHT AND SAW THE SAME THING. THEY TOLD ME IT WA…

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WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT ON LOW BEAMS,THERE IS A BLACK LINE MID-WAY THE WINDSHIELD DISRUPTING MY VIEWING FIELD. IT SO DISTRACTING I HATE DRIVING THIS CAR AT NIGHT!! IT IS HAZARDOUS TO MY DRIVING! HAD IT TO THE DEALER SERVICE 2 OR 3 TIMES TO CHECK THE LIGHTS AND THEY ALSO DROVE IT AT NIGHT AND SAW THE SAME THING. THEY TOLD ME IT WAS THE WAY LIGHTS WERE DESIGNED AND THAT CANNOT DO ANYTHING FOR IT!! VERY ANNOYING!! I ALSO HAVE HEARD FROM PEOPLE THAT RIDE WITH ME AT NIGHT THAT" THOSE LIGHTS WOULD DRIVE THEM CRAZY DRIVING LIKE THAT"!! I MAY HAVE TO GET RID OF THIS CAR BECAUSE IT IS SO ANNOYING!! YOU NEED TO GET A SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM SOON!! I AM ONE UNHAPPY CUSTOMER RIGHT NOW! THIS IS MY THIRD HYUNDAI AND I LIKE THEM.....BUT NOT THIS ONE!!! THIS IS A 2010 SONATA. HAVE ALSO HAD TROUBLE WITH THE TRANSMISSION AS IT SHIFTS TO THE NEXT GEAR. HAD IT TO DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES WITH THAT!!! NOT HAPPY AT ALL WITH THIS CAR!!!! THERE IS NO CERTAIN DATES ...JUST AN ONGOING THING. THE DATE BELOW IS WHEN THEY TOLD ME THEY COULDN'T DO ANYTHING MORE ABOUT THE LIGHTS...IT IS THE WAY THEY WERE!! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10402169

15,000 miles · May 2, 2011
Air BagsCrashInjury

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, ENTERING AN INTERSECTION WHEN AN OPPOSING VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONT END. THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A MINOR INJURY TO THE KNEE AND CHEST AREA. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, ENTERING AN INTERSECTION WHEN AN OPPOSING VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONT END. THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A MINOR INJURY TO THE KNEE AND CHEST AREA. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION CENTER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000. UPDATED 06/16/11*LJ UPDATED 1/19/2012 *LN *TR

NHTSA ODI #10398488

6,800 miles · Apr 16, 2011
Steering

RECENTLY PURCHASED A ONE OWNER 2010 HYUNDAI SONATA LIMITED FROM DEALERSHIP IN BISMARCK, ND THE CAR HAS 6800 ORIGINAL MILES. THE STEERING WHEEL MAKES A RUBBING AND CRACKLING SOUND. THE WHEEL IS ALSO LOOSE AS I CAN ROCK THE STEERING WHEEL FROM SIDE TO SIDE WITHOUT TURNING WHEEL AND IT IS DEFINITELY LOOSE. MAKES LOTS OF NOISE WHEN …

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RECENTLY PURCHASED A ONE OWNER 2010 HYUNDAI SONATA LIMITED FROM DEALERSHIP IN BISMARCK, ND THE CAR HAS 6800 ORIGINAL MILES. THE STEERING WHEEL MAKES A RUBBING AND CRACKLING SOUND. THE WHEEL IS ALSO LOOSE AS I CAN ROCK THE STEERING WHEEL FROM SIDE TO SIDE WITHOUT TURNING WHEEL AND IT IS DEFINITELY LOOSE. MAKES LOTS OF NOISE WHEN DRIVING CRACKLING AND POPPING SOUNDS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10396102

Mileage unknown · Feb 5, 2011
Service Brakes, AirCrash

HYUNDAI YF SONATA '' ' '''' ''' ''' '' '''' '''' '''' ''' 30M '' ' '''' ''. ''''' ''' '' '' ''. ('''' ''' '' '' '' '.) ''''' '' '''' '''' ''''' '''' '', ''''' ''. '''''' '' '' ''' ''' '' ' '' '' 1' 31' '' '''. '''' ' ' '' ''' '' ''' ''' ''.('''' '''' ''' '') ''' ''' '' ''' '' '''' '''' '' '''''. '' ' ''' '' ''…

