Multiple Hyundai recalls for brake lamps and rust issues affect nearly 1M units
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Hyundai have initiated recalls on 963,305 vehicles as part of four separate campaigns. The first recall, blanketing over one half million late-model vehicles, is nationwide. The other three recalls, all corrosion-related on older vehicles, are limited to the regions of the country where salt is used to de-ice roads in the winters.
The most widespread recall, affecting up to 531,894 2005-2008 Accent, Azera, Elantra, Entourage, Santa Fe, Sonata, Tucson, and Veracruz models, is NHTSA Campaign is focused on a malfunctioning stop lamp switch that may prevent brake lights from illuminating when the pedal is depressed (the same switch may also cause them to stay lit after the brakes are released).
The second recall, affecting up to 175,765 1999-2004 Sonata, XG300, and XG350 models, is NHTSA Campaign That recall, limited to America's so-called "Salt Belt" states, is centered around potentially excessive corrosion of the front sub-frame due to winter road salt applications. If unnoticed, the lower control arm may separate from its mount.
The third recall, affecting up to 170,610 2001-2003 Elantra and Tiburon models, is NHTSA Campaign
The fourth recall, affecting up to 85,036 2001-2003 Santa Fe models, is NHTSA Campaign Again limited to to the Salt Belt states, the recall is centered around the possible internal corrosion of the rear trailing arms in the vehicle's suspension.
In all four recalls, Hyundai dealers will inspect, repair, and replace defective or damaged parts at no cost to the owner. In some situations, rust-proofing material will be added to chassis areas to arrest the corrosion process. Owners of affected vehicles may contact Hyundai Customer Service at 1-800-633-5151, call the NHTSA Hotline at 1-888-327-4236, or visit SAFERCAR.GOV. Press releases after the jump.
[Source: NHTSA]
PRESS RELEASES:
Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
HYUNDAI / ACCENT 2006-2007
HYUNDAI / AZERA 2007
HYUNDAI / ELANTRA 2007
HYUNDAI / ENTOURAGE 2006-2007
HYUNDAI / SANTA FE 2007
HYUNDAI / SONATA 2006-2007
HYUNDAI / TUCSON 2005-2007
HYUNDAI / VERACRUZ 2007-2008
Manufacturer: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY Mfr's Report Date: APR 14, 2009
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V122000
PE09003
NHTSA Action Number: PE09003
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:SWITCHES:BRAKE LIGHT
Potential Number of Units Affected: 531894
Summary:
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 531,894 MY 2006-2007 ACCENT, ENTOURAGE, SONATA, MY 2007 AZERA, ELANTRA AND SANTA FE, MY 2005-2007 TUCSON AND MY 2007-2008 VERACRUZ VEHICLES. THE STOP LAMP SWITCH IN THE AFFECTED VEHICLES MAY MALFUNCTION. A MALFUNCTIONING STOP LAMP SWITCH MAY CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED OR MAY CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS RELEASED. A STOP LAMP SWITCH MALFUNCTION MAY AFFECT THE OPERATION OF THE BRAKE-TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK FEATURE SO THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO BE SHIFTED OUT OF PARK POSITION. IT MAY ALSO CAUSE THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) MALFUNCTION LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE, AND IT MAY NOT DEACTIVATE THE CRUISE CONTROL WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED.
Consequence:
THESE MALFUNCTIONS MY LEAD TO A CRASH.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STOP LAMP SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.
Notes:
HYUNDAI RECALL NO. 092. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .
# # #
Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
HYUNDAI / SONATA 1999-2004
HYUNDAI / XG300 2001-2004
HYUNDAI / XG350 2001-2004
Manufacturer: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY Mfr's Report Date: APR 14, 2009
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V124000
EA08016
NHTSA Action Number: EA08016
Component: SUSPENSION
Potential Number of Units Affected: 175765
Summary:
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 175,765 MY 2001-2004 SONATA AND MY 2001-2004 XG300 AND XG350 VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF 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. DURING WINTER MONTHS, LARGE QUANTITIES OF SALT ARE USED TO DE-ICE ROADS IN THE SALT BELT STATES. ROAD SALT MAY RESULT IN INTERNAL CORROSION OF THE FRONT SUB-FRAME THAT IS PROGRESSIVE AND MAY RESULT IN THINNING OR PERFORATION OF THE SUB-FRAME STEEL. THE CORROSION IS FREQUENTLY VISIBLE AND OFTEN DISCOVERED DURING INSPECTION OR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. YOU MAY ALSO HEAR NOISES OR NOTICE TIRE MISALIGNMENT AND STEERING PULL. THESE ARE INDICATIONS YOUR VEHICLE SHOULD BE SERVICED. IF THESE SIGNALS ARE UNDETECTED OR UNHEEDED, THE CORROSION MAY PROGRESS AND THE FORWARD MOUNTING OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM MAY DETACH FROM THE SUB-FRAME. IF THAT HAPPENS, THE VEHICLE MAY LOSE DRIVER POWER TO THE WHEELS. THE FRONT WHEEL MAY MAKE CONTACT WITH THE FENDER OR WHEEL WELL.
