If your VIN is in recall 18V026, Hyundai will install an ABS short-prevention relay for free at any franchised Hyundai dealer.
Hyundai is recalling 87,854 2006-2011 Azera and Sonata vehicles because water can enter the Anti-lock Brake module and trigger an electrical short. That short can start an engine compartment fire even when the car is turned off, and Hyundai dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The anti-lock brake module on the affected Hyundai Sonata and Azera vehicles is the electronic control unit for the ABS system. It helps manage brake pressure during hard braking so the wheels do not lock up. The module sits in the engine compartment and remains tied into the vehicle's electrical system.
On these vehicles, water can enter the ABS module and reach its electronic parts. Moisture inside the module can create an electrical short. Because the module has continuous power, that short can happen while the vehicle is parked and the ignition is off. The added relay in the recall repair shuts the ABS module down when the ignition is turned off.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner does not get a specific early symptom that confirms water has entered the module before the electrical short occurs.
Who's affected?
Covers Sonata and Azera sedans across the 2006-2011 model years, all tied to the hydraulic brake system.
| 2006 Hyundai Sonata | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| 2006 Hyundai Azera | hydraulic brake system |
| 2007 Hyundai Azera | hydraulic brake system |
| 2008 Hyundai Azera | hydraulic brake system |
| 2009 Hyundai Azera | hydraulic brake system |
| 2010 Hyundai Azera | hydraulic brake system |
| 2011 Hyundai Azera | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 87,854 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
An electrical short inside the ABS module can start an engine compartment fire, even when the vehicle is turned off, increasing injury risk. Confirm whether your VIN is included and arrange service promptly rather than waiting for symptoms. Repair is free at any franchised Hyundai dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2006 Hyundai Sonata or 2006-2011 Hyundai Azera is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Hyundai dealer to schedule the free relay installation that prevents an ABS Module short while the car is turned off.
- Bring the recall notice if Hyundai sent one. If not, reference recall number 18V026 and Hyundai recall 172 when you call.
- Ask the dealer whether the car needs any parking or handling precautions before the relay is installed.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Hyundai technician installs a relay in the vehicle's main junction box. The relay is meant to prevent an ABS electrical short while the vehicle is turned off. Parts and labor are free under the recall. If you've already paid for a related ABS module or electrical repair, Hyundai's reimbursement plan covers eligible owner expenses under the plan submitted on November 2, 2016. Bring repair invoices or other documentation to the Hyundai service desk and ask how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| January 9, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 12, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| January 12, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 19, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| February 23, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V026?
Recall 18V026 covers 87,854 Hyundai vehicles with an ABS module that can short if water enters it. The recall applies to the 2006 Hyundai Sonata and 2006-2011 Hyundai Azera. Hyundai dealers install a relay in the main junction box for free.
What should I do if my 2006 Hyundai Sonata or 2006-2011 Hyundai Azera is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 18V026. If it is, contact a franchised Hyundai dealer and ask for recall 172. The dealer installs the relay repair for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Hyundai's remedy says dealers will install the relay free of charge. The work is handled through a franchised Hyundai dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 18V026?
Recall 18V026 says water can enter the ABS module and cause an electrical short. That short can start an engine compartment fire even when the car is turned off, increasing injury risk. The dealer repair is a relay installation that prevents the short-circuit risk while parked.
What if I bought my Hyundai Sonata or Azera used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Sonata or Azera is included, then give Hyundai recall number 172 to the dealer service desk.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V026000 |
|---|---|
| Hyundai customer service | 1-800-633-5151 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V026 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V026000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →