Hyundai Calls Back Elantra Hybrids for Fire Risks

Hyundai is recalling more than 54,000 Elantra hybrid vehicles, warning that the cars could catch fire.

The vehicles’ hybrid power control units could overheat, Hyundai recently told federal regulators. The current software designed to cool the HPCUs may not do the trick, the automaker also acknowledged. 

“In most cases, customers may experience a ‘no start’ condition or the vehicle may enter a reduced power ‘limp’ mode,” Hyundai said in a recall report. “In limited cases, the HPCU could overheat, resulting in localized thermal damage to the HPCU assembly and internal components.”

That is a problem: “Overheating of the HPCU could increase the risk of a fire,” Hyundai said. Hyundai said it is aware of four “incidents” related to the defect, including one report of a fire, but no crashes or injuries.

The recall covers certain 2024–2026 Elantra Hybrids built between October 2023 and December 2025. Hyundai wants owners to bring their vehicles to authorized service providers to have the HPCU software updated, free of charge.

Hyundai plans to notify owners of recalled vehicles by mail by July 13, the company told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Elantra drivers can also check the NHTSA website to see if their vehicles are included in the recall.

Hyundai Safety Issues

This is far from the only safety issue facing Hyundai and people who drive its cars.

Around the same time, the automaker recalled 400,000 Santa Cruz and Tucson SUVs, for example. Hyundai warned that a software problem could cause the vehicles to brake unexpectedly.

Earlier this year, Hyundai recalled roughly 300,000 cars and SUVs, warning that their seat belts could malfunction. That recall covered some Santa Fe SUVs, as well as Ioniq 6 electric vehicles and Genesis G90 sedans.

How the California Lemon Law Works

Hyundai and other major carmakers recall millions of vehicles every year, citing a wide range of defects that put everyone on the road at risk. These recalls are typically announced long after cars have left factory floors and been sold to unsuspecting buyers.

Fortunately, car owners and lessors in California have important rights and protections regarding malfunctioning or defective vehicles. Namely, you do not need to wait around for a recall to get your cars fixed in certain situations.

The lemon law requires carmakers to perform a wide range of repairs on vehicles under warranty. It also forces companies to buy back (or replace, in some cases) covered vehicles they are unable or flat-out refuse to fix.

There is no specific number of repair requests or attempts that must occur before the buyback-or-replace requirement kicks in. An experienced California lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and take action.

Speak with a California Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a California lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney.