Brake Failure 2010 Genny

[Billfz1]

This is a complex issue, but I have the following comments:

1. Brake Fluid is not anything like motor oil. It does not reach high temps that cause burning off of moisture unless the brakes were overheated.
2. Driving a lot of miles and getting the engine to full temp does not impact the brake fluid. For example, if you were driving Hi-way miles with little traffic, you wouldn't using your brakes much. In fact, brakes can get as much, or more use in city driving during short trips than on the highway.
3. The fluid recall was to switch from DOT-3 to DOT-4, which also had some anti-corrosive additives included in it. But the basic problem was a design defect (corrected by Continental Automotive in 2010) in using zinc platted values in critical parts that were prone to corrosion, according to the lead investigator on this recall for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) .

Mark,
Some but not all of what you said is true. Engine oil and brake fluid are different things sure but both are subject to heat cycles and in some cases brake fluid has a tougher job. Brake fluid will often get quite hot, though mostly close to the caliper. Most brake fluids are designed to suspend water but final boiling points vary. the fluid in the calipers can easily reach 200°F, more on a long mountain downhill. This does not require abuse. Parts of the braking system with poorly designed or finished parts usually still need the presence of a corrosive to start the breakdown process. Water is still the most likely contaminant. That is why there is a recomended change interval. If you run ceramic pads, or any high friction pads it is worth considering a better brake fluid. The calipers can easily see 300° under hard use or on a track day for example. The irregular heat cycles of infrequently used cars do cause condensation. Most fluids handle it easily. Some do not. We do agree if you are just on a long straight drive the brakes don't get very hot. It is surprising how hot the fluid in a caliper can get with just a small amount of use though. This is moot since the bad part has already been discovered. Many of us will never get even close to the limits of our cars. Probably a good thing, but some of us buy "high performance" cars for a reason. if you use that capability it is on you to be sure to do it where it is safe, and that your car is ready to handle it. (The track is by far the best place for this behavior.)
Bill

 

[ditedog]

Same thing happened to me today...I have an 09 w 3.8. Brake pedal fades to the floor. Will Hyundai replace it free of charge? Or will I have to jump through hoops. Had brake fluid changed on recall and inspection about a year ago.

 

[ditedog]

(Con't) It was the kiss of death...I posted three days ago about how sweet my car was and then boom! Got the same exact thing as Computta Buddy did one year ago. I have 76k miles and I purchased an after market American Mercury Policy when I bought it 15 months ago. But I'm thinking that even though it is no longer covered by the dealer warrantee that the dealers are making good on this OBVIOUS problem. Am I delusional.

 

[Mark_888]

Same thing happened to me today...I have an 09 w 3.8. Brake pedal fades to the floor. Will Hyundai replace it free of charge? Or will I have to jump through hoops. Had brake fluid changed on recall and inspection about a year ago.

That is a good question since your car is out of warranty (except for drivetrain). But since it is related to a recall, I would file a case with Hyundai Motor America if the dealer refuses to fix it for free.

Also, please take 3 minutes and file a complaint with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration:
https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/

 

[GenesisCaptain]

Same thing happened to me today...I have an 09 w 3.8. Brake pedal fades to the floor.

Get it to a dealer soon. It could be as simple as a dying master cylinder-- I had one of those failures a few decades ago. Dealer will have to do the initial diagnosis if you have hope of getting work done under the recall. But, no point in speculating until they tell you what is broken.

 

[ditedog]

Dealer says because the "inspection" was done in April last year and it "passed" and due to the fact it is out of warranty it will not be replaced on a recall. Looks like my after market warranty should cover the HECU unit. This stinks but I need my car back and can't wait on an appeal. I will file with the link you posted. Goes in tomorrow will keep you posted.

 

[Mark_888]

Dealer says because the "inspection" was done in April last year and it "passed" and due to the fact it is out of warranty it will not be replaced on a recall. Looks like my after market warranty should cover the HECU unit. This stinks but I need my car back and can't wait on an appeal. I will file with the link you posted. Goes in tomorrow will keep you posted.

There is no way to inspect the inside of the HECU unit to see whether the valves are corroded.

 

[ditedog]

Dealer just verified it is the HECU unit. They said they are checking with Hyundai "because there are two kinds". I told the service rep this morning that if my after market insurance balks that I too am going to balk and contact HMA. Notified NHTSA. Read something earlier about a recall on the HECU but dealer said no. I get that the dealer makes a lot more if they can avoid pymt from HMA. Fingers crossed.

 

[ditedog]

If this goes poorly and my insurance denies coverage, what are my options or how do I play this? Has anyone heard of HMA paying up after I have paid the dealer?

 

[Mark_888]

Dealer makes very little money if it is a warranty repair, and probably about $1000 profit if done out of warranty (parts and labor). The whole issue of out of warranty HECU's is a little fuzzy IMO after reading the recall notices. But I would open a case with HMA and tell them you will file a lawsuit because there is no way to know whether there was any corrosion of the internal HECU valves just by an inspection of the units done during the fluid/inspection recall.

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[ditedog]

So here's where I stand. When driving it to the dealer the HECU failed 100%. The dealer mechanic also felt/witnessed the failure. So out comes the insurance rep and you guessed it...it was flawless, he came back the next day and drove it ,no problem. So until I get it to fail for the rep my option is to pay the dealer $2500. It's a pain but one I'm going to have to see through. The dealer is taking it home this weekend to see if they can figure out how to replicate the failure. He, the rep, returns again tomorrow to drive it one last time before they close the case. Only to be reopened by me at a latter date.

 

[ComputerBudda]

Dealer says because the "inspection" was done in April last year and it "passed" and due to the fact it is out of warranty it will not be replaced on a recall. Looks like my after market warranty should cover the HECU unit. This stinks but I need my car back and can't wait on an appeal. I will file with the link you posted. Goes in tomorrow will keep you posted.

Basically, you are getting screwed. I too have a 2010. I too had my brake fluid flushed/replaced and passed "inspection", which basically consists of looking at the the unit and asking if the brakes still work. No one h as ever opened one to see if corrosion has started. I too had the brakes go all the way to the floor several months later. Took it to the dealer and they replaced the unit, no questions asked. It's not a warranty issue. This is a national recall of defective units. Raise hell. Call the regional office. Hyundai wants no more trouble with the NSTSA. If they refuse, pay them, notify NSTSA, and prepare to sue them.

 

[ditedog]

I'm with you...this is total BS. But because the dealer says the HECU is NOT under a recall, I'm making your idea my backup plan. Because I have insurance I'm going to try to get it replaced through my policy. It is now back home and breaking perfectly for the time being. I call attention to the fact that the brakes are normal now for anyone who reads this might be aware of the HECU's "in" capabilities. I would have bet money that a failure rate from 100%to zero was not possible.

 

[Aquineas]

Man Dite, really sorry to hear this, but really happy you weren't injured and I hope you can get it replaced before it happens. This isn't very confidence-inspiring and is a disaster waiting to happen.

 

[Dawg]

Well, happened to me yesterday. Got off the interstate downhill ramp going about 60, went to hit the brakes and the pedal goes to floor. Was able to pump the brakes to get the vehicle to stop half-hazardly. I even had to pull on the shoulder while stopping or I would have hit a car stopped in front of me. DANGEROUS! My dealer is only 3 miles away so I immediately head over and drop the car off. It is the HECU (abs computer) and I am livid!! Mine is a 2011 and Hyundai DID NOT do enough and was not proactive to fixing the KNOWN problem. Folks this is a $4,000 work job according to my service writer, and I am glad I have the extended warranty. Let me tell you something, I am probably going to get rid of this car. Safety first and you let me down. Oh, and I will be reporting this to NTSB. Really loved this car, but this is a major deal breaker with me.

 

[Mark_888]

Well, happened to me yesterday. Got off the interstate downhill ramp going about 60, went to hit the brakes and the pedal goes to floor. Was able to pump the brakes to get the vehicle to stop half-hazardly. I even had to pull on the shoulder while stopping or I would have hit a car stopped in front of me. DANGEROUS! My dealer is only 3 miles away so I immediately head over and drop the car off. It is the HECU (abs computer) and I am livid!! Mine is a 2011 and Hyundai DID NOT do enough and was not proactive to fixing the KNOWN problem. Folks this is a $4,000 work job according to my service writer, and I am glad I have the extended warranty. Let me tell you something, I am probably going to get rid of this car. Safety first and you let me down. Oh, and I will be reporting this to NTSB. Really loved this car, but this is a major deal breaker with me.

Here is the link to file a complaint with the NHTSA. It only takes a few minutes.
https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/VehicleComplaint/

 

[Dawg]

Got the car back replacing the HECU unit. Really impressed with the dealership and the way the HMA extended warranty (platinum) stepped up and paid with no hassle...this was $3,200 repair I would have had to cough up. Went ahead and told them to put new pads on the front and surface the rotors which I paid that portion on my own ($250). You see, my rear brake shoes and pads are only 6 months old because they decided to separate in June... So, why not go ahead and replace the front, right? Now, if I have one more slight bit of questionable brake issues, I will be selling the car...will probably trade it in because I don't want to be personally associated with selling a car that may have brake problems.

Brake pedal seems a little more spongy now than before the HECU went out...hopefully the pressure will build or I will just used to it. I believe my car is a June 2010 build date even though it is a 2011. Peace