Hyundai issues second recall of Ioniq hybrids over risk of fire

Hyundai issues second recall of Ioniq hybrids over risk of fire

July 10, 2022 Bojan Popic

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

Hyundai issues another recall over seat belt pretensioners that may explode

May 28, 2022 Senamile Nkosi

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

Hyundai issues second Sonata recall over fire

May 22, 2022 Bojan Popic

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

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

May 21, 2022 Bojan Popic ,

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

Hyundai issues recall over faulty trunk emergency release

April 17, 2022 Joseph Estabillo

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

Hyundai recalls vehicles with pretensioners that may explode

April 15, 2022 Bojan Popic

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
Hyundai issues yet another fire-related recall

Hyundai issues yet another fire-related recall

February 18, 2022 Bojan Popic

Fountain Valley, CA – February 18, 2022 –  Hyundai (NASDAQ:HYMTF) is recalling 357,830 SUVs that may develop a fire inside their engine compartments, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. This recall is the latest addition to the endless list of fire-related recalls that have been the bane of Hyundai’s existence for quite some time.

Vehicles that are affected by this recall include:

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

Recall summary  

All models listed here are equipped with ABS, which is short for the anti-lock brake system. This is a safety system, whose job is to prevent wheels from locking up while braking. On vehicles that are a part of this Hyundai recall, the ABS control unit may overheat, causing a fire that spreads within the engine bay. The exact reason for overheating is currently under investigation.

The component in question is the ABS module, with part numbers 58920-4Z300, 58920-B8AC0 or 58920-2S820, depending on the model. 

Recall risks

A fire that occurs in the vehicle when driving or when parked carries a range of risks. To find out more about them, please visit this article about a similar Kia recall.

Safety tips

Because the vehicle may catch fire even when parked, owners should park them outside and away from other vehicles and structures. This precautionary measure will prevent additional property damage if the fire does happen. 

Warning signs

Malfunctioning ABS module will disable the system and trigger a warning light, which is the first warning sign. Others may include a burning smell and smoke coming from underneath the hood. 

Other Hyundai Santa Fe recalls 

These Hyundai Santa Fe engine fires are a reoccurring issue that has been affecting many model years of these and other Hyundai and Kia vehicles. There are also previous Hyundai Tuscon recalls, such as one from January 2021, that was caused by a similar problem.  

The manufacturer and its sister company, Kia, are subject to a U.S. government investigation. The government auto safety regulator is trying to determine the effectiveness of recall repairs and if other vehicles need to be recalled as well, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will remedy this problem by inspecting the ABS module, and replacing it if needed. As an additional precision, they will replace the corresponding fuse with an uprated one. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on April 5, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This recall caused by Hyundai engine fires is affecting more than 350,000 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 issues yet another fire-related recall
Hyundai and Kia may need to recall more vehicles that may catch fire

Hyundai and Kia may need to recall more vehicles that may catch fire

January 30, 2022 Rebecca Rand ,

Washington, D.C. – January 30, 2022 – The U.S. government auto safety regulator is looking into whether Hyundai (OTCMKTS:HYMTF) and Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) will need to recall additional vehicles that may be prone to catching fire and whether remedies for the recalls both manufacturers have already issued are adequate to lower the risk of fire. Both companies have already issued various recalls for vehicles catching fire, sometimes for unknown reasons.

This latest development is part of an ongoing probe into the situation that affects an estimated 3 million vehicles. A partial list of the vehicles is below:

  • 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

Summary

On December 21, the regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration  (NHTSA), opened this probe – called an engineering analysis – on the heels of “161 fires potentially due to engine failures,”  which resulted in three injuries. 

Out of the complaints submitted, 125 were about vehicles that were not previously included in any fire-related recalls, while the rest was about cars that  have already been repaired under one of the eight recalls that have so far been issued due to the risk of these vehicles catching fire. 

The full list of vehicles being investigated is available here. Hyundai owns 33.8% of Kia.

‘Caught fire while parked and turned off’

Some of the cars previously not included in a fire-related recall are the ​​2013 Hyundai Elantra, 2011 Kia Sorento and 2012-2015 Kia Rio with as many as 550,000 of them potentially subject to recalls. 

In one of the related complaints, the driver alleges that his or her car caught fire while turned off in a parking lot of a restaurant. Witnesses mentioned hearing “electrical sparks” before the fire. The driver did not have insurance that would cover the loss of his or her “only mode of transportation.”

In another situation, a 2013 Elantra with only “8-12 miles on it” was “fully engulfed” after minutes of catching fire for unknown reasons. A third driver lost his or her brakes but did not receive any additional warnings before seeing smoke coming out from the back of the car while out on the highway.

Potential inadequate remedies

Over 35 complaints are about cars that received recall repairs, but still ended up having engine issues. The following recalls may need to be “re-done” with a new repair:

Background of the investigation

Hyundai and Kia have been under the scrutiny of the U.S. government since 2017 when NHTSA opened queries regarding Theta II engine recalls that contained various “inaccuracies” in the associated reports. Both manufacturers were found liable and paid hefty penalties – $70 million for Kia and $140 million for Hyundai – and were required to take a host of safety-related measures to ensure that these omissions would not happen in the future. 

In 2019, NHTSA opened a preliminary evaluation to investigate claims of “non-crash fires,” which resulted in multiple recalls. The investigation has now been upgraded to this engineering analysis, which typically takes a year and may result in additional recalls. 

Will your vehicle be part of a new recall?

No new recalls have been announced as of the publication of this article, but future Hyundai engine recalls and Kia engine recalls may be coming. To do a Kia recall check or a Hyundai recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. All repairs will be done free of charge.

Rebecca RandHyundai and Kia may need to recall more vehicles that may catch fire
Hyundai recalls vehicles whose windshields may detach

Hyundai recalls vehicles whose windshields may detach

January 23, 2022 Bojan Popic

Fountain Valley, CA – January 23, 2022 –  Hyundai (OTCMKTS:HYMTF) is recalling  26,413 sedans and SUVs whose windshields may separate during a collision. This increases the risk of injury for the car occupants and surrounding pedestrians. Vehicles that are part of this recall include:

  • 2021 Hyundai Elantra 
  • 2021 Hyundai Sonata 
  • 2020 – 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe 

Recall summary  

Due to a supplier error, the recalled vehicles may have been painted with a clear coat that does not meet manufacturer’s specifications. As a result, the sealant that holds the windshield in place may not adequately bond with the metal beneath it and cause the windshield to detach during a collision. 

The component in question is the front windshield panel with multiple part numbers including 86110L0130 and 86110AB045, depending on the model. 

Recall risks

The detaching windshield could injure passengers inside the vehicle, other motorists and nearby pedestrians.

Warning signs 

The sealant that holds the windshield in place may partially separate from the surrounding body frame. If that happens, drivers may notice “wind noise” while driving or “water leaking” into the cabin when it rains. 

Other Hyundai recalls 

Some of these vehicles may have been affected by a fire-related Hyundai Sonata Recall from September of last year. There was a Hyundai Elantra recall in October, caused by a seat belt issue. 

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will remove the windshield and apply a different type of sealing material, which will ensure that it will stay in place. Notifications about this replacement will be sent to vehicle owners on February 25, 2022. All repairs will be done free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Hyundai windshield recall is affecting more than 20,000 vehicles. To do a Hyundai recall check and see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicHyundai recalls vehicles whose windshields may detach
Hyundai recalls Ioniq EVs over unintended acceleration

Hyundai recalls Ioniq EVs over unintended acceleration

December 26, 2021 Aleksandra Snesareva

Fountain Valley, CA – December 26, 2021 – Hyundai (OTCMKTS: HYMTF) has recalled 2,679 vehicles due to unexpected acceleration after the release of the gas pedal, which increases the risk of a crash. The recall includes the following electric vehicles:

  • 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Electric
  • 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Electric
  • 2019 Hyundai Ioniq Electric

Recall summary

The subject vehicles may erroneously enter the fail-safe mode – also known as the “limp-home” – because of a communication error between the vehicle’s components  caused by “the deterioration of the electrical ground.” The ground is meant to protect drivers from electric shock. 

The mode is designed to protect the engine from further damage if something is seriously wrong with one of the car’s systems by reducing its speed and acceleration. However, in this case, it can trigger “unintended acceleration” even after the gas pedal is released.

The component in question is the “Power Electric Module” with multiple  part numbers, including G7GPE-U300050 and G7GPE-U300053.

Recall risks

Although the braking and steering systems remain fully functional when the vehicle is in the fail-safe mode,  the sudden acceleration still augments the risk of a crash.

Warning signs 

When entering the fail-safe mode, the vehicle’s “READY” lamp flashes, which acts as an alert for the driver. 

Other recent Hyundai recalls

In March 2021, some 4,600 Hyundai vehicles – including the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq EVs – were recalled on the back of multiple fires caused by faulty Li-ion batteries. In 2021, there have been multiple recalls of both Kia and Hyundai vehicles because of fire risk, as reported.

Separately, there was a small 2017 Hyundai Ioniq recall in 2017 because of the risk of stall.

Repair

To resolve these Hyundai Ioniq issues, dealers will update the relevant software and add additional ground wiring to prevent miscommunication between the involved components. All of this will be done free of charge. Owners can expect notification letters around February 4, 2022, which will contain further information on the steps to take.

Is your car part of the recall?

This Hyundai electrical issues’ recall includes over 2,600 cars. To see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Aleksandra SnesarevaHyundai recalls Ioniq EVs over unintended acceleration
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