1995 HYUNDAI ELANTRA

1 recalls, 179 complaints - 20 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

Complaint Statistics

179 total complaints 32 crashes 5 fires 26 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL	23
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION	13
AIR BAGS	12
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE	11
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE	7
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR	5
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS	5
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR	5
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR	4
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM	4

SEEKING ASSISTANCE TO RESOLVE A CLAIM THAT WAS DENIED BY THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION. CLAIM INVOLVES REQUEST TO SEEK AID IN GETTING A CRACKED WINDSHIELD REPAIRED WHICH WAS A RESULT OF A ROCK HITTING THE WINDSHIELD. *PH *MR

THE AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT STAYED ON WHILE TRAVELING. DEALER WAS CONTACTED.*AK PH *JB

Incident date: Jun 10, 2003

WHEN I PRESSED DOWN ON THE CLUTCH IN ORDER TO SHIFT, THE CLUTCH PEDAL BRACKET BROKE OFF. I AM NOW UNABLE TO USE THE CLUTCH.*AK

CONSUMER STATE WHILE TRAVELING 10 MPH WITHOUT ANY INDICATION FRONT END OF VEHICLE DROP TO THE GROUND VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BODY SHOP TECHNICIAN NOTICE AXLE AND CHASSI HAD BROKEN. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. MR

Incident date: Apr 23, 2002

AIRBAG LIGHT HAS COME ON. DEALER HAS NOT INSPECTED VEHICLE.*AK

Incident date: Jan 1, 2000

WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, VEHICLE WENT INTO NEUTRAL. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AND PUSHING THE GAS PEDAL DOWN A LITTLE TO ACCELERATE, THE ENGINE REVVED BUT THE CAR DIDN?T GO ANYWHERE, CONSUMER LET OFF THE GAS PEDAL IMME... Read more

Incident date: Jan 24, 2001

AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINS ILLUMINATED, INDICATING A MALFUNCTION WITHIN THE SYSTEM. DEALER REPLACED AIR BAG MODULE. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK

Incident date: Nov 15, 2001

TRANSMISSION IS LOSING SPEED AND REVS HIGHLY. IT JERKS BEFORE IT GOES BACK TO NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED TWO TIMES BEFORE BECAUSE IT WAS LEAKING. THIS IS POSSIBLY THE THIRD TIME THAT TRANSMISSION NEES TO BE REPLACED. DEALERS AND OTHER MECHANICS HAVE NOT EXPLAINED REASO... Read more

Incident date: Oct 9, 2001

WHILE TRAVELING AT 30-35 MPH TRANSMISSION WENT OUT, AND VEHICLE STARTED TO LOCK UP AND SKID ACROSS THE STREET.*AK

Incident date: Jan 1, 1999

THE REAR DOORS DO NOT WANT TO OPEN AND/OR UNLOCK AT TIMES. THEY STICK . TO GET OPEN (IF YOU CAN) YOU MUST PUSH IN AND LIFT UP. VERY UNSAFE WOULD NOT BEABLE TO OPEN FROM INSIDE EITHER. CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. *AK

Incident date: Aug 13, 2001

AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON WHEN CAR WAS STARTED. DEALER DOESN'T KNOW WHY AFTER RUNNING A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. DEALER WANTS TO START BY REPLACING AIR BAG PARTS UNTIL LIGHT GOES OFF (STARTING WITH THE $600 CHIP). DEALER CLAIMS RECALL WAS PERFORMED ON THIS CAR IN JULY 1995. IN 1996, THIS VEHICLE WAS IN A "FEND... Read more

Incident date: Jul 30, 2001

WHILE DRIVING UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS, CLUTCH PEDAL PEDAL BRACKET DISCONNECTED AND FELL OFF. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.*AK

Incident date: May 5, 2000

REAR AXLE BUSHING AND BOTH REAR SHOCKS WERE REPLACED. NLM

Incident date: Feb 1, 1998

WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN DRIVE, THE VEHICLE DRAGS AND WHEN IT FINALLY GETS INTO GEAR IT THRUST FORWARD EXTREMELY FAST, THE DEALER REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION, THE PROBLEM REOCCURED 2 YEARS LATER AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED AGAIN, NOW LESS THAN ONE YEAR LATER THE CONSUMER IS EXPERIENCING TRANSMISS... Read more

Incident date: May 5, 2000

REAR AXLE BUSHING AND BOTH REAR SHOCKS WERE REPLACED. NLM

Incident date: Feb 23, 2001

I CAN NOT SHIFT TO FIRST FROM SECOND,I HAV TO GO 3RD THEN GO TO FIRST/YOU CAN NOT DRIVE WITH THE WINDOWS OPEN ,THE SMOKE GET INSIDE THE CAR. *AK

Incident date: Feb 23, 2001

I CAN NOT SHIFT TO FIRST FROM SECOND,I HAV TO GO 3RD THEN GO TO FIRST/YOU CAN NOT DRIVE WITH THE WINDOWS OPEN ,THE SMOKE GET INSIDE THE CAR. *AK

Incident date: Apr 23, 2001

AFTER TURNING OFF VEHICLE, CONSUMER COULD SMELL A PAINT ODOR IN PASSENGER'S COMPARTMENT, THEN VEHICLE WOULD FAIL TO RESTART. ALSO, AFTER DICONNECTING AIR HOSE AND RECONNECTING AIR HOSE VEHICLE WILL RESTART. DEALER HAD BEEN CONTACTED.*AK FIRESTONE TIRES KEEP GOING FLAT, SIZE P175/65R14, CONSUM... Read more

Incident date: Apr 23, 2001

Incident date: Apr 19, 2001

AIRBAG LIGHT WOULD STAY ON. DEALER RAN VEHICLE THROUGH A DIAGNOSTIC TEST, AND RAN CODE OUT WHICH TURNED OFF THE LIGHT. HOWEVER, AIRBAG LIGHT CAME BACK ON LATER THAT DAY. DEALER DID NOT MENTION OF ANY RECALL ANNOUNCED. *AK

Incident date: Aug 1, 1997

IN THE CASE OF AIR BAG, I WAS HIT BY A F350 PICKUP AT 40 MILES PH AND THE BAG DID NOT DEPLOY, BUT THE LIGHT CAME AND IT WILL NOT GO OFF. CALLED HYUNDAI DEALER AND THEY SAID MY VIN NUMBER IS NOT APPLICABLE FOR THE RECALL. IN THE CASE OF THE GAS PROBLEM, THE SMELL OF GAS PERMIATES THROUGH OUT THE CAR... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Aug 1, 1997

Crash

THE GAS GAUGE HAS NEVER WORKED, IT ONLY READ WHEN THE TANK IS 1/4 FULL, OTHERWISE IT READS EMPTY. *CJ

INTERMITTENTLY, WHILE DRIVING ALONG, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT UNLATCHES.

THE GAS GAUGE HAS NEVER WORKED, IT ONLY READ WHEN THE TANK IS 1/4 FULL, OTHERWISE IT READS EMPTY. *CJ

INTERMITTENTLY, WHILE DRIVING ALONG, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT UNLATCHES.

Incident date: May 15, 2000

THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR KNOB WILL NOT LET YOU OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE OR INSIDE. YOU HAVE TO LIFT THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR TO GET THE DOOR OPEN. *AK

Incident date: Jul 7, 2000

THE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 60MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, AND WITH NO PRIOR WARNING SAW FLAMES SHOOTING UP THOUGH THE HOOD AREA. CONSUMER PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY, AND NOTIFIED THE POLICE. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP.*AK

Crash Fire

Incident date: Mar 22, 2000

WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY TRAVELLING NORTH BOUND, LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE, RAN OFF THE ROAD, AND STRUCK A TREE. UPON IMPACT, DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOY. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK

Crash

Incident date: Mar 22, 2000

WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY TRAVELLING NORTH BOUND, LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE, RAN OFF THE ROAD, AND STRUCK A TREE. UPON IMPACT, DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOY. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK

Crash

Incident date: Apr 8, 2000

THIS VEHICLE REAR ENDED A 9 TON TRUCK @ APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH. TRUCK WENT UP AND OVER VEHICLE. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. PREVIOUSLY THIS VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED ON FREEWAY AT 45 MPH WITH A RED AIR BAG LIGHT BEING THE ONLY RESULT. *AK

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Jan 19, 2000

WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH VEHICLE WAS STRUCK FROM THE REAR BY ANOTHER VEHICLE TRAVELING AT 110 MPH, CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS PUSHED INTO A GUARDRAIL, AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE NECK/BACK/ HIP, AND CHEST. ALSO, PASSENGER SUFFERED BACK/NECK INJURIES. DEALER HAS NO... Read more

Crash 2 injured

Incident date: Apr 6, 1998

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

Incident date: Jul 21, 1999

A DEFECTIVE GENERATOR/ALTERNATOR CAUSED BATTERY TO BLOW UP, RESULTING IN WIRING HARNESS MELTING. THIS COULD CAUSE A FIRE. ALSO TWO COMPUTERS BLEW UP. *AK

Incident date: Jul 21, 1999

A DEFECTIVE GENERATOR/ALTERNATOR CAUSED BATTERY TO BLOW UP, RESULTING IN WIRING HARNESS MELTING. THIS COULD CAUSE A FIRE. ALSO TWO COMPUTERS BLEW UP. *AK

Incident date: Jul 21, 1999

A DEFECTIVE GENERATOR/ALTERNATOR CAUSED BATTERY TO BLOW UP, RESULTING IN WIRING HARNESS MELTING. THIS COULD CAUSE A FIRE. ALSO TWO COMPUTERS BLEW UP. *AK

