Fountain Valley, Calif. – Oct. 11, 2017 – Hyundai Motor America has recalled nearly 200 vehicles believed to contain defective front coil springs, according to documentation filed with the National Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport sport utility vehicles with production dates ranging from Aug. 25, 2017 to Sept. 6, 2017. The Korean automaker is unsure exactly how many of the models referenced in the recall actually come equipped with the defective features.
The Defect
Affected vehicles may include front coil springs prone to fracture under heavy loads. In some instances, these features can extrude from the chassis and come into contact with – and puncture – vehicle tires. This increases the likelihood of an accident and therefore poses a serious threat to occupants. However, HMA has not received any reports connecting the defect to any accidents or injuries.
Drivers who experience coil spring fracture normally see a notable change in ride height and hear the abnormal noise created when the spring rubs against the inboard tire sidewall.
Timeline of Events
In early September 2017, Hyundai engineers conducting routine test drives at the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama facility in Montgomery operated two vehicles that suffered coil spring fractures mid-drive. Quality assurance staff at the plant notified HMA officials via a Sept. 5 internal report. Upon receiving this documentation, the automaker reviewed records to search for customer complaints referencing the problem – none were found. However, HMA did pinpoint approximately 1,700 vehicles originating from the assembly plant in Montgomery that could include the defective coil springs.
The automaker determined that approximately 196 of these models had been shipped to dealers. It also learned, via an internal investigation, that the defective coils installed in these SUVs were the result of ineffective production processes involving malfunctioning coil spring forming equipment.
The Mando Corporation, based in Opelika, Alabama, oversaw the operation that produced the defective parts. The parts provider repaired its coil-forming tool to prevent the production of additional defective features. It launched the overhauled equipment since Sept. 6.
On Sept. 13, the HMA Technical Committee convened to review all information collected on the fracture-prone coil springs and eventually decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall. The automaker notified dealers and owners Sept. 27.
The Solution
HMA has directed dealers to replace the coil springs in affected vehicles free of charge, according to a recall acknowledgment document from the NHTSA. Owners should have received notification via first-class mail. Those who have not or need additional assistance can contact HMA customer service at (855) 371-9460. Callers should reference the internal recall identification number 167. Owners can also reach out to the NHTSA using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.
