The recall bug has hit Hyundai for the second time in four months -- earlier this year the automaker began inspecting nearly 400,000 Sonatas for a faulty seat-cushion airbag sensor, much like the same problem BMW discovered two weeks ago. And now Hyundai is revisiting another group of vehicles for problems, specifically 65,000 Elantra sedans that have a fuel pump that could lose pressure and cause the engine to hesitate.
Applying to 2008 Elantras, the fuel pump on some 2.0L four-cylinder engines may lose pressure when gasoline blended with ethanol creates a film on its electrical contacts, making the car hard to start or causing it to hesitate while running, increasing the risk of a crash. That said, the recall is voluntary and Hyundai says it isn't aware of any injuries caused by the defect. The automaker plans to notify affected owners starting next month, and all faulty equipment will be replaced by dealers free of charge.
With gas prices pushing many commuters into smaller, more economical cars, Elantra sales have risen 25% through July, with a total of 72,432 examples leaving dealer lots so far. Hyundai believes that only certain engines built between November 5, 2007 and June 28 may have the bad fuel pump, but if you have any questions simply contact the automaker at 1-800-633-5151.