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HYUNDAI YF SONATA '' ' '''' ''' ''' '' '''' '''' '''' ''' 30M '' ' '''' ''. ''''' ''' '' '' ''. ('''' ''' '' '' '' '.) ''''' '' '''' '''' ''''' '''' '', ''''' ''. '''''' '' '' ''' ''' '' ' '' '' 1' 31' '' '''. '''' ' ' '' ''' '' ''' ''' ''.('''' '''' ''' '') ''' ''' '' ''' '' '''' '''' '' '''''. '' ' ''' '' ''''' ''', '' ''''' '''' '' '''' '''' '''' ''' '''' ''' ''' ''' '. ''' '''' ''' '''', '''' '''' ''' ''' '' '. '' '' '''' ' '' '''' '''' ''' ''' ''''' '' ''' '', '''' '' ''' '''' '''' '''' ''''' ''' '''' '' ''' ''' '' '. '''' '''' YF ''' '' ''' '''' '''' '''' ''' ''', '' '''' '''' ''''' ''''' ''' ''''' ''' ''''' ''''' ''', ''''' ''' ''' '' '' ''. '''' ''' ''' '''''' '''' '''' '' ''.'''' ''' '' '''' '' ''''' ''' ''

NHTSA ODI #10380810

29,000 miles · Feb 4, 2011
Steering

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHER SPEEDS HE NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD DRIFT TO THE LEFT. THE FAILURE HAD OCCURRED ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS SINCE HE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR HAS IT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CON…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHER SPEEDS HE NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD DRIFT TO THE LEFT. THE FAILURE HAD OCCURRED ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS SINCE HE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR HAS IT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND HE FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 29,000.

NHTSA ODI #10380219

3,500 miles · Jan 6, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, SHE SMELLED A FUEL ODOR BUT WAS UNABLE TO DETECT WHERE IT WAS COMING FROM. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD REPLACE ONE OF THE FUEL INJECTORS WHICH WAS CAUSING A LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIR…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, SHE SMELLED A FUEL ODOR BUT WAS UNABLE TO DETECT WHERE IT WAS COMING FROM. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD REPLACE ONE OF THE FUEL INJECTORS WHICH WAS CAUSING A LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE CONTACT SHE WOULD STILL SMELL GAS FUMES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 3,500.

NHTSA ODI #10374922

400 miles · Dec 28, 2010
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO MERGE INTO A SECOND LANE TO AVOID A VEHICLE FROM CRASHING INTO HER WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME ABNORMALLY STIFF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR SPORADICALLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO MERGE INTO A SECOND LANE TO AVOID A VEHICLE FROM CRASHING INTO HER WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME ABNORMALLY STIFF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR SPORADICALLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIANS ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED DUE TO THE VEHICLE NOT HAVING A STABILIZER. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE CUOLD NOT BE REPAIRED BECAUSE IT WAS DESIGNED WITHOUT THE STABILIZER AND HE WAS UNABLE TO OVERRIDE THE DESIGN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED IN REGARDS TO THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 400.

NHTSA ODI #10373145

22,000 miles · Nov 16, 2010
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Equipment

2010 HYUNDAI SONATA. 9 MONTHS OLD, HAS BEEN IN THE SERVICE CENTER 5 DIFFERENT TIMES. 2 TIMES FOR SENSOR REPLACEMENT. THE LAST 3 TIMES, DRIVING AT A NORMAL ACCELERATE PACE. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON, ESC LIGHT COMES ON AND VEHICLE LOSES POWER. ON ONE OF THOSE OCCASIONS, VEHICLE LOST POWER WHILE GOING THROUGH INTERSECTION, …

