US government investigates Kia and Hyundai over stalling vehicles

Washington, D.C. September 28, 2022 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is investigating Hyundai (NASDAQ:HYMTF) and sister company Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) over an allegation some of their cars can develop a severe and sudden engine oil leak. This can cause the engine to seize and stall the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

If the investigation leads to a recall, it could affect an estimated 5.2 million vehicles.

 Some of the potentially affected vehicles include: 

  • 2010 – 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe
  • 2013 – 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
  • 2006 – 2019 Hyundai Sonata
  • 2011 – 2019 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  • 2016 – 2019 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid
  • 2010 – 2015 Hyundai Tucson
  • 2018 – 2019 Hyundai Tucson
  • 2010 – 2013 Kia Forte
  • 2010 – 2013 Kia Forte Koup
  • 2005 – 2020 Kia Optima
  • 2007 – 2010 Kia Rondo
  • 2011 – 2020 Kia Sorento
  • 2011 – 2021 Kia Sportage
  • 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL
  • 2015 Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell

All these vehicles have 1.6L T-GDI Gamma, 2.4L Theta II GDI, 2.4L GDI Theta II, Kappa or 3.8L GDI Lambda-II engines.

Risks

A sudden stall can dramatically increase the risk of a crash. In addition, the unexpected loss of oil can result in “catastrophic engine damage.” Indeed, several owners had to have their engines replaced as a result of this issue.

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on September 12,  2022, following a petition submitted by the “majority of the nation’s automotive repair and preventative maintenance professionals” claiming ‘unprecedented’ oil leaks that would happen without any prior warnings

The issue appears to be caused by oil “drain pan assembly failures” that are alleged to be caused in part by “flimsy” materials used in pan construction. In addition to that, the pans appear to have a design defect which makes the oil leak more likely to occur.

What is flimsy?

The oil drain pan – or a sump – is a metal pan that holds oil that is required to lubricate the engine. The sump has a hole whose only purpose is to allow the engine oil to drain during replacement. The hole is sealed off by a plug, which is a bolt that screws into the hole to close it.

Based on the allegations, the oil drain plug can loosen up while driving at highway speeds. This could create a substantial oil leak, which may cause the engine to seize, stalling the vehicle.

Where is the design defect?

The gasket is a piece of rubber or plastic that sits on top of the oil filter and “seals the area between the oil pan and the engine block” to prevent leaks.

When the oil is changed out, the gasket needs to be changed as well to avoid “double-gasketing”, which may result in a leak by pushing the oil out to the top.

In the affected vehicles, the oil pan and the gasket are both painted black, making it easy for the person changing the oil to miss the extra gasket. This can also result in the oil leaking out of the engine, resulting in a stall.

Complaints

There have been multiple customer complaints going back to as far back as 2017. In several cases, dealers refused to cover the cost of the repair, attributing the plug issue to the owner accidentally not tightening it properly during the last oil change or “teenagers… loosening oil plugs as a prank.” 

Other Hyundai and Kia recalls

Owners of Hyundai and Kia vehicles should be aware of the ongoing engine and fire-related issues, as described in one of the Hyundai Santa Fe recalls

In addition, oil starvation and subsequent engine failure caused one of the previous Kia Forte recalls dating to April 2021.  

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This investigation may eventually lead to a Hyundai engine recall, possibly affecting over 5 million vehicles. To do a Hyundai or Kia recall check and see if your car might be a part of it, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government investigates Kia and Hyundai over stalling vehicles

Hyundai and Kia are investigated over exploding seat belts

Washington, D.C. – September 4, 2022 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is investigating several Hyundai (NASDAQ:HYMTF) and its subsidiary Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) models over an allegation that their seat belt pretensioners may explode when deployed. This may send metal shrapnel flying through the cabin, potentially injuring the occupants. 

