Important Information About Brake Problem Recall

[DRS]

http://www.genesisowners.com/hyundai-genesis-forum/showpost.php?p=125123

This is a coupe... 2012 or 2013

 

[Philth]

I emailed Hyundai Cust. Service about this issue, asking how the June 1, 2010 date was determined. Contrary to what Mr. McHenry states about a different HECU being installed on this date, Hyundai is informing me that every HECU from '09 and up are the same.

Dear Dustin:

Thank you for contacting Hyundai Motor America. We appreciate the opportunity to address your inquiry about our recently announced recall campaign, Campaign 114, on your 2012 Genesis.

Hyundai is conducting a voluntary safety campaign of approximately 43,500 model year 2009-2012 Genesis sedans produced from April 01, 2008 through March 16, 2012 in the United States to change the brake fluid in certain 2009-2012 Genesis sedan vehicles.

Based on the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) provided, we have determined that your Genesis is affected by this campaign and that the campaign was completed on 3/20/2013 by Auffenberg Hyundai. At this time, there are no other steps that you need to take regarding this campaign.

In regards to your concern about why vehicles produced before June 01, 2010 are being asked to also have an inspection; this is simply another step Hyundai is taking to insure that all vehicles are safe and operating as designed. Nothing different occurred in these vehicles before or after the production date of June 01, 2010 regarding the brake system. It is the same braking system in all the vehicles. Since these vehicles contained the DOT 3 brake fluid for longer, Hyundai is simply inspecting these vehicles to check for any corrosion. Please know that the dealerships will always inspect a vehicle during any Campaign completion to make sure the vehicle is safe and operating as designed.

We did want to inform you that the production date for your vehicle is 12/15/2011, and therefore does not need to be inspected. There are no further steps you need to take regarding Campaign 114.

If you are currently experiencing any mechanical concerns with your Genesis, or you would like to have your system inspected, we recommend you schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience, with the service department of your authorized Hyundai dealership to have your vehicle inspected and diagnosed. Also, as our certified mechanics are the technical experts on your Genesis, we recommend you contact the dealership with any questions you have regarding the brake system and questions on any technical details with the brake fluid being replaced and the steps taken for the inspection process.

Since Auffenberg Hyundai completed Campaign 114 on your vehicle, it may be easiest to address your questions to them. They would be able to pull up your repair order and go over the whole process with you. Again, if you have any concerns, please make an appointment with your local Hyundai dealer.

Now, I'm wondering who is correct. If the HECU is the same, I am quite interested in how Hyundai engineers can use a date to deem all HECUs safe after that point.

 

[Mark_888]

I emailed Hyundai Cust. Service about this issue, asking how the June 1, 2010 date was determined. Contrary to what Mr. McHenry states about a different HECU being installed on this date, Hyundai is informing me that every HECU from '09 and up are the same.

Now, I'm wondering who is correct. If the HECU is the same, I am quite interested in how Hyundai engineers can use a date to deem all HECUs safe after that point.

It was pretty clear from correspondence I posted above that the NHTSA "thought" that the HECU units installed after June 01, 2010 did not have zinc coating on the valves, and was therefore less susceptible to gelling due to corrosion.

 

[Philth]

Mr. McHenry has told me that the HECU was, in fact, different. I've let him know what Hyundai has stated. Am still waiting to hear back from him.

 

[DRS]

Will the left hand dirge out what the right hand is doing? Thanks for all the updates and documentation. Assuming there is no change between units, brake fluid change or not, more will fail. Will ours in this forum be next?

 

[Mark_888]

Will the left hand dirge out what the right hand is doing? Thanks for all the updates and documentation. Assuming there is no change between units, brake fluid change or not, more will fail. Will ours in this forum be next?

HMA may not know if they are different, since Hyundai and supplier part numbers are probably be the same before and after the cutoff date. These units are sourced from an outside company, and they may have made a manufacturing line change to replace the zinc coating in the valves that tend to corrode. Hopefully, someone will get to the bottom of this.

 

[DRS]

Good point. And that is why the left hand does not know what the right hand is doing.

