Hyundai Recalls and Safety Alerts

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.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 37,997 model year 2021-2023 Elantra HEVs.

A software error in the motor control unit may cause unintended vehicle acceleration after the brake pedal is released.

Unintended vehicle acceleration can increase the risk of a crash.

What to do

Dealers will update the motor control unit software free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 17, 2023.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at (855) 371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 248.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 52,008 model year 2023-2024 Palisades, and model year 2023 Tucsons, Sonatas, Elantras & Konas.

The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump controller to overheat.

An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.

What to do

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

Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller -- as necessary -- free of charge. Notification letters are expected to be mailed to owners September 25, 2023.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at (855) 371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 246.

Almost a year ago, a TikTok video showing how easy it is to steal some Kia and Hyundai models went viral, leading to a wave of car thefts. It wasn’t long before owners of these particular models were finding it more difficult to obtain car insurance.

In January, CNN reported that both State Farm and Progressive were shying away from issuing policies. Now apparently, other insurance carriers have taken that position.

NPR reports a Colorado woman purchased a used Kia Forte but was unable to find any insurance company that would cover it. According to the report, the woman used an insurance broker to help her but was turned down a dozen times.

A Kia model belonging to Trice, of Warren, Mich., is one of the hundreds that have been stolen. The car is still insured but it costs a lot more.

“Car insurance shot up after paying the same amount for three years,” Trice wrote in a ConsumerAffairs review. “Nobody else will insure this car for under $300 a month as a new customer.”

Why they are so easy to steal

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), many 2015-19 Hyundai and Kia vehicles lack electronic immobilizers that prevent thieves from simply breaking in and bypassing the ignition. The feature is standard equipment on nearly all vehicles of that vintage made by other manufacturers. 

Both Kia and Hyundai have the problem because they are made by the same company. The brands have developed a fix but it may take time to apply it to all the affected vehicles.

Hugh Allen, principal product strategist at Hi Marley, a communication platform for the insurance industry, says carriers are simply reacting to the numbers as they analyze risk.

"While it may not seem fair to consumers, carriers rely on hard facts and historical trending data to change their rules, he told us. “The fix marketed by Hyundai and Kia must be proven. I’m not sure that a necessary amount of time has transpired for data to be collected and change the risk results.”

Karl Brauer, executive analyst at iSeeCars.com, believes the insurance industry is being shortsighted and is unnecessarily punishing consumers. He offers the following analysis:

You happen to live in an area where there are 100 registered Hyundais or Kias. In an average year, one gets stolen. But after the TikTok video, maybe seven of the models were stolen in the following 12 months.

“The insurance company looks at that and sees a 700% increase,” Brauer told ConsumerAffairs. “But another way to look at that is 93 Kias weren’t stolen. There’s a lot going on with these cars being stolen, compared to what was going on before. But it’s not that most of them are being stolen, or even half. It’s a tiny percentage.”

Official pressure

Meanwhile, pressure is growing for the automaker to do something to resolve the issue. In March, 23 state attorneys general called on Hyundai-Kia to take “swift and comprehensive action to help remedy the crisis of car thefts that has occurred due to the companies’ failure to equip vehicles with anti-theft immobilizers.” 

In a letter to the automaker, the state officials pointed out that Kia and Hyundai chose not to include anti-theft immobilizers as standard equipment on several vehicle models sold in the U.S. during a period when every other car manufacturer was doing so.

“Kia and Hyundai failed to equip their vehicles with industry-standard anti-theft technology, and customers are now paying a steep price,” said Connecticut Attorney General William Tong. “These cars are now disproportionately targeted by thieves at rates so high some insurers are refusing to cover them. Kia and Hyundai need to make this right—quickly, and without nickel and diming their customers.”

At least eight deaths and numerous injuries and property damage have prompted attorneys general from 17 states and the District of Columbia to call on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to recall model year 2011 through 2022 Hyundai and Kia vehicles.

In a letter to the agency the officials, led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, say easily-bypassed ignition switches and lack of engine immobilizers make the vehicles particularly vulnerable to theft.

The letter notes that videos uploaded to the social media platform TikTok show how easy it is to steal the vehicles.

Using only a USB cable and a screwdriver, thieves bypassed the keyed ignition by prying off the steering wheel column, accessing the ignition switch, and starting the vehicle without a key in as little as 20 to 30 seconds.

In addition to Bonta, the letter was signed by attorneys general from Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and the District of Columbia.

Not all agree

Among those who did not sign the letter was Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr. In a statement released last week and reported by Fox 5 Atlanta, he puts the blame on criminals, not the consumers or corporations.

"This approach is completely backward,” Car said. “The State of Georgia will not blame companies for the actions of criminals. We also refuse to put additional burden on companies in order to coddle criminals, as we are seeing being done in far too many cities and states around the country."

Fix or no fix?

Hyundai spokesman Ira Gabriel says the automaker has taken "comprehensive action" to assist its customers.

These actions, he told ConsumerAffairs, include making engine immobilizers standard on all vehicles produced as of November 2021 and reimbursing customers for their purchase of steering wheel locks.

But, as far as the AGs are concerned, the response doesn't go far enough and “ does not adequately remedy the safety concerns facing vehicle owners and the public.”

In short, they say, the starting systems are not in compliance with federal standards and pose an unreasonable risk to public safety.

The preferred solution, according to the letter, is for NHTSA to “exercise its authority to order a mandatory recall or ensure Hyundai and Kia institute a voluntary recall.”

Last month’s announcement from Hyundai-Kia that there is now a fix for the vehicle’s vulnerability to theft hasn’t lessened the pressure on the automaker. 

Twenty-three state attorneys general are calling on Hyundai-Kia to take “swift and comprehensive action to help remedy the crisis of car thefts that has occurred due to the companies’ failure to equip vehicles with anti-theft immobilizers.”

Thefts accelerated in the middle of last year when a TikTok video showing how easy it is to steal the cars went viral. Thefts surged because the particular models identified in the video lacked the anti-theft equipment.

Immobilizers prevent a car or truck from being started without a key that contains an embedded chip. The TikTok video showed how some Hyundai and Kia cars could be started using a USB cable.

In a letter to the automaker, the state officials pointed out that Kia and Hyundai chose not to include anti-theft immobilizers as standard equipment on several vehicle models sold in the U.S. during a period when every other car manufacturer was doing so.

“Kia and Hyundai failed to equip their vehicles with industry-standard anti-theft technology, and customers are now paying a steep price,” said Connecticut Attorney General William Tong. “These cars are now disproportionately targeted by thieves at rates so high some insurers are refusing to cover them. Kia and Hyundai need to make this right—quickly, and without nickel and diming their customers.” 

The fix

Last month the automaker, which produces both brands, announced a software update that it said would solve the problem. It has begun installing the update on the models considered most vulnerable to theft.

While that’s a step in the right direction, the attorneys general say it isn’t enough and has come too late. The attorneys general urge the companies “to do everything in your power to accelerate the implementation of the software upgrade and to provide free alternative protective measures for all those owners whose cars cannot support the software upgrade.”

The attorneys' general request has not turned into legal action, at least not yet. In February, however, the company was named in a class-action lawsuit. Sebastian Cole of Milwaukee filed the complaint in Wisconsin’s Eastern District Court, seeking class-action status. The suit says Cole was a car theft victim in July 2021 when his 2018 Kia Forte was stolen.

More recently, the City of San Diego sued the automaker over the lack of immobilizers on older models. The San Diego City Attorney's Office alleges that 146 Hyundai and Kia cars were stolen in San Diego during the first six months of 2022, and 369 cars were taken in the last six months of the year.

There’s finally some good news for Hyundai and Kia owners worried about their cars being stolen.

After a Tik Tok social media challenge last year show that those brands’ vehicles were easy to steal and, therefore, an insurance risk, the automakers have developed theft deterrent software for the millions of their vehicles that lack an immobilizer. The extra good news is that Hyundai and Kia will provide it free of charge to vehicle owners. 

The companies also got brownie points from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration because the new software updates the theft alarm software logic to extend the length of the alarm sound from 30 seconds to one minute and requires the key to be in the ignition switch to turn the vehicle on.

NHTSA urges owners of these vehicles to contact Hyundai (toll-free at 800-633-5151) or Kia (toll-free at 800-333-4542) for information on the free update.

What Kia and Hyundai owners can expect

The Hyundai rollout begins with model year 2017-2020 Elantra, 2015-2019 Sonata and 2020-2021Venue vehicles.

Randy Parker, CEO, Hyundai Motor America, said that those were priortized because they are the company's biggest-selling vehicles and those most targeted by thieves. Details on distribution to other models and model years can be found on Hyundai's website.

A spokesperson for Kia told ConsumerAffairs that the automaker has already begun offering and installing the software, and will continue to do so in phases. Kia owners with questions may contact our Customer Care team directly at 1-800-333-4542.

The NHTSA acknowledged that Hyundai owners should be on the lookout for a window sticker alerting would-be thieves that the vehicle is equipped with anti-theft protection. The company will begin sending out the stickers in a phased approach beginning later this month, with subsequent phases over the next several months. The same holds true for software updates.

As a bonus, the companies have also been working with law enforcement agencies to provide steering wheel locks. However, the distribution of those locks has been limited so far according to the agency and to date those locks have been available from 77 law enforcement agencies in 12 states. NHTSA encourages interested vehicle owners to contact local law enforcement to see if a wheel lock is available.

Used car shoppers need to keep several factors in mind as they make a decision – things like maintenance costs and insurance. In the case of certain Kia and Hyundai models, you may need to consider whether you can even get insurance.

CNN has reported that both State Farm and Progressive have quietly decided they will no longer issue policies for some 2015 through 2019 Kia and Hyundai models. The reason? They’re too easy to steal.

As we reported in August, thefts of Kias and Hyundais – they’re made by the same company – surged in the wake of a viral TikTok video showing how to easily steal the cars with only a screwdriver and a USB cable.

The following month, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) explained why it was so easy. According to IIHS, many 2015-19 Hyundai and Kia vehicles lack electronic immobilizers that prevent thieves from simply breaking in and bypassing the ignition. The feature is standard equipment on nearly all vehicles of that vintage made by other manufacturers.

Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) Senior Vice President Matt Moore said at the time that the lack of an immobilizer makes any vehicle a tempting target.

An effective deterrent

“Our earlier studies show that vehicle theft losses plunged after immobilizers were introduced,” Moore said. “Unfortunately, Hyundai and Kia have lagged behind other automakers in making them standard equipment.”

Immobilizers were already standard on 62% of models from other manufacturers in the model year 2000. But even in the model year 2015, when immobilizers were standard on 96% of other manufacturers’ vehicles, they were standard on only 26% of Hyundai and Kia vehicle models.

How do immobilizers work? According to cybersecurity firm Kaspersky, it’s a simple electronic system consisting of two parts –  a transponder in the ignition key and a receiver in the car itself.

“When someone attempts to start the engine, the vehicle sends a request to the key,” the company explains. “If the key returns the correct predefined signal, the immobilizer sends a command to the engine control unit to start. Without the right signal, you can’t start the car.”

