Recalls – Hyundai Motor America Backup Cameras

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 226,118 model year 2021-2022 Santa Fe, Santa Fe HEV, Elantra, Elantra HEV and 2022 Elantra N and Santa Fe PHEV vehicles, according to the required safety defect filing made public today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“Due to a damaged printed circuit board, the rearview camera image may fail to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, Rear Visibility,” Hyundai told NHTSA.

Chronology

• On August 1, 2023, NASO (North America Safety Office) identified a population of increased field claims related to a rearview camera durability concern.
• On September 5, 2023, NASO requested HMC (Hyundai Motor Company) investigation into the rearview camera mechanism based on the increased field data.
• On January 24, 2024, HMC provided that the duplication testing results were inconclusive. February – November 2024
• From February through May 2024, parts from the field were collected for further analysis.
• From May 17 through July 1, 2024, NASO performed replication testing of the subject rearview camera system in support of an ongoing investigation into allegations of intermittent, distorted, or inoperative rearview camera images from owners. In the replication testing, NASO detected cracks in the camera processor’s solder joints. Some of the samples exhibited abnormal performance, consistent with the alleged condition, while others showed no abnormal performance, proving to be inconsistent with the alleged condition.
• From July 1 to October 29, 2024, NASO reviewed the test results and continued discussion with HMC on potential causalities. From the investigation, multiple camera assemblies were identified as faulty due to a “black” or “white” image, or undetected signal. Information provided by HMC identified a potential issue with the camera’s PCB, on which the solder joints securing the integrated signal processor showed signs of damage occurring during manufacturing. It was also concluded that certain environmental factors such as temperature and humidity along with the damage could worsen the performance of the rearview camera system.
• Based on these findings, NASO convened its North American Safety Decision Authority on November 13, 2024, and determined that the subject condition would result in a failure of the requirements and test condition(s) specified in FMVSS No. 111, “Rear Visibility,” requiring a new noncompliance recall of all affected Hyundai Santa Fe and Elantra vehicles in the U.S. and other affected North American market(s).
• As of the date of this filing, Hyundai said it is not aware of any confirmed crashes, injuries, or fires related to the non-compliance condition in the U.S.

Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge as required by U.S. Federal safety regulations. Owner notification letters are not expected to be mailed until January 19, 2025. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai’s number for this recall is 271. 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 nhtsa.gov about NHTSA 24V879.