hyundai | MotorSafety.org

Hyundai under investigation for recent Palisade windshield wipers’ recall

December 18, 2022 Joseph Estabillo Hyundai Recalls

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.

US government investigates Kia and Hyundai over stalling vehicles

September 28, 2022 Bojan Popic Hyundai Recalls, Kia Recalls

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.

Hyundai recalls Palisade SUVs over defective windshield wiper motor

August 27, 2022 Senamile Nkosi Hyundai Recalls

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.

Hyundai issues second recall of Ioniq hybrids over risk of fire

July 10, 2022 Bojan Popic Hyundai Recalls

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.

Hyundai issues another recall over seat belt pretensioners that may explode

May 28, 2022 Senamile Nkosi Hyundai Recalls

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.

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

May 21, 2022 Bojan Popic Hyundai Recalls, Kia Recalls

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

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.

Hyundai issues recall over faulty trunk emergency release

April 17, 2022 Joseph Estabillo Hyundai Recalls

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.

Hyundai recalls vehicles with pretensioners that may explode

April 15, 2022 Bojan Popic Hyundai Recalls

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.

Hyundai recalls vehicles whose windshields may detach

January 23, 2022 Bojan Popic Hyundai Recalls

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.

Hyundai recalls Genesis cars that may catch fire

April 26, 2021 Ken Boyd Hyundai Recalls

Fountain Valley, CA – April 26, 2021 – Hyundai Motor Company (NASDAQ:HYMTF) has recalled 94,646 vehicles, due to a short circuit risk in the anti-lock brake system (ABS). The short circuit risk may cause a fire, increasing the risk of a crash.

The component in question is the hydraulic controller for the ABS, with part numbers 58920-B1010, and 58920-B1110. The recall includes the following vehicles:

2015 Hyundai Genesis
2017 Hyundai Genesis
2017 – 2020 Hyundai Genesis G80

Recall summary

The ABS module prevents the wheels from locking, which helps the driver maintain steering control when the brakes are applied. In recalled cars, the ABS module may short-circuit, resulting in an “engine compartment fire,” when the vehicle is parked or while driving.

A small number of Genesis G70 vehicles are being recalled for the same issue under a separate recall. Hyundai Genesis SUVs are not part of either recall.

Warning signs

For warning signs, please see our article about a recent Hyundai Kona recall for fire risk.

Risks

If an engine fire occurs, pull over, move all of the occupants away from the vehicle and call 911. For more information, see this article about a hybrid BMW recall.

Safety tips

As in other fire-related recalls, you should park your vehicle “away from structures,” such as your home, other buildings or a garage until it is repaired.

Other Hyundai and Kia fire recalls

This recall is the latest in the long string of Hyundai and Kia fire-related recalls. In March, Hyundai recalled over 4,500 electric vehicles with lithium-ion batteries that resulted in multiple fires and at least two rounds of recalls outside the U.S. In January, the manufacturer expanded an old recall of Hyundai Tucson vehicles because of a component of the ABS system that could result in the unit short-circuiting.

In December, Kia – which is part-owned by Hyundai – recalled close to 300,000 vehicles due to a risk of engine fire. No clear cause has been identified.

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will replace the ABS module fuse. The repair is free and the recall is expected to begin May 7, 2021.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 94,000 vehicles are included in this Hyundai recall. To check if your Hyundai G80 is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Investigation summary

Risks

Other Hyundai recalls

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

Risks

Investigation summary

What is flimsy?

Where is the design defect?

Complaints

Other Hyundai and Kia recalls

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

Recall summary

Recall risks

Other recent Hyundai recalls

Repair

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Recall summary

Recall risks

Background of the recall

Other Hyundai recalls

The repair

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Recall summary

Recall risks

Other recent Hyundai recalls

Repair

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Recall summary

Recall risks

Other Hyundai and Kia recalls

The repair

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Recall summary

Recall risks

Warning signs

Other Hyundai recalls

The repair

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Recall summary

Recall risks

Other Hyundai recalls

The repair

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Recall summary

Recall risks

Warning signs

Other Hyundai recalls

The repair

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Recall summary

Warning signs

Risks

Safety tips

Other Hyundai and Kia fire recalls

The repair

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

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