Hyundai and Kia Safety Alerts

This living topic covers the various safety concerns, recalls, and theft vulnerabilities associated with Hyundai and Kia vehicles. Key points include a rise in car thefts due to the lack of engine immobilizers in models produced between 2011 and 2022, instances of sudden unintended acceleration, and multiple recalls for issues such as faulty brakes, fuel pumps, and software glitches. The content also highlights legal actions, class-action settlements, and the companies' efforts to address these problems through software updates and safety feature enhancements. Owners are advised to take preventive measures and stay informed about recalls to ensure their vehicles' safety.

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Kia recalls nearly 23,000 EV9s because seats may not be secure

The recall covers model years 2024 and 2025

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Kia has issued a recall for 22,883 2024-2025 EV9 vehicles. The second- and third-row seat mounting bolts may be missing. Seats without mounting bolts may not properly restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury.

Dealers will inspect and install mounting bolts as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed by January 24, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC329.

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Hyundai performed well in the latest IIHS crash tests

Three Hyundai models have earned safety awards from the Insurance Institute for HIghway Safety (IIHS), with the 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 getting TOP SAFETY PICK+ status, the organization’s highest honor.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2024 Hyundai Sonota both earned the slightly lower-tier TOP SAFETY PICK designation. 

The Ionig 5 achieved the highest safety ranking because was awarded an acceptable or good rating in the updated moderate overlap front test, which is now a requirement.

IIHS said the Ioniq 5 provided excellent protection for the rear passenger in the updated test. The dummy’s head remained a safe distance from the front seatback, and sensors in the dummy indicated a low risk of head, neck or chest injuries.

IIHS said the Santa Fe wasn’t quite as safe in protecting back seat occupants.The second-row restraints allowed the rear dummy’s head to approach the front seatback, and the risk of injury to the head or neck and the chest was somewhat higher, researchers said. The lap belt also moved from the ideal position on the pelvis onto the abdomen, which makes abdominal injuries more likely.

Stilll some work to be done

It was an even worse performance by the Sonata, a midsize sedan. When technicians checked the sensors in the rear seat dummy they concluded there was a high probability of injuries to the head or neck and the chest. And as in the Santa Fe test, the lap belt slipped from the pelvis onto the abdomen.

But IIHS researchers were satisfied that all three Hyundais performed well in other IIHS tests. For both TOP SAFETY PICK and TOP SAFETY PICK+, vehicles must earn good ratings in the small overlap front test and the updated side test and need acceptable- or good-rated headlights across all trim levels.

The standard front crash prevention systems on the Santa Fe and Sonata both earn good ratings for pedestrian crash avoidance, while the system included with the Ioniq 5 is rated acceptable.

IIHS recently announced more strict testing criteria to further protect backseat passengers and improve pedestrian crash avoidance systems. 

Three Hyundai models have earned safety awards from the Insurance Institute for HIghway Safety (IIHS), with the 2024 Hyundai Ionig 5 getting TOP SAFETY PIC...

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Hyundai recalls 186,000 model year 2015-2016 Elantras

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 186,588 model year 2015-2016 Elantras.

The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside.

A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing the risk of injury.

What to do

Dealers will replace the trunk latch base sub-assembly free of charge.

Notification letters are expected to be mailed to owners by April 15, 2024.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at (855) 371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 256.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 186,588 model year 2015-2016 Elantras.The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from t...