Hyundai Recalls 13,500 Veloster Coupés Over Panoramic Sunroof Fault
Hyundai is recalling 13,500 Veloster coupés from the 2012 model year due to a risk that the panoramic sunroof glass could shatter while driving, following dozens of complaints and warranty claims.
Hyundai has issued a recall for 13,500 units of its 2012 Veloster coupé in the United States, following reports that the panoramic sunroof glass may shatter while the vehicle is in motion. The recall specifically affects cars built between 1 November 2011 and 17 April 2012, all of which are equipped with the optional panoramic roof. This action comes after both customer complaints and a formal investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Recall Roundup: Hyundai Veloster Panoramic Sunroof Issue
Background to the Recall
The NHTSA began investigating the Veloster in October after it received 11 complaints from owners who experienced their panoramic sunroofs shattering unexpectedly. Hyundai identified that the problem could be traced to the factory installation process, where the sunroof assembly may have been weakened. If this occurred, the glass panel could break while the vehicle is in motion, posing a risk of injury or even a crash. Despite the seriousness of the defect, there have been no reports of injuries or accidents related to this issue at the time the recall was announced.
Hyundai responded to the investigation by reviewing warranty claims and customer feedback. The company found 76 warranty claims and 20 customer complaints related to the sunroof. These figures highlight the scale of the issue, even though the number of actual incidents remains relatively low compared to the total number of vehicles affected.
Scope of the Recall and Affected Vehicles
The recall is limited to 2012 model year Velosters fitted with the panoramic sunroof and built between 1 November 2011 and 17 April 2012. Vehicles without the panoramic sunroof, or those produced outside this timeframe, are not included. Hyundai has clarified that the recall does not extend to later models or to Velosters without this particular roof option. The focus is on the specific batch of vehicles where the assembly process may have introduced a weakness in the glass.
At present, the recall only applies to vehicles in the US market. There has been no information provided about similar recalls or safety actions in other regions. Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by Hyundai, and the recall campaign is scheduled to begin in January. In the meantime, Hyundai has encouraged concerned customers to contact its customer service line at 1-800-633-5151 for further information.
What Owners Need to Do
- Check if your 2012 Veloster is equipped with the panoramic sunroof and was manufactured between 1 November 2011 and 17 April 2012.
- Wait for an official recall notification from Hyundai, or proactively contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151 to confirm if your vehicle is affected.
- Arrange for a free sunroof glass assembly replacement at an authorised Hyundai dealer once notified.
Owners are strongly advised to respond promptly to Hyundai’s recall notice. The repair involves replacing the sunroof glass assembly at no cost to the owner. Hyundai has not reported any supply issues with replacement parts, so the process should be straightforward once the recall is underway. While no injuries have occurred so far, the risk of shattering glass means the issue should be addressed as soon as possible to avoid potential harm.
Consequences and Manufacturer Response
Although the recall has not been linked to any injuries or crashes, the potential for broken glass to cause harm or distract drivers is a significant concern. Hyundai’s decision to replace the sunroof glass assembly free of charge demonstrates a proactive approach to customer safety. The company’s response was prompted by the NHTSA investigation and a series of customer complaints, indicating the importance of regulatory oversight and consumer feedback in identifying and addressing vehicle safety issues.
The recall process will involve direct communication with affected owners, and Hyundai dealers will handle the replacement work. By taking these steps, Hyundai aims to maintain customer trust and prevent any incidents from occurring as a result of the defect.
Further Information and Future Developments
The recall comes as Hyundai continues to expand its Veloster line, with newer models and updates introduced in subsequent years. Owners seeking more information about the recall or the status of their vehicle can contact Hyundai’s customer service or visit the NHTSA website for updates. It remains to be seen whether similar issues will emerge in other markets or with later models, but for now, the recall is focused solely on the specified group of 2012 Velosters in the United States.
For those interested in newer versions of the Veloster, Hyundai has continued to develop and update the model since 2012. However, there have been no widespread reports of similar sunroof issues in later models at this time.
