Recall 24V146 affects 186,588 2015-2016 Hyundai Elantra vehicles for a trunk latch defect. Repair is free at any franchised Hyundai dealer.
Hyundai is recalling 186,588 2015-2016 Elantra vehicles because the trunk latch can become damaged, blocking the inside trunk release. A person trapped in the trunk faces a higher risk of injury, and Hyundai dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The trunk latch assembly on 2015-2016 Hyundai Elantra vehicles is the mechanism that holds the trunk lid closed and releases it when commanded. Inside the latch, a pawl acts like a small catch, locking the latch in place and then moving out of the way when the key release or internal trunk release is used. That internal release is required so a person trapped in the trunk can open it from inside.
On affected Elantras, the pawl material does not withstand high ambient temperature well enough. Heat exposure can damage the latch mechanism, leaving the pawl unable to move the way it should. When that happens, the trunk lid stays latched and the inside release no longer opens the trunk, which is why recall 24V146 addresses compliance with the internal trunk release requirement.
Before failure, the trunk lid can take more effort to open from the latched position. That added effort is the warning sign to watch for.
Who's affected?
The listed part is Hyundai's standard-key-release trunk latch assembly.
| 2016 Hyundai Elantra | Latch |
|---|---|
| 2015 Hyundai Elantra | Latch |
| Units affected | 186,588 |
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?
A failed trunk latch can trap a person inside the trunk compartment, increasing the risk of injury. A trunk lid that takes extra effort to open from the latched position is a warning sign to have it checked. Repair is free at any franchised Hyundai dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2016 Hyundai Elantra is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Hyundai dealer to schedule the free trunk-latch-base replacement that restores the inside trunk release.
- Bring the recall notice if Hyundai mailed one. If not, reference recall number 24V146 when you call.
- Keep children away from the trunk and do not let anyone ride or play inside it until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Hyundai technician replaces the trunk latch base sub-assembly covered by recall 24V146. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall, and the repair is available now through Hyundai dealers. If you already paid out of pocket to repair the same trunk latch condition before the recall work was done, Hyundai's reimbursement plan covers eligible expenses. Bring the repair order, receipt, or other payment documentation to the service desk so the dealer can tell you how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| February 23, 2024 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 5, 2024 | Owner notification mailed |
| April 15, 2024 | Dealer notification began |
| April 15, 2024 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 15, 2024 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 24V146?
Recall 24V146 covers 186,588 2015-2016 Hyundai Elantra vehicles with a trunk latch that can become damaged and block opening from inside the trunk. Hyundai dealers will replace the trunk latch base sub-assembly for free.
What should I do if my 2015-2016 Hyundai Elantra is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Elantra is included in recall 24V146. If it is, contact a franchised Hyundai dealer to schedule replacement of the trunk latch base sub-assembly. Reference Hyundai recall number 256 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to complete recall repairs at no cost. Hyundai dealers will replace the trunk latch base sub-assembly free of charge at any franchised Hyundai dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 24V146?
The safety risk is entrapment inside the trunk. If the latch is damaged, a person inside the trunk compartment can be unable to open it from the inside, increasing injury risk. The dealer repair replaces the affected latch base sub-assembly.
When were owners notified about recall 24V146?
Hyundai mailed owner notification letters on April 5, 2024. If you own a 2015-2016 Elantra and never received a letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included before calling a Hyundai dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/24V146000 |
|---|---|
| Hyundai customer service | 1-855-371-9460 |
| NHTSA recall # | 24V146 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 24V146000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Remedy Instructions (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (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 →