1994 HYUNDAI ELANTRA

2 recalls, 110 complaints - 17 TSBs

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Defect Description

THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG WAS IMPROPERLY ASSEMBLED AND COULD CAUSE THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE FROM INCREASED ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE.

Consequence

AN INCREASE IN THE ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE MIGHT PREVENT THE AIR BAG FROM ACTIVATING DURING A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR TO DETERMINE IF IT CONTAINS A TERMINAL HOLDER. IF IT DOES NOT, ONE WILL BE INSTALLED.

14,651 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

Defect Description

IN SOME VEHICLES, THE MANUFACTURER'S PROTECTIVE INTERNAL COATING OF THE ELECTRONIC CRANK ANGLE SENSOR DOES NOT MEET SPECIFICATIONS, WHICH CAN CAUSE AN OPEN CIRCUIT AT HIGH OPERATING TEMPERATURES. THIS CAN CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO STALL.

Consequence

ENGINE STALLING HAS THE POTENTIAL TO RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH IF IT OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CRANK ANGLE SENSOR TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE SENSOR IS INVOLVED IN THE RECALL, AND REPLACE ANY SENSOR FOUND WITH THE DEFECTIVE INTERNAL COATING.

600 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Complaint Statistics

110 total complaints 26 crashes 2 fires 18 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL	25
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR	7
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR	6
AIR BAGS	5
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE	5
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION	4
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY	4
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS	3
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION	3
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE	3

Incident date: Aug 26, 2002

WHILE DRIVING AT 40MPH ON A DOWNWARD INCLINE AND WITH NO WARNING AIR BAGS DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON, DISTRACTING CONSUMER'S VIEW, AND CAUSING CONSUMER TO PULL OVER. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK

Incident date: Nov 28, 2001

DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON DASHBOARD. CONSUMER TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC, AND HE HAD TO RESET MODULAR . DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM. THERE WAS A CAMPAIGN BULLETIN FOR AIR BAGS; BUT, THIS VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN.*AK

Incident date: Jul 22, 2001

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK

Incident date: Jul 5, 2001

SHIFTING TO REVERSE; METAL SOUND SCRAPING GROUND. *AK

WHILE BEING HIT FROM BEHIND DRIVER SEATBACK FAILED BACKWARDS, CAUSING INJURY TO CONSUMER'S BACK. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORDMATION.*AK

Incident date: Aug 5, 2000

I FEEL THAT THE ENGINE IN THIS CAR WAS DEFECTIVE AND SHOULD HAVE LASTED MORE THAN 52,000 MILE. THE CAR WAS WELL MAINTAINED AND WAS UNDER THE MILEAGE IT IS WARRANTEED FOR.

WHILE DRIVING OR WHEN PLACING VEHICLE IN REVERSE, VEHICLE WILL CUT OFF WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, CAUSING LOSS OF ALL POWER. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER HAS REPLACED SOME PARTS, BUT PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON. *MJS

TRANSAXLE REPLACE, FAILURE CAUSING TRANSMISSION TO SLIP. *MJS

HEADLIGHT FAILED TWO TIMES. *MJS

DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK WHEN USING THE KEY. *MJS

AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON. *MJS

TRANSAXLE REPLACE, FAILURE CAUSING TRANSMISSION TO SLIP. *MJS

HEADLIGHT FAILED TWO TIMES. *MJS

DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK WHEN USING THE KEY. *MJS

AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINS ILLUMINATED, INDICATING A MALFUNCTION WITHIN THE AIR BAG SYSTEM. VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 95V101000 DUE TO VIN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Incident date: Jun 29, 1999

AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON AND WON'T GO OFF. VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR REPAIRS, AND THE DEALER CAN'T FIND THE PROBLEM. *YC WHILE HOOKED UP TO THE COMPUTER, FOUND HIGH VOLTAGE AND ALSO FOUND ALTERNATOR WAS OVERHCHARGING - REPLACED ALTERNATOR. *SLC

Incident date: Jun 29, 1999

Incident date: Jul 14, 1999

WAS DRIVING 35MPH USED FRONT SIGNAL TO TURN ONE THEN SUDDENLY TURNED THE OTHER. WAS REARENDED BY ELANTRA. UPON IMPACT, THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. ENTIRE FRONT END HAD CRUMBLED & WAS PUSHED BACK. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO BODY SHOP. INSURANCE INSPECTOR TOOK PICTURES. *AK

Crash

Incident date: Oct 23, 1995

I EVENTUALLY TOLD THE FINANCE COMPANY AND THE DEALER I WAS NOT GOING TO PAY FOR THIS CAR BECAUSE OF THE DEFECTS. THE FINANCE COMPANY CAME AND TOOK THE CAR IN JANUARY OF 1996. IT WAS PUT ON MY CREDIT AS A REPOSESSION, WHICH WAS NOT THE CASE. THE CAR WAS SOLD TO ME AS A NEW CAR AND THE CAR HAD 1500... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 1999

WHILE DRIIVNG, THE WIRING HARNESS UNDER THE HOOD CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURNED. FIRST ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON, AND SMOKE CAME FROM THE DASHBROAD. THE DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. *AK *TT

Fire

Incident date: Apr 21, 1997

MY HYUNDAI ELANTRA HAS MANY DEFECTS, AND HAD BEEN TO THE DEALER WHERE PURCHASED. THEY CLAIMED NOTHING WAS WRONG, AND THEY WOULDN'T WARRANTY ANY OF THESE PROBLEMS. ANOTHER PROBLEM I FACED WAS LESS THEN A MONTH AFTER THE CAR WAS PURCHASED THE BATTERY FAILED AND THAT WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. SO I HAD... Read more

Incident date: Apr 21, 1997

Incident date: Jun 5, 1997

ALTERNATOR OVERCHARGED, CAUSING AIRFLOW SENSOR AND ECU TO BURN OUT RESULTING IN STALLING. CONSUMER HAD NO KNOWLEDGE OF RECALL. (94V-090)

Incident date: Mar 8, 1999

NO SUMMARY

Incident date: Jan 1, 1998

DRIVER'S AIRBAG SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING THE AIRBAG LIGHT TO STAY ON. DEALER REPLACE AIRBAG MODULE, BUT PROBLEM IS REOCCURRING. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE PROBLEM. REFER TO RECALL #95V101000. *AK

Incident date: Dec 21, 1996

UPON STARTING VEHICLE THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG EXPLODED FOR NO REASON, CAUSING THE SYSTEM TO SHUT DOWN. CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK

Incident date: Aug 1, 1994

NO DEPLOYMENT OF DRIVER'S/PASSENGER'S AIR BAGS DURING A COLLISION, RESULTED IN INJURIES. ALSO VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.

Crash 2 injured

Incident date: Nov 5, 1998

AIR CONDITIONER PULLEY RUBS AGAINST THE ALTERNATOR BRACKET. THE SPRING ON THE IDLE WAS LOOSE. HAD NOTICED SPARKS COMING FROM THE ALTERNATOR BRACKET. *AK

Incident date: Nov 5, 1998

AIR CONDITIONER PULLEY RUBS AGAINST THE ALTERNATOR BRACKET. THE SPRING ON THE IDLE WAS LOOSE. HAD NOTICED SPARKS COMING FROM THE ALTERNATOR BRACKET. *AK

CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A 15 MPH FRONTAL COLLISION IN WHICH THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY,CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Crash

Incident date: Dec 2, 1998

CONSUMER EXPPERIENCING ONGOING PROBLEM WITH VEHICLE TIMING CHAIN BREAKING ON THREE OCCASIONS. OWNER'S MANUAL STATED TIMING CHAIN SHOULD BE REPLACED EVERY 60,00 MILES. ; TIMING CHAIN HAS BROKEN AT 30,000; 50,000 AND NOW AT 82,000. DEALER / MFR. NOTIFIED. *AK

