2014 Hyundai Elantra

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

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

I was sold this car in July of 2025, and I was sold an extended warranty. I didn’t know about the recall, the recall caused engine failure so the warranty company refuses to pay for the new engine and Hyundai refuses to pay for the new engine even though the recall caused it and the dealership that sold it to me refuses to pay for the new engine even though they sold it to me with the open recall please help!

NHTSA ID

11769829

Incident

Jun 24, 2026

The contact owned a 2014 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and turned off with the contact seated inside the vehicle, there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle. The contact had previously been smoking a cigarette. The vehicle was idling high, and hesitating while accelerating with a weak battery. The battery warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the battery had melted. During a storm, there was a burst of wind followed by a cloud of smoke. The contact and a family member opened the hood and became aware that the engine compartment was on fire. The engine bay was engulfed in flames. The fire was extinguished with rainwater, a shower towel, and a fire extinguisher with assistance from bystanders. The fire department inspected the vehicle and determined that there was no evidence of foul play and that the fire originated from the engine compartment. A good Samaritan sustained burns while assisting. The contact and others reported inhaling toxic fumes or chemicals from the fire. The contact stated that the vehicle was a total loss, as there was no insurance coverage and the contact and her family were left without transportation and had to walk from the location of the fire. The contact referenced a thermal event involving the electrical system associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The local dealer had previously been made aware of the issue, but the claim was denied. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ID

11769808

Incident

Oct 1, 2026

Mileage

80,000 mi

I am reporting a failure I personally witnessed while servicing a 2014 Hyundai Elantra; I am not the vehicle owner. On September 24, 2026, at approximately 11 PM and approximately 124,160 miles, both stop/retaining tabs on the automatic transmission oil-level check plug broke during rotation while attempting to remove it for a fluid-level check. The plug continued turning, and I discovered the two broken tabs. I did not deliberately pry or manipulate the tabs. Photographs document the damaged plug and two detached pieces. I believe the plug may have a design or durability defect. My safety concern is that damaged retention features could compromise sealing, potentially allowing transmission-fluid loss and loss of propulsion. These are potential consequences, not events that occurred here. The failure occurred during stationary maintenance, not while driving. After service, the vehicle shifted normally and I observed no leakage. The plug was replaced with an OEM oil-level plug, part 45285-26100, obtained from a Hyundai dealership. The dealership parts invoice is dated September 25, 2026 and also lists gasket 45284-26100. Purchasing replacement parts does not constitute a dealer diagnosis. No manufacturer or independent expert determination of the failure cause has been obtained. I have submitted a complaint to Hyundai requesting technical review. Prior warning indications and availability of the original part for inspection: UNKNOWN. I request investigation of the plug retention design, durability, and adequacy of service instructions.

NHTSA ID

11767589

Incident

Sep 24, 2026

Component: Engine (oil intrusion cylinders 1, 2, and 4). Vehicle currently at Stevens Creek Hyundai, available for inspection upon request. Safety risk: Large volume of smoke while driving, reduced visibility, and risk of further engine damage while unresolved. Reproduced/confirmed: Yes. Independent mechanic (Liberti's Automotive, 7/13/26) documented oil entering cylinders 1, 2, and 4. Dealership's own inspection gave inconsistent findings after one week delay saying they do not have the tool to look at the engine, a week later first stating cylinders 1-3 "looked okay" with cylinder 4 unable to be checked due to a broken connector, later stating the engine looked "clean," then offering two conflicting theories: a possible fuel injector issue or an oil consumption issue requiring a 1,000-mile test, despite earlier being told the test wouldn't be needed since oil was already documented. Inspected by manufacturer: Yes, by authorized Hyundai dealer (Stevens Creek Hyundai). Not inspected by police or insurance. Warning lamps: None reported prior to the smoking incident. No written diagnostic report has been provided. Repair estimates: $6,000-$10,000 for the engine by depending on mechanic, $2,000 for the fuel injector by Dealer— far exceeding the vehicle's value ($2,900 CarFax, $500 as-is per dealership). Concerned this vehicle, despite completing the engine monitoring recall, still developed oil intrusion consistent with known Hyundai engine defects. Vehicle sat at dealership for over a week without a clear diagnosis or determination, remaining in an unresolved safety state longer than necessary.