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2010 HYUNDAI SONATA. 9 MONTHS OLD, HAS BEEN IN THE SERVICE CENTER 5 DIFFERENT TIMES. 2 TIMES FOR SENSOR REPLACEMENT. THE LAST 3 TIMES, DRIVING AT A NORMAL ACCELERATE PACE. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON, ESC LIGHT COMES ON AND VEHICLE LOSES POWER. ON ONE OF THOSE OCCASIONS, VEHICLE LOST POWER WHILE GOING THROUGH INTERSECTION, AND ALMOST WAS REAR ENDED. SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAS REPLACED MANY PARTS FROM THROTTLE POSITION ASSEMBLY TO THERMOSTAT TO ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESS. IN MY OPINION, VEHICLE IS A LEMON. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10366434

1,500 miles · Nov 6, 2010
Exterior LightingVisibility

MY 2010 HYUNDAI SONATA HAS A LOW BEAM DEFECT THAT IS A DANGER TO DRIVE AT NIGHT , ESPECIALLY ON HILLY COUNTRY ROADS. THERE IS A BLACK BAND THAT ERASES THE FIELD OF VIEW FOR OBJECTS ON OR ALONGSIDE THE ROAD. BY THE TIME THE CAR HAD 5K MILES ON HER - SHE HAD BEEN IN TWICE TO HAVE THE HEADLIGHTS CHECKED AND I WAS TOLD THEY WE…

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MY 2010 HYUNDAI SONATA HAS A LOW BEAM DEFECT THAT IS A DANGER TO DRIVE AT NIGHT , ESPECIALLY ON HILLY COUNTRY ROADS. THERE IS A BLACK BAND THAT ERASES THE FIELD OF VIEW FOR OBJECTS ON OR ALONGSIDE THE ROAD. BY THE TIME THE CAR HAD 5K MILES ON HER - SHE HAD BEEN IN TWICE TO HAVE THE HEADLIGHTS CHECKED AND I WAS TOLD THEY WERE ADJUSTED AS HIGH AS THEY COULD GO AND TO USE HIGH BEAMS IF I COULDN'T SEE. I CALLED HYUNDAI CUSTOMER SERVICE AND AFTER GETTING NOWHERE I FINALLY GOT A MANAGER ON THE LINE AND HE PROMISED THAT AN ENGINEER WOULD BE SENT TO MY DEALERSHIP AND LOOK OVER THE PROBLEM -THIS NEVER HAPPENED SO WHEN I CALLED I WAS TOLD TO GO BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP SO THEY COULD LOOK AT THE LIGHTS AGAIN I GET FLASHED BY ONCOMING CARS BECAUSE THEY THINK MY HIGHS ARE ON WHEN THEY ARE NOT. I CAN'T IMAGINE WHAT THEY SEE WHEN MY HIGHS ARE ON. IF I DRIVE UNDER STREETLIGHTS OR HAVE ONCOMING CARS IN MY VIEW I DON'T SEE THE BLACK BAND BUT WHAT I DO SEE IS MY LIGHTS BOUNCING OFF ROAD SIGNS WITH ONLY SPLOTCHES OF LETTERS BEING ILLUMINATED AND THE REST OF THE SIGN DARK. IF SOMETHING , LIKE A DEER, WERE IN THE ROAD OR BY THE SIDE OF THE ROAD I WOULD NEVER SEE IT. I DO NOT WANT TO CAUSE AN ACCIDENT, KILL SOMEONE, HIT DEBRIS IN THE ROAD OR HURT MYSELF IN A CRASH BECAUSE THE LIGHTS HAVE A FAULTY DESIGN. . I READ THAT OTHER 2010 SONATA OWNERS ARE HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM SO WHEN IS HYUNDAI GOING TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT AND FIX THE PROBLEM OR REPLACE OUR CARS? I WROTE TO HYUNDAI AND THEY CLAIM THAT THE LIGHTS ARE WORKING AS DESIGNED AND I SHOULD TAKE MY CAR IN TO CHECK MY LIGHTS IF I AM HAVING PROBLEMS. I HAD ALREADY BEEN TOLD BY THE SERVICE CENTER DURING MY FIRST VISIT THAT IT IS A DESIGN FLAW SO I'M SENSING A CATCH 22 HERE. I CALLED THE SERVICE CENTER AND TOLD THEM I NEED TO HAVE A TECHNICIAN DRIVE THE CAR IN THE DARK BEFORE CLOSING HOURS. IN THE MEANTIME, AND UNTIL THIS GETS FIXED , THE BLACK BAND GREATLY IMPEDES NIGHT DRIVING AND IS A HAZARD. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10364295

7,000 miles · Nov 2, 2010
Air BagsCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE LOST CONTROL AND BEGAN TO SWERVE TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE AND WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH IN WHICH THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE POLICE APPEARED ON THE SCENE AND THE DRIVER WAS R…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE LOST CONTROL AND BEGAN TO SWERVE TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE AND WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH IN WHICH THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE POLICE APPEARED ON THE SCENE AND THE DRIVER WAS REPORTED INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE AIR BAGS WOULD ONLY DEPLOY WHEN THE IMPACT FROM THE CRASH STRUCK THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,000.

NHTSA ODI #10363667

Official recalls

2

13V354000 · Suspension:rear

Aug 12, 2013

Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2006-2010 Sonata vehicles manufactured March 1, 2005, through January 21, 2010; and model year 2006-2011 Azera vehicles manufactured September 27, 2005, through November 22, 2010 originally sold in, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Road salt and water can enter portions of the rear crossmember, leading to corrosion of the crossmember steel. This may lead to detachment of one of the rear control arms.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Control arm separation may suddenly change the rear wheel alignment, affecting the handling of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will repair or replace the crossmember assembly. The recall began on October 8, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai Customer Care Center at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall number is 113.

13V113000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

Apr 1, 2013

Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburon vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Hyundai recalled 1,059,824 model year 2007-2009 Accent and Tucson, model year 2007-2010 Elantra, model year 2007-2011 Santa Fe, model year 2008-2009 Veracruz, model year 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, and model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. In September 2013, Hyundai informed the agency that it was adding more vehicles to this campaign, representing an additional 652,512 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 1,712,336. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake transmission shift interlock feature, preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of Park without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.

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

3

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.

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.

PE13007 · Rear Control Arm Failure

Opened Mar 25, 2013 · Closed Aug 20, 2013

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension:rear

In a letter dated August 9, 2013, Hyundai-Kia America Technical Center, Inc. (Hyundai) notified NHTSA that Hyundaiis conducting a safety recall (13V-354) involving approximately 239,000 vehicles involving model year (MY) 2006 through 2010 Hyundai Sonata vehicles (approximately 215,000)produced beginning on March 1, 2005 through January 21, 2010 and model year (MY) 2006 through 2011 Hyundai Azera vehicles (approximately 24,000) produced beginning on September 27, 2005 through November 22, 2010 that are registered in and operated or originally sold in the following 20 salt belt states and the District of Columbia: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.Hyundai will also inform dealers to inspect/repair vehicles that were previously registered in salt belt states but are currently registered elsewhere. Hyundai is conducting the recall to remedy a defect involving internal corrosion of the rear sub frame that may lead to separation of the rear upper/lower control arm(s) at their respective mounting points and/or separation of the axle from the transaxle where they meet.This could result in a loss of vehicle control and/or vehicle disablement which may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.In response to NHTSA?s Information Request (IR) letter, Hyundai stated the Azera vehicles utilizes the identical cross member and upper/lower rear control arm components as the subject (Sonata) vehicles.In analysis of both Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) data submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) and consumer complaint data submitted to Hyundai, ODI identified 19 non-duplicative reports alleging excessive corrosion of the rear sub frame. All of the complaint vehicles were either originally sold or registered at the time of the incident in one of the salt belt states.Of these 19 reports, 9 alleged either a suspension component separation or a fracture of the vehicle's rear cross member assembly.Similarly, ODI identified 8 warranty claims of rear sub frame replacement in data submitted by Hyundai due to excessive corrosion, all of which involved vehicles originally sold or operated in a salt belt state. Based on Hyundai's decision to conduct a safety recall, (13V-354) this investigation is closed.The VOQs cited above can be viewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10535115, 10534110, 10525976, 10524726, 10521520, 10508368, 10505463, 10490073, 10486752, 10486435, 1048354, 10473922, and 10437887.