Recall 18V891 affects 86 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT vehicles for faulty panoramic sunroof obstacle detection. Repair is free at any franchised Hyundai dealer.
Hyundai is recalling 86 2018 Elantra GT vehicles because the panoramic sunroof motor was incorrectly programmed and can fail to detect an obstacle while closing. If the sunroof closes on an obstruction instead of reversing, injury risk increases; Hyundai dealers will update the sunroof motor software free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The panoramic sunroof motor on the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT moves the glass panel open and closed. It also controls the automatic closing function, including the software logic that tells the roof to stop or reverse when it detects an obstacle in the path of the glass.
On affected Elantra GT vehicles, the motor was programmed with incorrect software parameters during manufacturing. That programming error prevents the sunroof from detecting an obstacle while the roof is closing. The glass can keep moving instead of stopping, so a hand, arm, or object in the opening is not protected by the normal detection function.
There is no warning sign before failure. The switch and roof movement can feel normal until the automatic closing function reaches an obstruction and fails to respond as designed.
Who's affected?
| 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT | visibility component |
|---|---|
| 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT | electrical system |
| Units affected | 86 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT hatchback is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific hatchback is included.
What's the safety risk?
A panoramic sunroof that keeps closing when it hits an obstacle increases the risk of injury. Keep hands, fingers, and objects clear of the opening, and schedule the inspection soon if your VIN is included. The dealer will inspect the sunroof and replace it if needed. Repair is free at any franchised Hyundai dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Hyundai dealer to schedule the free panoramic-sunroof inspection and replacement that corrects the closing-obstacle detection problem.
- Bring the recall notice if Hyundai mailed one. Reference recall number 18V891 and Hyundai recall 179 when you call.
- Stop using the panoramic sunroof until the dealer inspects it, especially when passengers are near the opening.
- Call Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460 with questions about the repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Hyundai technician inspects the panoramic sunroof and replaces it if the inspection shows replacement is needed. The inspection, replacement parts, and labor are free under recall 18V891. Hyundai provides reimbursement under its submitted plan for owners who already paid for related sunroof repairs before the recall work. Bring prior repair paperwork and payment documentation to the service desk, or contact Hyundai customer service if the dealer asks you to submit the claim directly.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 14, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 5, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
| February 15, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| February 15, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 15, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V891?
Recall 18V891 covers 86 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT vehicles with panoramic sunroof motor programming that can stop the sunroof from detecting an obstacle while closing. Hyundai dealers will inspect the panoramic sunroof and replace it as needed for free.
What should I do if my 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 18V891. If it is, contact a franchised Hyundai dealer to schedule the panoramic sunroof inspection. Reference recall number 18V891 and Hyundai recall number 179 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the defect repair to be completed at no cost to the owner. Hyundai's remedy says dealers will inspect the panoramic sunroof and replace it as needed free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is injury from the panoramic sunroof closing on an obstacle without detecting it and retracting. The issue involves sunroof operation, not a do-not-drive order. Confirm your VIN, then have a franchised Hyundai dealer complete the free inspection and repair.
When did Hyundai start this recall repair?
Hyundai began this recall on February 5, 2019. The dealer remedy is available now, so owners with an included VIN can contact a franchised Hyundai dealer for the free panoramic sunroof inspection and replacement if the inspection finds it is needed.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V891000 |
|---|---|
| Hyundai customer service | 1-855-371-9460 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V891 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V891000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (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 →