Hyundai recalls Palisade SUVs with faulty wipers following US government investigation

Fountain Valley, CA – April 2, 2023 – Hyundai (NASDAQ: HYMTF) has recalled 167,085 2021-2023 Hyundai Palisade SUVs because their windshield wipers may fail to operate. This reduces visibility, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

This recall, which comes on the heels of an ongoing U.S. government investigation, is an expansion of a previous one conducted for the same issue in August 2022. 

Recall summary  

Windshield wipers are held in place and moved with a metal arm, which is mounted to the wiper mechanism with an electric motor. 

In affected vehicles, snow and ice may build up around the wiper arm’s base and obstruct its movement. This may result in the wipers stopping to work.

The component causing this recall is the driver’s windshield wiper arm, with part number 98311-S8000. 

Recall risks

Inoperable windshield wipers will reduce the driver’s visibility, especially in harsh weather, which increases the risk of a crash and injury.  

Background of the recall 

This windshield wiper problem was first spotted on Hyundai Palisade models made before the end of November 2020 around three years ago and was addressed during a recall in August 2022. However, soon after, the U.S. government auto safety regulator, the National Transportation Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched an investigation to access the adequacy and scope of that recall as it was revealed that SUV made after November 2020 were also potentially affected. The present recall is a direct result of the investigation.

Other Hyundai recalls

Apart from this Hyundai Palisade recall, vehicles made by this manufacturer have been plagued by various issues causing them to catch fire.  Aside from this, the manufacturer is currently dealing with an ongoing issue with its seat belt pretensioners, which so far resulted in seven recalls.

The repair

Dealers will replace the driver’s windshield wiper arms with an upgraded version, which is not prone to snow and ice accumulation. The repair will be free of charge.

Owners will be notified on May 16, 2023. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 160,000 SUVs are recalled over this Hyundai windshield wiper failure. To do a Hyundai recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool

Bojan PopicHyundai recalls Palisade SUVs with faulty wipers following US government investigation

Hyundai under investigation for recent Palisade windshield wipers’ recall

Fountain Valley, CA – December 18, 2022 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is investigating Hyundai (NASDAQ:HYMTF) regarding “the scope and remedy” of a recent recall conducted for faulty windshield wipers.

The investigation could result in a recall of an additional 126,081 cars, including the following:

  • 2021 Hyundai Palisade
  • 2022 Hyundai Palisade
  • 2023 Hyundai Palisade

Investigation summary

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), has opened a probe on December 2, 2022 on the back of six complaints about windshield wiper failures in winter conditions. According to these complaints, the wiper motor would work intermittently or malfunction due to accumulated snow or ice. 

Hyundai previously initiated 2020–2021 Hyundai Palisade recalls involving 122,919 vehicles in August 2022 over the problem. However, the vehicles included in the present investigation were not part of that recall.

Risks

Defective windshield wipers prevent drivers from seeing the road clearly when driving in rainy or wintry conditions, increasing the risk of the vehicle crashing.   

Other Hyundai recalls

In September, NHTSA placed Hyundai and sister company Kia under investigation for an estimated 5.2 million vehicles over allegations of a sudden and severe oil leak that can lead to the engine stalling and an increased risk of an accident. In November, Hyundai also recalled 14,928 electric and plug-in vehicles over exploding seat belt pretensioners that pose an increased risk of fire.    

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

More than 126,000 vehicles could be recalled as a result of this Hyundai windshield wiper investigation. To do a Hyundai recall check for your vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloHyundai under investigation for recent Palisade windshield wipers’ recall

Hyundai issues seventh recall for vehicles with pretensioners that may explode

Fountain Valley, CA – November 15, 2022 – Hyundai (NASDAQ:HYMTF) is recalling 14,928 electric and hybrid vehicles whose seat belt pretensioners – which remove the slack from the seat belt during a crash – could explode while deploying, injuring the car occupants. This is the manufacturer’s seventh recall for this issue.

The latest edition includes the following models: 

  • 2023 Genesis G80 Electric 
  • 2021 – 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid  
  • 2022 – 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid  

Recall summary  

All listed vehicles are equipped with seat belt pretensioners, whose job is to tighten the seat belt during the crash, additionally protecting the occupants’ torso. The working principle behind this device was already explained in one of the previous Hyundai recalls

In affected vehicles, front driver- and passenger-side pretensioners may deploy incorrectly, shattering their housing into pieces and sending pieces of metal flying through the cabin. 