Consequence:
SEPARATION OF THE FORWARD MOUNTING OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL MEASURE THE THICKNESS OF THE FRONT SUB-FRAME AND INSPECT THE FRONT SUB-FRAME FOR CORROSION DAMAGE IF NECESSARY THE FRONT SUB-FRAME WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW SUB-FRAME THAT INCORPORATES ADDITIONAL HOLES IN THE UPPER AND LOWER PANELS. IF THE FRONT SUB-FRAME DOES NOT REQUIRE REPLACEMENT, THE DEALER WILL ADD DRAINAGE HOLES TO THE SUB-FRAME AND WILL TREAT THE SUB-FRAME WITH RUST-PROOFING MATERIAL TO ARREST THE CORROSION PROCESS. THIS PROCEDURE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.
Notes:
HYUNDAI RECALL NO. 089. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .
# # #
Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
HYUNDAI / ELANTRA 2001-2003
HYUNDAI / TIBURON 2003
Manufacturer: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY Mfr's Report Date: APR 14, 2009
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V125000
PE09011
NHTSA Action Number: PE09011
Component: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM
Potential Number of Units Affected: 170610
Summary:
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 170,610 MY 2001-2003 ELANTRA AND MY 2003 TIBURON VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF 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. DURING WINTER MONTHS, LARGE QUANTITIES OF SALT ARE USED TO DE-ICE ROADS IN THE SALT BELT STATES. ROAD SALT MAY RESULT IN INTERNAL CORROSION AND THINNING OF THE STEEL IN THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS. THE CORROSION MAY PROGRESS TO THE POINT WHERE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM'S UPPER AND LOWER PANELS BECOME PERFORATED. A PERFORATED FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM MAY FRACTURE BETWEEN ITS BALL JOINT ATTACHMENT AND THE FORWARD AND REARWARD PIVOT ATTACHMENTS TO THE CHASSIS. THIS COULD AFFECT YOUR CONTROL OVER THE TIRE AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY.
Consequence:
REDUCED CONTROL OF THE FRONT WHEEL DIRECTION MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS FOR CORROSION DAMAGE. IF SPECIFIED LEVELS OF INTERNAL CORROSION DAMAGE ARE FOUND, THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS WILL BE REPLACED WITH NEW FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS INCORPORATING ADDITIONAL HOLES IN THE UPPER AND LOWER PANELS. IF THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS DO NOT REQUIRE REPLACEMENT, THE DEALER WILL ADD DRAINAGE HOLES TO THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND WILL TREAT THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS WITH RUST-PROOFING MATERIALS TO ARREST THE INTERNAL CORROSION PROCESS. THESE PROCEDURES WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2009 OWNER MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.
Notes:
HYUNDAI RECALL NO. 091. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .
# # #
Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
HYUNDAI / SANTA FE 2001-2003
Manufacturer: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY Mfr's Report Date: APR 14, 2009
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V123000
EA08023
NHTSA Action Number: EA08023
Component: SUSPENSION:REAR
Potential Number of Units Affected: 85036
Summary:
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 85,036 MY 2001-2003 SANTA FE VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF 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. DURING WINTER MONTH, LARGE QUANTITIES OF SALT ARE USED TO DE-ICE ROADS IN THE SALT BELT STATES. ROAD SALT MAY RESULT IN INTERNAL CORROSION OF THE REAR TRAILING ARMS, WHICH COULD LEAD TO THINNING OR PERFORATION OF THE REAR TRAILING ARM STEEL. THE CORROSION IS PROGRESSIVE AND OCCURS OVER TIME. YOU MAY SEE OR FEEL SLIGHT TO MODERATE CHANGES IN VEHICLE OPERATION WHICH WILL INCREASE IF THE VEHICLE IS NOT REPAIRED. THESE CHANGES INCLUDE A LOWERING OF VEHICLE HEIGHT THAT CAN LEAD TO TIRE MISALIGNMENT AND STEERING PULL. YOU MAY ALSO NOTICE A CREAKING SOUND. IF THE CORROSION IS ALLOWED TO PROGRESS, THE REAR TRAILING ARM MAY FRACTURE WHILE DRIVING.
