The Hyundai Motor group will be contacting the owners of certain 2017 Hyundai Ioniq and 2017 Kia Niro hybrids regarding a problem affecting the propulsion system.

According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, the subject vehicles may be equipped with a hydraulic clutch actuator with burrs along the inner housing. Over time, these burrs could cause damage to the inner oil seal and allow oil to accumulate in the phase cap area. This accumulation could result an electrical short and an increased risk of fire. If a short exists, drivers will be alerted through an illuminated HEV warning light.

Dealers will inspect the HCA caps for leaked oil and replace the HCA assembly as needed. For more information: Hyundai owners can call 1-855-371-9460. (Hyundai’s recall number is 176 and the NHTSA campaign number is 18V-260.) Kia owners can call 1-800-333-4542. (Kia’s recall number is SC163 and the NHTSA campaign number is 18V-257.)

Hyundai will be contacting owners of certain 2018 Santa FE midsize SUVs because of a problem affecting the steering system.

According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, temperature problems during the molding process could result in steering wheel hub assemblies with insufficient breakage strength. The steering wheel could completely separate from the steering column leaving the driver with no way of steering the vehicle.

Hyundai will be notifying owners to return to their dealers to have the production lot number of the steering wheel assembly inspected and replaced as necessary. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai’s number for this recall is 173 and the NHTSA campaign number is 18V-118.

Hyundai will be contacting a small number of 2017 Hyundai Ioniq owners regarding a defect affecting the Electronic Power Control Unit (EPCU) in their car. According to the defect report, the housing for the EPCU may contain small voids that could allow coolant to enter and contact the control unit’s circuit board. If this happens, the board could short and stall the vehicle.

Those receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealership to have the EPCU inspected and replaced as necessary. For more information about the problem, owners may contact Hyundai Customer Service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai’s number for this recall is 166 and the NHTSA campaign number is 17V-532.

Certain 2016 Hyundai Tucson vehicles equipped with a 7-speed EcoShift dual clutch transmissions could experience unexpected loss of engine power. According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, during higher ambient temperatures and specific operating conditions, the transmission clutch could experience a delay in engagement. If the driver presses the accelerator pedal steadily for approximately 1.5 to 2 seconds, the vehicle will begin to accelerate normally, however, if the accelerator pedal is repeatedly cycled, the vehicle will not move. Continue reading

The owners of certain 2015 Hyundai Genesis sedans will be contacted by the manufacturer regarding a problem affecting the instrument cluster readings. The affected vehicles may exhibit one or more of the safety related symptoms:

  • All warning lights may illuminate
  • Speedometer/tachometer/odometer readings are inaccurate
  • No cluster illumination
  • Turn signal indicators not illuminating when turn signals are activated
  • Momentarily inoperative instrument cluster

Those receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealers to have the instrument cluster software reprogrammed. Owners wanting more information about the problem are asked to contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai’s number for this recall is 147 and the NHTSA campaign number is 16V-575.

Hyundai will be asking the owners of certain 2016 Hyundai Tucson vehicles to return to their dealerships to repair a problem that could cause a dangerous driving situation. According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, the secondary hood latch may not adequately secure the hood. If the primary hood latch has been inadvertently released while the vehicle is being driven, the hood could unexpectedly open. Continue reading

Hyundai will be sending notices to certain 2011 Sonata owners instructing them to return to their dealership to fix a problem affecting the Electronic Power Steering (EPS). According to the defect report, a change in the manufacturing process of the protective coating on the circuit board in the EPS control unit could result in damage to the circuit board over time. If this happens, drivers may notice an illumination EPS warning lamp accompanied by a loss of steering assist and increased steering effort. Continue reading

Hyundai will be asking the owners of certain 2016-2017 Santa Fe vehicles to return to their dealerships to repair an electrical problem affecting the seat belt warning system. The subject vehicles use a front occupant seat belt buckle with an integrated switch to monitor the seat belt latch status. In some Santa Fe’s, the seat belt buckle harness could be damaged by the height adjuster mechanism. If this happens, there will be no audible signal or warning light that the seat belt is not fastened or the chime and indicator light will stay on even when the seat belt is buckled. Continue reading