If the investigation leads to a recall, it could affect an estimated 275,000 vehicles, including: 

  • 2020 – 2022 Hyundai Accent
  • 2021 – 2022 Hyundai Elantra
  • 2021 – 2022 Hyundai Elantra HEV
  • 2021 – 2022 Hyundai Venue
  • 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid 
  • 2022 Kia Sorento PHEV
  • 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid 
  • 2022 Kia Sorento PHEV
  • 2022 Genesis GV70
  • 2021 Genesis GV80

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on August 8, 2022 following three complaints about seat belt pretensioner rupturing or exploding during deployment. Based on the allegations, occupants were injured by flying metal shards in all three cases

There have been five recalls  – with all of them including one of the vehicles above – due to this issue. The investigation is being opened to both evaluate “the adequacy” of these recalls and their scope. 

What are seat belt pretensioners?

Seat belt pretensioners help tighten up the seat belt around the passenger’s torso in case of a collision. These are pyrotechnic devices, designed to deploy quickly and forcefully without breaking apart.

Risks

If the pretensioner explodes, it could send metal fragments into the vehicle,  striking occupants and resulting in an injury. 

Other Hyundai recalls 

There was a Hyundai Genesis recall in the spring of last year due to the risk of “short circuit risk in the anti-lock brake system,” as reported.

Both Kia and Hyundai are subject to a separate U.S. government investigation due to multiple non-crash related fires, as reported.

The latest recall for exploding pretensioners  was in May 2022, and it affected more than 200,000 vehicles. There was also a similar recall just before it, in April 2022, although with a significantly smaller scope.  

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This investigation may eventually lead to a Hyundai seat belt recall, possibly affecting over a quarter of a million vehicles. To do a Hyundai recall check and see if your car might be a part of it, please bookmark MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicHyundai and Kia are investigated over exploding seat belts

Hyundai and Kia recall SUVs that may burst into flames

Irvine, CA – August 27, 2022 – Hyundai (OTCMKTS:HYMTF) and its subsidiary Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) are recalling 281,447 SUVs that may catch fire while driving or parked. This increases the risk of crash, injury or property damage.

The recall comes on the heels of several fires and includes the following SUVs:

  •  2022 – 2022 Hyundai Palisade
  •  2020 – 2022 Kia Telluride

Recall summary  

Affected vehicles are equipped with a tow package, which, in addition to the tow hitch itself, has a wiring harness and a control module. The module may overheat and, in extreme situations, cause the vehicle to catch fire

The cause of the issue is an electric short caused by moisture and other elements ending up on the tow hitch circuit board during the manufacturing process. The circumstances of how that occurs are currently under investigation.

Recall risks

A burning vehicle may damage surrounding structures and vehicles and result in injuries to the car occupants.

Recall background

The recall comes on the heels of at least five vehicles catching fire in the bumper area, as well as multiple “melting” incidents and warranty claims.

Other Hyundai and Kia Telluride recalls

This Hyundai Palisade recall is the latest in a series of fire-related recalls the Korean manufacturer has been experiencing lately. However, most of the previous Hyundai fire risks were caused by faulty ABS modules or fuel leaks

Separately, aside from this Kia Telluride tow hitch recall, the 2022 model-years were also subject to a recall about a year ago due to blank instrument clusters, as reported.

Repair

Both manufacturers are still developing the repair for this Kia and Hyundai tow harness issue. 

In the meantime, dealers are set to inspect the tow hitch wiring on suspected vehicles and remove the corresponding fuse which will effectively disconnect the tow module. This and future repairs will be offered free of charge. 

Kia will send the affected owners letters with more information on October 17, 2022, while Hyundai will do the same on October 17, 2022. 

Safety tips

Owners should park their vehicles away from structures until the repair is done.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

These Hyundai and Kia electrical issues are affecting more than a quarter million SUVs. To do a Hyundai recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. You can use the same tool to do a Kia recall check. 

Bojan PopicHyundai and Kia recall SUVs that may burst into flames

Hyundai recalls Palisade SUVs over defective windshield wiper motor

Fountain Valley, CA – August 27, 2022 – Hyundai (NASDAQ:HYMTF) is recalling 122,919 vehicles whose windshield wiper motors may fail, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

This recall includes the 2020-2021 Hyundai Palisade SUVs.

Recall summary

When the wipers on the subject vehicles encounter a build-up of snow or ice, the wiper motor may stop functioning or may only function intermittently

The root cause of the issue is not yet known but the manufacturer “suspects” that the accumulation can cause circuit breaker issues which can result in the wiper motor malfunctioning.