Progressive and State Farm are not exactly boasting about their new policy and have not responded to queries from other media outlets. But in a statement to CNN, State Farm confirmed it is not writing new policies on the affected models, at least temporarily. Progressive said has changed the criteria for some models and raised premiums for others.

According to the New York Post, Kia and Hyundai vehicle thefts are up as much as 300% over the past two years in some cities.

In August, ConsumerAffairs reported on a rash of police reports across the country concerning stolen Hyundai and Kias, thanks to a viral video showing how easy it is to steal one.

Now, the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) reports there is hard data that confirm these anecdotal reports. In fact, HLDI says these older, bargain-priced compacts are being stolen at a rate as fast as expensive muscle cars and luxury models.

Among newer models, whole vehicle theft insurance claims were highest for the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat, relative to the number of those cars on the road during the period from 2018 to 2022. But among 2015-19 model-year vehicles, theft claims were nearly twice as common for Hyundai and Kia vehicles as a group as for all other manufacturers. 

“Car theft spiked during the pandemic,” said HLDI Senior Vice President Matt Moore. “These numbers tell us that some vehicles may be targeted because they’re fast or worth a lot of money and others because they’re easy to steal.”

A TikTok video shows thieves how to do it

How easy? As we reported last month, a video on TikTok walks viewers through a relatively-easy process of stealing these particular vehicles. In fact, the video says the only thing a thief needs is a screwdriver and USB cable.

Apparently, it’s not a complicated procedure. Ashley Foot of New York  told WMAR-TV  in Baltimore her Kia was stolen while she was vacationing in Missouri.

“My car was probably taken in 30 seconds," Foote said. "There was no glass that was broken. My alarm didn't signal. They did not need a key, and the KIA dealer said that it was about 60 KIA’s per day that were being stolen. I had a 2019 Kia Forte."

No immobilizer

According to the HLDI report, many 2015-19 Hyundai and Kia vehicles lack electronic immobilizers that prevent thieves from simply breaking in and bypassing the ignition. Today, that feature is standard equipment on nearly all vehicles in that age range.

“Our earlier studies show that vehicle theft losses plunged after immobilizers were introduced,” said Moore. “Unfortunately, Hyundai and Kia have lagged behind other automakers in making them standard equipment.”

By the year 2000, HLDI says immobilizers were already standard on 62% of new cars from that era. But even in the 2015 model year, when immobilizers were standard equipment on 96% of other manufacturers’ vehicles, they were standard on only 26% of Hyundai and Kia models.

Hyundai and Kia, which are owned by the same company, say they are aware of and concerned about the problem.

“While all of our vehicles meet or exceed Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, unfortunately, our vehicles have been targeted in a coordinated effort on social media,” Hyundai said in a statement.

Kia noted the problem affects older vehicles equipped with a steel key and turn-to-start ignition system. It says the majority of Kia vehicles in the United States are “equipped with a key fob and push-button-to-start system that makes them more difficult to steal.”

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 245,030 model year 2020-2022 Palisade vehicles  equipped with a tow hitch harness.

The harness is a length of wire at the back of the vehicle that allows its electrical system to connect to a trailer. It may have been installed as original equipment or purchased as an accessory through a Hyundai dealership.

Here's the problem: If debris and moisture accumulate on the tow hitch harness module's printed circuit board (PCB), there could be an electrical short, which can result in a fire.

According to The Washington Post, the automaker says there have been three fires between January 2020, and July 2022, in the U.S and Canada, but no injuries.

What to do

If you own a Palisade with a towing hitch harness, you should park it outside and away from any structures until the recall repair is complete.

As an interim fix, dealers will inspect the tow hitch module and remove the fuse -- as necessary -- free of charge.

A final remedy is currently under development.

Notification letters to owners should go out in the mail around October 17, 2022.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at (855) 371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 235.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 10,575 model year 2017-2018 Ioniq HEVs and Ionic PHVs that were previously recalled in 2018.

The Power Relay Assembly (PRA) located underneath the rear seat may overheat.

An overheated PRA increases the risk of a fire.

What to do

Dealers will inspect and replace the main relay or PRA -- as necessary -- free of charge. Vehicles repaired under the previous recall will need to have the new remedy completed. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on August 26, 2022.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at (855) 371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 232.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 72,470 model year 2020-2022 Venues.

The front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioners may explode upon deployment in a crash.

An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle that strike vehicle occupants and result in injuries.

What to do

Dealers will secure the seat belt pretensioners with a cap at no cost to vehicle owners. Venues repaired under a previous recall need to have the new remedy completed. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on August 26, 2022.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at (855) 371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 231.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 158 model year 2022 Palisades.

The instrument cluster assembly may have been manufactured with excessive adhesive, which can disable the instrument cluster display screen.

A disabled display screen will not show critical information, such as the meters, gauges, and warning lights. This lack of information can increase the risk of a crash.

What to do

Dealers will replace the instrument cluster assembly free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on July 15, 2022.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at (855) 371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 230.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 10,729 model year 2022 Ioniq 5 vehicles. 

A software error in the Shifter Control Unit (SCU) may disengage the parking mechanism, which can allow the vehicle to rollaway.

Vehicle rollaway can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

What to do

Drivers are advised to use the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) when parking their vehicles until the remedy has been performed. 

Dealers will update the Shifter Control Unit software, free of charge.

 Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 10, 2022. 

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at (855) 371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 228.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling two model year 2021-2022 Accents.

A bolt in the steering column may not be secured properly. This could cause the steering column to detach from the steering rack and result in a loss of steering control.

Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.

What to do

Dealers will inspect and tighten the lower steering column u-joint retention bolt -- as necessary -- free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on July 5, 2022.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at (855) 371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 226.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 215,171 model year 2013-2014 Sonatas that were recalled in early 2020.

The low-pressure fuel hose that connects the low-pressure fuel pump to the direct injection fuel pump may crack over time due to heat generated within the engine compartment.

A cracked fuel hose may leak fuel, which can increase the risk of a fire.

What to do

Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel hose free of charge.

Vehicles repaired under the earlier recall that did not receive a replacement fuel hose will need to have this new remedy performed. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on July 5, 2022.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 227.

Hyundai has issued a recall for 239,000 2019-2022 Hyundai Accent, 2021-2023 Hyundai Elantra, and the 2021-2022 Hyundai Elantra hybrid electric vehicles. 

The recall is in response to reports that at least three people have been injured when part of the seatbelt exploded. Two of the reported injuries occurred in the U.S. The third occurred in Singapore.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) posted the recall notice, saying that about 1% of the recalled vehicles could have a defect with a “pyrotechnic” component of their seatbelt pretensioners.

Pyrotechnically triggered seatbelt tensioners, which are common in late-model vehicles, tighten seatbelts around passengers a split second before a collision.

What to do

All owners of affected vehicles will be notified by first class mail with instructions to bring their vehicles to a Hyundai dealer to have the seat belt pretensioner’s micro gas generator and delivery pipe secured with a cap to prevent potential abnormal deployment. 

This remedy will be offered at no cost to owners of all affected vehicles, regardless of whether they are still covered under Hyundai’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty. 

Hyundai will also provide owners of affected vehicles reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses incurred to obtain a remedy for the recall condition in accordance with the reimbursement plan submitted to NHTSA on February 24, 2022.

To check to see whether your vehicle is part of the recall, go to the NHTSA database and enter the vehicle’s VIN.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 922 model year 2019-2021 Nexos.

The hydrogen gas detection sensors may fail to detect leaks in the hydrogen gas delivery system.

A hydrogen gas leak can increase the risk of a fire while the vehicle is parked or being driven.

What to do

Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the recall remedy is completed.

Dealers will replace the hydrogen gas detection sensors free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on June 13, 2022.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at (855) 371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 225.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 54 model year 2019 Nexos.

The inlet receptacle filter could detach following hydrogen refueling and cause a hydrogen fuel leak.

A hydrogen leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

What to do

Dealers will replace the hydrogen fuel inlet receptacle free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on June 6, 2022.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at (855) 371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 224.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 6,240 model year 2021-2022 Elantras and model year 2020 Accents.

The front driver and passenger-side seat belt pretensioners may explode upon deployment in a crash.

Exploding seat belt pretensioners can project metal fragments into the vehicle, striking vehicle occupants and resulting in injury.

What to do

Dealers will replace the seat belt pretensioners free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on May 31, 2022.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at (855) 371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 223.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 16 model year 2022 Santa Fe and Santa Cruz vehicles.

The oil supply pipe to the turbocharger may crack, which could result in an oil leak in the engine compartment.

An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as a hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.

What to do

Dealers will replace the turbocharger oil supply pipe free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on May 27, 2022.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at (855) 371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 222.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 63,461 model year 2020 Sonatas & Sonata Hybrids, and model year 2019 Genesis G70s.

The trunk latch may become damaged and prevent 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 inspect the trunk latch and replace the trunk latch base -- as necessary -- free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on May 20, 2022.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at (855) 371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 221/010G.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 140 model year 2022 Elantras and Elantra HEVs.

The front passenger-side seat belt pretensioner may explode upon deployment in a crash.

An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle that strike occupants and result in injuries.

What to do

Dealers will replace the seat belt pretensioners free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on May 2, 2022.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at (855) 371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 220.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 354 model year 2020-2021 Accents under an expansion of an earlier recall.

The front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioner(s) may explode upon deployment in a crash.

An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, striking vehicle occupants and causing injuries or death.

What to do

Dealers will replace the seat belt pretensioners free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on February 25, 2022.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 219.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 357,830 model year 2016-2018 Santa Fes, model year 2017-2018 Santa Fe Sports, model year 2019 Santa Fe XLs, and model year 2014-2015 Tucsons.

The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.

An engine compartment fire while the vehicle is parked or being driven 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 replace the ABS multi-fuse, and inspect and replace the ABS module -- as necessary -- free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on April 5, 2022.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at (855) 371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 218.

Hyundai and Kia are warning the owners of 484,000 vehicles sold in the U.S. that their cars could be a fire hazard.

The companies say certain recalled vehicles should remain outside and away from buildings and other vehicles because some cars have reportedly caught fire, even when the engine is turned off. Officials trace the issue to contaminants in the anti-lock brake computer control module. The contaminants can cause a short circuit that could lead to a fire in the engine compartment.

The following vehicles are affected:

Hyundai

• 2016-2018 model year Santa Fe SUVs

• 2017-2018 Santa Fe Sport SUVs

• 2019 Santa Fe XL models

• 2014-2015 Tucson SUVs. 

Kia 

• 2016-2018 K900 sedans

• 2014-2016 Sportage SUVs

NHTSA probe

In December, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stepped up its investigation into reports of the automakers’ vehicle fires, which have persisted for about six years. ConsumerAffairs reviewers report that the problem has affected several different models.

“I purchased a 2014 Kia Forte on August 24, 2013,” Marlene, of Rayne, Ind., wrote in a recent review. “On August 26, 2021 I reported an electrical fire in the trunk of my car to the dealership. My car was towed home. The insurance company totaled the vehicle.”  