NHTSA ID

11767496

Incident

Jul 13, 2026

I woke up to my neighbor banging on my door that my car was on fire. My car was in flames. The fire department had already been called. The entire front of my car as well as the interior was completely destroyed.

NHTSA ID

11760458

Incident

Jun 3, 2026

The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard, and the brakes made abnormal grinding sounds. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the front brakes, but the rear brakes were leaking brake fluid. The dealer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle back to the independent mechanic for the repair. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who replaced the rear brake calipers. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.

NHTSA ID

11752987

Incident

Jan 1, 2025

Mileage

52,000 mi

On XXX the vehicle stalled on a busy road, with no warning/ messages appearing until the car died. It was left at Dakota K Auto Repair in Buffalo Grove, IL the same day. They replicated the stalling issue four times, but were unable to diagnose the issue. The vehicle was then brought to Hyundai Auto Nation O'Hare in Des Plaines, IL on XXX. The vehicle stalled twice while they drove it. On XXX their diagnosis stated the timing chain system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to Arlington Performance Center in Arlington Heights, IL and on XXX they added there was also engine failure which needed replacement. The vehicle was purchased from Patrick Hyundai in [XXX] on XXX and has 101,876 miles on it. It is available for inspection. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11752043

Incident

Jul 5, 2026

I am writing to formally log a safety defect complaint regarding a severe mechanical failure in my 2014 Hyundai Elantra, equipped with the Nu 1.8L engine. The vehicle has been professionally diagnosed with severe internal engine knocking stemming from catastrophic piston slap, a manufacturing defect inherent to this engine family block that causes premature cylinder wall scuffing, piston ring degradation, and unmetered oil loss. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has previously acknowledged that manufacturing issues in Hyundai engine blocks can cause rotating internal components to fail, leading directly to sudden, un-alerted engine stalling at highway speeds, a severe and immediate safety hazard to drivers, passengers, and surrounding traffic. Despite this being a well-documented mechanical defect (originally addressed under the [XXX] , et al. v. Hyundai Motor America Class Action Settlement / Service Campaign TXXK), Hyundai Motor America is currently refusing to remedy this hazardous component. The manufacturer has repeatedly denied corporate assistance based strictly on an arbitrary calendar timeline (stating the vehicle has passed the 10-year settlement window). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11739387

Incident

Apr 29, 2026

Some Hyundai vehicles may be equipped with a parking distance warning (PDW) sensor(s) that may trigger various DTCs and display warning messages on the instrument cluster, resulting in the PDW sensor(s) failing to detect nearby objects or triggering multiple false alarms. This condition may be a result of external damage to the PDW sensor membrane or sensor cover from rock chips or road debris, a collision, or previous vehicle repairs or modifications.

Some vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin outlines the combustion chamber cleaning procedure for vehicles diagnosed with this condition. All internal combustion engines consume some engine oil during normal operation, depending on driving conditions and mileage, and this procedure should only be performed when deemed necessary based on inspection and diagnosis of the vehicle as outlined in TSB 26-EM-015H, Engine Oil Consumption – Inspection & Repair Guidelines, or the latest revision.

Certain vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin provides the inspection and repair procedures for vehicles exhibiting this condition. All internal combustion engines consume engine oil as part of normal engine operation. Oil consumption rates may vary based on mileage, operating conditions, driving habits, and maintenance history. Hyundai recommends following the prescribed maintenance schedule and periodically checking the engine oil level using the dipstick to maintain proper engine oil level.

The warranty coverage for the clock spring has been extended to 15 years with unlimited mileage from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use. Refer to the warranty and service parts information outlined in this bulletin whenever clock spring replacement is required.

The warranty coverage for the clock spring has been extended to 15 years with unlimited mileage from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use. Refer to the warranty and service parts information outlined in this bulletin whenever clock spring replacement is required.

The warranty coverage for the clock spring has been extended to 15 years with unlimited mileage from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use for original & subsequent owners.