The components in question are the windshield wiper motor assemblies, with part numbers 98110-S8000 and 98110-G5000.

Recall risks

Windshield wiper failure can reduce visibility for the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.

Other recent Hyundai recalls

There is an urgent Hyundai Palisade recall due to the risk of fire. A problem with the tow hitch wiring has already led to fires, and the company is instructing owners to park outside and away from structures until the vehicles are repaired.

In July, more than 10,000 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid vehicles were recalled over fire risk. The subject vehicles were previously recalled for the same issue in 2018, but at least nine fires have been reported after repairs were made.

In January, Hyundai recalled more than 20,000 sedans and SUVs over windshields that could separate from the vehicle during a collision.

Repair

Although the remedy program is still being developed, owners will be able to take their vehicles to a Hyundai dealership for inspection and repair of the wiper issue at no cost. 

Owners will be notified about the repair program on or around October 14, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Hyundai Palisade issue is causing a recall of over 100,000 vehicles. To perform a Hyundai recall check on your vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiHyundai recalls Palisade SUVs over defective windshield wiper motor

Hyundai issues second recall of Ioniq hybrids over risk of fire

Fountain Valley, CA – July 10, 2022 – Hyundai (NASDAQ:HYMTF) is recalling 10,575 hybrids that may catch fire due to overheating under their rear seats, increasing the risk of crash and injury. 

These vehicles were already repaired due to the same issue in 2018, but are being recalled again on the back of at least 9 fires post-repair. No injuries or crashes have been reported.

Affected vehicles include: 

  • 2017 – 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid
  • 2017 – 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid

Recall summary  

All hybrid vehicles listed here have a relay, or a switch, which is a part of their electrical system underneath the rear seats. The purpose of the switch is to connect and disconnect “ the battery and the inverter… wiring.

Due to a supplier error, connectors on these relays could be loose. This increases electrical resistance and causes the relay to overheat, which can, in the worst-case scenario, result in  a vehicle fire

The components causing this recall are the power relay and the main relay within it, with part numbers 37514-G2100QQH and 37583-A8000QQH.

Recall risks

An in-vehicle fire that happens while driving or when parked carries several risks. This includes crashes, injuries and property damage. 

Background of the recall

These cars were already recalled over this issue in 2018.

However, starting in 2021, Hyundai began receiving reports of some of the repaired vehicles catching fire. Upon investigating, the manufacturer found that at least some of the vehicles still had original relays in them, despite “repair history displaying” that the relays were switched.

On the heels of that information, the new recall was initiated.

Other Hyundai recalls

Both Hyundai and its subsidiary Kia are subject to a U.S. government investigation over ongoing fire issues. The investigation has so far resulted in 16 recalls, 8 for each manufacturer, according to the federal auto safety regulator, the National Transportation Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) data.

The regulator is currently evaluating whether the manufacturers will need to recall more cars and whether or not the remedies performed under these recalls were sufficient, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will inspect previously installed relays and replace them if needed. This repair will be free of charge. Notifications will be sent to the owners on August 26, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Hyundai fire recall is affecting more than 10,000 hybrid vehicles. To do a Hyundai recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicHyundai issues second recall of Ioniq hybrids over risk of fire

Hyundai issues another recall over seat belt pretensioners that may explode

Fountain Valley, CA – May 28, 2022 – Hyundai (OTCMKTS:HYMTF) is recalling 239,000 vehicles whose seat belt pretensioners – which are part of a mechanism that tightens the seat belt during a crash – may be defective. This increases the risk of injury to the driver and passengers. 

The recall includes the following models:

  • 2019 – 2022 Hyundai Accent
  • 2021 – 2023 Hyundai Elantra
  • 2021 – 2022 Hyundai Elantra HEV 

Recall summary

Seat belt pretensioners help lock the seat belt in case of a collision. The vehicles in question have pyrotechnic pretensioners that are designed to deploy quickly and forcefully. In the affected vehicles, however, the pretensioners are at risk of exploding when deployed for unknown reasons.

The components involved are the seat belt assembly with pretensioner for the driver’s and passenger’s sides, with part numbers 88810-J0600, 88820-J0600, 88810-AA500 and 88820-AA500.

Recall risks

If the pretensioner explodes, it could send metal fragments into the vehicle,  striking occupants and resulting in an injury.

Other recent Hyundai recalls

This is not the first pretensioner-related Hyundai seat belt recall that has been issued in recent months. In April there were 2021 – 2022 Hyundai Elantra and 2020 Hyundai Accent recalls over a similar issue. Another related recall was issued in October 2021.

In February, Hyundai issued the latest in a series of fire-related recalls. The subject vehicles may develop a fire inside the engine compartment, which could lead to injury.

Prior to that, some Hyundai vehicles were subjected to a recall over windshields that may detach. This has been attributed to a supplier error in which insufficient sealant was used to keep the windshield in place. 

Repair

To remedy the issue, Hyundai dealers will install a cap intended to prevent the seat belt pretensioner from deploying abnormally. This will be at no cost to owners.

Vehicle owners can expect to receive communication regarding the repair program by July 15, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Hyundai Accent and Hyundai Elantra recall affects more than 200,000 vehicles. To perform a Hyundai recall check and see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiHyundai issues another recall over seat belt pretensioners that may explode

Hyundai issues second Sonata recall over fire

Fountain Valley, CA – May 22, 2022 – Hyundai (OTCMKTS: HYMTF) is recalling 215,171 2013 – 2014 Hyundai Sonata sedans, which may develop an engine fire as a result of a fuel leak. These vehicles were already recalled in 2020 over the same issue and both Hyundai and Kia are subject to a U.S. government investigation

Recall summary  

The engine in a car is connected to the fuel tank with a series of hoses and pipes, which transfer the gasoline towards it. In affected vehicles, one of the hoses inside the engine compartment may crack and start leaking, which can cause a fire. 

Hyundai already addressed this issue in their recall from 2020. Back then, dealers checked the suspected hoses and replaced the cracked ones. The vehicles where the hoses were not replaced are now subject to this recall.

The component causing this recall is the fuel feed line, with part numbers 31310-3Q101QQH for 2.0L turbocharged engines and 31310-3Q901QQH for 2.0L units. 

Warning signs 

If the fuel leak develops within the engine compartment, the driver and passengers may notice a gasoline odor inside the car

Recall risks

Vehicle fires carry a wide range of risks, as described in this article about a Kia fire-related recall.

Other Hyundai Sonata recalls

Vehicle fires are an ongoing problem for many models from the Hyundai and its subsidiary Kia lineups. Apart from this Hyundai fuel leak issue, a large number of vehicles are at risk of bursting into flame because of a faulty ABS unit. In addition, some of these 2013-2014 Sonata cars may be affected by an ongoing investigation, once again caused by fire.  

The repair

Dealers will replace the fuel line with an updated one free of charge. In addition, Hyundai will reimburse those owners who may have replaced this component at their own expense. Notifications will be sent to the owners on July 5, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Sonata fuel hose recall is affecting more than 200,000 vehicles. To do a Hyundai recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicHyundai issues second Sonata recall over fire

Hyundai and Kia recall Ioniq and EV6 cars that may roll away

Fountain Valley, CA – May 21, 2022 – Hyundai (OTCMKTS:HYMTF) and its subsidiary Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) are recalling a total of 19,743 electric SUVs that may roll away while parked, increasing the risk of crashing into pedestrians or other vehicles. The recall involves 10,729 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 compact crossover and 9,014 2022 Kia EV6 electric SUVs.

Recall summary  

The affected vehicles have a shifter control unit (SCU) that tells the transmission to lock in place when the vehicle is in Park. As a result of a software issue within the unit the parking mechanism may disengage. If this happens while the vehicle is parked on an incline, the vehicle could roll away, especially if the driver is not present.

The component causing this recall is the shifter control unit, with part numbers 42951-18110 for Hyundai and 42951-18150 for Kia.

Recall risks

As in similar Ford recalls, vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury from a resulting crash.

Other Hyundai and Kia recalls

There are no other Kia EV6 recalls at this time. (The model only arrived on the market recently.)

The most recent Hyundai Ioniq recalls include one caused by unexpected accelerations which happened in December of last year.

In addition, owners should be aware of ongoing fire-related issues affecting both Hyundai and Kia.

