Hyundai Entourage Minivan Recall Issued Due to Risk Hood May Open While Driving
More than 40,000 older model year Hyundai Entourage minivans have been recalled due to a risk that the front hood latch may corrode and fail, causing the hood to unexpectedly open.
The Hyundai Entourage recall was announced by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on December 7, following internal reports from the manufacturer that the secondary hood latch may corrode and remain in an unlatched position when the hood is closed.
To date, no injuries or accidents have been reported in connect to the recall, but the problem poses a serious risk if the minivan hood opens while the vehicle is in motion.
According to the NHTSA’s recall report (pdf), the recalled minivans are equipped with a primary and secondary latch to prevent unexpected hood openings if one latch fails. In the event the vehicle primary hood latch is not properly latched and the secondary latch corrodes and fails to lock, the hood may open while driving and obscure the driver’s vision, increasing the risk of a crash.
The first incident reported to Hyundai was in June 2016, when a customer from Pennsylvania indicated the hood latch disengaged on their 2007 Hyundai Entourage unexpectedly. After inspecting the vehicle, no corrosion was found on the latching mechanisms and Hyundai began gathering additional field data.
A second report was received in September 2016 from a 2008 Hyundai Entourage customer who indicated the hood unexpectedly opened, however the vehicle had already been repaired and no parts were available for inspection.
Hyundai was finally able to inspect an incident reported in October 201, when an owner of a 2007 Hyundai Entourage in New York reported a hood disengagement incident. Upon inspection Hyundai was able to detect premature corrosion on the secondary hood latch and the safety team concluded their investigation with a decision to conduct a safety recall.
The recall includes certain model year 2007 to 2008 Hyundai Entourage Minivan vehicles manufactured from February 16, 2006 to June 30, 2008. Roughly 41,264 vehicles are included in the recall, and the NHTSA reports that 100 percent of the recalled vehicles are equipped with the potentially corroding secondary latches.
Hyundai reported to the NHTSA that owners and dealers will be notified of the recall and the repair program. The recall repair schedule is anticipated to begin on December 9, 2016. Upon receiving notification, customers will be instructed to schedule a free repair at their local dealer.
Vehicle owners who purchased or are registered in Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia, will receive a free replacement secondary latch. For vehicles in any other state, dealers will inspect and either lubricate or replace the secondary latch, as necessary, free of charge. Customers with further questions may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059 and reference the recall number 154.