Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Recalled over Unintended Acceleration Software Glitch - Lemon Law

Nearly 38,000 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid vehicles have been recalled because they could unexpectedly accelerate after releasing the brakes. Per Hyundai, the motor control units in the Hyundai Elantra Hybrids from 2021 to 2023 can have software issues.

Hyundai opened an investigation after receiving a complaint in August 2022 concerning an Elantra Hybrid's unintended acceleration.

Hyundai was aware of eight reports reporting Elantra Hybrid unintended acceleration in the United States by February 2023.

Engineers still have not been able to duplicate the purported issue after numerous 2,000-mile test runs as of May 2023.

Engineers discovered the issue in July and said it is caused by a "fail-safe condition that is activated upon detection of a transmission/drive motor synchronization fault by the Hybrid Power Control Unit's (HPCU) motor control unit."

Hyundai claims that the brakes and brake override mechanisms continue to work properly.

Here is the writeup from NHTSA:

August 18, 2023 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 23V589000

Software Error May Cause Unintended Acceleration

Unintended vehicle acceleration can increase the risk of a crash.

NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V589000

Manufacturer Hyundai Motor America

Components ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Potential Number of Units Affected 37,997

Summary

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Elantra HEV vehicles. A software error in the motor control unit may cause unintended vehicle acceleration after the brake pedal is released.

Remedy

Dealers will update the motor control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 248.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.