US government investigation forces Hyundai to issue third Genesis recall in two months

US government investigation forces Hyundai to issue third Genesis recall in two months

April 18, 2024 Bojan Popic

Fountain Valley, CA – April 18, 2024 – Hyundai (OTCMKTS:HYMTF), which owns the Genesis brand, is recalling 98,878 electric cars that may lose power. The defect ups the risk of a crash and injury, especially in dense traffic. 

Affected models include:

  • 2023 – 2024 Genesis GV60
  • 2023 – 2024 Genesis GV70 EV
  • 2023 – 2024 Genesis GV80 EV
  • 2022 – 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5
  • 2023 – 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 

This recall is the result of an ongoing U.S. government investigation and follows over 600 stalling incidents.

Recall summary

The Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) is a computer which powers not only the 12-volt electric system but is also responsible for powering the motor.

In the affected vehicles, an electrical overload can blow the charger’s fuse. This would cut off the power supply to the 12-volt battery and cause the car to lose propulsion in approximately 30 minutes after it happens.

Recall risks

For the risks of this recall, please see this article about a GM investigation due to a similar defect.

Warning signs

The ICCU failure may trigger several warnings, including a malfunction indicator warning (MIL) light and a corresponding message on the dashboard, accompanied by an audible chime and “a loud pop.” Drivers may also notice a “rapid reduction in speed.”

Background of the recall

The U.S. government auto-safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation into the issue in June 2023 after receiving 30 complaints alleging the loss of motive power from drivers of 2022 Ioniq 5 vehicles.

By the time the recall was launched, the manufacturer learned about 618 “unique incidents” related to the defect. No injuries or crashes have been reported.

Other Hyundai recalls

Hyundai has been long plagued by fire-related recalls.

Several Genesis models were recalled a month ago over wiring issues that may cause them to burst into flames. Some of the same cars were recalled yet again earlier this month due to the same risk.

The repair

Dealers will update the ICCU with an improved software version and, if needed, replace the fuse.  The repair will be free of charge.  

Owners should receive letters with more information on May 14, 2024.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Hyundai power loss recall affects nearly 100,000 electric cars. To do a Hyundai recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government investigation forces Hyundai to issue third Genesis recall in two months
Hyundai recalls Genesis SUVs over rollaway risk

Hyundai recalls Genesis SUVs over rollaway risk

April 16, 2024 Bojan Popic

Fountain Valley, CA – April 16, 2024 – Hyundai (OTCMKTS:HYMTF) is recalling 15,645 2024 Genesis GV70 SUVs which may switch gears on their own, resulting in a rollaway. The defect augments the risk of a crash and injury.

Recall summary

The automatic transmission in a car is connected to a control module and the rest of the vehicle’s electronics with a wiring harness. 

In the affected vehicles, the wiring harness was not sealed correctly due to a supplier error, allowing moisture to get inside. This may cause an electrical short and result in the transmission shifting out of Park on its own when the car is stationary.

Recall risks

The vehicle may roll away, especially if there is nobody behind the wheel. This ups the risk of a crash, injury, or property damage.    

Safety tips

Owners should turn the ignition off and use the emergency parking brake while parked.

Warning signs

A short in the transmission’s wiring might trigger a malfunction indicator light (MIL) on the dashboard. 

Other Hyundai recalls

In September 2023, the manufacturer recalled roughly 38,000 Elantra hybrids that would accelerate on their own, as reported.

In October 2023, Hyundai and its sister company Kia recalled 3.4 million cars that could burst into flames while parked, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will replace the harness free of charge. Drivers who paid for their own repairs before the recall was issued are eligible for reimbursement.

Owners should receive letters with more information on May 14, 2024.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Hyundai rollaway recall affects more than 15,000 SUVs. To do a Hyundai recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicHyundai recalls Genesis SUVs over rollaway risk
Hyundai issues third Genesis fire recall

Hyundai issues third Genesis fire recall 

April 12, 2024 Bojan Popic

Fountain Valley, CA – April 12, 2024 – Hyundai (OTCMKTS:HYMTF), which owns the Genesis brand, is recalling 28,439 cars that may catch fire due to an oil leak. The defect ups the risk of a crash and injury. 

