Just like Japanese cars, Korean cars have also gained popularity in the U.S. market. Some Korean cars have even been known to outperform most European sports cars. In addition, Korean cars are also known for their cool Easter eggs.
Among the most prominent Korean automakers is Hyundai who is known for its sedans, SUVs, and its luxury car brand, Genesis. What most people don’t realize, however, is that certain year models of Hyundai cars may come with serious problems. Just to give you a better idea, here are reasons to avoid buying used Hyundai vehicles if you like Korean cars:
10 Seatbelt Links That May Detach Without Warning
Hyundai became aware of the issue in September 2016 after a customer informed the company that the front passenger seat belt of a 2013 Sonata detached following a frontal collision. The findings after the vehicle inspection were said to be inconclusive. However, just a few months later, Hyundai received another report with similar claims.
According to the manufacturer's notice, it is possible that there was an issue during the assembly of the affected vehicles. These include 2011 to 2014 models of the Sonata and 2011 to 2015 models of the Sonata Hybrid.
9 Stop Lamp Switch Failure
This problem was caused by certain issues in the vehicle assembly. According to the defect notice, it is possible that some deformed stop lamp switches were installed in the affected vehicles. Moreover, there are also stop lamp switches that can experience sticking of the switch plunger within the threaded hollow shaft.
In addition, it was also found that switches in the affected Sonata models may have been wrongly adjusted during the installation process. Aside from this, the switches installed in affected Veracruz models may have been installed with very tight clearance, interfering with the switch assembly.
8 Sunroof Panel That Can Detach
Back in 2016, Hyundai had received a report regarding a sunroof panel that detached from the vehicle. More reports claiming sunroof detachment were also received shortly after. The company later found that there may be insufficient bonding of the wind deflector anchor plate in the affected vehicles.
Because of this, it is possible for the car’s sunroof panel to detach. This can increase the risk of the crash. In addition, the detached panel can also become a road hazard for other motorists. The affected cars include the 2015 to 2016 models of the Sonata and Sonata Hybrid.
7 Headliner Support Brackets That Can Cause Lacerations
In the case of a side-impact, there is a chance that the strengthening metal bracket that is attached to the headliner would become dislodged and travel in the same direction as the occupant. And in case this happens as the side airbag deploys, there is also a chance that the occupant would suffer from injuries.
The affected vehicles were identified as the 2010 to 2012 models of the Elantra Touring. According to the defect notice, a 2010 Elantra Touring was found with a deployed side curtain airbag and dislodged metal support bracket in the salvage yard.
6 Parking Brake Lever That May Not Engage
According to a copy of the defect and noncompliance notice, Hyundai became aware of this issue after performing a warranty parts analysis of the replaced parking brake lever assemblies among Korean market cars after the company found damage in the parking brake lever ratchet teeth.
When this part is damaged, it may be impossible to engage the parking brake. Even worse, it can also cause the parking brake to be released after being engaged. This might cause the car to roll away without warning. The affected cars include 2005 Tucson.
5 ABS Module That May Short Circuit And Start A Fire
In October 2017, Hyundai Motor America received a report regarding a 2007 Elantra that caught on fire in the engine compartment. The investigation found several fuses related to the car’s ABS module that was open. This indicated the possibility of a short circuit. The investigation also found two other reports of engine compartment fire in Elantra cars.
It was later found that the ABS module in the affected cars would remain energized even when the car is turned off. And if moisture enters the module, the electrical circuit of the ABS may short circuit.
4 Fuel Tank Assembly That Fails To Close Properly
The issue was discovered following a frontal barrier impact test conducted by Transport Canada on an XG 350. During the test, some fuel spillage occurred. Following the test, Hyundai evaluated the test vehicle and found some installed valves may easily allow for fuel to spill. And if this happens near an ignition source, there is a chance that a fire would occur.
The affected cars include 2002 to 2003 models of the Sonata, Elantra, XG 350, and Tiburon. This amounts to more than 260,000 vehicles.
3 Sudden Electronic Stability Control Malfunction
A malfunction in the sensor of the electronic stability control in the affected cars may cause a sudden application of brakes on one or more of the car’s wheels. In addition, it is also possible for the engine power to be reduced without warning, making the car unsafe to drive and increasing the risk of a crash.
Hyundai first became aware of this issue after receiving reports of intermittent activation of the Electronic Stability control system in certain cars. The affected vehicles include the 2011 to 2012 models of the Elantra.
2 Fuel Tanks That May Leak Fuel Without Warning
According to a copy of the defect and noncompliance notice, a production operator at Hyundai’s fuel tank supplier noticed that the wall thickness of the fuel tank was below specification.
It was later determined that this occurred due to a failure to clean the molding equipment after several unexpected shutdowns in the production facility. Because of this, fuel spillage may occur and cause a fire if there is a nearby ignition source. The affected model was identified to be the 2007 Santa Fe.
1 Unexpected Loss Of Power Steering
This problem was discovered in March 2015 when Hyundai began investigating warranty claims related to the steering column of the Sonata. It was later determined that there was an issue in the manufacturing process, particularly in the production of the printed circuit board for the affected car’s EPS Control Unit.
As the car is driven over time, the circuit board could sustain damage and lead to a failure of the car’s steering assist. When this happens, more effort may be needed to control the vehicle. Only the 2011 Sonata is said to be affected by this issue.