The components in question are seat belt assemblies with pretensioner, with part numbers 888A0-JI500 and 88810-CL000  for the driver’s side and 888B0-JI500 and 88820-CL000 for the passenger’s side. 

Recall risks

Metal fragments flying at high speeds act as shrapnels, potentially injuring occupants if they hit them. 

Background of the recall

This is Hyundai’s seventh recall for this issue. Over 325,000 vehicles have been affected so far and the manufacturer is currently testing additional vehicles that are not part of this recall that may also be affected. The pretensioners in question are made by Korean auto parts manufacturer Samsong, as reported.

In connection with the current recall, no injuries or accidents have been reported.

Other Hyundai recalls

Among previous Hyundai Santa Fe recalls, the most recent happened a few days ago. It was caused by automatic transmissions that may shift out of Drive on their own

There was a Hyundai Genesis recall last year due to the risk of these cars catching fire. Both Hyundai and its sister company Kia have issued a tremendous number of fire-related recalls and are currently subject to a U.S. government investigation over adequacy of the remedies issued under some of these recalls, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will install a protective cap into the pretensioner, which should prevent them from deploying abnormally and shattering its housings. This repair is free of charge. 

Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on December 30,  2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Almost 15,000 cars are being recalled over these Hyundai seat belt issues. To do a Hyundai recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicHyundai issues seventh recall for vehicles with pretensioners that may explode

Hyundai recalls Santa Fe SUVs that may catch fire

Irvine, CA – November 10, 2022 – Hyundai (OTCMKTS:HYMTF) is recalling 44,396 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport SUVs, over the risk of catching fire while driving or parked. This increases the risk of crash, injury, or property damage.

This is the latest in the long list of both Hyundai and its sister company Kia fire-related recalls.

Recall summary  

Affected vehicles are equipped with the anti-lock brake system, or ABS, which prevents the wheels from locking up when braking. Due to the reasons still unknown, the electronic module that controls this system may overheat. In some cases, this may result in a fire inside the engine compartment, where this system is located. 

The component causing this recall is the ABS module with part number 58920-4Z300, made by Korean manufacturer Mando. 

Recall risks

For more on the risks of this recall, please visit the following page about a recent Kia recall caused by the same risk.

Other Hyundai recalls

Just a few days ago, Hyundai recalled a range of their models, including Santa Fe, over the risk of stalling.

Both Kia and Hyundai have recalled countless vehicles due to the risk of fire. You can see a summary of the issues here. Since the publication of that article, another Kia fire recall came out less than a week ago.

The repair

As with previous similar issues, the dealers will replace the fuse for the ABS system with a modified one. This new fuse will blow out if the module starts overheating, cutting power to it and preventing it from catching fire. The repair is free of charge.

Owners will be notified on December 26, 2022. 

Safety tips

Owners should park their vehicles away from structures until the new fuse is installed. For more on what to do in the event of a fire, please visit the following page.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

These Hyundai fire issues are affecting more than 40,000 SUVs. To do a Hyundai recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool

Bojan PopicHyundai recalls Santa Fe SUVs that may catch fire

Kia and Hyundai recall cars that may stall

Irvine, CA – November 5, 2022 – Kia (OTCMKTS: KIMTF) and sister company Hyundai (OTCMKTS:HYMTF) are recalling 69,038 sedans and SUVs whose transmissions may shift out of Drive on their own, leaving the vehicle without motive power. This increases the risk of a crash and injury.  

Only the models with a 2.5-liter engine and 8-speed automatic transmission are affected.

 The following models are included:

  • 2021 – 2023 Kia K5
  • 2021 – 2022 Kia Sorento
  • 2021 – 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe
  • 2021 – 2022 Hyundai Sonata
  • 2021 – 2022 Hyundai Veloster N
  • 2022 Hyundai Elantra
  • 2022 Hyundai Kona N
  • 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz

Recall summary

The transmission of the affected vehicles has an oil pump whose role is to “drive the engine to rotate,” according to Japanese auto supplier Toyo. Due to a manufacturing error, the pump may fail. If this happens, the vehicle will alert the driver and then, within several seconds, shift the transmission out of Drive. This will cause loss of drive power.

The component causing this recall is the electric oil pump with part number 46220-2N510. 

Background of the recall

The recall follows on the heels of 265 Kia and Hyunda incidents alleging vehicles stalling while driving. Some drivers have reported “doing 70[miles per hour] on heavy traffic with a huge truck to [the] right” when “the engine stopped responding.” No accidents or injuries have been reported so far.

Warning signs 

About 20 to 30 seconds before the stall happens, a chime and a message to “Stop Safely” will warn the driver about the issue. The malfunction indicator light (MIL) will also come on.

Recall risks

For more on the risks of this recall please visit this article about a similar RAM recall.

Other Kia recalls

Just recently, Kia recalled some of its Sportage SUVs over loose wiring. This may cause the vehicle to stall or, in some cases, even catch fire

Owners should also be aware of Kia and Hyundai recalls caused by this issue that took place during this year

The repair

Dealers will check the transmissions on affected vehicles and replace them if necessary. In addition, they will reprogram the transmission’s control unit. This repair will be free of charge. 

Vehicle owners will be notified on December 9, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Kia loss of power issue is affecting nearly 70,000 vehicles. To do a Kia recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool

Bojan PopicKia and Hyundai recall cars that may stall

Can your Kia or Hyundai vehicle catch on fire?

Washington, D.C. – October 13, 2022 – The year of the Tiger is proving to be truly “fiery” for both Hyundai (OTCMKTS: HYMTF) and Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF). 

Both manufacturers are subject to an ongoing U.S government investigation that may affect as many as 3 million vehicles due to potential engine failures. In addition, over 1 million of additional makes are subject to unrelated recalls that may also result in a fire. 

Fires greatly increase the possibility of the car occupants – and potentially surrounding motorists  – getting seriously injured. Worse yet, they can occur even when the vehicle is parked or turned off, also upping the risk of property damage.

Read on to see if your vehicle is affected.

The investigation  

In January, the U.S government auto safety regulator, the National Highway Transportation Administration (NHTSA) opened the investigation over potential “inadequate remedies” that both manufacturers implemented for five fire-related recalls that took place as far back as 2017.

In addition to evaluating whether the remedies resolved the risk of fire, the regulator is also looking into whether vehicles that were not part of these recalls will need to be recalled again.

Some of the vehicles involved include:

  • 2013 Hyundai Elantra
  • 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe
  • 2017 Hyundai Tucson
  • 2013 – 2014 Santa Fe Sport
  • 2011 – 2014 Hyundai Sonata
  • 2011 – 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  • 2016 – 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  • 2015 – 2016 Hyundai Veloster
  • 2012 – 2015 Kia Forte

ABS module fires

In  February,  nearly half a million Hyundai and Kia SUVs had to be recalled due to defective ABS modules, which would overheat and burst into flames.

These recalls include the following vehicles: 

  • 2016 – 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe 
  • 2017 – 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
  • 2014 – 2015 Hyundai Tucson 
  • 2016 – 2018 Kia K900
  • 2014 – 2016 Kia Sportage
  • 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL

Fuel-leaking sedans 

Back in 2020, Hyundai and Kia recalled Sonata and Optima sedans over a fuel leak that could cause a fire. However, it appeared the remedy implemented on this occasion was not sufficient, forcing the manufacturers to recall these vehicles once more in February.

Over 73,000 2013 – 2014 Kia Optima sedans and 215,171 2013 – 2014 Hyundai Sonata sedans were affected.

Hybrids with overheating wiring 

In July 2022, Hyundai had to recall some of its Ioniq hybrids over a risk of a vehicle fire caused by overheating relays underneath the passenger seat. In total, more than 10,000 cars were affected by this Hyundai fire recall.  

The following vehicles were affected:

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

Tow harness fire

In August, Hyundai and Kia had an issue with their SUVs potentially bursting into flames because of overheating tow hitch wiring. This caused more than 250,000 cars to be recalled

But the number of affected vehicles proved to be higher, resulting in an additional recall earlier in October.  The following vehicles were affected in the second round:

  • 2016 – 2022 Kia Sorento
  • 2021 – 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid
  • 2022 – 2023 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV)
  • 2017 – 2022 Kia Sportage

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

Up to date, Hyundai and Kia fire recalls have affected roughly 4.4 million cars during 2022. To do a Hyundai recall check and see if yours is affected by any of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. You can do the same to carry out a Kia recall check. 

Bojan PopicCan your Kia or Hyundai vehicle catch on fire?

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