Beth, of Painesville, Ohio, tells us she purchased a used 2015 Santa Fe based on positive reviews she had read.

“Unbeknownst to me the vehicle had recall and service campaign issues after class actions alerted the public to defective engines produced for many years, known to cause dangerous engine failures and fires,” Beth wrote in a ConsumerAffairs review. 

It should be noted that neither Marlene’s or Beth’s vehicles would have been covered by this latest warning that focuses on a specific concern in a specific part of the engine.

The NHTSA says it performed an engineering analysis investigation covering more than 3 million vehicles from the 2011 through 2016 model years. To date, the agency said it has received 161 complaints of engine fires, some of which occurred in vehicles that had already been recalled.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 26,413 model year 2020-2021 Santa Fes and model year 2021 Sonatas and Elantras.

The windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle during manufacturing, allowing it to detach in a crash.

A windshield that detaches from a vehicle in a crash can increase the risk of injury.

What to do

Dealers will remove and reinstall the front windshield panel free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on February 25, 2022.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at (855) 371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 216.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 714 model year 2022 Santa Fe HEVs and Santa Fe PHEVs.

The instrument cluster liquid-crystal display (LCD) may invert the image on the screen upon vehicle startup, making the display illegible.

An illegible instrument cluster will not show information such as vehicle speed or safety system warnings, which can increase the risk of a crash.

What to do

Dealers will replace the instrument cluster free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on February 25, 2022.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at (855) 371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 217.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 2,679 model year 2017-2019 Ioniq electric vehicles.

An unstable electrical ground may cause the vehicle to enter a fail-safe mode with reduced acceleration and power. In certain conditions while in fail-safe mode, the vehicle may accelerate after the gas pedal is released.

Unexpected acceleration following gas pedal release can increase the risk of a crash.

What to do

Dealers will update the Electric Power Control Unit software and repair the ground wiring free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on February 4, 2022.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at (855) 371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 215.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 76 model year 2021 Accents.

The brake master cylinder may have been manufactured with sharp edges that can damage the inner oil seal, resulting in reduced braking performance.

Reduced braking performance can cause longer brake pedal travel or extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.

What to do

Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on January 28, 2022.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at (855) 371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 213.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has shifted its investigation into high gear as the agency continues to look into a rash of engine fires plaguing Hyundai and Kia vehicles.

The agency has received 161 reports of engine fires over the last six years. It began a formal investigation in 2019 that covered the 2011-2014 Kia Optima and Sorento and the 2010-2015 Kia Soul, along with the 2011-2014 Hyundai Sonata and Santa Fe. Some owners of these vehicles reported fires that did not involve a crash.

The safety regulators have begun an engineering analysis of about 3 million vehicles, many of which have been subject to recalls. Part of the analysis will determine just how effective the recalls have been, officials said.

What consumers say

Jennifer, of Eagle, Idaho, tells us her 2020 Hyundai Elantra was subject to an engine recall but when she took it to a Hyundai dealer, she was told the recall remedy wouldn’t work and that she needed a new engine.

“I am in disbelief that this car is under a year old and needs a brand new engine,” Jennifer wrote in a ConsumerAffairs review. “That is literally the most insane thing I've ever heard in my life.”

Marlene, of Rayne, La., reported that her 2014 Kia Forte caught fire while it was parked and she was out of town.

“The car was locked and both keys were with me,” Marlene told wrote in a ConsumerAffairs post. “The car set itself on fire.”

Hyundai and Kia both issued statements saying they plan to fully cooperate in the agency’s investigations. The two companies paid $210 million in civil penalties in 2020 after the NHTSA said they were late in recalling 1.6 million vehicles for engine defects.

The automakers began a series of recalls in September 2015, to address different engine problems. NHTSA documents show that the automakers have issued eight more recalls since then to address various engine issues.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 995 model year 2021 Palisades.

The brake fluid may be contaminated, which can cause the brake master cylinder inner-cup seals to swell and reduce braking performance.

Reduced braking performance can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

What to do

Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder and flush the brake fluid free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on December 22, 2021.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at (855) 371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 212.

A whistleblower’s efforts in revealing violations of the Safety Act have made them millions richer. In its first ever whistleblower award, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is giving more than $24 million to a whistleblower for providing information to the NHTSA about Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and Kia Motors America (Kia).

The award is the maximum percentage allowed by law of the $81 million in cash collected by the federal government. By law, the NHTSA can award a whistleblower who contributes “significant information” regarding an action that ultimately results in penalties of more than a million dollars.

Where Hyundai and Kia went wrong

The NHTSA said it issued consent orders with Hyundai and Kia a year ago based on the agency’s assessment that both companies made two serious mistakes. For one, they conducted untimely recalls on over 1.6 million vehicles that were equipped with Theta II engines. Secondly, they inaccurately reported crucial information to the NHTSA about the nature of serious defects in those engines. 

“Whistleblowers play a crucial role in bringing information to NHTSA about serious safety problems that are hidden from the agency,” said Dr. Steven Cliff, NHTSA’s Deputy Administrator. “This information is critical to public safety and we are committed to rewarding those who bring information to us.”

The issues the NHTSA found weren’t exactly new. Dating back to 2018, one ConsumerAffairs reviewer -- Jody of Waxhaw, N.C. -- wrote about issues with their Hyundai Tucson and its Theta II engine.

“Driving down a street 35 mph, the 2013 Tucson engine made loud sound all the lights came on and car shuddered and would not drive. Moved to side of road and towed to dealership. Theta-ii engine seized. Not repairable,” Jody wrote.

It was at that point that Hyundai made a misstep that was similar to the move that cost them that massive NHTSA fine. 

“Dealership and manufacture[r] refused to help in any way despite known problem. Recalls have been made on this same engine in the Sonata and Santa Fe but not the Tucson. Eventually traded in as cost to replace engine with used engine (no new ones available) was prohibitive,” Jody wrote. “The manufacturer was nonchalant and said they could not help us. We asked about the warranty and they said their warranty is only for original owner. We went to a Hyundai dealership and did not find that information anywhere! Dealership offered to sell us a new Hyundai. Will never buy their products again.”

The NHTSA wants consumers to know they, too, can file complaints

The NHTSA wants any consumer who is experiencing problems with their vehicle to know that whistleblowers are protected by law. The agency doesn’t have to issue a final rule for a whistleblower to receive a reward either. 

The NHTSA says potential whistleblowers can provide information to the agency by emailing NHTSAWhistleblower@dot.gov or by calling the agency’s hotline at 888-327-4236.

Information that the NHTSA welcomes runs the gamut -- from possible vehicle safety defects to noncompliance with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and violations of the Vehicle Safety Act.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 978 model year 2021 Elantra, Elantra HEV, Venue, and Genesis GV80 vehicles, as well as model year 2022 Genesis GV70 vehicles, because the front driver-side and passenger-side seat belt pretensioners could explode during a crash. 

The automaker said the seat belt pretensioners in affected vehicles were installed from a suspect production lot that contained pyrotechnic-type pretensioners that could deploy during a crash. If this happens, metal fragments could be sprayed into the vehicle occupant compartment and cause injury or even death to drivers or passengers.

In one reported case, a crash involving a Hyundai Elantra caused metal fragments to enter the rear cabin of the vehicle and injured a passenger’s leg. 

What to do

Hyundai is working with dealers to replace the seat belt pretensioners at no cost to vehicle owners. Notification letters are expected to be mailed to owners on December 10, 2021. 

Consumers can contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or visit the agency’s website for more information.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 95,515 model year 2017 Tucson and Sonata Hybrids.

The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which can result in engine damage.

A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

What to do

Dealers will inspect the engine and replace it if bearing damage is found. Dealers will also install a software update containing a new Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Repairs will be performed free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on November 12, 2021.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at (855) 371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 209.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 466,109 model year 2015-2017 Sonatas, and model year 2016-2017 Sonata Hybrids & Sonata Plug-In Hybrids.

The Smart Junction Box (SJB) software logic may not properly interpret the signals received from the multifunction switch, which could cause the turn signal to activate in the opposite direction of what the driver intended.

A turn signal that activates in the opposite direction of what was intended increases the risk of a crash.

What to do

Dealers will update the SJB software free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 19, 2021.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at (855) 371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 210.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 348,158 model year 2017-2018 Sonatas, model year 2016-2018 Sonata Hybrids, model year 2018-2020 Accents and model year 2016-2017 Azeras.

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 assembly free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 1, 2021.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at (855) 371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 208.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 15,752 model year 2021-2022 Santa Fes and Sonatas with 2.5L turbocharged engines.

Fuel may leak at the pipe connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel rail, increasing the risk of a fire

What to do

Dealers will inspect and tighten, or replace the fuel pipe -- as necessary -- free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 6, 2021.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at (855) 371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 207.

Hyundai Motor America has recalled 2 model year 2021 Santa Fe SUVs with 2.5-litre Turbo engines.

The fuel pipe connecting the high pressure fuel pump to the fuel rail may not have been tightened properly.

An insufficiently tightened fuel pipe may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.

What to do

Dealers inspected and tightened the fuel pipe connection free of charge.

The recalled vehicles have been repaired and therefore no owner notification letters will be sent.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at (855) 371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 206.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 1,464 model year 2021 Elantras.

The driver and front passenger seat back recliners may have been improperly welded.

An improperly welded seat back recliner could separate from the seat back frame during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

What to do

Dealers will inspect and -- if necessary -- replace the seat back frame assembly free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 25, 2021.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at (888) 371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 204.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 147 model year 2021 Genesis G80s and GV80s with 2.5-litre turbo engines.

The fuel tube connecting the high pressure fuel pump to the fuel rail may not seal properly, which could allow fuel to leak.

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

What to do

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel tube free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin May 21, 2021.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at (855) 371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 008G.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling ten model year 2021 Santa Fe SUVs.

The Occupant Detection System (ODS) module may not deactivate the airbag upon detection of a child restraint system in the front passenger seat.

Deployment of the front passenger airbag with a child in that seat can increase the risk of injury to the child.

What to do

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ODS module free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin May 14, 2021.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at (855) 371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 202.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 552 model year 2019-2021 Genesis G70s.

The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and short circuit.

An electrical short circuit inside the ABS module could cause an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

What to do

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ABS module fuse free of charge.

Owners should park outside and away from structures until the remedy is complete.

The recall is expected to begin May 7, 2021.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at (855) 371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 007G.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 94,646 model year 2015-2016 Genesis and model year 2017-2020 Genesis G80 vehicles.

The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and short circuit.

An electrical short circuit inside the ABS module could cause an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

What to do

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ABS module fuse free of charge.

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

The recall is expected to begin May 7, 2021.

Owners my contact Hyundai customer service at (855) 371-9460. Hyundai's numbers for this recall are 201 and 006G.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 4,696 model year 2019-2020 Kona Electric and model year 2020 Ioniq Electric vehicles.

The lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery may short-circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

What to do

Hyundai will notify owners, and -- as an interim action -- owners have the option to follow provided instructions to perform a battery update through the vehicle's infotainment system or request a Hyundai dealer to provide the update.

Once parts are available, dealers will replace the Battery System Assembly (BSA). Repairs will be performed free of charge.

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

The recall is expected to begin April 30, 2021.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at (855) 371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 200.

In the wake of more than a dozen battery-related fires, Hyundai has announced that it will replace the battery systems in around 82,000 Kona EVs. 

The cost of replacing the batteries will come to around $900 million, but the automaker said its focus is on mitigating the fire risk. In total, 15 fires have occurred in connection to the batteries -- 11 in South Korea, two in Canada, one in Finland, and one in Austria. 

"Our priority is to dispel potential risks against customer safety despite the low possibility of fires and high financial burden," Hyundai said in a statement. 

Hyundai’s battery replacement initiative follows its recall of the Kona EV in South Korea and North America. After recalling the vehicles, Hyundai upgraded the Kona’s battery management system to cap charging at 90 percent to prevent overcharging. However, one vehicle that had received the update recently caught fire in South Korea. 

Cause not yet determined

The batteries in question were manufactured by LG Chem, which said it’s continuing to work with Korea's Transport Ministry to determine what is causing the fires. 

According to Reuters, LG Chem said in a statement that Hyundai “misapplied LG’s suggestions for fast-charging logic in the battery management system” and said that adding the battery cell should not be seen as the direct cause of the fire risks. Hyundai hasn’t commented on the cause of the fires.

Until a replacement battery system is installed, Hyundai urges Kona and Ioniq owners to limit battery charging to 90 percent of capacity. 

Hyundai has expanded its Tucson SUV recall to include an additional 471,000 vehicles. 

In September, the automaker said an electrical malfunction put a significant number of Tucson SUVs at risk of catching fire. Hyundai said Friday that it is expanding its initial recall to include Hyundai Tucson SUVs, model-year 2016 through 2018, as well as some 2020 through 2021 models. 

The company said the vehicles included in the newest recall come equipped with antilock brake system computers that could potentially create a short and start a fire. At least 12 fires have been started due to the problem so far, according to the carmaker. 

Hyundai is urging drivers to park their vehicles outside until the issue is repaired. Towards the end of February, drivers of affected vehicles will be able to take their SUV to a dealer to get a computer fuse replaced. 

Expanded recall

Consumers can find out if their vehicle is included in the latest recall by entering their vehicle identification number on Hyundai’s recalls page. Tucson SUVs with Hyundai’s Smart Cruise control feature aren’t affected by the recall.

Back in September, Hyundai and Kia voluntarily recalled nearly 600,000 cars in the U.S. because of the defect. The automakers said brake fluid could leak inside a hydraulic control unit for the anti-lock brakes, which could cause an electrical short and start a fire. 

The companies have been investigating the issue since 2018. Last year, Hyundai told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that it received 15 reports of engine fires caused by the leak. Kia reported eight incidents. 

Hyundai Motor says it has held discussions with Apple about the possibility of developing an electric car. An unnamed spokesperson for the South Korean automaker confirmed to CNBC that the talks have happened but that they are still in the early stages.

“We understand that Apple is in discussion with a variety of global automakers, including Hyundai Motor. As the discussion is at its early stage, nothing has been decided,” the spokesperson said. 

The announcement followed a Korea Economic Daily report that said Apple was the one that suggested that Hyundai team up with it to develop a car, as well as batteries. The report said Hyundai was still looking over the terms but that the car could potentially be released in 2027. 

An Apple electric car? 

Rumors about an Apple car have been swirling since the tech giant created an internal group called Project Titan in 2014. Last month, Reuters reported that the Project Titan self-driving electric car effort could produce a vehicle with a battery that features a “breakthrough” design by 2024. 

”It’s next level,” a person with knowledge of Apple’s battery technology told Reuters in December. “Like the first time you saw the iPhone.”

Speculation about a Hyundai-Apple electric car collaboration sent Hyundai shares up 19 percent. The automaker later released a statement without mention of Apple. Hyundai emphasized the fact that nothing has been decided. 

“We’ve been receiving requests of potential cooperation from diverse companies regarding development of autonomous driving EVs, but no decisions have been made as discussions are in early stage,” the company said. 

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 8,176 model year 2019-2020 Nexo Fuel Cell and model year 2019-2021 Kona Electric vehicles. The Integrated Electronic Brake (IEB) system may detect an abnormal sensor signal and -- as a result -- may significantly reduce braking performance.

Reduced braking power could lengthen the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

What to do

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the IEB software free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin January 22, 2021.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at (855) 371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 199.

Hyundai Motor Americais recalling 128,948 model year 2015-2016 Velosters, 2012 Santa Fe vehicles, model year 2011-2013 and model year 2016 Sonata Hybrids.

The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which over time can result in engine damage.

A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

What to do

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced.

Dealers also will install a software update containing a new Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Repairs will be performed free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin January 22, 2021.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at (855) 371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 198.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 60,097 year 2007-2012 Veracruz vehicles that were previously recalled.

Oil may leak from the front cylinder bank cover gasket, potentially dripping onto the alternator and causing the charging system to become inoperative.

An inoperative charging system can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

What to do

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the valve cover gasket and repair it as necessary free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin January 8, 2021.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at (855) 371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 197.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 6,707 model year 2019-2020 Kona Electric vehicles.

The lithium ion battery may short-circuit after it is fully charged, increasing the risk of a fire.

What to do

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the Battery Management System (BMS) software and inspect the lithium ion battery, replacing it -- if necessary -- free of charge.

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

The recall is expected to begin December 11, 2020.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at (855) 371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 196.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 319 model year 2021 Genesis G70s with 2.0L GDI engines.

The fuel pump's jet nozzle may have a plastic burr remaining from the manufacturing process, possibly causing a blocked nozzle and an insufficient fuel supply to the engine.

Insufficient fuel supply can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

What to do

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the fuel pump assembly jet nozzle free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin November 13, 2020.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at (855) 371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 005G.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 180,000 model year 2019-2021 Tucsons.

The Anti-lock Brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) could corrode internally and cause an electrical short, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.

An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.

What to do

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the HECU free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin October 30, 2020.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at (855) 371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 195.

Hyundai and Kia are recalling nearly 600,000 cars in the U.S. because of a defect that the companies say could cause the vehicles to catch fire.

The affected vehicles are the 2013 through 2015 model years and include 283,803 Kia Optimas from 2013 to 2015 and 156,567 Kia Sorentos from 2014 and 2015. The recall involves 151,000 Hyundai Santa Fe SUVs from the 2013 to 2015 model years.

The jointly owned companies say the problem is caused when brake fluid leaks inside a hydraulic control unit for the anti-lock brakes. When that happens, it can cause an electrical short which can spark a fire. It’s not exactly a new issue because the automakers have been investigating it since 2018.

Hyundai has told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that it has received 15 reports of engine fires caused by the leak. Kia has reported eight such incidents. Fortunately, neither brand has reported any injuries.

Previous recall

Earlier this year Hyundai recalled 429,686 model year 2006 through 2011 Elantras and model year 2007 through 2011 Elantra Touring vehicles for a similar fire-related issue.

The company said moisture could enter the anti-lock brake (ABS) module and result in an electrical short. The company cautioned that an electrical short within the ABS module may cause an engine compartment fire, even when the car is turned off, increasing the risk of an injury.

In the most recent recall, Hyundai-Kia said it would notify owners of affected vehicles and recommend that they take the cars to a dealer for inspection and repair.

In the meantime, owners who want to find out if their car is part of the recall can go to the NHTSA website and enter their vehicle’s VIN.

Hyundai is making further investments in the electric vehicle (EV) market. On Monday, it announced the launch of IONIQ as its new EV brand and promised three new electric cars out of the gate.

“IONIQ” is a fusion of “ion” and “unique,” something the Korean automaker framed as “a new chapter.” The company says its EV experiences will be centered on connected lifestyle solutions in line with Hyundai’s vision of ‘Progress for Humanity,’ an ambition centered on putting eco-friendly mobility atop the car-buying public’s wishlist and making hydrogen an economically viable energy source.

Some car lovers might remember IONIQ as a vehicle Hyundai produced in 2016, but that version had a rough start and a string of recalls.

What’s in it for the consumer

The new brand is going to use Hyundai’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which the company claims will enable “fast charging capability and plentiful driving range.”

Hyundai’s IONIQ 5/6/7 three-model electric vehicle lineup includes:

• Hyundai IONIQ 5 -- a midsize Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) that combines features of an SUV and a passenger car -- will come out first, sometime in early 2021. 

• Hyundai IONIQ 6, an electric sedan “based on the company’s latest concept EV ‘Prophecy,’” is set to release in 2022.

• IONIQ 7 -- set to follow in early 2024 -- is a “large SUV,” according to Hyundai’s press release.

Specifications like mileage, charge time, etc., aren’t available yet, but the company said that more information will be released as the coming out party for the IONIQ 5 happens in 2021.

Timing is everything

The Korean automaker’s timing might be good. While COVID-19 certainly put a wallop on the fuel-powered auto market, life for EVs was relatively calm. 

“The Covid-19 pandemic will affect global electric vehicle markets, although to a lesser extent than it will the overall passenger car market,” suggests the International Energy Agency.

“Based on car sales data during January to April 2020, our current estimate is that the passenger car market will contract by 15 percent over the year relative to 2019, while electric sales for passenger and commercial light-duty vehicles will remain broadly at 2019 levels. Second waves of the pandemic and slower-than-expected economic recovery could lead to different outcomes, as well as to strategies for automakers to cope with regulatory standards.”

U.S. charging stations continue to grow

Plug-in power stations and charging outlets continue to grow and help push the EV market forward. While the U.S. is far behind China’s 210,000 charging stations, the number of charging outlets (78,500) and charging stations (24,800) in the U.S. continues to climb in typically urbanized areas in states like California, Texas, and Florida.

“Having a network of charging stations and outlets is absolutely necessary for electric vehicles to be practical for most drivers,” is how Statista’s I. Wagner views the situation. “With faster charging and cheaper, more efficient batteries, long distance travel becomes possible with plug-in EVs.”

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 272,126 model year 2011-2012 Elantra and Sonata Hybrids, and model year 2012 Accents and Velosters.

The 12V accessory socket outlet may have been over-tightened during installation, possibly disabling the thermal fuse and allowing the outlet to overheat with prolonged use, such as by using the Tire Mobility Kit air compressor to inflate a tire.

An overheated accessory outlet increases the risk of fire.

What to do

Hyundai is currently developing a remedy, which will be performed free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin August 28, 2020.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at (855) 371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 193.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 1,295 model year 2016 Genesis Coupes.

The mounting bolts securing the driver-side front airbag may have been insufficiently tightened, potentially causing the airbag to detach from the steering wheel.

A detached driver's airbag increases the risk of injury in a crash.

What to do

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the mounting bolts and retighten them as necessary free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin June 26, 2020.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at (800) 633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 192.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 11,870 model year 2020 Nexos and Sonatas.

The Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) software may fail to prevent vehicle movement upon detection of an RSPA system malfunction.

Unintended vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash.

What to do

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the RSPA software free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin June 4, 2020.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at (855) 371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 191.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 5,044 model year 2020 Sonatas produced between October 22, 2019, and February 13, 2020.

The tire pressure label inside the driver's door and the owner's manual contain incorrect tire size information.

Incorrect tire information may mislead the vehicle owner to install the wrong tire size, potentially affecting vehicle handling, increasing the risk of a crash.

What to do

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install new label stickers over the tire pressure label and in the owner's manual free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin April 24, 2020.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at (855) 371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 190.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 206,896 model year 2013-2014 Sonatas.

The low pressure fuel hose that connects the low pressure fuel pump to the direct injection fuel pump may crack over time due to heat generated within the engine compartment.

If the fuel line cracks, a fuel leak can occur, increasing the risk of a fire.

What to do

The remedy for this recall is still under development.

The recall is expected to begin April 24, 2020.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at (855) 371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 189.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 429,686 model year 2006-2011 Elantras and model year 2007-2011 Elantra Touring vehicles.

Moisture may enter the Anti-lock Brake (ABS) Module and result in an electrical short.

An electrical short within the ABS Module may cause an engine compartment fire, even when the car is turned off, increasing the risk of an injury.

What to do

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install a relay in the vehicle's main junction box to prevent the risk of an ABS short-circuit while the car is turned off -- free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin April 3, 2020.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at (855) 371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 188.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 477 model year 2020 Konas.

The certification label may indicate incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). An incorrect GAWR could result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.

What to do

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install new label stickers displaying the correct GAWR over the affected areas of the certification label free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin March 20, 2020.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at (855) 371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 187.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 11,217 model year 2020 Palisades.

The mounting bolts used to secure the side curtain airbags may damage the side curtain airbags during deployment.

Damaged side curtain airbags may not inflate properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

What to do

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover on the mounting bolts free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin January 3, 2020.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at (855) 371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 186.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 48 model year 2019 Ioniq Hybrids and model year 2020 Elantras. The right-side rear wheel lug nuts may have been insufficiently tightened, allowing the wheel to detach from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

What to do

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, tighten the lug nuts free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin December 27, 2019.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at (800) 251-0871. Hyundai's number for this recall is 184.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 744 model year 2020 Elantras.

The lower control arm ball joint fasteners may have been insufficiently tightened allowing the ball joint to detach from the lower control arm.

A detached ball joint can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

What to do

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, tighten the ball joint fasteners free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin December 27, 2019.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at (855) 371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 185.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 8,059 model year 2018 Genesis G80s and model year 2017-2018 Genesis G90s equipped with 3.3 liter turbocharged engines.

The turbocharger oil supply pipe may have a loose seal, causing oil to leak onto the exhaust manifold.

Oil leaking onto the exhaust manifold increases the risk of a fire.

What to do

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the turbocharger oil supply pipe free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin September 6, 2019.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at (855) 371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 003G.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 12,438 model year 2019 Velosters.

In certain side impact crashes, the driver's door latch housing and locking cable can become damaged, allowing the driver's side door to open, resulting in occupant ejection or increasing the risk of injury.

What to do

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's side door latch assembly and lower channel free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin June 14, 2019.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 183.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 16,487 model year 2013 Velosters equipped with 1.6 liter turbo engines.

The engine management software may cause premature ignition (pre-ignition) of the air/fuel mixture in the engine.

The resulting excessive cylinder pressure may damage the engine which can increase the risk of a fire or cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

What to do

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the engine management software, free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin May 13, 2019.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 182.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 120,000 model year 2011-2013 Tucsons.

The engine oil pan may leak and, if not addressed, the loss of oil may result in engine damage.

A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

What to do

The remedy for this recall is still under development.

Hyundai will send owners an interim letter informing them of the issue beginning March 29, 2019. A second notification will be sent when the remedy is available.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 181.

Hyundai is recalling approximately 100,000 model year 2011-2014 Sonatas and model year 2013-2014 Santa Fe Sport vehicles.

The company will inspect inspect and confirm proper reinstallation of the fuel tube to the high-pressure fuel pump of vehicles whose engines were replaced under two previous recalls.

In addition, Hyundai has developed a new engine monitoring technology called a knock sensor detection system that uses software innovations to continuously monitor for symptoms that may precede an engine failure

This technology will be installed through a free software update performed by Hyundai dealers to approximately 2 million Hyundai vehicles, including all model year 2011-2018 Sonatas and 2013-2018 Santa Fe Sport vehicles with engines produced in the U.S.

What to do

Owners with questions may contact Hyundai at (800) 633-5151 or by email at consumeraffairs@hmausa.com.

To find out whether a vehicle is eligible for the software update, enter the vehicle's VIN at Hyundai's campaign website www.hyundaiusa.com/campaignhome.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 86 model year 2018 Hyundai Elantra GTs.

The panoramic sunroof motor may be incorrectly programmed, preventing the sunroof from detecting an obstacle while closing.

If the sunroof does not detect an obstacle while closing and then retract, there could be an increased risk of injury.

What to do

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the panoramic sunroof, replacing it as necessary, free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin February 15, 2019.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 179.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 8,204 model year 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles.

The Side Curtain AirBag (SCAB) mounting bolts may interfere with and damage the airbags during deployment.

If the airbags become damaged during deployment, they may not inflate properly, increasing the risk of injury.

What to do

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover over the SCAB installation bolts, free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin November 30, 2018.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 177.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 10,575 model year 2017-2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrids and model year 2018 Ioniq Plug-In Hybrids.

The Main Relay within the Power Relay Assembly (PRA) may have inadequate connections between its contacts, causing increased electrical resistance.

The increased electrical resistance can overheat the rear seat which is above the PRA, increasing the risk of a fire.

What to do

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the PRA for damage.

If no damage is found, the main relay will be replaced. If damage is found, the PRA will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin November 30, 2018.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 178.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 3,305 model year 2018 Genesis G80s.

The Occupant Classification System (OCS) may incorrectly detect that an adult is in the passenger seat, even if the seat is unoccupied.

In the event of a crash, if a child or infant is in the seat, the front passenger air bag may deploy instead of being deactivated, increasing the risk of injury.

What to do

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the OCS, free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin August 24, 2018.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 002G.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 37 model year 2018 Hyundai Genesis G80 and Genesis G90 vehicles.

The windshield and rear window on these vehicles may have been installed with incorrect primer, potentially reducing the glass bonding strength.

If the glass bonding strength is reduced over time, the windshield and rear window may detach while the vehicle is being driven, increasing the risk of a crash.

What to do

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front and rear glass, free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin June 30, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 177.

Hyundai Motor America has issued a recall for over 10,000 units of its Ioniq Hybrid vehicles.

The company reports that the Hydraulic Clutch Actuator (HCA) inner oil seal may leak, which could cause oil to accumulate in the cap area and cause an electrical short. These types of shorts can increase the risk of a fire.

Hyundai representatives will notify vehicle owners of the issue, and dealers will inspect HCA caps and replace the assembly, if necessary, free of charge.

Consumers can contact the company via its customer service line by calling 1-855-371-9460. Owners can also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) by visiting the agency's online site at www.safercar.gov or calling 1-888-327-4236.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 580,058 model year 2011-2013 Sonatas and model year 2011-2012 Sonata Hybrids.

In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the front airbags, seat belt pretensioners, and side airbags from deploying.

If the front air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side airbags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash necessitating deployment of these safety systems.

Earlier this year, Hyundai recalled 154,753 model year 2011 Sonatas and has now expanded that the vehicles noted above.

What to do

The remedy for this recall is still under development.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 174.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 2,840 model year 2016-2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrids.

Thee vehicles are equipped with a Voltage Protection Device (VPD), designed to protect the high voltage battery module, that may activate inadvertently.

If the VPD activates while the vehicle is being operated in Electric Vehicle mode, there may be a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.

What to do

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will remove the VPD switch and install a new Battery Management System that contains an Overvoltage Protection Device.

The recall is expected to begin May 4, 2018.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 175.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 154,753 model year 2011 Sonatas. In the event of a crash, the airbag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the front airbags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying.

If the front air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side airbags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a crash.

What to do

The remedy for this recall is still under development.

The recall is expected to begin April 20, 2018.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 174.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 1,201 model year 2018 Santa Fe Sport vehicles.

The side curtain airbags on these vehicles have a component that may detach during deployment of the inflatable curtain air bag.

If the component detaches during deployment, the curtain air bag may not inflate properly during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, if the detached component were to enter the vehicle occupant compartment, there could be an increased risk of occupant injury.

What to do

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver and passenger side curtain air bags, free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin February 9, 2018.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 171.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 443,545 model year 2011-2014 Sonata and model year 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid vehicles previously repaired under an earlier recall.

The seat belt linkages for both front seat belts may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.

If the seat belt linkage detaches from the seat belt anchorage, it can not properly restrain the occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

What to do

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will again verify the connection between the seat belt linkage and the pretensioner and additionally install a warning label to prevent future seat belt linkage detachment, free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin in October 2017.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 169.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 420 model year 2017 Santa Fes equipped with 3.3L engines.

The crankshaft assemblies may have been produced with surface irregularities in the crankshaft pin, causing engine bearing wear.

The engine bearing wear may cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

What to do

Hyundai will notify all owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the engine, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin October 18, 2017.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 168.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 17,160 model year 2017 Santa Fe Sport vehicles.

The bolt for the driver's seat belt anchor might not have been sufficiently tightened during assembly.

If the bolt was not sufficiently tightened, driver's seat belt may come unanchored in a collision, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant.

What to do

Hyundai will notify owners and dealers will verify that the driver's seat belt anchor is properly secured, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin June 30, 2017.

Owner's may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for the recall is 165.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 161,074 model year 2015-2016 Sonata and Genesis vehicles.

The warning light to indicate that the parking brake is applied may intermittently not illuminate in the dash due to corrosion in the switch.

If the parking brake indicator is not illuminated when the parking brake is applied, the driver may operate the vehicle with the parking brake partially engaged, affecting the brake performance and increasing the risk of a crash.

What to do

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the parking brake switch, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on June 30, 2017.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 164.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 437,400 model year 2013-2017 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport SUVs.

The secondary hood latch actuating cable may corrode and bind, causing the secondary hood latch to remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed.

If the hood is not securely closed or the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could open unexpectedly while the vehicle is moving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

What to do

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary latch cable, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin June 30, 2017.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for the recall is 163.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 572,000 model year 2013-2014 Sonatas and Santa Fe Sports.

Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine, which could result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.

What to do

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine, replacing the engine short block, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 19, 2017.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 162.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 977,778 model year 2011-2014 Sonatas and model year 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrids.

The seat belt linkages for both front seat belts may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

What to do

Hyundai will notify owners and dealers will inspect the connection between the seat belt linkages and the seat belt anchor pretensioners, repairing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 7, 2017.

