Recall 23V589 affects 37,997 2021-2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid vehicles for a motor control software error causing unintended acceleration. Free repair at any franchised Hyundai dealer.
Hyundai is recalling 37,997 2021-2023 Elantra Hybrid vehicles because a motor control unit software error can trigger unintended acceleration after the brake pedal is released. Unintended acceleration increases the risk of a crash, and Hyundai dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The 2021-2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid uses a hybrid power control unit to manage power between the battery, electric motor, and gas engine. The motor control software tells the electric motor how much drive force to apply when the driver presses or releases the pedals. Hyundai identifies the affected assembly as the HPCU reservoir module, which is part of that hybrid control system.
On affected vehicles, the software logic can detect a fault when there is not a real fault. After the brake pedal is released, that error can command unintended acceleration instead of returning the vehicle to normal driver control. Hyundai's repair changes the motor control unit software logic so the fault detection behaves correctly.
There is no warning sign before failure. If the condition occurs, the key symptom is the vehicle accelerating after the driver releases the brake pedal.
Who's affected?
Scope spans the 2021, 2022, and 2023 model years, with the same hybrid power control unit reservoir module tied to vehicle speed control and the electrical system.
| 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid | Vehicle speed control |
|---|---|
| 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid | electrical system |
| 2022 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid | Vehicle speed control |
| 2022 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid | electrical system |
| 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid | Vehicle speed control |
| 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid | electrical system |
| Units affected | 37,997 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
Unintended acceleration can make the vehicle move faster than the driver commands, increasing the risk of a crash. Until the software update is complete, drive cautiously and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Hyundai dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021-2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Hyundai dealer to schedule the free motor-control-unit software update that fixes the unintended-acceleration error.
- Bring the recall notice if Hyundai sent one, and reference recall number 23V589 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, leave extra following distance, and call Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460 with questions.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Hyundai technician updates the motor control unit software that controls hybrid motor behavior. The update is free under recall 23V589, with parts and labor covered at a Hyundai dealer. Owner letters were mailed September 29, 2023, so dealers should be able to identify the campaign when you schedule. If you already paid out of pocket to fix the recall condition, Hyundai's standard reimbursement plan covers documented expenses. Bring repair invoices, receipts, and payment records to the service desk, or contact Hyundai customer service for claim instructions.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 18, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 26, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
| October 17, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| October 17, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 17, 2023 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| October 17, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V589?
Recall 23V589 covers 37,997 2021-2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid vehicles with a motor control unit software error. After the brake pedal is released, the error can cause unintended vehicle acceleration, increasing crash risk. Hyundai dealers will update the software for free.
What should I do if my 2021-2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 23V589. If it is, contact a franchised Hyundai dealer to schedule the motor control unit software update. Reference recall number 23V589 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair the defect at no cost, and Hyundai will update the motor control unit software free of charge at any franchised Hyundai dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 23V589?
The safety risk is unintended acceleration after the brake pedal is released. Hyundai's filing says unintended vehicle acceleration can increase the risk of a crash. Confirm your VIN, then schedule the free software update with a Hyundai dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V589000 |
|---|---|
| Hyundai customer service | 1-855-371-9460 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V589 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V589000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →