Investigations
Brake hydraulic control module failure
NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation PE13033 — closed, opened 2013-10-17 and involving the HYUNDAI HYUNDAI.
NHTSA investigation PE13033 is a Preliminary Evaluation opened on 2013-10-17 and currently closed. The subject of record is HYUNDAI HYUNDAI, which places this file inside the Office of Defects Investigation queue for HYUNDAI. Latest activity on this investigation was logged on 2014-04-04 — NHTSA updates that field whenever an Information Request goes out, a supplement is filed, or a status change is recorded in the public docket.
A Preliminary Evaluation like PE13033 is the entry point of the federal defect-investigation process. NHTSA engineers scan complaint databases, field reports, and manufacturer data to decide whether an Engineering Analysis is warranted, whether a voluntary recall is already sufficient, or whether the pattern does not rise to a defect finding.
Investigators summarized the matter as follows: "On October 28, 2013, Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA describing a safety defect in the braking system of approximately 43,500 model year (MY) 2009 through 2012 Hyundai..." Investigations are the early-warning layer of the federal auto-safety system, sitting upstream of formal recalls and defect orders. Whether this one closes without action or escalates into an Engineering Analysis, the full history stays in the ODI archive so researchers, litigators, and buyers can pull the paper trail at any time. Related HYUNDAI files, listed below, give context on whether this is an isolated concern or part of a broader pattern across the brand.
Investigation Summary
On October 28, 2013, Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA describing a safety defect in the braking system of approximately 43,500 model year (MY) 2009 through 2012 Hyundai Genesis sedans (NHTSA Recall No. 13V-489). The Hyundai report indicates that the recalled vehicles may contain brake fluid that does not sufficiently inhibit corrosion on the zinc plating of control valve armatures in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) module. The DIR indicated that, over time, the build-up of corrosion products may affect operation of HECU control valves, resulting in a low/soft brake pedal with reduced brake effectiveness, which may increase the risk of a crash. In October 2011, the HECU supplier notified Hyundai that the brake fluid used in production plants was causing corrosion of valve armatures in the control module. The supplier changed the coating of the valve armatures in late March 2012 to correct the problem in production vehicles. Hyundai's recall includes Genesis vehicles produced prior to the implementation of the HECU change. In March 2013, Hyundai initiated a Service Campaign (TL6) to replace brake fluid in the subject vehicles with brake fluid with better corrosion resistance properties. According to Hyundai's DIR letter, after PE13-033 was opened, the company noted that some of the vehicles serviced in the TL6 campaign subsequently required HECU replacement. This was an indication that internal corrosion had progressed enough to affect valve operation and brake performance, prompting Hyundai to conduct a safety recall. Hyundai's repair procedures for 13V-489 require brake system flushing and replacement in all recalled vehicles with a new fluid containing the necessary corrosion inhibitor. In addition, for vehicles produced prior to June 1, 2010, dealers will perform an inspection procedure to verify that the HECU is functioning properly and replace units that do not meet the test requirements. Hyundai i
About This Investigation Type
A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first phase of NHTSA's investigation process. It is opened when the agency identifies a potential safety defect pattern, usually triggered by consumer complaints, manufacturer reports, or field monitoring. During a PE, NHTSA gathers information to determine whether a formal engineering analysis is warranted.
Other HYUNDAI Investigations
Inadvertent Seat Belt Unlatch
3.3L Engine Loss of Motive Power (LOMP)
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
Loss of Motive Power
Windshield Wiper Failure
Data from NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Cross-references: NHTSA recall campaign API and NHTSA FARS where fatality records overlap. PlainCars does not rate or recommend vehicles. Learn more.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.