Incident date: Nov 12, 1998

WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THERE IS A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WHEN PULLING OFF AND WHEN DRIVING SLOW. IN ADDITION, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE DON'T WORK. ALSO, HAZARD LIGHTS DON'T WORK, AND THE HEADLIGHTS AREN'T BRIGHT ENOUGH, CAUSING THE COSNUMER TO HAVE PR... Read more

Incident date: Nov 12, 1998

Incident date: Aug 19, 1998

WHILE DRIVING, ACCIDENT OCCURRED. FRONTAL IMPACT INTO THE REAR OF A UTILITY VEHICLE, SPEED 35MPH, ONE INJURY, AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY, VAND EHICLE DAMAGE BEING ESTIMATED. DEALER CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Nov 1, 1997

BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES IN 8 MONTHS. THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 62,000 MILES. INSIDE DOOR HANDLES HAVE FAILED TWICE.

Incident date: Nov 1, 1997

BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES IN 8 MONTHS. THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 62,000 MILES. INSIDE DOOR HANDLES HAVE FAILED TWICE.

Incident date: Nov 1, 1997

BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES IN 8 MONTHS. THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 62,000 MILES. INSIDE DOOR HANDLES HAVE FAILED TWICE.

CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A 25 MPH FRONTAL COLLISION IN WHICH THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Crash

ELECTRICALLY SYSTEM OVER CHARGE, CAUSING THE AIR FLOW SENSOR AND ECU TO BURN OUT.

Incident date: Oct 13, 1997

THE HEATER FOGS UP THE VEHICLE AND EMITS A BAD ODER WHEN ON.

ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT FAILED , CAUSING COMPLETE POWER LOSS.

Incident date: Nov 18, 1997

THE PISTONS ARE CRACKED, CAUSING THE MOTOR TO LOCK UP. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE OWNER HAS NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER ABOUT THE PROBLEM. *AK

Incident date: Jun 5, 1997

ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT FAILED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO LOOSE ALL POWER AND STALL.

Showing 50 of 110 complaints.

EPA Fuel Economy, 1994 HYUNDAI ELANTRA

Trim / Engine	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG	Fuel Type	Annual Fuel Cost
1.6L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	19.0	26.0	22.0	Regular	$2,800
1.8L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	20.0	26.0	22.0	Regular	$2,800
1.8L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	19.0	26.0	21.0	Regular	$2,950

CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Compact Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

Technical Service Bulletins, 1994 HYUNDAI ELANTRA

17 manufacturer communications from 13 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
350000 EQUIPMENT	2
061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE	1
150000 SEAT BELTS	1
105300 POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT	1
133000 VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS	1
114000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING	1
140000 AIR BAGS	1
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION	1

130000 VISIBILITY

This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. This TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside th

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin provides the inspection procedure and repair guidelines for certain vehicles listed below.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin provides the inspection procedure and repair guidelines for certain vehicles listed below.

030000 BRAKES (PWS)

This bulletin describes the procedure to inspect and identify fluid which may appear around the brake caliper area.

200000 WHEELS

This bulletin provides tire vibration service procedures, including how to optimize vehicle vibration performance. For all wheel/tire balance claims, the a??Tire Balance Data Sheeta?? must be fully completed including imbalance and Road For

190000 TIRES

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin provides information on identifying dealer stock vehicles with either: a?? A Battery SOC alert - low Battery State of Charge (SOC) at or below 50%. a?? A 30 Day alert - vehicle has not started and reported an SOC in 30 days.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

280000 BACK OVER PREVENTION

The Blind Spot Detection (BSD) or Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) is a system that measures the speed of and distance from the following vehicles by using two magnetic wave radar sensors attached in the rear bumper. The BSD/BCW detects v

270000 LANE DEPARTURE

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION ON COMPONENTS, ATTRIBUTES, AND PRECAUTIONS OF THE 7-SPEED DRY-TYPE DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION (DCT).

114000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

SHOP MANUAL ON DOHC SPARK PLUG WIRE ROUTING. *YC

140000 AIR BAGS

SUBJECT ON AIRBAG REPAIR KIT PART NUMBERS. *TT

133000 VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

INFORMATION ON THE ADJUSTMENT OF THE WINDOW REGULATOR. *YC

105300 POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

SHIFT CONDITION CAUSED BY SHORT CIRCUIT IN INHIBITOR SWITCH. *TW

150000 SEAT BELTS

SRS SYSTEM TERMINAL HOLDER INSTALLATION CAMPAIGN (26). *TW

061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

NEW REPAIR KIT TO CORRECT ENGINE NO-START CONDITION IN COLD WEATHER. *TW

NHTSA Safety Investigations, HYUNDAI ELANTRA

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

DP, Closed , Model Year: 2017

Loss of Motive Power

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia Americ... a, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 2013

Engine Fires

On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on various model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles. ... During the PE investigations, Hyundai and Kia issued several recalls to address vehicle fires, including those due to engine failures involving various engine types. The remedies for the engine failure recalls typically involve engine inspection (to detect existing damage), and if necessary, engine replacement. Additionally, both manufacturers have been installing an engine control software modification known as Knock Sensor Detection Software (KSDS) which is intended to detect impending engine failure, alert the driver, and limit engine power (to lessen likelihood of engine failure).KSDS is being installed under recalls and non-safety field actions, and both companies have extended limited engine warranties (see recall files). On December 22, 2021, ODI upgraded PE19-003 and PE19-004 to this Engineering Analysis (EA21-003, covering both Hyundai and Kia) to evaluate the scope of the prior recalls related to engine failures/fires and the efficacy of the recall remedies for the recalls, as well as the long-term viability of related programs and non-safety field actions being conducted by Hyundai and Kia. The former issue involved approximately 550,000 MY 2013 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2011 Kia Sorento, and MY 2012-2015 Kia Rio. The latter issue involved approximately 2.5 million recalled vehicles, which have been identified as displaying potential remedy concerns: Hyundai recalls 15V-568, 17V-226, 20V-746, and 21V-727; and Kia recalls 17V-224, 19V-120, 20V-750, and 21V-844. Regarding the recall scope issue, among all of the scope vehicles identified at EA opening, ODI found only the MY 2011 Kia Sorento vehicles equipped with both the Theta II 2.4L 4-cylinder Multi-Point Injection (MPI) and the Lambda II 3.5L 6-cylinder MPI engines experienced relatively high rates of reported fires. In December 2023, Kia issued recall 23V-877 that will cover about 80,000 MY 2011 Kia Sorento vehicles equipped with the Theta II 2.4L MPI engines. The remedy will involve an inspection, and if necessary, a replacement of the engine, as well as the installation of KSDS. It should be noted that in 2021 these vehicles were included in a KSDS product improvement campaign with warranty extension. For the MY 2011 Sorento vehicles equipped with the Lambda II 3.5L engines, ODI believes that future engine failures/fires involving these vehicles will likely be due to a lax in adhering to the proper or scheduled engine maintenance (regular engine oil changes), rather than a design or manufacturing engine issue. Regarding the issue of the efficacy of the recall remedies, ODI found the majority of the recalled Hyundai and Kia vehicles, by model, experienced lower reported fire rates after the remedies were applied. Furthermore, ODI found that for most vehicles that did not receive the recall remedies, by model, experienced relatively high fire rates. To address this problem, Hyundai informed ODI in December 2023, that it will renotify all of its owners covered by the Hyundai recalls of engine failures/fires every 8 months for the next 3 years. In December 2023, Kia stated that it will renotify the majority of its owners every 8 months for the next 3 years.Several previously recalled Kia models are excluded from the renotification due to their lower reported rates of engine fires. Overall, the renotification actions will help to increase the recall completion rates, thus reduce the frequency of engine fires in the future. In view of the recall action being taken by Kia and renotification actions being taken by both Kia and Hyundai, ODI is closing this Engineering Analysis. Also, both companies have been released from the 2020-iniated Consent Orders (Kia since November 2022 and Hyundai since November 2023). The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.Read more

DP, Closed , Model Year: 2007

Throttle control system vulnerabilities

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening ... of DP21-003. Accordingly, Model Year (MY) 2005-2016 Kia Optima/K5, MY 2006-2015 Kia Sorento, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Santa Fe, MY 2006-2015 Hyundai Sonatas are all part of the subject population. The petition was originally filed as a Vehicle Owner Questionnaire that can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under reference (ODI) number 11439675.On November 12, 2021, ODI opened Defect Petition DP21-003 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. ODI performed trend analyses of the VOQs related to vehicle speed control issues for all the subject vehicles and found that none of the 52 Model/Model Year Hyundai/Kia vehicles demonstrated any actionable trend that warranted an investigation.Petitioners submitted 1119 VOQs and non-VOQ cases in which sudden uncommanded acceleration (SUA) or loss of motive power (LOMP) incidents were alleged.For the 1119 reports, 220 were incidents involving crashes, from which 69 subject Hyundai-Kia vehicles were inspected by Hyundai/Kia dealer technicians, Hyundai/Kia engineers, and/or third-party representatives.ODI found the inspections identified no vehicle defects related to the ETC system.Of the 220 crash-involved reports, 13 Event Data Recorder (EDR) records were downloaded successfully and 11 of those indicated driver error: (i.e.) pedal misapplication.A condition where the accelerator pedal is mistakenly applied instead of the brake pedal when the driver wants to stop the vehicle.In addition, ODI reviewed a scientific journal paper published in Forensic Science International in 2016 by Mr. Park et al ., as well as related test videos. ODI does not believe there is any evidence of uncontrollable SUA occurrences in any of the tests reviewed. NHTSA's Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) reviewed the allegations regarding the potential noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 124.Based on the information provided, the Agency concludes there is insufficient information for us to determine if a possible non-compliance exists.Finally, both Hyundai and Kia informed ODI that all their vehicles manufactured after 2012 were equipped with an ETC management system, in which the engine speed will go to idle when the system sees signals from both the brake pedal and accelerator pedal at the same time; this is commonly known as the brake-throttle override system.After thoroughly assessing the material submitted by the petitioner, information already in NHTSA's possession, information submitted by Hyundai and Kia in response to an Information Request letter, and the potential risks to safety implicated by the petitioner's allegation, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. After full consideration of appropriate factors, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA?s reasons for denial of the petition will be published.Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 2011

Headliner Bracket Detachment

In March 2013, Hyundai issued a safety recall to reinforce the attachment of the metal support brackets to the headliner assembly in approximately 186,254 model year 2011-2013 Hyundai Elantra vehicles built in Korea and sold in the U.S. (see NHTSA recall 13V-115 for more information).The recall cove... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2012

Side Curtain Air Bag Improper Deployment

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is aware of one incident of an improper deployment of the driver-side curtain air bag that deployed as a result of a crash involving a model year (MY) 2012 Hyundai Elantra.An inspection of this vehicle showed that a metal bracket (stiffener) in the headliner... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2001

FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS RUSTING

ON APRIL 14, 2009, HYUNDAI MOTOR CORPORATION SUBMITTED TO ODI A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT INDICATING THAT IT WOULD RECALL A SALT-BELT POPULATION OF APPROXIMATELY 155,317 MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 THROUGH 2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA VEHICLES TO REMEDY A DEFECT THAT CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL WITH AN I... NCREASED RISK OF A CRASH WHILE DRIVING (09V-125).THE AFFECTED VEHICLES COVER ALL MY 2001, MY 2002, AND MY 2003 THROUGH JANUARY 13, 2003 PRODUCTION.THESE INCLUDE ELANTRA VEHICLES THAT WERE ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA AND WISCONSIN.THE TOTAL THREE-YEAR PRODUCTION POPULATION FOR THE ELANTRA VEHICLES IS APPROXIMATELY 350,000. ACCORDING TO HYUNDAI, ROAD SALT CAN COLLECT IN THE OUTBOARD PORTION OF THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM AND MAY RESULT IN INTERNAL CORROSION LEADING TO THINNING OF THE STEEL IN THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS.THE CORROSION MAY PROGRESS TO THE POINT WHERE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM UPPER AND LOWER PANELS BECOME PERFORATED.A PERFORATED FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM MAY FRACTURE BETWEEN ITS BALL JOINT ATTACHMENT AND THE FORWARD AND REARWARD PIVOT ATTACHMENTS TO THE CHASSIS.THIS COULD AFFECT THE DRIVER'S CONTROL OVER THE TIRE AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY.HYUNDAI'S RECALL PROCEDURE INSTRUCTS DEALERS TO MEASURE THE THICKNESS OF THE STEEL IN THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS.IF SPECIFIED LEVELS OF CORROSION DAMAGE HAVE OCCURRED, THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS WILL BE REPLACED WITH NEW FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS WITH ADDITIONAL HOLES IN THE UPPER AND LOWER PANELS. ODI'S ANALYSIS OF FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA SHOWS 220 COMPLAINTS AND 1,033 WARRANTY CLAIMS FOR THE TOTAL APPROXIMATELY 350,000 SUBJECT VEHICLES SOLD THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES, RESULTING IN A COMPLAINT RATE OF 62.82 PER 100,000 VEHICLES AND A CLAIM RATE OF 0.3 PERCENT.ODI'S ANALYSIS FOUND 7 COMPLAINTS AND 90 WARRANTY CLAIMS IN 132,475 VEHICLES SOLD IN NON-SALT BELT STATES, RESULTING IN A COMPLAINT RATE OF 5.3 PER 100,000 VEHICLES AND A CLAIM RATE OF 0.1 PERCENT. ODI'S ANALYSIS FURTHER FOUND 196 COMPLAINTS AND 943 WARRANTY CLAIMS IN 155,317 VEHICLES SOLD IN SALT BELT STATES, RESULTING IN A COMPLAINT RATE OF 126.2 PER 100,000 VEHICLES AND A CLAIM RATE OF 0.6 PERCENT.ODI IDENTIFIED 34 INCIDENTS OF LOWER CONTROL ARM FRACTURE RELATED TO CORROSION, ALL OF WHICH OCCURRED IN SALT BELT STATES.THE DATA DO NOT SHOW A DEFECT TREND IN VEHICLES OUTSIDE THE REGION COVERED BY HYUNDAI'S RECALL. THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION IS CLOSED.Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2007

ENGINE STALLING - FUEL PUMP FAILURE

ON AUGUST 19, 2008, HYUNDAI SUBMITTED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT TO NHTSA CONCERNING FUEL PUMP FAILURE RESULTING IN ENGINE STALL IN APPROXIMATELY 65,000 MODEL YEAR 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA VEHICLES WITH 2.0 LITER BETA ENGINES PRODUCED FROM NOVEMBER 5, 2007, THROUGH JUNE 28, 2008 (NHTSA RECALL NO. 08V-4... Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 2001

AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATION

HYUNDAI IS CONDUCTING TWO SAFETY RECALLS TO CORRECT TWO SAFETY DEFECTS DESCRIBED BELOW.UNDER SAFETY RECALL 08V-532, HYUNDAI WILL INSTALL A VINYL PROTECTIVE SHIELD/COVER TO PREVENT SHORT CIRCUITS IN THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE CAUSE BY SPILLS OF LIQUIDS THAT SEEP INTO THE MODULE CONNECTOR. THIS ACTION... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2001

AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATION

IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 AND 2002 VEHICLES, THE AIR BAG SYSTEM IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATION AND AIR BAG NON-DEPLOYMENT OR INADVERTENT DEPLOYMENT FROM LIQUID CONTAMINATION OF THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE.THE CONTROL MODULE IS LOCATED BENEATH AND NEAR CENTER CONSOLE CUP HOLDERS.OD... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2004

POST-CRASH FUEL TANK LEAK

PE04-041 WAS OPENED TO INVESTIGATE A FUEL LEAK INCIDENT THAT OCCURRED DURING AN INSURANCE INSTITUTE FOR HIGHWAY SAFETY (IIHS) FRONTAL CRASH OFFSET TEST ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLE.THIS INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE VAPOR TUBE HOSE CLAMP EAR WAS MISPOSITIONED AND FACING TOWARD THE FUEL TANK, WHICH ENABL... Read more

SQ, Open , Model Year: 1996

FUEL CAP REPLACEMENT CAMPAIGN 36

There is no summary currently available

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1996

WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE

IN ITS LETTER DATED FEBRUARY 14, 1997, HYUNDAI STATED THAT APPROXIMATELY 75,000 HYUNDAI VEHICLES (CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1996-97 ELANTRA, ACCENT, SONATA AND TIBURON MODELS BUILT THROUGH OCTOBER 18, 1996 -- SEE NHTSA RECALL NO. 97V-026 FOR DETAILS) WILL BE RECALLED FOR A DEFECT IN THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MO... Read more

SQ, Open , Model Year: 1992

REAR SUSPENSION FAILURE

ODI HAS RECEIVED COMPLAINTS PERTAINING TO REAR SUSPENSION PROBLEMS.ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS NEEDED TO FULLY UNDERSTAND THE NATURE AND CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE CANADIAN RECALL.FURTHERMORE, THIS INVESTIGATION IS OPENED TO EVALUATE HYUNDAI'S RATIONAL FOR NOT CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN TO INCLUDE ... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1990

SCISSOR JACK FAILURE

There is no summary currently available

HYUNDAI ELANTRA - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the HYUNDAI ELANTRA across all model years (1994, 2026).

102 Total Recalls

12,126 Total Complaints

14 Investigations

1,279 Reported Crashes

273 Reported Fires

19 Reported Deaths

HYUNDAI ELANTRA - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2026	1	2	View
2025	0	31	View
2024	1	94	View
2023	2	159	View
2022	5	143	View
2021	6	214	View
2020	3	342	View
2019	1	334	View
2018	0	406	View
2017	4	1,077	View
2016	2	398	View
2015	3	356	View
2014	2	552	View
2013	4	1,863	View
2012	4	920	View
2011	5	589	View
2010	3	504	View
2009	4	321	View
2008	7	424	View
2007	6	365	View
2006	1	209	View
2005	4	180	View
2004	5	209	View
2003	5	310	View
2002	6	431	View
2001	6	445	View
2000	1	259	View
1999	2	183	View
1998	0	75	View
1997	3	196	View
1996	3	138	View
1995	1	179	View
1994 (current)	2	110
1993	0	39	View
1992	0	46	View

Other HYUNDAI Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
SONATA	184	21,863	View
SANTA FE	153	9,962	View
PALISADE	124	2,704	View
TUCSON	95	8,074	View
SONATA HYBRID	67	1,129	View
IONIQ 5	66	1,865	View
ACCENT	64	2,745	View
SANTA FE HYBRID	57	347	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

1994 HYUNDAI ELANTRA

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

EPA Fuel Economy, 1994 HYUNDAI ELANTRA

Technical Service Bulletins, 1994 HYUNDAI ELANTRA

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, HYUNDAI ELANTRA

HYUNDAI ELANTRA - All Years Overview

HYUNDAI ELANTRA - Year by Year

Other HYUNDAI Models