Hyundai Santa Fe Recall Due to Risk of Front Axle Fractures

Following reports of at least 67 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles that suffered a fractured right front axle, a recall has been issued for more than 20,000 of the automobiles from the 2013 model year due to the potential risk of the problems resulting in an accident.  

The Hyundai Santa Fe Sport vehicles recall (PDF) was announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on August 15, after the auto maker recognized a problem in the manufacturing process of the sub-supplier who provided the axle assemblies.

A fractured front axle can cause pose a serious risk for auto accidents, as it can result in loss of power to the wheels, as well as the vehicles ability to remain parked if the emergency brake is not applied, allowing the vehicle to roll away.

Hyundai begain investigating the front axel problems in January, finding that the right front axle assembly has an axle stub with a forged steel section that fractures under the load, usually when the vehicle begins moving from a full stop.

An investigation by Hyundai and the National Highway Traffic Safety Commission concluded that the axle assemblies were being manufactured with microscopic chips and fractures in the grain structure, allowing for them to become vulnerable over time and when exposed to extreme temperatures.

The recall consists of all 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport vehicles equipped with the 2.4 liter engines that were manufactured from July 13, 2012 through March 12, 2013. Vehicles within these particular manufacturing dates are the only vehicles affected by the faulty front right axles.

Hyundai is notifying owners and dealers of the recall and is planning to replace the front right axle shaft assembly free of charge throughout the month of August. Owners with further inquiry may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151 and refer to the recall number “112”.

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