WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued a recall on May 15 covering more than 54,000 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid vehicles from model years 2024 through 2026 over a defect that could increase the risk of fire. The recall centers on a power control unit that may overheat under high electrical loads.

The power control unit delivers electrical power to specific components of the hybrid system. According to the recall notice, the power unit software may not provide enough cooling to the unit assembly, resulting in overheating under high electrical loads.

In most cases, affected vehicles may go into a "no start" condition or enter a reduced power "limp" mode. In very few cases, the overheating could result in thermal damage to the power unit assembly and other internal components, increasing the risk of fire.

Safety regulators estimate that 1% of the recalled vehicles have the defect. Hyundai is aware of four incidents related to the defect, including one that resulted in a fire. No crashes or injuries have been reported in connection with the recall.

Owners of the recalled vehicles will be notified by mail to bring their car to a Hyundai dealer for an update to the HPCU software. The software update will be offered at no cost to owners for all affected vehicles, regardless of whether the vehicles are still covered under Hyundai's New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

Notification letters are scheduled to be sent on July 13, 2026. Hyundai will also provide owners of affected vehicles reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses incurred to obtain a remedy for the recall condition, in accordance with the reimbursement plan submitted to NHTSA on March 2, 2026.