Owner's may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for the recall is 160.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 190 model year 2017 Santa Fe Sport vehicles.

The recalled vehicles have a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that may not have been set in the correct mode during vehicle assembly, and therefore will not provide an appropriate warning in the event of an underinflated tire.

As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."

An underinflated inflated tire can increase the risk of a crash.

What to do

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the TPMS sensors, free of charge. The recall is expected to being March 31, 2017.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for the recall is 159.

Hyundai Motor Company is recalling 110 model year 2017 Hyundai Elantras manufactured April 15, 2016, to September 13, 2016, and Sonatas manufactured May 27, 2016 to September 16, 2016.

The end seal for the driver's front airbag inflator may not have been properly installed, possibly resulting in reduced inflation of the front airbag in the event of a crash.

What to do

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 13, 2017.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 156.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 41,264 model year 2007-2008 Entourage vehicles manufactured February 16, 2006, to June 30, 2008.

The vehicle's the secondary hood latch may corrode and bind and remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed.

If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

What to do

Hyundai will notify all owners.

For vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia, dealers will replace the secondary latch.

For vehicles in any other state, dealers will inspect and either lubricate or replace the secondary latch, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 9, 2016.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 154.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 62,811 model year 2015-2016 Sonata Hybrids manufactured December 8, 2014, to August 18, 2015, and Sonatas manufactured May 28, 2014, to March 18, 2016, equipped with the panoramic sunroof option.

Due to a bonding issue with the sunroof wind deflector, the sunroof panel may detach while the vehicle is being driven, become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.

What to do

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will repair the wind deflector anchor plate, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 2, 2016.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 152.

Hyundai Motor Company is recalling 602 model year 2016 Sonata vehicles manufactured March 28, 2016 through April 12, 2016.

The vehicles have a driver-side front air bag that may not adequately protect the driver's neck from injury in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

What to do

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's front air bag module free of charge. The recall is expected to begin October 14, 2016.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 148.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 64,500 model year 2013 Elantras manufactured December 1, 2012, to April 30, 2013.

The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released.

If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping.

Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.

What to do

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad with an improved part, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on September 30, 2016.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 146.

Hyundai Motor Company is recalling 81,000 model year 2016 Tucsons manufactured May 19, 2015 to March 14, 2016.

If the primary hood latch has been released, and the vehicle is driven, the secondary hood latch may not hold adequately secure the hood to prevent it from opening while the vehicle is in motion.

If the primary hood latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch cannot secure the hood, the hood may unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

What to do

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary hood latch, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin July 15, 2016.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 145.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 18,700 model year 2012 Genesis vehicles manufactured August 1, 2011, to April 30, 2012, and 2011-2013 Equus vehicles manufactured July 10, 2011, to June 12, 2012.

The windshield wiper motor cover seal on the recalled vehicles may degrade allowing corrosion on the wiper motor's circuit board. The corrosion can cause intermittent or total loss of wiper function.

Inoperative wipers during bad weather can decrease driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

What to do

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiper motor cover and seal, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 22, 2016.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 140.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 11,142 model year 2015 Genesis vehicles manufactured March 3, 2014, to February 9, 2015, and equipped with Hankook Ventus S1 noble2 tires installed as original equipment.

The tires may develop cracks in the sidewall, resulting in a loss of air, increasing the risk of a crash.

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the factory tires with tires of another brand, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on February 19, 2016.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 138.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 155,000 model year 2011-2012 Elantras manufactured October 29, 2010, to October 25, 2011.

Due to an electronic stability control (ESC) sensor malfunction, the brakes for one or more wheels may be applied unexpectedly and the engine power may be reduced. These symptoms will be accompanied by illumination of the ESC indicator lamp in the instrument cluster.

If the one or more of the brakes are inappropriately applied, control of the vehicle may be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will verify the proper operation of the ESC sensors, and update the ESC system's calibration, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 19, 2016.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 137.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 10,800 model year 2013-2015 Genesis Coupes manufactured December 28, 2011, to April 6, 2015, equipped with manual transmissions.

If the differential and the suspension rear crossmember were not properly aligned during vehicle assembly, the bolts that secure the differential may loosen.

If the rear differential loosens from its mounting position, the driveshaft may disconnect from the differential, resulting in a loss of propulsion and an increased risk of a crash.

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will verify the proper assembly of the differential, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on January 11, 2016.

Owners may contact Hyundai's customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 135.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 304,900 model year 2011-2012 Sonatas manufactured December 11, 2009 to June 30, 2011.

The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the stop lamp switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released.

If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to drivers following behind that the vehicle ahead of them is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad with an improved part, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on January 11, 2016.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 136.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 64,744 model year 2015-2016 Sonatas manufactured May 28, 2014, to August 21, 2015.

The vehicles are equipped with an Antilock Braking System (ABS) warning light intended to warn the driver if there is an ABS malfunction. In the event of an ABS malfunction, the Brake System warning light will illuminate, but the ABS warning light will not illuminate. Since the vehicles have ABS malfunction lights that do not illuminate, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

If the driver is alerted there is a brake system malfunction, but not specifically with the ABS system, the driver may operate the vehicle unaware that the vehicle's brakes may lock up during hard braking, increasing the risk of a crash.

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the ABS control unit software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 11, 2015.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 134.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 27,700 model year 2011 Elantra vehicles manufactured November 12, 2010, to March 31, 2011, and Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, to February 28, 2010.

The vehicles were originally sold in, or are currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia.

Road salt may corrode the front coil springs, possibly resulting in the coil springs fracturing. If a front coil spring fractures, it may contact the tire, possibly puncturing it, increasing the risk of a crash.

Vehicles that were previously registered in salt belt states but are currently registered elsewhere are eligible to be inspected and repaired.

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front coil springs, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 30, 2015. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 133.  

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 99,500 model year 2009-2011 Hyundai Accents manufactured March 1, 2009, to February 11, 2011.

The brake light switch may malfunction causing the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. It may also prevent the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position.

Failure to illuminate the brake lights during braking or the inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash.

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake switch, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 2, 2015. Owners may contact Hyundai's customer service at 1-855-671-3059 or by visiting www.HyundaiUSA.com/Campaign131. Hyundai's number for this recall is 131.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 470,000 model year 2011-2012 Sonatas manufactured December 11, 2009, to April 12, 2012, at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama and equipped with either a 2.0 liter or 2.4 liter Gasoline Direct injection engine.

Metallic debris may not have been fully removed during manufacturing of the engine crankshaft. If the debris was not completely removed, oil flow may be restricted through the connecting rod bearings, causing connecting rod damage. A worn connecting rod bearing will produce a metallic, cyclic knocking noise from the engine and possible engine failure.

Engine failure would result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace the engine assembly, as necessary, free of charge. Additionally, Hyundai will increase the warranty for the engine sub-assembly (short block) to 10 years/120,000 miles for both original and subsequent owners of the recalled vehicles.

An interim notification will be mailed by November 2, 2015. A second notification will be mailed when parts are available.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 132.

Kia Motors America is recalling 2,587 model year 2016 Kia Sorentos manufactured October 23, 2014, to December 10, 2014.

The vehicles have a front passenger seat belt whose buckle latch assembly may prevent the front passenger from fastening the seat belt. If the front passenger seat belt cannot be latched, an occupant sitting in the front passenger seat has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger seat belt buckle cover, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin August 18, 2015.

Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC123.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 128,804 model year 2015 Sonatas manufactured April 25, 2014, to December 4, 2014.

The front passenger seat belt's buckle latch assembly may prevent the passenger from fastening the seat belt. As a result, the occupant of the front passenger seat runs an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will repair or replace the front passenger seat belt buckle free of charge. The recall is expected to begin August 21, 2015.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 130.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 2,580 model year 2015 Accent vehicles manufactured September 15, 2014, to February 10, 2015.

In very cold temperatures, the occupant detection system (ODS) may not be able to determine if a child restraint seat is in the front passenger seat. This will prevent the front air bag from being deactivated and, in the event of a crash necessitating front air bag deployment, the risk of injury to the occupant in the child restraint seat is increased.

A Hyundai spokesman said that "very cold" is something of an understatement.

"[T]his problem might only occur in temperatures below 0 degrees Fahrenheit and would go away as soon as the interior of the car reached a temperature above 0 degrees," Hyundai's Jim Trainor said. 

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will correct ODS software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on June 5, 2015.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 129.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 204,768 model year 2008-2010 Elantra vehicles manufactured June 1, 2008, to April 30, 2010, and 2009-2010 Elantra Touring vehicles manufactured November 1, 2008, to April 30, 2010.

The electronic power steering (EPS) electronic control unit (ECU) may sense a discrepancy in the steering input signals and, as a result, disable the steering power assist. If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will verify the proper operation of the Electronic Power Steering and update the EPS control unit, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 127.

Hyundai plans to bring some heavy iron to North America. The Korean automaker says it is investing nearly $2 billion on a major offensive to introduce commercial vehicles in the United States and elsewhere.

The move is partly in response to falling oil prices. Hyundai and its sister brand Kia produce mostly smaller cars and crossovers that deliver good gas mileage, Automotive News reported. As the price of gas has fallen in the U.S., so have Hyundai and Kia sales.

Next to China, the U.S. is Hundai's biggest overseas market, so reversing the falling sales trend is a high priority.

Hyundai and Kia combined hold the No. 5 spot among global automakers but have never been big players in the commercial market, which encompasses vans, trucks and buses. 

Hyundai now says it will invest $363 million to raise its commercial truck production in Korea by 2020, with some models bound for North America and Europe.

Hyundai started making heavy-duty trucks in China last year for the Chinese market and plans to start building light commercial vehicles at its plant in Turkey for export to Western Europe, Automotive News said.

In the U.S., Hyundai and Kia are prominent in the compact market and Hyundai has been actively promoting its hybrids and its hydrogen fuel cell car, now plying the freeways in Southern California. 

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 208 1.6 liter model year 2015 Sonata vehicles manufactured August 29, 2014, to October 28, 2014.

The vehicles may have been assembled with an incorrect left axle shaft which may result in the shaft separating from the transaxle differential. If the left axle shaft separates from the transaxle, the vehicle may stop moving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Additionally, a separated axle shaft may allow the vehicle to roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.

Hyundai will notify owners, dealers will inspect and replace the axle shaft, as necessary, free of charge.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 126.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 42,925 2009-2011 Hyundai Genesis vehicles manufactured April 30, 2008, to November 21, 2010, and 2011 Hyundai Equus vehicles manufactured July 31, 2010, to November 21, 2010.

Due to a circuit failure, the stop lamps in the affected vehicles may not illuminate. A following vehicle may not recognize that the vehicle is slowing or coming to a stop if the stop lamps do not illuminate as expected, increasing the risk of a rear-end crash as a result.

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will repair the stop lamp switch circuit, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-714-865-3920. Hyundai's number for this recall is 125.

Hyundai Motor Company is recalling 61,122 model year 2007-2012 Veracruz vehicles manufactured from December 26, 2006, through July 24, 2012.

