Controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2026
Hyundai Tucson SUV Recall Over Fire Risk
Recall announced
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced the recall of 51,587 Hyundai Tucson SUVs from the 2022 to 2024 model years equipped with an optional Mobis tow hitch wiring harness. The harness may have been installed incorrectly, allowing water into the control module and potentially causing a short circuit and fire. Owners are advised to park outside until dealers replace the trailer wiring harness for free.
Stated objective. The inspection process aims to identify affected vehicles and ensure any necessary corrective action is taken without delay.
Company response
Recall — Hyundai
Remediation — Hyundai
Hyundai dealerships nationwide have been instructed to inspect vehicles and carry out any required remedial work if a faulty or incorrect sensor is identified.
Remediation — Hyundai
The solution will come in the form of a software update that fixes the bug behind the RSPA issue.
Source excerpt
Dealers will replace the trailer wiring harness for free.
The affected Tucson vehicles were sold nationwide in 2025 and may have been fitted with side-impact airbag sensors that do not meet the correct specifications.
The National Consumer Commission (NCC) is recalling 253 Hyundai Tucson NX4 vehicles over a potential side-impact airbag sensor defect.
2026
Hyundai to recall over 94,600 US vehicles over fire risk from overheating
Recall announced
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Hyundai is set to recall more than 94,600 vehicles in the United States. The recall is due to a fire risk associated with overheating. The event was reported on October 15, 2026.
Company response
Recall — Hyundai
Hyundai to recall over 94,600 US vehicles over fire risk from overheating, NHTSA says
Source excerpt
Hyundai to recall over 94,600 US vehicles over fire risk from overheating, NHTSA says
Hyundai has nine reports of fires but no injuries.
DETROIT (AP) — Hyundai is recalling more than 272,000 cars in the U.S. because the electrical socket in the dashboard can overheat and cause a fire.
2026
Hyundai recalls 94,622 vehicles over fire risk
Recall announced
Hyundai issued a recall covering 94,622 certain 2015–2016 Hyundai Genesis and 2017–2020 Genesis G80 sedans because a power seat control could overheat and potentially cause a fire. Hyundai also urged affected owners to park outside until a remedy is available.
Company response
Remediation — Hyundai
Hyundai is still working on developing a remedy for the seat control issue.
Refund or compensation — Hyundai
The automaker will also reimburse owners, when necessary, for out-of-pocket expenses incurred to obtain a solution to the recall problem.
Source excerpt
According to the documents, the recall covers some 2015–2016 Hyundai Genesis sedans and some 2017–2020 Genesis G80 sedans.
Hyundai is still working on developing a remedy for the seat control issue.
Hyundai issued a recall and a “Park Outside” warning for 94,622 vehicles that could catch fire, documents filed with NHTSA show.
2022
Hyundai faces backlash in India over Pakistan-linked tweet
Public backlash
In February 2022, Hyundai encountered public backlash in India after a provocative tweet posted by a Hyundai dealer associate in Pakistan. The tweet prompted angry reactions among Indian audiences, and some customers threatened to cancel their Hyundai car bookings. The event was reported as a social media controversy involving the automaker's brand in the Indian market.
A provocative tweet from a Hyundai dealer associate in Pakistan triggered angry reactions in India, where customers threatened to cancel their Hyundai car bookings.
Source excerpt
A provocative tweet put out by a Hyundai dealer associate in Pakistan caused a furious backlash in India and customers in India threatened to cancel their bookings for Hyundai cars.
2022
Hyundai faces backlash in India over Pakistan post on Kashmir
Public backlash
In February 2022, Hyundai faced public backlash in India after its Pakistan operation posted a message expressing solidarity with Kashmir. Social media users and political leaders called for a boycott of the brand, and some consumers said they had cancelled bookings. The controversy centred on the Kashmir-related post published by Hyundai's Pakistan operation and the reaction it drew in India.
Source excerpt
Leaders of the ruling BJP and the VHP reacted by calling for boycotts of Hyundai India via their verified Twitter handles.
