Hyundai is recalling more than 54,000 Elantra Hybrid sedans after federal safety regulators warned that a high-voltage control module can overheat and create a potential engine-bay fire risk. The company says affected cars may fail to start or suddenly switch into a reduced-power "limp" mode, though Hyundai reports no crashes or injuries tied to the problem so far. Dealers will install a free software update to the Hybrid Power Control Unit, and owner-notification letters are expected to start going out in mid-July.
What the federal filing says
According to a recall filing posted by NHTSA, campaign 26V308 covers 54,337 model-year 2024–2026 Elantra Hybrid vehicles. The document explains that the Hybrid Power Control Unit (HPCU) assembly can overheat because a transistor (a MOSFET) inside the unit may run too hot under high electrical loads. That can cause what the agency calls "localized thermal damage" and increase the risk of fire.
The federal filing notes that Hyundai’s internal campaign number is 301. Vehicle identification numbers became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 16, 2026, and owner letters are scheduled to be mailed on July 13, 2026. Dealers will apply a software update at no cost to owners.
How the issue might show up on the road
Autoblog reports that drivers may see the malfunction indicator lamp come on, encounter a no-start condition, or experience a sudden loss of motive power if the HPCU triggers its built-in fail-safe protections. The outlet describes the problem as a software-related thermal-management shortfall that can let the MOSFET inside the HPCU overheat during sustained high-current operation, which in rare cases has led to localized thermal damage to the unit.
Timeline and what Hyundai has seen so far
Hyundai told regulators it is aware of four field incidents connected to the condition, including one that involved a fire, and said there have been no crashes or injuries to date. The Houston Chronicle reports that Hyundai will reimburse owners for out-of-pocket costs to obtain the software upgrade before the mailed recall notices arrive.
What Elantra Hybrid owners should do
If you own a 2024–2026 Elantra Hybrid, you can see if your car is included by entering your 17-character VIN on the official NHTSA recalls portal or by calling Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Per NHTSA, dealers will perform the software update free of charge, and VIN lookups became available on May 16, 2026.
If your vehicle shows symptoms such as a no-start condition or reduced power, schedule service as soon as possible and avoid driving the car if you believe it is unsafe to operate. Hyundai has not issued a broad "do not drive" advisory for this recall.