Consequence:
THE DEFORMATION AND LOSS OF STRUCTURAL RIGIDITY OF THE REAR TRAILING ARM MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR TRAILING ARMS FOR INTERNAL CORROSION DAMAGE. IF SPECIFIED LEVELS OF CORROSION DAMAGE ARE FOUND, THE REAR TRAILING ARMS WILL BE REPLACED. REAR TRAILING ARMS THAT DO NOT REQUIRE REPLACEMENT WILL HAVE DRAINAGE HOLES ADDED AND WILL BE TREATED WITH RUST-PROOFING MATERIAL TO ARREST THE CORROSION PROCESS. INSPECTION, TREATMENT AND REPLACEMENT PROCEDURES WILL BE CONDUCTED AT NO COST TO OWNERS. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI AT CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.
Notes:
HYUNDAI RECALL NO. 090. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Azael 2:29PM (4/20/2009)
Faulty brake lights? Damn thats dangerous.
Reply
Hamud 2:53PM (4/20/2009)
It can be really dangerous. The rear break lights grabs your attention, without it you may only notice that the car in front of you is stoping when it's too late.
Anyway, nice they didn't wait until all cars where rusting to the chassis to make the recall...
Ligor 4:06PM (4/20/2009)
as pointed non working brake light can cause rear-end accidents
and the rust issue is a big concern. A frined of mine has a Sonata (2003) and already had to replace from his pocket the rusted arms. he did that at about 102k miles.
I guess he can now go back and ask for his money, except he did all the work so he may not get much except maybe piece cost.
asng15 3:55AM (4/21/2009)
seems like korean is too hurry to compete with japanese, just by hiring some retired european designer is not gona help, you need to have your own stuff..........
OH by te way korean think they are europeans anyway
mapoftazifosho 2:32PM (4/20/2009)
GOD! Why can't these American companies stop making such crap cars?! Oh, it's a Korean automaker...oh, well it's probably no big deal...
Reply
Randy 2:34PM (4/20/2009)
I thought you were Sea Urchin for a moment! ;)
merlot066 6:38PM (4/26/2009)
LMAO, THANK YOU FOR SAYING THAT!!!
Franz 2:32PM (4/20/2009)
Damn, Hyundai... that's a pretty big recall right there. For some potentially dangerous problems too.
Reply
Randy 2:33PM (4/20/2009)
What a shame! They were on such a role...
Reply
Seminole 2:42PM (4/20/2009)
Roll?
Randy 7:22PM (4/20/2009)
You know... As I typed that I said "that's wrong" and I hit the "add comment button" anyway figuring I'd get away with it...
Guess not! D'oh :)
Luis 2:42PM (4/20/2009)
No big surprises here. And no, it's not a shame. No one makes perfect cars, no matter what Hyundai *gasp* "fanboys" want to believe.
Reply
Jamesology 3:28AM (4/21/2009)
Okay let me get this straight, ......
....... there are Hyundai Fanboys? Why? I mean..... seriously why Hyundai?
But then again at least its not one of them Chinese Brands or a Ford!
Tang 2:45PM (4/20/2009)
Is 4/20 the new Automotive Recall Day?
Reply
Chris 2:45PM (4/20/2009)
RUST??? That is pretty ridiculous in this day and age.
Reply
MajorGeek 2:51PM (4/20/2009)
Come to New York where we pour salt, yes SALT on the roads and tell me that again :) Were not the only snowy area that does either. Its always pleasant for me to drive to nice weather areas and see how clean and rust free their cars are.
akboss302 3:14PM (4/20/2009)
New York is the tropics compared to Northern Ontario. Winter is 4-6 months, and salt is still the main tool for melting snow covered or iced roads. Cars have a hard life up here, and I would really like to know some stats on what cars are most impervious to rusting, because it obviously isn't my Mazda Protege5. I think proper rust proofing from Day 1 is about the best solution, as well as the newer electronic rust prevention devices. But there's nothing quite like the disappointment when spotting that first rust pucker on a newer car. I'd be even more pissed if it was a $40K Genesis!
Chris 5:56PM (4/20/2009)
I'm in Connecticut and they use liquid salt on the roads....and knowing that I take my car to the car wash and get it washed periodically.
Neither me nor my family has had a car rust anywhere since the 70's....not on the body or undercarriage.
Hyundai is taking shortcuts, apparently.
I'll still take a Genesis Coupe though and take my chances.
Taglane 2:46PM (4/20/2009)
awww. Come on, Hyundai.
Reply
Judy Zik 2:50PM (4/20/2009)
Where is the corresponding Kia recall? If it effects the Entourage it has to effect the Sedonna.
Btw having the trailing arm on your Santa Fe snap on the highway is a heck of a lot more serious than you are making it sound.
I find it a bit bizzare that a company is forced to recall virtually their entire lineup all on the same day for multiple issues. I also find it a bit suspect that all three issues were identified at the same time. It smells a bit like the Japanese defect coverup of a few years ago. Hyundai just took a big drop in my view (and I actually thought a lot of them).
Reply