The affected models, all of which are equipped with a turbocharged 3.3-liter engine, include:

  • 2019 – 2022 Genesis G70
  • 2018 – 2020 Genesis G80
  • 2017 – 2022 Genesis G90

This recall serves as an expansion and replacement of a previous one done due to the same issue. Vehicles that were repaired back in 2019 will need a new remedy. 

Some of the affected vehicles are also subject to another fire-related recall.

Recall summary

The V6 engines in the listed cars are equipped with a pair of turbochargers, which helps them develop more power. Turbochargers run smoothly thanks to engine oil which is delivered to them through a metal pipe.

In the affected vehicles, long-term heat exposure can turn the pipe for the left-hand charger brittle, causing it to develop an oil leak, which may lead to a fire.

Recall risks

All associated risks are described in the recent Kia recall, which was caused by the same issue. 

Warning signs

The occupants may notice a strong “burning smell,” smoke coming from under the hood and “oil leaking onto the ground surfaces.”

Background of the recall

The affected vehicles were previously recalled in July 2019. On that occasion, the oil pipes were replaced but were later found not to be sturdy enough, leading to the present recall.

Other Hyundai recalls

Over the past couple of years, Hyundai and its sister company Kia have recalled several million of cars due to non-crash fires. The latest edition came last month when Hyundai recalled over 90,000 cars – including some of the ones involved in the present recall – due to the risk of fire even when they were parked and switched off.

Separately, Hyundai and Kia are currently being investigated by the U.S. government, which is looking to evaluate the adequacy of the existing recalls and see if more cars need to be recalled.

The repair

Dealers will replace the left-hand oil feed pipe with an upgraded one free of charge. 

Owners should receive letters with more information on May 7, 2024.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Hyundai fire recall affects almost 30,000 cars. To do a Hyundai recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicHyundai issues third Genesis fire recall 
Hyundai recalls Kona SUVs over fire risk

Hyundai recalls Kona SUVs over fire risk 

January 29, 2024 Bojan Popic

Fountain Valley, CA – January 29, 2024 – Hyundai (OTCMKTS:HYMTF) is recalling 10,984 2024 Hyundai Kona compact SUVs because they may catch fire following a crash. The defect increases the risk of injury and property damage.

Recall summary  

The car battery is connected to the vehicle’s electrical system with two cables, one for the positive post and the other for the negative. In the affected SUVs, the positive battery cable may come in contact with surrounding metal brackets during a crash. This can damage the cable and cause a short circuit. 

Recall risks

An electrical short can lead to a fire, increasing the risk of an injury. 

Warning signs

Should a short circuit occur, the occupants may notice a burning smell or smoke coming from the engine compartment. 

Other Hyundai recalls

Both Kia and Hyundai have struggled with their cars catching fire, leading to multiple recalls spanning millions of vehicles. 

They are also both subject to an ongoing U.S. government investigation to evaluate the adequacy of the existing  recalls and determine if more cars need to be recalled, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will fix the issue by adding a “protective sheathing” on all potentially vulnerable segments of the battery cable free of charge.

Owners should receive letters with more information by February 23, 2024.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Hyundai crash fire recall affects more than 10,000 compact Kona SUVs. To do a Hyundai recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicHyundai recalls Kona SUVs over fire risk 
Kia and Hyundai recall 3.4 million cars that may burst into flames while parked

Kia and Hyundai recall 3.4 million cars that may burst into flames while parked

October 7, 2023 Bojan Popic ,

Irvine, CA – October 7, 2023 – Hyundai (OTCMKTS:HYMTF) and its sister company, Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) are recalling approximately 3.4 million vehicles that may catch fire while driving or parked and turned off. This dramatically ups the risk of a crash and injury.