Hyundai is facing massive backlash in India after the carmakers Pakistan arm released a controversial post on its official Twitter and Facebook account, announcing 'solidarity with Kashmir.'
2022
Hyundai faces boycott backlash in India over Kashmir-related posts
Public backlash
In February 2022, Hyundai faced backlash in India after social media messages from an account identifying itself as the official account for Hyundai Nishat Motor in Pakistan expressed support for the struggle for freedom in Kashmir. The posts prompted the hashtag #BoycottHyundai to trend on Twitter in India, reflecting public reaction to the Kashmir-related content attributed to the Pakistan-based dealer account.
Source excerpt
Facing backlash over social media messages in support of "struggle for freedom in Kashmir" by an account with handle @hyundaipakistanofficial, Hyundai India has said that it stands strong on its ethos of respecting nationalism.
Following this, #BoycottHyundai has been trending on Twitter in India.
2021
Hyundai confirms battery-replacement recall for electric vehicles
Recall announced
Hyundai confirmed a recall involving battery replacements for the Kona Electric, Ioniq EV and Elec City bus. The article reports that the recall covers 82,000 vehicles worldwide and cites an investigation finding the possibility of short circuits in certain defective battery cells produced at LG Energy Solution's Nanjing plant, leading to fires.
Source excerpt
The decision reflects findings from an investigation led by the Korean government, which has revealed the possibility of short circuits in certain defective battery cells produced in LG Energy Solution’s Nanjing plant leading to fires
LG Chem did not immediately return Roadshow’s request for comment on the recall, which covers 82,000 vehicles around the world.
Hyundai will recall the Kona Electric for all-out battery replacements.
2021
Hyundai announces recall of 100 imported Palisade vehicles in China
Recall announced
Hyundai Motor (China) Investment Co. announced a recall scheduled to begin on December 21, 2021, covering 100 imported Palisade vehicles. Contamination during production could cause brake master-cylinder seals to swell and reduce braking performance. The company said it would replace the brake master cylinder and brake fluid free of charge.
Stated objective. 消除安全隐患
Company response
Recall — 现代汽车（中国）投资有限公司
现代汽车（中国）投资有限公司将为召回范围内车辆免费更换制动总泵及制动油，以消除安全隐患。
Source excerpt
决定自2021年12月21日起召回以下车辆：
现代汽车（中国）投资有限公司将为召回范围内车辆免费更换制动总泵及制动油，以消除安全隐患。
2021
Hyundai and Genesis vehicles recalled over seat belt pretensioner issue
Recall announced
Hyundai and Genesis models were reported as being recalled because seat belt pretensioners from a suspect production lot may deploy abnormally in a crash, potentially sending metal fragments into the cabin and increasing the risk of injury. Hyundai had not determined the cause of the abnormal deployment.
Source excerpt
The South Korean car manufacturer says that front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioners were installed from a suspect production lot containing pyrotechnic-type pretensioners that may deploy abnormally during a crash.
Hyundai has yet to determine the cause of the abnormal deployment but says that the issue could cause metal fragments to enter the cabin during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to occupants.
A number of Hyundai and Genesis models are being recalled due to an issue with the seat belt pretensioners.
2021
Hyundai recalls 95,515 vehicles over engine-bearing defect
Recall announced
Hyundai recalled 95,515 vehicles in the United States, including 2017 Tucson and Sonata Hybrid models, because a manufacturing defect could cause premature connecting-rod bearing wear, potentially damaging the engine and causing an oil leak and fire. Hyundai said affected vehicles would be inspected and repaired or updated free of charge.
