Hyundai Recall Issued Due to Risk Windshields Could Fall Out

Owners of Hyundai Sonata, Sante Fe and Elantra vehicles could be at a heightened crash injury risk due to a manufacturing defect.

Federal highway safety officials are warning about problems with several models of Hyundai vehicles, which are equipped with windshields that may be prone to detach during a crash, posing an increased risk of injury to occupants.

A Hyundai recall was announced by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on January 13, after the automaker’s internal testing found that the adhesive used to bond the windshield to the frame may fail in the event of an accident.

According to the Hyundai investigation, approximately 26,413 newer model year cars may contain “a non-conforming clear coat paint that could lead to poor adhesion between certain vehicle OEM components to the vehicle’s body structure.”

The NHTSA is warning customers that in the event of a crash, the vehicle’s windshield may detach, increasing the risk of serious injury and even death for drivers and passengers.

Hyundai indicates the recall impacts 8,561 model year 2020 through 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles and 9,596 model year 2021 Hyundai Sonata vehicles produced from October 29, 2020 through December 17, 2020, and 8,256 model year 2021 Hyundai Elantra vehicles produced from October 28, 2020 through January 8, 2021.

Hyundai Motors America says owners will receive a mailed notice informing them of the recall by February 25, 2022. The notice will include instructions on how to schedule a repair at a local dealer, where dealers will be instructed to remove and reinstall the front windshield panel, free of charge.

Owners with additional questions or concerns are encouraged to contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. And reference the recall campaign number, 216.

This is the latest of a string of recalls involving Hyundai vehicles due to various manufacturing problems.

In April 2021, a Hyundai Elantra and Santa Fe recall was issued by the manufacturer impacting approximately 400,000 models, which may experience engine fires due to faulty braking system components and improperly treated piston rings.

According to that recall, approximately 200,000 Sante Fe models may contain leaking ant-lock braking systems (ABS) that may allow brake fluid to leak and enter the control module, posing an increased risk of an electrical short, overheating and fire. The recall further stated roughly 187,000 Elantra vehicles may contain faulty engine components that may also lead to fire risks.

Hyundai instructed customers to park the vehicles outside and away from structures while awaiting service, after at least 18 Hyundai vehicles fires had been reported by the date of the recall.