Hyundai The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating possible axle failures on 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe models, as well as whether a recent General Motors recall for a potential fire hazard in its eAssist fuel-economy system was adequate.
In a report posted on the agency’s Web site, investigators said they received two reports of front axle-shaft failures on the 2013 Santa Fe “resulting in a loss of motive power” within the first 5,000 miles. The investigation covers about 50,000 vehicles.
The General Motors investigation is called a recall query and shows that the safety agency is concerned about the adequacy of a recall. The recall this year covered about 43,000 vehicles with the eAssist system from the 2012-13 model years because the generator control module could cause engine stalling and a fire inside the trunk. The models affected are the 2012-13 Buick LaCrosse and Regal and the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco.
In a new report posted on the agency Web site, N.H.T.S.A. investigators said they learned that General Motors had dealers conduct a test on unsold vehicles to see if the control module was working correctly. Vehicles that passed the test were not recalled, which would have involved replacing the generator control module.
But the investigators say they have learned that before the recall was announced G.M. knew of one fire on a vehicle that had passed the dealer test and was thought not to have a problem. The agency says that the fire draws “into question whether or not the procedure can effectively identify a defective Generator Control Module.”
Alan Adler, a G.M. spokesman, said in a statement that the automaker was cooperating with the agency. He said that the company was unaware of any injuries related to the problem. This is the fourth time this year that the agency has questioned the adequacy of a General Motors recall.
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