The recalls follow on the back of multiple fires, “melting incidents” and lawsuits dating back to 2017. Some of the cars involved are also subject to an ongoing US government investigation and have already been subject to fire-related recalls in the past. 

Hyundai’s recall affects 1.73 million cars, including the following models: 

  • 2012 – 2015 Hyundai Accent
  • 2012 – 2015 Hyundai Azera 
  • 2011 – 2015 Hyundai Elantra 
  • 2013 – 2015 Hyundai Elantra Coupe
  • 2014 – 2015 Hyundai Equus 
  • 2011 – 2015 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 
  • 2013 – 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe
  • 2011 – 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  • 2010 – 2013 Hyundai Tucson
  • 2012 – 2015 Hyundai Veloster
  • 2010 – 2012 Hyundai Veracruz 
  • 2013 Santa Fe Sport
  • 2015 Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell 

Kia’s recall affects 1.64 million vehicles, including the following models: 

  • 2010 – 2019 Kia Borrego 
  • 2014 – 2016 Kia Cadenza
  • 2010 – 2013 Kia Forte
  • 2010 – 2013 Kia Forte Koup
  • 2015 – 2018 Kia K900
  • 2011 – 2015 Kia Optima
  • 2011 – 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid
  • 2012 – 2017 Kia Rio
  • 2010 – 2011 Kia Rondo
  • 2011 – 2014 Kia Sorento
  • 2011 – 2013 Kia Soul
  • 2010 – 2013 Kia Sportage 

Recall summary

All listed vehicles are equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), which prevents the wheels from locking up in slippery conditions. This is done by the ABS module – or Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), as Kia calls it –  which adjusts the brake force to each wheel. 

In affected vehicles, the ABS module may experience an “electrical short” which may cause it to catch fire. This may happen while driving or when the car is parked and its engine shut off. 

Recall risks

You can find out more about fire-related risks in this article about a November 2022 Kia recall over the same issue.

A 2020 class action lawsuit filed against the manufacturers for ABS fires related to previous recalls describes hair-raising situations involving “the entire garage” catching fire due to an Elantra vehicle combusting into flames and vehicles bursting into flames “after being turned off for hours.”

Warning signs 

The malfunction indicator or the ABS light may come on the dashboard in the event of a fire. The occupants of the car may also notice smoke or a burning smell.

Safety tips

If your car catches fire, please follow the safety tips laid out in this article about a related GM recall. 

The manufacturer recommends parking the vehicle “outside and away from structures” until the repair has been conducted.

Background of the recalls

The recalls come on the heels of at least six lawsuits, 66 fires and “melting” incidents dating back to 2017. No injuries, fatalities or crashes have been reported.

Some of the affected vehicles are subject to an ongoing U.S. government investigation that has been looking into the adequacy of fire-related recalls Kia and Hyundai have conducted so far, as well as the need to recall more vehicles. It is not clear, however, if the present recalls are directly related to this investigation.

The recalls do appear to involve previously recalled vehicles or serve as expansions of recalls conducted for ABS fires in the past.

The repair

Both Kia and Hyundai dealers will remedy the defect by replacing the ABS fuse with one that has a lower amperage rating.

It is possible that your vehicle will need this remedy performed even if it was repaired under a previous fire-related recall.

All repairs will be conducted free of charge.

Kia will notify the owners between November 14, 2023 and November 23, 2023, while Hyundai will do the same on November 21, 2023. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This large-scale Hyundai and Kia fire recall affects almost 3.5 million vehicles. To do a Hyundai or Kia recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. 

Bojan PopicKia and Hyundai recall 3.4 million cars that may burst into flames while parked
Hyundai recalls Elantra HEV hybrids that may accelerate on their own

Hyundai recalls Elantra HEV hybrids that may accelerate on their own   

September 2, 2023 Bojan Popic

Fountain Valley, CA – September 2, 2023 – Hyundai (OTCMKTS: HYMTF) is recalling 37,997 2021-2023 Hyundai Elantra HEV hybrid cars because they may speed up on their own. This ups the risk of a crash, injury or property damage. 

Recall summary  

All these cars are hybrids, meaning that besides a gas-powered engine, they also have an electric motor. This motor’s operation is regulated by a computer called the motor control unit (MCU).

In the affected vehicles, the unit may malfunction because of a software error. This would cause the vehicle to accelerate once the driver lets go of the brake pedal.

Recall risks

A car that suddenly accelerates on its own may crash into other vehicles, pedestrians or objects before the driver manages to put it under control. 

Other Hyundai recalls

About a 1,000 gas-powered Elantras were among cars affected by a November 2022 recall caused by the risk of stalling, as reported.

Separately, over the last six years, millions of Kia and Hyundai vehicles have been recalled due to non-crash related fires. Both manufacturers are also under a U.S. government investigation to access the adequacy of these recalls and determine if more vehicles have the defect that will require them to be recalled to prevent from catching fire.

The repair

Dealers will update the MCU’s software free of charge. 

Owners should receive letters with more information on  October 17, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Almost 40,000 vehicles are affected by this Hyundai sudden acceleration recall. To do a Hyundai recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicHyundai recalls Elantra HEV hybrids that may accelerate on their own   
Hyundai recalls Palisade SUVs with faulty wipers following US government investigation

Hyundai recalls Palisade SUVs with faulty wipers following US government investigation

April 2, 2023 Bojan Popic

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 recalls Santa Fe SUVs that may catch fire

Hyundai recalls Santa Fe SUVs that may catch fire

November 10, 2022 Bojan Popic

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
Hyundai Tucson recall expanded due to risk of engine fire

Hyundai Tucson recall expanded due to risk of engine fire

January 26, 2021 Ken Boyd

Fountain Valley, CA – January 26, 2021 – Hyundai Motor Company (NASDAQ:HYMTF) expanded its September 4, 2020 recall of certain Tucson vehicles, due to an issue with the anti-lock brake system. The recall, which totals 652,024 vehicles, now includes 2016-2018 Tucson SUVs. The original recall involved Hyundai Tucson 2019 and Hyundai Tucson 2020, as well as the 2021 model year for the same car.

Recall summary  

The issue does not directly affect the brakes in the Tucson Instead, it concerns a hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU), which is a component of the anti-lock brake system. A defective circuit board inside the unit may corrode and cause an electrical short. This may result in an engine compartment fire.

For warning signs related to this issue, please see the article describing the original recall.

Engine fire lawsuit and previous recalls

The 2019 Hyundai Tucson equipped with Theta II gasoline direct injection (GDI) engines was among 2.3 million vehicles that were subject to a 2018 class action lawsuit that claimed that these vehicles were at a higher risk of engine fire and stalling, among other issues. The lawsuit was settled in 2019 with Hyundai and Kia – which used the engines supplied by Hyundai- agreeing to a host of remedies, including cash compensation, free inspection and reimbursement, according to a press release.

Both manufacturers subsequently announced several recalls of other cars – some equipped with Theta II engines – also due to the increased risk of fire. Both the recent Kia Optima and Sorento, as well as Hyundai Santa Fe Sport recalls were linked to brake fluid leaking into the HECU causing an electrical short and potentially, a fire. The third recall – conducted by Kia – did not have definitive reasons behind it.

Risks 

For risks related to this recall, see our previous coverage about this Hyundai Tucson recall here.

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will add a fuse kit to the ABS module. Model year 2019-2021 Tucsons will also require an Electronic Stability Control (ESC) software update.

The latest leg of this recall starts on February 19 and the owners will be notified when the repair is available. Until repairs have been completed,  owners are urged to  park vehicles outside and away from structures. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 652,000 vehicles are included in this Hyundai recall. To see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Ken BoydHyundai Tucson recall expanded due to risk of engine fire
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