Company response
Remediation — 现代汽车
现代汽车表示，被召回的车辆更换部件以及升级系统等一系列程序都将免费提供
Source excerpt
在美国召回了95,515辆汽车，其中包括82,268辆2017款现代途胜和13,247辆2017款现代索纳塔混合动力车。在美国国家公路交通安全管理局发布的一份召回文件中，召回的原因是生产缺陷可能导致连杆轴承过早磨损。
2021
Hyundai recalls vehicles with potentially defective piston rings
Recall announced
Hyundai is recalling certain 2019–2021 vehicles equipped with 2.0-litre Nu MPI engines because piston rings may not have been properly heat-treated, potentially causing engine damage, oil leaks and fires. Owners will be notified and directed to a dealership for inspection; Hyundai says it will replace at-risk engines free of charge and update related software. The article reports five fires and no injuries according to NHTSA.
Company response
Remediation — Hyundai
If it's determined that the engine is at risk, Hyundai will replace the engine free of charge.
Source excerpt
Owners of these vehicles will be notified and directed to visit a Hyundai dealership for an engine inspection. If it's determined that the engine is at risk, Hyundai will replace the engine free of charge. Hyundai will also update software dealing with the Piston Ring Noise Sensing System.
The second recall involves certain 2019-2020 Hyundai Elantra, 2019-2021 Hyundai Kona, 2019-2021 Hyundai Veloster vehicles equipped with 2.0-litre “Nu” MPI engines.
The piston rings in these engines may not have been properly heat-treated. Engine damage can cause oil leaks and possible fires.
2021
Recall of Genesis sedans over ABS module fire risk
Recall announced
The NHTSA issued a recall affecting 94,646 Hyundai Genesis and Genesis G80 models and 552 Genesis G70 models because certain ABS modules could short and cause smoke or fire. The article reports three confirmed fires outside the United States and no confirmed crashes, injuries, or fires in America from the fault.
Source excerpt
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is issuing a recall of more than 95,000 Genesis sedans.
These can short, causing a significant overcurrent in the ABS modules, resulting in significant smoke or fire emanating from the engine bay.
94,646 Hyundai Genesis and Genesis G80 models produced between 2015 and 2020. The NHTSA has also extended the recall to 552 Genesis G70 models built between 2019 and 2021.
2021
Hyundai plans recall of electric vehicles over fire risk
Recall announced
Hyundai decided on a further recall of electric vehicles with a fire risk, including Kona Electric, IONIQ Electric and Elec City models. The planned recall is to begin on March 29, 2021, and is to replace the batteries in affected vehicles.
Stated objective. Replace the vehicles' batteries
Source excerpt
除召回Kona Electric全部车型以外，此次召回还包含5，716 现代 IONIQ Electric车型（韩国1，314和海外4，402）以及305 辆现代Elec City电动巴士（韩国302台，国外3台）。
本次召回将在2021年3月29日开始
经过深入研究后，现代汽车决定对有起火隐患的车型再次找回，此次召回将为这些产品更换全新的电池。
2021
Hyundai announces global recall of electric vehicles
Recall announced
Hyundai announced a global recall of 81,701 electric vehicles, including KONA, IONIQ and Elec City models, because battery-system components were found to have defects that could cause a short circuit and vehicle fire. The investigation into the precise cause was still ongoing.
Source excerpt
现代汽车24日宣布，由于电池系统组件存在缺陷，公司将从3月29日起，在全球范围内召回旗下KONA和IONIQ电动版等共8.1701万辆相关电动汽车
韩国国土交通部当天发布了对去年10月一辆KONA电动汽车在充电时起火事件的调查结果称，由LG能源解决方案公司（LG Energy Solutions Ltd.）在2017年9月至2019年7月生产的部分高压电池系统组件存在缺陷，可能会引起短路，从而引发车辆起火。
为了保护消费者权益，现代汽车和LG能源解决方案决定召回问题车辆
2021
Hyundai KONA EV catches fire after recall-related repair
Safety incident
A Hyundai KONA electric vehicle caught fire while charging in Daegu, South Korea, after it had been recalled the previous month and its battery-management system updated. Hyundai said it would investigate the cause after police evidence collection concluded; the cause had not yet been established in the report.
