Hyundai Recalls and Safety Alerts

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. 

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 90,907 model year 2015-2016 Genesis vehicles, model year 2017-2019 Genesis G80s, Genesis G90s, and model year 2019 Genesis G70s.

Water may enter the starter solenoid and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while the vehicle is parked parked or being driven.

An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.

What to do

Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete.

Dealers will install a remedy relay kit in the engine junction box free of charge.

Letters notifying owners about the issue are expected to be mailed April 13, 2024.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at (855)

371-9460. Hyundai's numbers for this recall are 254(H) and 018G(G).

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 4,245 model year 2024 Palisades.

The engine valve springs may break while the vehicle is being driven, which can result in a loss of drive power and possibly create a hole in the engine block.

A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash, while a hole in the engine block increases the risk of a fire.

What to do

Dealers will replace the engine sub-assembly free of charge.

Notification letters to owners are expected to be mailed April 13, 2024.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at (855) 371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 255.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 10,984 model year 2024 Konas.

The 12-Volt battery cables may chafe against the engine control module bracket and short circuit in a crash, increasing the risk of an engine compartment fire

What to do

Dealers will install sheathing over the wiring free of charge.

Letters to owners regarding this issue are expected to be mailed February 23, 2024.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at (855) 371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 252.