The affected vehicles may experience an oil leak from the front cylinder bank valve cover gasket. A sufficient amount of oil dropped onto the alternator, could damage it, causing the charging system to become inoperative.

Should that happen, the charging system warning lamp in the instrument cluster will illuminate, and the engine will lose power and the vehicle will eventually stop operating while being driven, increasing the risk of a crash.

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect/repair or replace the alternator and the front valve cover gasket, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin by the end of September 2014.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 121.

Hyundai Motor Company is recalling 5,650 model year 2015 Sonata vehicles manufactured April 25, 2014, through June 16, 2014.

Due to a manufacturing error, one or both of the front brake calipers may fracture. A fracture would reduce brake effectiveness, lengthening to distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Hyundai contacted the affected owners on June 19, 2014 and instructed them not to drive their vehicles. Hyundai dealers will replace the affected brake calipers, free of charge.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 120.

Hyundai Motor Company is recalling 2,138 model year 2015 Sonata vehicles manufactured May 2, 2014, through May 23, 2014.

A poor connection within the vehicle's wiring harness may result in a reduction of steering assist from the vehicle's motor driven power steering system or the inability to move the vehicle's shifter from the Park position. The reduction of power steering assist can increase the steering effort needed, increasing the risk of a crash.

Hyundai has notified dealers to suspend sales of affected Sonata vehicles and published recall bulletin 14-01-024 providing a service procedure to repair the affected vehicles. On June 7, 2014 Hyundai began to contact the affected retail customers.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 119.

Hyundai Motor Company is recalling 35,000 model year 2010-2012 Elantra Touring vehicles manufactured December 15, 2009, through May 7, 2012.

The affected vehicles have a support bracket attached to the headliner that may become displaced during a side curtain airbag deployment. If the headliner support bracket makes contact with an occupant during a crash, it may cause a laceration injury.

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will apply adhesive strips to the headliner, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin by mid-August 2014.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 117.

Hyundai Motor Company is recalling 137,500 model year 2011-2014 Hyundai Tucson vehicles manufactured January 3, 2011, through December 23, 2013.

The air bag assembly installed in the steering wheel in the affected vehicles may come loose from its mounting, which could increase the risk of injury to the driver in the event of a crash.

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts that secure the driver's air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin by the end of June 2014.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 118.

Hyundai is recalling 28 model year 2014 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured November 5, 2013, through November 15, 2013, and equipped with P235/65R17 103T Continental Crosscontact LX tires.

The tires may have a damaged sidewall, which may result in a separation between the belt edges. That could cause tread detachment or rapid air loss, increasing the risk of a crash.

Hyundai notified dealers to suspend sales of affected Santa Fe Sport vehicles equipped with the P235/65R17 103T tires, and replace them with alternative tires. All affected vehicles were remedied prior to retail sale.

Owners may contact Hyundai Customer Care Center at 1-800-633-5151.

Hyundai America Technical Center is recalling 15,500 model year 2007-2008 Hyundai Entourage vehicles manufactured from February 16, 2006, through June 30, 2008 and sold in, or currently registered in, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Wisconsin, Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Rhode Island, West Virginia and the District of Columbia.

In the affected vehicles, the front lower control arms may fracture due to corrosion resulting from exposure to road salt and water. A fractured control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the degree of corrosion of the front lower control arms, and will either rustproof or replace them, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in December 2013.

Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151 or by email at consumeraffairs@hmausa.com. Hyundai's recall number is 115.

Hyundai is recalling 43,500 model year 2009-2012 Genesis vehicles manufactured April 30, 2008, through March 28, 2012.

The vehicles may contain brake fluid which does not protect against corrosion of the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU). If the module corrodes, reduced brake effectiveness may result, increasing the risk of a crash.

Hyundai will notify owners and instruct them to bring their vehicle to a dealer for service, where the HECU module will be inspected for proper operation, and replaced if necessary. Hyundai also will replace the factory brake fluid in those vehicles that have not previously had the factory brake fluid replaced. These repairs will be done free of charge. The recall is expected to begin by the end of December 2013.

Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151 or by email at consumeraffairs@hmausa.com. Hyundai's recall number is 114.

Hyundai is recalling 20,300 model year 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles manufactured July 13, 2012, through March 12, 2013; and equipped with 2.4 liter engines.

Due to a manufacturing issue, the right front axle shaft may fracture. A fractured front axle may result in a loss of power to the wheels. Additionally, if the vehicle is parked without the parking brake applied, it may roll away. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle shaft assembly, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in August 2013.

Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall number is 112.

The Hyundai Santa Fe is not without its peculiarities. Consumers complain of everything from the sunroof flying off to sudden suspension failure.

This time around, it's failure of the right-front axle shaft that's drawing consumer complaints and regulators' attention. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says it has opened a preliminary investigation into the problem, which was reported by two Santa Fe owners who had less than 5,000 miles on their SUVs at the time of the incidents.

Besides the complaints from consumers, NHTSA said its review of information submitted by Hyundai found field report data connected to the alleged defect. 

The investigation could affect an estimated 50,000 Santa Fe SUVs. 

Last October, NHTSA began investigating a "complete loss of steering" in the Santa Fe, a problem apparently caused by a loose bolt. The agency said it received a complaint from a driver about the problem and Hyundai said it had received a similar complaint.

At last word, that investigation was still underway. It's not unusual for preliminary investigations, which can eventually lead to a recall, to continue for months. 

More than 200,000 Santa Fes were recalled in July 2012 to fix an airbag problem. 

"Hyundai will, of course, take any actions necessary to ensure the safety of our customers if the information gathered during the investigation indicates that action is appropriate," a Hyundai spokesman said, according to Reuters. 

The flying sunroof was reported by Nicole of Columbia, SC.

"I have an 07 Hyundai Santa Fe and the sunroof piece completly flew off the car on the highway," she said in a report to ConsumerAffairs last month. "[The] rim around the roof opening had water damage and rust."

She said Hyundai was refusing to cover the problem since she had over 60,000 miles on the car when the incident happened.

Problems don't affect sales

The safety problems don't seem to have much effect on sales of the popular South Korean brand. Hyundai said last week said it had sold 65,007 units, up two percent versus the same period in 2012 and up one percent the first six months of the year.

“June was another record-breaking sales month for us in what has been a strong first half of the year,” said Dave Zuchowski, executive vice president of national sales. “We clearly felt the impact of the summer selling surge and our improved availability of award-winning vehicles was perfectly timed. Important third-party accolades, such as Genesis taking J.D. Power’s trophy for highest initial quality in the midsize premium car segment and the all-new Santa Fe being named Automobile Magazine’s Family Crossover for 2013, also continue to build strong momentum for our brand.”

“With all of our plants continuing to operate at maximum capacity, sales of the U.S.-built Elantra soared 26 percent over June 2012,” said John Krafcik, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America. “Our Hyundai Assurance Connected Care program, now free for three years on most Hyundai models, continues to draw customers to our website and showrooms.”

Hyundai Motor Company is recalling 5,200 model year 2012-2013 Azera vehicles manufactured May 22, 2012, through November 23, 2012.

The occupant detection system may fail to properly differentiate whether the front passenger seat occupant is an adult, a child or a child restraint seat. If the occupant is incorrectly classified, the airbag may deploy during a crash with greater or lesser appropriate force, increasing the risk of injury.

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will recalibrate the airbag system. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Hyundai's recall number is "Campaign 111."

Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-734-337-9499.

Hyundai Motor Company is recalling 186,254 model year 2011-2013 Elantra vehicles manufactured from November 12, 2010, through March 05, 2013.

A support bracket attached to the headliner may become displaced during a side curtain airbag deployment, possible causing a laceration injury.

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will apply adhesive strips to the headliner, free of charge. A remedy is expected to be available in May 2013.

Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.

The Hyundai Santa Fe has had a somewhat spotty safety record and now regulators say they're looking into a steering problem in the popular SUV.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says a fastener can come loose, causing the steering shaft to come part and drivers to lose control of the vehicle.

No accidents have been reported but NHTSA says it received a complaint from a driver about a complete loss of steering. Hyundai reports receiving a separate complaint about a similar problem, which it traced to a loose bolt.

The investigation covers about 70,000 Santa Fes from the 2011 model year and could lead to a recall. 

In July, Hyundai recalled more than 200,000 Santa Fe and Sonata models to fix a problem with the airbags. Safety regulators said the front passenger airbags of the Santa Fe models appeared to have improper occupant classification system, putting small-bodied people at risk. 

The airbag recall followed a class-action lawsuit filed in 2009 that alleged Hyundai's airbag sensors don't accurately distinguish between children and adults, increasing the chances that an airbag won't properly deploy in the event of an accident.

In 2008, NHTSA investigated reports of suspension failures in the Santa Fe, some at high rates of speed. Two consumers said their vehicle "nearly rolled over" following the suspension failure.

Hyundai is recalling more than 200,000 Santa Fe and Sonata models to fix a problem with the airbags.

The recalled Santa Fes were built between April 19, 2006, and July 7, 2008 and the Sonata sedans were manufactured from January 24 to June 21 this year.

Safety regulators said the front passenger airbags of the Santa Fe models appeared to have improper occupant classification system, putting small-bodied people at risk. 

Sensors for the side airbags of the Sonatas need to be reprogrammed because they may inflate without receiving a signal, increasing injury risks.

Dealers will make the repairs free of charge.

A class-action lawsuit filed this week claims that Hyundai's air bag sensors don't accurately distinguish between children and adults, increasing the chances that an airbag won't properly deploy in the event of an accident.

The suit, filed by Ohio residents Christopher and Nancy Kearney, says that the Kearneys' 2006 Sonata sedan automatically disabled the airbag when Nancy sat in the front seat, despite the fact that she weighs approximately 115 pounds.

Rob Carey, an attorney with Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro, said in a statement that Hyundai was aware of the problem but "failed to recall the cars and make certain the problem was fixed to ensure people are safe in the cars that Hyundai sold." Hyundai's actions "put thousands of consumers like the Kearneys at risk," Carey said.

Carey claimed that Hyundai received complaints about the problem years ago but failed to disclose it to consumers. The firm said it has received complaints from several Hyundai owners who said their cars' airbag systems deactivated after mistaking an adult -- one as heavy as 130 pounds -- for a child.

Overly cautious

Ironically, the defect may have resulted out of an abundance of caution in the wrong direction. The highest-profile airbag deaths over the past few decades have been those of children sitting in the front passenger seat when the airbags deployed. As of 1997, 49 children had been killed in such a situation, and another 19 had suffered serious injuries. Airbag weight sensors, which use the passenger's weight to determine whether an airbag should be deployed, were introduced in an effort to stem this trend.

But the downside may be that the sensors are too acute, and may mistake small adults for children. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notes on its website that "Many advanced frontal air bag systems automatically turn off the passenger air bag when the vehicle detects a small-stature passenger or child."

