Office of defect investigation concerned about similar solutions for different issues
No owner action required at this time
U.S. safety regulators have re-opened the books on a number of Hyundai and Kia recalls dating back to as far as 2016. The investigation is centered on 16 different recalls, each of which has a different resolution for what appears to be the same problem.
The Office of Defects Investigation is the section of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that handles recall probes. A document from the ODI says that it has opened an Audit Query into 16 recalls affecting 6.4 million Hyundai and Kia vehicles.
According to ODI, “The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.”
The vehicle parts in question were anti-lock braking system modules and hydraulic electronic control units from equipment supplier Mando. In the recalls, which dated from 2016 through 2023, vehicle owners were advised to park outside and away from structures because of a fire risk.
NHTSA’s concern is that “recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando.”
According to ODI, “The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.”
ODI wants to make sure that recalls with different remedies for what appears to be the same parts and the same problems have in fact solved the safety issue. No action has yet been taken (or is expected) by the group, which is currently still conducting the audit. No additional action is required by vehicle owners, aside from completing the original recalls.
