Hyundai Recalls 226,000 Vehicles for Camera Defect

Hyundai has announced its fourth vehicle recall in November, affecting over 226,000 of its SUVs and sedans. The recall pertains to an issue with the rearview camera that may prevent the display from working properly, thereby reducing driver visibility and increasing the risk of accidents. The recall, which was detailed in a regulatory filing to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on Wednesday, impacts Hyundai’s 2021 and 2022 model year vehicles, specifically the Santa Fe and Elantra, including their hybrid variants.

The problem with the rearview camera was first brought to Hyundai’s attention when drivers reported that their rearview displays were “intermittent, distorted, or inoperative,” making it difficult to see clearly when reversing the vehicle. This issue is traced to a component of the camera that was damaged during the manufacturing process. As required by the NHTSA, vehicles equipped with rearview cameras must display a clear image within two seconds of being put in reverse. This malfunction can create a significant safety hazard as it impairs the driver’s ability to see pedestrians, other vehicles, or obstacles that may be in the vehicle’s path.

Hyundai’s internal investigation revealed that the rearview camera issue had been present since earlier in the year. In February, the company began conducting tests on the affected vehicles, which ultimately confirmed the existence of the defect. While Hyundai did not disclose any reports of accidents or injuries related to the problem, the company is taking steps to remedy the issue by recalling affected vehicles.

The recall affects 226,118 vehicles in total, with the majority being Hyundai Santa Fe and Elantra models, alongside their hybrid versions. The automaker has assured that it will notify owners of the affected vehicles by January 19, 2025. Owners will be provided with free repairs, including the replacement of faulty rearview cameras. Additionally, for drivers who have already had their rearview cameras replaced, Hyundai has stated that they will be reimbursed for the cost of the replacement. The company has not indicated any further steps needed for vehicles that have not yet experienced camera failures.

This latest recall is part of a much larger wave of recalls by Hyundai in 2024. The company has recalled a total of 448,782 vehicles this month alone, with the current rearview camera recall adding to a string of recent safety issues. The recall count for Hyundai vehicles this year now stands at a staggering 1,108,571, according to NHTSA data. The large number of recalls has raised questions about the automaker’s quality control processes and its ability to address safety issues in a timely manner.

Hyundai’s recent recall history includes several other significant actions. In the past week, the company recalled more than 42,000 vehicles due to a transmission defect that could cause the car to shift out of park without the brake being applied. This defect could result in the car rolling away, posing an increased risk of a crash. Hyundai stated that it had not received any reports of accidents related to this issue, but it was discovered during internal tests on the company’s Tucson models.

Another recall issued earlier this month involved over 145,000 Hyundai Ioniq, Genesis GV60, and GV70 vehicles due to a damaged charging unit. Once again, Hyundai did not indicate whether this issue had caused any crashes but made the recall out of caution to prevent potential safety risks. Additionally, on November 7, Hyundai recalled nearly 35,000 Santa Fe and Santa Fe hybrid vehicles due to faulty sunshades that failed to meet regulatory standards, although no injuries or accidents were reported related to this issue.

The series of recalls this month highlights ongoing challenges for the South Korean automaker, which has faced increased scrutiny over its vehicle safety and quality control in recent years. The sheer volume of recalls is indicative of a broader problem that has plagued multiple automakers, particularly in the realm of electronic and component defects. Hyundai’s recent recalls come at a time when carmakers are under heightened pressure to address safety concerns and prevent defects that could lead to accidents or injuries.

Hyundai has assured customers that it is taking proactive measures to address these safety concerns and prevent further issues. In response to the mounting recalls, the company has promised that it will continue to work closely with the NHTSA and other regulators to ensure that affected vehicles are properly repaired and that the safety of drivers and passengers remains a top priority.

Despite these efforts, the frequency and scope of Hyundai’s recalls this year have raised concerns among both consumers and industry observers. The automaker will likely face questions regarding its quality control procedures, especially given the large number of vehicles impacted. With over a million cars recalled so far in 2024, Hyundai’s response to these issues will be closely watched by regulators, car buyers, and the automotive industry at large.

As part of its commitment to resolving these issues, Hyundai has pledged to send out recall notifications to all affected vehicle owners, and owners will be instructed on how to arrange for repairs or replacements. For those affected by the rearview camera issue, the company is offering a free replacement of the defective camera components, with reimbursements available for drivers who have already paid to replace the cameras on their own.

In the coming months, Hyundai will likely continue to monitor the performance of the vehicles involved in these recalls and work toward ensuring that all necessary repairs are completed in a timely and efficient manner. As the company deals with this recall crisis, its focus will remain on maintaining the safety of its customers while striving to improve the quality control measures that led to the current situation.

While Hyundai has yet to confirm any direct link between the rearview camera defect and any accidents, the safety of drivers and passengers will remain a top priority. As the automaker moves forward with repairs and offers reimbursements to affected owners, it will be essential for Hyundai to restore consumer confidence in its vehicles and to ensure that safety issues like this one are prevented in the future.