Company response
Investigation — 现代汽车
现代汽车方面则表示，由于目前韩国警方的现场取证工作仍在进行当中，其将于警方取证工作结束后，对起火原因进行详细调查。
Source excerpt
上周，韩国大邱市一辆正在充电的现代KONA电动汽车突然起火，而该车辆在上个月刚刚被召回，并更新了电池管理系统。
现代汽车方面则表示，由于目前韩国警方的现场取证工作仍在进行当中，其将于警方取证工作结束后，对起火原因进行详细调查。
2021
279 Hyundai KONA owners file collective lawsuit against Hyundai
Lawsuit filed
The article reports that 279 Hyundai KONA owners in South Korea filed a collective lawsuit against Hyundai amid concerns about a vehicle fire after a recall repair.
Company response
Investigation — 现代汽车
现代汽车表示将在警方取证工作结束后，对起火原因进行详细调查。
Source excerpt
目前，韩国已有279名KONA车主向现代汽车发起了集体诉讼。
现代汽车表示将在警方取证工作结束后，对起火原因进行详细调查。
上周，韩国大邱市一辆正在充电的现代KONA电动汽车突然起火，由于消防人员及时赶到，并没有引发人员伤亡。起火车辆就在上个月刚刚被召回并更新了电池管理系统，这也是现代KONA电动汽车在全球大规模召回后发生的首例起火事件。
2020
NHTSA announces fines and safety-improvement requirements for Hyundai and Kia
Fine or penalty
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced that Hyundai and Kia must pay $137 million in fines and fund safety improvements over their handling of recalls. Hyundai will pay $54 million and invest $40 million in safety operations; another $46 million in penalties will be deferred subject to safety conditions.
The NHTSA announced that Hyundai and Kia must pay $137 million in fines and fund safety improvements over their handling of recalls. Hyundai will pay $54 million and invest $40 million in safety operations; another $46 million in penalties will be deferred subject to safety conditions.
Source excerpt
Last week the NHTSA announced that Hyundai and affiliated Korean automaker Kia must pay $137 million in fines and for safety improvements because they moved too slowly to recall over 1 million vehicles with engines that can fail.
2020
US government orders Kia and Hyundai to pay $137 million in fines
Fine or penalty
The US government ordered Kia and Hyundai to pay $137 million in fines for being too slow to issue recalls and make safety improvements. The report places the order in the week before its December 8 publication but gives no exact day.
Source excerpt
The U.S. government ordered Kia and Hyundai last week to pay $137 million in fines for being too slow to issue recalls and for safety improvements.
2020
Hyundai and Kia announce recall of imported vehicles in China
Recall announced
Hyundai Motor (China) Investment Co. filed a recall plan covering 43,712 imported Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles and 3,686 imported Kia Sorento and Carnival vehicles. The ABS module may leak electricity or short-circuit if moisture enters its connector, creating a fire hazard. The recall is scheduled to begin on June 30, 2020, with free relay installations to change the module's power supply.
Stated objective. 消除引发火灾的安全隐患
Company response
Remediation — 现代汽车（中国）投资有限公司
现代汽车（中国）投资有限公司将免费对召回范围内的车辆在发动机舱的保险丝盒内增加安装继电器，把ABS模块供电方式从蓄电池直接供电改为通过继电器供电
Source excerpt
日前，现代汽车（中国）投资有限公司根据《缺陷汽车产品召回管理条例》和《缺陷汽车产品召回管理条例实施办法》的要求，向国家市场监督管理总局备案了召回计划，决定自2020年6月30日起召回以下车辆。
现代汽车（中国）投资有限公司将免费对召回范围内的车辆在发动机舱的保险丝盒内增加安装继电器，把ABS模块供电方式从蓄电池直接供电改为通过继电器供电，ABS模块插头端子部位在发动机熄火后不再通电，以消除引发火灾的安全隐患。
本次召回范围内的车辆，在发动机熄火后ABS模块一直由蓄电池直接供电，ABS模块插头端子部位长时间进入水分时可能发生漏电和短路并引发火灾，存在安全隐患。