 

[Mark_888]

I received a new recall notice last week about the Brake Fluid Upgrade to DOT-4, even though my brake fluid was already replaced under the TSB (when in the shop for some other reason several months ago). Apparently Hyundai is now inspecting the HECU (in addition to replacing the brake fluid with DOT-4), so when I took it to a dealer they only had to do the inspection. Not sure if the inspection only applies to Genesis sedans built before June 1, 2010 or all units (mine was built in late 2008).

 

[NJTom]

I received a new recall notice last week about the Brake Fluid Upgrade to DOT-4, even though my brake fluid was already replaced under the TSB (when in the shop for some other reason several months ago). Apparently Hyundai is now inspecting the HECU (in addition to replacing the brake fluid with DOT-4), so when I took it to a dealer they only had to do the inspection. Not sure if the inspection only applies to Genesis sedans built before June 1, 2010 or all units (mine was built in late 2008).

I received a recall for the brake switch and took it there right before Xmas. While there, they did the same thing for mine. Said it was an inspection associated with the brake fluid system Just the other day I got a recall letter - not sure if it is for the 'inspection' I just has done. Mine was also built late 2008.

 

[Mark_888]

I received a recall for the brake switch and took it there right before Xmas. While there, they did the same thing for mine. Said it was an inspection associated with the brake fluid system Just the other day I got a recall letter - not sure if it is for the 'inspection' I just has done. Mine was also built late 2008.

The recall letter was for both the fluid replacement and inspection, but when they see that the fluid has already been replaced on your car, they only do the inspection. That is what happened to me.

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[shagnat]

The recall letter was for both the fluid replacement and inspection, but when they see that the fluid has already been replaced on your car, they only do the inspection. That is what happened to me.

I got the same letter and taking my car in on Monday 1/6.... what did they do after they inspected it? Replace or nothing?

 

[Mark_888]

I got the same letter and taking my car in on Monday 1/6.... what did they do after they inspected it? Replace or nothing?

Nothing. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into the issue to determine whether the early Genesis HECU units (built prior to June 1 2010) with the zinc platting on the values should be replaced. But obviously Hyundai is trying to get away with inspection only, even though I don't understand how they can see inside the HECU to see if any corrosion has occurred. Supposedly, after June 1, 2010, the supplier of the HECU brake units stopped using zinc platting on the critical valves.

The original TSB (prior to official recall) did not include an inspection, so that is why the recall was issued even to those who have already had the brake fluid replaced with DOT-4.

 

[genie]

The Canadian Recall Notice indicates that "Hyundai will diagnose the brake system and if necessary, replace the system's HECU module..."
Is it possible to get a brief summary of what steps will be taken to "diagnose the brake system" so that owners will know what to ask service personnel at the dealer what was done when the car is taken in for recall? I've been reading many posts on various forums and there appears to be a consensus that it may not be possible to definitively confirm whether or not there is corrosion is the HECU module, even with the diagnostic process. if the brake fluid was changed as a result of the "campaign" earlier in 2013, how would this guarantee that the module would not eventually fail, if there is already corrosion in the module? Also, if there is corrosion in the module would it not be progressive, even if the brake fluid were changed? Can the HECU module be assessed by independent garages or are Hyundai dealers the only ones who can make this diagnosis?

 

[Mark_888]

The Canadian Recall Notice indicates that "Hyundai will diagnose the brake system and if necessary, replace the system's HECU module..."
Is it possible to get a brief summary of what steps will be taken to "diagnose the brake system" so that owners will know what to ask service personnel at the dealer what was done when the car is taken in for recall? I've been reading many posts on various forums and there appears to be a consensus that it may not be possible to definitively confirm whether or not there is corrosion is the HECU module, even with the diagnostic process. if the brake fluid was changed as a result of the "campaign" earlier in 2013, how would this guarantee that the module would not eventually fail, if there is already corrosion in the module? Also, if there is corrosion in the module would it not be progressive, even if the brake fluid were changed? Can the HECU module be assessed by independent garages or are Hyundai dealers the only ones who can make this diagnosis?

Hyundai can only conduct diagnostics on the unit to see if it is functioning properly at the time it is inspected. There is no way to determine whether there is partial corrosion that will eventually get worse and lead to failure, without taking the HECU apart (which Hyundai would not even consider doing, since the HECU is supplied by Continental Automotive (http://www.conti-online.com/www/aut...cars/chassis_safety/ved/brems_systeme_en.html). At this point, it appears that Hyundai is trying to avoid a costly recall that includes HECU replacement since the HECU retails for a couple of thousand dollars. The NHTSA opened an investigation into this issue, and I am not sure of the current status of their investigation.

 

[genie]

This is about the earlier recall that was issued by Hyundai i.e.to replace the stop lamp switch. Has anyone taken a vehicle in for this recall, had the switch replaced and then found the brakes are "softer", i.e. the pedal goes down further? Is this an expected or typical outcome of this recall fix?

 

[Mark_888]

This is about the earlier recall that was issued by Hyundai i.e.to replace the stop lamp switch. Has anyone taken a vehicle in for this recall, had the switch replaced and then found the brakes are "softer", i.e. the pedal goes down further? Is this an expected or typical outcome of this recall fix?

I had my stop lamp switch replaced a few weeks ago as a result of the recall and did not notice any difference in brake pedal feel.

 

[Onedurwho]

I also had the brake switch recall performed last week. No change in the brake feel...BUT, a few days later the car would not shift from park and (if memory serves me correctly) the wife said the traction control light was lit. It took three re-starts to reset and get tranny into gear. Also, the seatbelt dash light came on even with the belts buckled and the interior lights would "flash like a disco" when the doors were open, plus, the door unlock thumb button died. Returned car to dealer for service, parts were ordered for another switch that sensed when in park. All is ok as of today.

PS: Has anyone experienced a seat heater (driver side) that would come on when activated, but go off in a rather short period of time only to come on again when the ignition switch was turned off, then back on again.?.

 

[Fang]

I'm sure the HECU will eventually fail. My father's 2009 Genesis Sedan's HECU just failed. I'm trying to figure out how we can get it repaired for free because the problem is obviously related to the corrosive brake fluid. We're still in limbo with the dealership as they are working with whatever powers are in charge of authorizing replacement...it's not looking good though. My father did bring his car in for the brake fluid replacement in late 2013 for the recall, but the problem is obviously much deeper.

Pretty ridiculous if they don't replace considering the brake fluid has basically been corroding the HECU since the car was manufactured. The inspection process for the HECU seems fishy. Also, anytime something is corrosive it will obviously reduce the lifetime of the affected parts.

Just also wanted to add my two cents. This issue seriously bugs me because brake problems are really serious for driver safety and I don't feel like Hyundai is taking the necessary steps to fix this serious safety issue. What if the brakes failed during a emergency situation? I'm probably not going to recommend a Hyundai from this point forward depending on how this issue is resolved.

 

[Mark_888]

I'm sure the HECU will eventually fail. My father's 2009 Genesis Sedan's HECU just failed. I'm trying to figure out how we can get it repaired for free because the problem is obviously related to the corrosive brake fluid. We're still in limbo with the dealership as they are working with whatever powers are in charge of authorizing replacement...it's not looking good though. My father did bring his car in for the brake fluid replacement in late 2013 for the recall, but the problem is obviously much deeper.

Pretty ridiculous if they don't replace considering the brake fluid has basically been corroding the HECU since the car was manufactured. The inspection process for the HECU seems fishy. Also, anytime something is corrosive it will obviously reduce the lifetime of the affected parts.

Just also wanted to add my two cents. This issue seriously bugs me because brake problems are really serious for driver safety and I don't feel like Hyundai is taking the necessary steps to fix this serious safety issue. What if the brakes failed during a emergency situation? I'm probably not going to recommend a Hyundai from this point forward depending on how this issue is resolved.

Have your father file a complaint here (or do it for him):
https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/VehicleComplaint/index.xhtml

Then send a certified letter to Hyundai Motor America asking that repair be done for free as part of the recall. Then he should also call them to make sure he gets a case number. Do not rely on the dealer contacting HMA, because the stand to make about $1000 profit if the repair is done out of warranty, and just barely cover their costs if done in warranty.

 

[Fang]

I'll write NHTSA a letter as soon as I get some free-time. Hopefully, they replace for free without me having to write them a certified letter,etc.