We’ve seen a steady increase in the number of vehicles recalled for safety related problems over the last several years, but it’s nonetheless unusual to see a manufacturer hammered by two separate service actions in one week.
And, in this case, both of the recalls impact the same vehicle, the 2012 Hyundai Veloster. The more serious of the two involves shattering sunroofs, the second recall focusing on faulty parking brakes.
The two recalls target about 18,000 vehicles – though, in fact, some of the hatchbacks may be covered by both of the service actions.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a probe launched in October revealed that improper factory installation procedures could result in the weakening of the 2012 Hyundai Veloster’s optional panoramic glass roof. The government safety agency received 11 owner complaints indicating that the sunroofs could shatter or even explode unexpectedly, in some cases while the vehicles were being driven at highway speeds.
NHTSA says it has received no reports of injuries or accidents connected to the problem though it could case a distraction that might result in the loss of vehicle control.
The second recall focuses on the 2012 Veloster’s parking brake. The safety agency warns the brake could pick up moisture and road grime and bind. Customers might not be aware the brake is not fully engaged which, in turn, might result in a rollaway vehicle.
A total of 13,500 of the hatchbacks will be covered by the sunroof recall, 4,490 for the parking brake problem.
The maker expects to notify consumers in the coming weeks and will ask owners to bring their Velosters in for inspection and, if need be, for repairs – which would be made free of charge.
Owners may find out more by contacting Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.