Newer technological advances allow airbags to adjust the speed and extent of their deployment depending on the size and weight of the driver or passenger. Some cars without rear seats, primarily trucks and sports cars, come equipped with an airbag "on/off switch," allowing passengers to completely disengage the airbag and minimize the risk of children passengers being injured or killed by the device. Certain individuals, such as those with medical conditions or who are especially short, can apply to NHTSA to have an aftermarket on/off switch installed.

The Kearneys' suit covers all Hyundai vehicles for model years 2006 through 2009, about 1.3 million cars in all. They allege breach of warranty, violation of the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, and violations of several California consumer protection laws.

A number of Hyundai owners have written to ConsumerAffairs.com to complain that of airbag defects similar to the Kearneys'. Dawn of Greensboro, NC wrote:

"Bought a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. Passenger side airbag does not register me. I am 5'3" 105 pounds. Took to both dealers and they state their is nothing they can do about. Tell me to restart car and sit perfect. DO that and it still does not work. So basically sit like a statue even when your driving on long trips? I told one dealership Hyundai has a huge lawsuit coming when someone dies for airbag not deploying. Currently awaiting for a part for drivers side airbag because right now that is not working either!"

The wife of Brian of Granite Falls, WA suffered severe injuries when her Sonata failed to deploy its airbag:

"My wife was driving toward an intersection when a F-250 Ford pickup came out of an alley way on her left, striking the drivers door of our 2009 Sonata, pushing the door & door pillar about a foot into the drivers sest at chest level totaling our car, (car had 5000 miles on it), no air bags deployed, the roof, rear door & quarter panel were also damaged. Hyundai said air bags worked properly? My wife has 8 broken ribs, had a collapsed lung, back & neck pain, two days in ICU, and one week in the hospital, was home eight weeks before she could go back to work part time, our medical insurance was used up in the emergency room, we have'nt received all the medical bills yet but am told will be in the hundred thousand range."

Despite the disturbing pattern alleged in the Kearneys' suit and in the above complaints, airbags' benefits still vastly outweigh their dangers. To minimize the risk of injury, it is imperative to buckle your seat belt and not sit too close to the steering wheel or dashboard.

In the first recall, about 150,000 2001 Elantras are being recalled to fix a problem with the front airbag sensor. The company said that if liquid is spilled in the cupholder on the central console, it could drip onto the airbag control module. As a result, airbags might not deploy during an accident.

Dealers will add a protective cover to correct the problem.

In the second recall, 2001-2002 Elantras are being recalled because of a potential problem with the side impact airbag wiring harness mounted under each front seat. Material placed under the front seats could cause the wiring harness to malfunction, which in turn could prevent the airbags from deploying during a crash.

Dealers will install new harness attachments and connector clips.

For more information, customers can contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at 1-888-327-4236 or go to www.safercar.gov.

Some models of the Hyundai Sonata can rust so severely along the sub-frame that the front wheels collapse or separate from the vehicle, according to reports from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

NHTSA has elevated an initial evaluation of rusting in the Korean made economy car to an "engineering analysis." The analysis could eventually lead to the recall of 197,906 Sonatas to repair the rusting frames.

The Hyundai Sonatas that are the focus of federal safety attention are the 1999 Sonata GLS, the 1999 Caribbean Sonata and the 1999 to 2004 Sonata.

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) at NHTSA has received 84 complaints from consumers about sub-frame rust in the Sonata. The agency reported that "approximately on-third of the complaints to ODI allege that the sub-frame corrosion resulted in a loss of control and or a vehicle disablement due to wheel collapse or separation."

There are two reports claiming Sonatas crashed because of the rusting sub-frame.

In the first report, the lower front control arm of the Sonata broke away from the frame of the car while the Korean car was traveling at 55 mph. The driver, according to the report, lost control of the vehicle and the Sonata came to rest in the yard of a house.

A second consumer claimed in a report to NHTSA, "that while driving around a slight curve at 65 mph on a freeway, the vehicle sub-frame fractured and the driver lost control of the vehicle and went off the road."

No injuries were reported to the federal safety agency in either of the crashes.

When NHTSA opened the initial inquiry of excessive rust on the Sonata sub-frame in April, the agency reported that some consumers had complained of "fist-sized holes in the frame" that could cause the suspension control arm to detach from the vehicle.

The failure could result in "wheel collapse or separation, half shaft detachment resulting in sudden vehicle disablement and or steering anomalies," NHTSA reported on its Web site. The federal agency also received reports of corrosion in the engine cradle and front cross-member of the Hyundai Sonata.

Most of the complaints arose in states where large amounts of salt are used on roads during snowy months, according to NHTSA.

The "salt belt" states according to NHTSA are Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia.

NHTSA said that "there appears to be an increasing trend in failures, with 10 reported so far in 2008, 19 in 2007, 11 in 2006 and 1 in 2005."

One consumer told NHTSA that his Sonata was so badly rusted the vehicle was declared a total loss by the insurance company after the lower control arm separated from the vehicle "causing the half-shaft to detach from the transmission."

A Maryland Sonata owner recently reported to ConsumerAffairs.Com that a Hyundai service technician noticed a softball-sized hole in the front right hand side of the sub-frame of their 2002 Hyundai Sonata GLS.

"I am afraid to drive this car," the Hyundai owner said.

Another consumer reported that the sub-frame on his Sonata is so badly rusted that the sub-frame needs to be replaced and the dealer will provide no assistance.

In Fairfax, Virginia, a consumer told us that his 2000 Sonata fell apart with the "sudden collapse of the right front suspension system," while he was in a parking lot.

Santa Fe

NHTSA is also investigating excessive rust and corrosion in the Hyundai Santa Fe. Federal safety investigators reported in July that they were examining consumer complaints of suspension failure, some at high rates of speed, in the 2001 model year Hyundai Santa Fe. The investigators want to know if the Santa Fe suspension rusts to the point of breaking.

Three people have reported to NHTSA that they lost control of their Santa Fe while traveling at speeds of 55 mph or more.

The safety agency investigation of the Santa Fe is still in the "preliminary evaluation" stage.

At least one report to ConsumerAffairs.Com demonstrates the urgent need for the safety evaluation. A Michigan woman reported that her Santa Fe is "rusted so bad underneath that the frame dropped down and caused a tire to blow."

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating airbag failures in the 2001 and 2002 Hyundai Elantra.

More than 150,000 of the economy-priced Korean sedans are covered by the investigation.

"The airbag system is susceptible to airbag light illumination and airbag non-deployment or inadvertent deployment from liquid contamination of the airbag control module," according to the NHTSA Web site.

The safety agency reported two fatalities occurred in crashes involving the Elantra when the airbag warning light was illuminated.

In a previous report earlier this year, NHTSA cited the results of the investigation of those deadly accidents.

"Post inspection and analysis indicate the airbag light had illuminated prior to the crash on both vehicles," NHTSA said on its Web site. In the first accident, "the center console covering the airbag control module was removed. The module and the main connector were covered with a brown sticky substance, possibly spilled liquid since the cup holders are positioned above the control module," according to NHTSA.

The NHTSA Web site reported that the "recovered fault codes indicate a prior short circuit condition that most likely would shut down the airbag control module," and prevent airbag deployment.

In the second fatal crash, NHTSA was told the airbag warning light had come on several months prior to the accident.

The safety agency and Hyundai have received 501 consumer complaints concerning the airbag system failures in the Elantra. The automaker has repaired the airbag system in 9,110 Elantra sedans under warranty claims, according to the NHTSA Web site.

The safety agency stated that it is also aware of "6 incidents of seat belt pretensioner and airbag deployments due to liquid spills," in the Elantra.

The owner of a 2002 Hyundai Elantra GLS in Hartford, New York reported a recent airbag warning light failure to ConsumerAfairs.Com.

The dealer told the Elantra owner that the "airbag system will not function" because the airbag module was no longer working. The airbag repair cost, paid by the consumer, was $560.

Other models

The Elantra is not the only Hyundai to experience an airbag failure according to a ConsumerAffairs.Com reader in Miami.

"Both of my daughters were involved in a roll-over accident in their 2006 Hyundai Tucson, he said. "The impact caused the Tucson to roll-over several times. None of the airbags deployed in the accident," he told ConsumerAffairs.Com.

"Thankfully, my daughters escaped with only minor injuries but I cannot believe not one airbag deployed given the severity of the accident," he said.

The Hyundai dealer told his Miami customer that the airbag failure was "a safety measure to reduce further injury."

A Canadian owner of a Hyundai Santa Fe also experienced an airbag warning light failure in his SUV. So far, the Hyundai dealer is unable to repair the warning light problem, he said.

Hyundai customers relations "ordered a new harness for wiring," the owner said but there is "no improvement."

The Canadian Hyundai owner is demanding the Korean automaker refund the money he paid for the Santa Fe and take the vehicle back.

"This vehicle has been faulty since its delivery to me, he said. "After 5 attempts to fix the vehicle even the service manager is at wits end."

Suspension failures

NHTSA is also investigating Hyundai vehicles for catastrophic suspension failure.

Federal safety investigators are examining consumer complaints of suspension failure, some at high rates of speed, in the 2001 model year Hyundai Santa Fe.

Two consumers reported to NHTSA that their vehicle "nearly rolled over" following the suspension failure.

The cause of the failures appears to be excessive corrosion in the vehicle suspension and federal safety investigators want to know if the Hyundai Santa Fe suspension rusts to the point of breaking.

NHTSA has received allegations that the subframe on the Hyundai Sonata can rust to the point of causing suspension failure as well.

The agency has received 40 consumer complaints about severe corrosion in the 1999 through 2002 model year Sonatas.

Consumers have reported "fist-sized holes in the frame" that can cause the suspension control arm to detach from the vehicle, according to federal safety investigators.

The result can be "wheel collapse or separation, half shaft detachment resulting in sudden vehicle disablement and or steering anomalies," according to the NHTSA Web site.

Hyundai is wrestling with an airbag problem in its 2004 Elantra sedan. The airbag's sensor system is designed to keep the airbag from deploying when there is a child in the front passenger seat.

The problem is it's also preventing airbag deployment when adults who weigh less than 150 pounds sit in the seat, unless they position themselves perfectly in the center.

In many cases, the problem manifests from Day 1.

"On the way home from the dealership the air bag light was intermittently going on and off, stating the passenger air bag is off," Rodney of Narrowburg, NY, said in a complaint to ConsumerAffairs.com.

Like many other purchasers, Rodney complained to his dealer.

"I was handed a technical service bulletin number 4-90-003 stating you must sit perfectly straight, upright, legs extended all the way forward in order for the air bag to be on. Well, with an adult in the seat over the specified weight you can not move at all. Lift a leg, move your butt, recline your seat at all and the air bag "off" light comes on.

A Hyundai spokesman said the only thing passengers not heavy enough to activate the airbag can do now is sit somewhere else. Other than that, Hyundai said all it can advise is that consumers take a long test drive -- with regular passengers sitting where they normally would -- before deciding to buy the car.

That response may not be quite enough.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it has opened an investigation into Hyundai's problem and response. The investigation could lead to a recall.