Hyundai initiates recall for Elantra HEVs due to potential unintended acceleration

Hyundai Elantra recall overview: 

• Who: Hyundai Motor America recalled nearly 38,000 model year 2021-2023 Hyundai Elantra hybrid electric vehicles. 
• Why: The automaker initiated the recall over concerns the vehicles contain a software defect that could potentially cause a slow, unintended acceleration after the driver releases the brake pedal. 
• Where: The Hyundai recall affects consumers nationwide. 

Hyundai Motor America initiated a recall for nearly 38,000 model year 2021-2023 Hyundai Elantra hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) over concerns they are equipped with defective software that could potentially lead to a slow, unintended acceleration after the driver releases the brake pedal. 

The automaker estimates 1% of the recalled Hyundai Elantra HEVs are affected by the defect, which it warns could increase the risk of a crash “at certain vehicle speeds.”  

In a recall notice published Aug. 18, Hyundai says the recalled vehicles’ motor control unit software could “detect a transmission/drive motor synchronization fault” resulting in a “fail-safe” condition that causes unintended acceleration. 

Owners of recalled Hyundai Elantra HEVs told to continue driving vehicles 

Hyundai advised owners of the recalled Hyundai Elantra HEVs to continue to drive the vehicles because their brake systems “are fully operational and effective in slowing the vehicle,” according to the Hyundai recall. 

The automaker says it will notify affected vehicle owners by first-class mail with instructions on how they can bring the recalled vehicles to a Hyundai dealer to update the logic in their motor control units. 

“This remedy will be offered at no cost to owners for all affected vehicles, regardless of whether the affected vehicles are still covered under Hyundai’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty,” the Hyundai Elantra recall states. 

Hyundai was also in the news earlier this summer.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in June that a rash of thefts involving Hyundai and Kia vehicles does not meet its criteria for a nationwide recall. 

Are you impacted by the Hyundai Elantra HEV recall? Let us know in the comments.

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