The problem
Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 201, "occupant protection in interior impact." during testing, the 3-door hatchback exceeded the performance criterion in the standard midway along the length of the windshield support pillar (a-pillar).
The risk
An occupant's head that contacts the a-pillar during a crash could experience an increased risk of a head injury as a result of this condition.
The fix
Dealers will install new energy management brackets to support the a-pillar covers and increase the energy absorbing performance of the a-pillar in the relevant area. Owner notification began October 28, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 02V-167 (02V167000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Hyundai Motor America |
| Component | Structure › Frame and members |
| Report date | June 25, 2002 |
| Owners notified | October 28, 2002 |
| Vehicles affected | 67,565 |
| Initiated by | OVSC |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the body & structure
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 02V-167 repair free?
Yes. Hyundai dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will install new energy management brackets to support the a-pillar covers and increase the energy absorbing performance of the a-pillar in the relevant area. Owner notification began October 28, 2002.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 67,565 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.