The repair

Dealers will update the shifter control unit software in all affected vehicles. Kia will notify vehicle owners on May 25, 2022, while Hyundai plans to do the same on June 10, 2022. In the meantime, both manufacturers are urging drivers to park on level surfaces and to use the electronic parking brakes in their vehicles.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This rollaway recall affects nearly 20,000 SUVs. To do a Hyundai or Kia Recall Check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicHyundai and Kia recall Ioniq and EV6 cars that may roll away

Hyundai issues recall over faulty trunk emergency release

Fountain Valley, CA – April 17, 2022 – Hyundai (OTCMKTS:HYMTF) is issuing a recall for 63,461 vehicles for a defect in the trunk lid emergency release, which could increase the risk of injury to occupants.  

The recall follows on the heels of 169 reports alleging the defect and covers the following models:

  • 2019 Genesis G70 
  • 2020 Hyundai Sonata
  • 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Recall summary

The trunk acts as the main storage compartment on passenger cars. It is covered by a lid, which is connected to the rest of the vehicle’s body by means of a latch. The Hyundai trunk latch uses a metal lever called a pawl to prevent unnecessary movement of the trunk lid.  

In the recalled vehicles, continuous exposure to high temperatures can cause the trunk latch pawl to shrink, making it more difficult for users to open the trunk lid.

Recall risks


Forcibly opening the trunk lid could lead to an injury to the user, as well as damage to the pawl. If small children climb in the trunk and close the lid, they might not be able to get out, exposing them to the risk of injury from lack of oxygen and high temperature.    

Warning signs

The defective trunk lid might require an increased effort on the part of the user to open from the locked position.  

Other Hyundai recalls 

Hyundai previously issued a recall in August 2021 for 348,158 vehicles including the 2017-2018 Sonata, 2016-2018 Sonata Hybrid, and 2018-2020 Accent over a similar issue. 

Hyundai’s sister company Kia also recalled 253,074 vehicles for the same defect the following month, covering the 2016-2018 Kia Forte and the 2018-2019 Kia Rio.

There was a Hyundai Sonata recall in October 2021 due to faulty turn signals, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will inspect the trunk latch on the affected vehicles and replace it, if necessary. All repairs will be done free of charge.

Hyundai will also reimburse owners for expenses incurred on repairs involving the defective component before the recall was issued.   

Affected owners will be notified by May 20, 2022.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 63,000 vehicles are included in this Hyundai recall. To do a Hyundai recall check,  use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloHyundai issues recall over faulty trunk emergency release

Hyundai recalls vehicles with pretensioners that may explode

Fountain Valley, CA – April 15, 2022 – Hyundai (NASDAQ:HYMTF) is recalling 6,240 vehicles with front seat pretensioners – which are supposed to protect the car occupants in the event of a crash – that can explode while deploying. The metal shrapnel may injure the car occupants.

 The recall includes the following models: 

  • 2020 Hyundai Accent 
  • 2021 – 2022 Hyundai Elantra 

Recall summary  

Pretensioners are part of seat belt retractors whose job is to tighten the seat belt to protect the occupant’s torso during the crash. To do that, they use “expanding gas to…retract a seat belt buckle during the first moment of an accident.”

In affected vehicles, front-seat passenger and driver pretensioner housing may shatter during activation, flinging metal shrapnel at the people inside the car.

The components in question are seat belt pretensioners, with part numbers 88810-AA500 or 88820-AA500 for the right-hand side and 88810-J0600 for the left-hand one. 

Recall risks

These flying fragments may hit one or more occupants and injure them. 

Other Hyundai recalls

There are several previous Hyundai Elantra recalls that owners should be aware of. The most recent one, from January this year, is caused by improperly fitted windshields being the most recent.

In addition, there is a Hyundai Accent recall from August 2021 because of faulty trunk latches. That recall also included Sonata and Azera vehicles.

The repair

Dealers will rectify the problem by replacing seat belt pretensioners on all affected vehicles. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on May 31, 2022.  All repairs will be free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Hyundai seat belt recall affects more than 6,000 vehicles. To do a Hyundai recall check and see if your SUV is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicHyundai recalls vehicles with pretensioners that may explode