NHTSA Complaint #11447736 — 2015 HYUNDAI ELANTRA

Hyndai performed a service campaign to enhance their vehicle software to better detect abnormal engine noise. Since the campaign, this vehicle has had 3 instances in 8 weeks where the P1326 Knock Signal error code was detected. Per Hyundai's Service Campaign bulletin, this code indicates engine bearing failure. When the code is detected, the check engine light flashes and the engine is limited at 2000 rpm. This has occured while driving at highway speed in heavy traffic, and there is a significant safety risk due to the vehicle's sudden and unexpected deceleration which creates a high chance of being hit from behind. Hyundai has repeatedly treated this error code as sensor and electrical problem replacing electical components, clearing the code, and allowing the vehicle to be returned to service as if normal. However, per their service campaign, the failure is due to faulty engine bearings. This action of not correcting the mechanical problem has created multiple chances of potential collision and injury.