Hyundai vehicle recalled
Blog Recalls

Hyundai Recalls Over 113,000 Vehicles in Canada

Hyundai has issued two concurrent recalls affecting over 113,000 vehicles in Canada because of both concerns over engine wear and a short circuit with the brakes.

Date of recall: May 3, 2021

Vehicles affected

The first recall for the engine wear affects 60,968 vehicles in Canada, plus over 187,000 in the United States. All of the affected vehicles fall under these models:

  • Elantra (2019, 2020)
  • Kona (2019, 2020)
  • Veloster (2019, 2020, 2021)

The second recall for the braking short circuit affects 52,304 vehicles in Canada, including over 203,000 in the U.S. The only affected model to date is the 2013-15 Santa Fe Sport. 

Hyundai hasn’t reported any incidents related to either of these issues for any of the vehicles affected.

What’s the problem?

Engine wear can happen because of the engine’s piston oil rings, which may not have been heat-treated enough at the factory. That defect may lead to higher oil consumption, with an initial clue being an abnormal noise coming from the engine, or an oil pressure warning light turning on. It’s not good to keep driving this way because it could eventually lead to engine failure. The one catch is that the affected vehicles are all equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines.

The short circuit issue happens when brake fluid leaks into the anti-lock brake computer, or Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), which can cause a fire. As a result, owners are bring prompted to park their affected vehicles outdoors and away from any enclosed or flammable structures until the problem is fixed. 

This was a problem with the Santa Fe before, where there was a prior recall to resolve it. All vehicles repaired for that recall must also get this one fixed as well, according to Hyundai.

Hyundai has reported five fires related to the piston oil rings issue, along with 18 fires caused by the brake fluid leak. However, no injuries to any drivers or passengers.

What's the fix?

Hyundai will inspect the engine and potentially replace it entirely. Either way, dealers will also install piston noise-sensing software to ensure drivers notice any issues in case it happens again. 

Dealers will replace the fuse and, if necessary, the HECU as well to deal with the leaking brake fluid problem to avoid a short circuit.

What do you do?

Hyundai will notify affected owners in June with instructions on where to take their vehicles in for repair. 

Enter your Hyundai VIN at this link to learn more about this recall and find out if there are other Service Actions related to your vehicle.

Time for a new car?

Canada Drives is the nation's largest 100% online vehicle retailer with hundreds of certified used cars, trucks, and SUVs to choose from. Shop, finance, purchase and even trade-in your current vehicle completely online. We'll even deliver your new car to your doorstep as soon as today!

Every vehicle in the Canada Drives inventory has completed a 150-point inspection, includes a free CARFAX vehicle history report, comes with a no-charge 30-day/1,500km warranty, and is covered by a 7-day Love It Or Return It money-back guarantee!

Visit Canada Drives to discover some of the best car deals in The True North.

More content about

The Easiest Way to Buy or Sell a Car