Hyundai Motor America issued a recall for 186,588 units of the 2015 to 2016 model year Elantra due to noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 401. The recall addresses a potential issue with the trunk latch pawl, which may become damaged when manually released in high-temperature conditions.
Production dates for the affected vehicles range from December 26, 2014, to December 22, 2015, with 135,074 units manufactured at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama and 51,514 units produced in South Korea.
The recall involves two trunk latch assembly part numbers, 81230-3X000 and 81230-3X010, manufactured by Daedong Hi-Lex Inc. Investigations were initiated in December 2022 following reports of trunk latch malfunctions that led to the identification of the issue.
The Technical Review Committee escalated the matter to the Hyundai Motor Company in South Korea, where a disparity in latch durability between models was discovered.
After a thorough investigation until February 2024, the North American Safety Decision Authority determined the necessity of a safety recall based on safety standards and numerous reports of trunk latch incidents.
Hyundai Motor America will replace the affected latch base sub-assemblies with improved materials, aiming to enhance thermal resistance.
Owners who incurred expenses for trunk latch repairs are eligible for reimbursement, and replacement procedures are expected to be completed by April 15. Owners can verify recall status through the automaker’s portal using their vehicle identification number (VIN).