Incident date: Sep 1, 1998

PURCHASE VEHICLE IN MAY OF 1997 HAD 49000 MILES ON CAR TIMING BELT BROKE AT 74000 MILES BELT HAD ALREADY BEEN REPLACE BECAUSE IT HAD A GATES BELT ON THE CAR WHEN I HAD IT REPLACED BROKE AGAIN IN NOVEMBER OF 1999 WITH 94761 MILES ONLY A LITTLE OVER 20000 MILES ON BELT HYUNDAI BOOK SAYS REPLACE TIMING... Read more

Incident date: Nov 27, 1999

THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THAT THIS HAPPEND. PREVIOUS TIME WAS TOLD IT WAS TIMING FAILURE. AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYS ON. DEALER COULD NOT GET IT TO GO OFF(NOT DUE TO ACCIDENT). CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK CAR TO DEALER. SUPOSIDELY FIX IT. CAME BACK ON IN TWO HOURS. I

Incident date: Nov 27, 1999

Incident date: Sep 16, 1999

ENGINE FAILURE RENDERS VEHICLE UNSERVICEABLE/UNUSABLE

Incident date: Sep 16, 1999

ENGINE FAILURE RENDERS VEHICLE UNSERVICEABLE/UNUSABLE

WHILE DRIVNG AND WITHOUT WARNING VEHICLE MADE A LOUD NOISE AND SOMETHING SNAPPED.VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE, AS IF IT WAS IN NEUTRAL. DEALER HAS REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION. *AK

Incident date: Sep 17, 1999

WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, MY CAR BEGAN TO MAKE A LOUD NOISE. UNABLE TO STOP, I PROCEEDED OFF THE EXIST, AND I COULD HEAR PARTS FALLING OUT. UPON STOPPING, I OPENED THE HOOD TO FIND THE VEHICLE IN FLAMES. AFTER CONSULTING WITH THE MCCAFFERTY HYUNDAI DEALER, THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE A/C COMPRESSOR ... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Aug 28, 1999

SINCE NOVEMBER OF 1997 I HAVE HAD ON GOING PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE. THERE HAS BEEN ONE DEFAULT AFTER ANOTHER. IN NOVEMBER OF 1997 THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED IN JULY OF 1999, SINCE REPACEMENT OF TRANSMISSION THE WATERPUMP, AND TIMING WERE REPLACED, AND THE RADIATOR WA... Read more

Incident date: Apr 15, 1999

SINCE HAVING THE CAR, I'VE EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION TO INCLUDE TRANS JUMPING OUT OF GEAR OCCASSIONALLY, FAILURE FOR GEAR SHIFT TO GO INTO GEAR, COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION. OTHER PROBLEMS INCLUDE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, I.E., ALTERNATOR, BATTERY, ETC. BUT MOST PREVELANT WAS... Read more

Incident date: Apr 15, 1999

Incident date: May 15, 1999

ALTERNATOR IS EXCEEDING ITS LIMIT, IS OVERCHARGING, WHICH CAUSES BLOW OUT OF OTHER ELECTRICAL COMPONTENTS. *AK

Incident date: Oct 27, 1997

CLUTCH MOUNTING BRACKET IS BROKEN. WHEN PUSHING ON THE CLUTCH THE BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON, AND THE BRAKES AND CLUTCH FEEL LOOSE. DEALER CONTACTED, AND NO WARRANTY WITH A MAJOR PROBLEM, AT OWNERS EXPENSE. *AK

Incident date: Jan 29, 1999

TRANSMISSION SHUT OFF WHEN SHIFTING GEARS. IT'S AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. THE PISTONS WOULD BE KNOCKING LOUD. WILL BE TAKING VEHICLE TO DEALER. *AK

Showing 50 of 179 complaints.

EPA Fuel Economy, 1995 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	27.0	22.0	Regular	$2,800
1.8L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	19.0	26.0	22.0	Regular	$2,800
1.8L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	19.0	26.0	22.0	Regular	$2,800
1.8L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	18.0	26.0	21.0	Regular	$2,950
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, 1995 HYUNDAI ELANTRA

20 manufacturer communications from 16 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
102000 POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION	1
150000 SEAT BELTS	1
105300 POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT	1
353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.	1
133000 VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS	1
114000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING	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

270000 LANE DEPARTURE

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

280000 BACK OVER PREVENTION

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

This bulletin provides instruction detailing the proper methodology for scanning and uploading captured GDS data files to the Techline Repository. Compliance with this bulletin ensures that the GDS data files are correctly transferred and m

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

353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

AUDIO SYSTEM CONNECTOR REPLACEMENT. *TW

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

UNKNOWN

102000 POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

UNKNOWN

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 (current)	1	179
1994	2	110	View
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

1995 HYUNDAI ELANTRA

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

EPA Fuel Economy, 1995 HYUNDAI ELANTRA

Technical Service Bulletins, 1995 HYUNDAI ELANTRA

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, HYUNDAI ELANTRA

HYUNDAI ELANTRA - All Years Overview

HYUNDAI ELANTRA - Year by Year

Other HYUNDAI Models