Hyundai Recalls 40,000 Elantra HEVs for Software Snafu

A technological defect is making for a scary situation for some Hyundai drivers.

The Korean automaker is recalling roughly 40,000 Elantra hybrid sedans. A software error can cause the cars to accelerate after the brake pedal is released, Hyundai recently told federal regulators.

“The motor control unit (‘MCU’) software may detect a transmission/drive motor synchronization fault while driving triggering a ‘fail-safe’ condition that temporarily results in slow, unintended acceleration after release of the brake pedal,” Hyundai said in a defect notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “Service brake functionality is unaffected and remains fully operational.”

The company acknowledged that the problem could pose a serious safety risk to people in recalled vehicles and anyone else on the road with them.

“Unintended acceleration could increase the risk of a crash at certain vehicle speeds,” Hyundai told NHTSA.

The recall covers certain 2021-2023 Hyundai HEVs, which were produced between December 2020 and July 2023. 

Hyundai plans to notify owners of recalled cars via mail by October 17, the automaker told NHTSA. It will ask owners to bring their vehicles to local dealers for inspection and repairs.

Owners can also check the NHTSA website to see if their vehicles are included in the recall.

The carmaker claims that the vehicles are still safe to drive in the meantime.

“Owners can continue driving these vehicles as the vehicle’s brake systems are fully operational and effective in slowing the vehicle,” Hyundai said in the NHTSA defect notice. As an added level of protection, all affected vehicles are equipped with brake override systems as a standard feature.

Hyundai Safety Recalls Keep Coming

This is just one of several recalls that Hyundai - and sister company Kia - have announced this year.

The companies recently announced that they were calling back some 92,000 vehicles over fire risks, for example. They also urged owners to park their vehicles outside until they can be fixed.

Earlier this year, Hyundai said it was recalling 65,000 Genesis sport utility vehicles and sedans that the Korean automaker says are equipped with seatbelts that could unexpectedly explode.

Fortunately, Hyundai, Kia and other car owners in California do not need to wait around for recalls to get defective and malfunctioning cars fixed.

The California lemon law forces car manufacturers to perform a full range of repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also requires manufacturers to buy back (or replace, in some cases) vehicles that they are unable to or flat-out refuse to fix. 

There is no specific number of repair requests or attempts that must be made in order for the buyback requirement to kick in. An experienced California lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and explore your options.

Talk with a California Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a California lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney.