2005 Hyundai Elantra 133k Miles. Shifts Smooth, Idles Rough. No Rust, But Dented on 2040-cars

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Kia recalls 507,000 vehicles in U.S. for airbag issues

WASHINGTON — Kia Motors Corp said on Friday it was recalling more than 507,000 vehicles in the United States because an electronic glitch may prevent airbags from deploying in a crash. The recall follows an announcement in March by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that it was investigating why some airbags had failed to deploy in Kia vehicles and its affiliate Hyundai after crashes in which four people were killed and another six were injured. The two Korean automakers have now recalled nearly 1.1 million U.S. vehicles to address the issue. NHTSA said in March that it was aware of six serious crashes in which airbags failed to deploy in frontal crashes, including four in 2011 model Hyundai Sonatas and two in 2012 and 2013 Kia Forte vehicles. The crash of the 2013 Forte occurred in Canada. Kia's recall issued on Friday covers 2010-2013 Kia Fortes, 2011-2013 Kia Optimas and 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedona vehicles. The company said the airbag control unit may short circuit because they may be susceptible to electrical overstress, preventing the frontal airbags and seat belt pretensioners, which pull the driver and front seat passenger firmly back into their seats, from deploying. The company said it does not yet have a fix, but is working with its supplier on the issue. Kia spokesman James Bell said the company "is attempting to have a remedy by the scheduled owner notification date of July 27. If Kia does not have a remedy by that date or if any customer feels unsafe in his/her vehicle, we will provide a rental car until the repair has been completed." Hyundai in February issued a recall for 154,000 U.S. Sonatas after non-deployment reports were linked to electrical overstress in the air bag control unit. In April, Hyundai recalled an additional 425,000 U.S. vehicles to address the same issue. Hyundai said in March that it was aware of reports of two deaths in its vehicles, which occurred in head-on collisions at extremely high rates of speed. NHTSA said the airbag control module under investigation was built by ZF Friedrichshafen AG, a German auto supplier. ZF said on Friday that it has worked with Kia and "continues to cooperate and support NHTSA and its customers in the investigation." The safety agency also said that electrical overstress appeared to be the root cause in a 2016 recall by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV of 1.4 million U.S. vehicles for airbag non-deployments in significant frontal crashes.

Hyundai and Kia adding Google Maps API to nav systems

Hyundai's Blue Link and Kia's UVO infotainment systems will be adding three Google features: Send2Car, Point of Interest Search and Local Search by Voice. Send2Car lets travelers send destinations to their vehicle's navigation system from a computer or via a mobile phone app, and the POI and local searches are continuously updated in Google Places' database. The new data service integrations mean that drivers will have more access to more destinations and be able to find them more quickly.
Hyundai hasn't said when the new features will debut nor on what model. Kia buyers will find them introduced on the 2014 Kia Sorento expected to roll into dealerships shortly, with the Forte sedan following. You'll find a press release on the updates below.

Hyundai Elantra Sport likely to get 201 hp, optional manual

The South Korean market often gives us a preview of what's coming soon from Hyundai and Kia in the US, usually with only the model name differing. That's what we thought when we saw the new Avante Sport being shown there, and Hyundai Motor America spokesman Jim Trainor confirms that it's basically what we should expect from the upcoming Elantra Sport. Hyundai previously confirmed the quicker sedan will arrive in the US by the end of the year. The Avante Sport uses the Veloster Turbo's 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, making the same 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque as it does in the funky hatch-coupe. Expect a choice between a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and a six-speed manual to go with it. The sporty compact upgrades to a multi-link rear suspension, replacing the standard Elantra/Avante torsion-beam setup. South Korean customers can choose an optional Extreme package that includes upgraded stabilizer bars, different springs and shocks, and a rear spoiler. We're hoping the suspension upgrades will be standard on the Elantra Sport. Hyundai made some subtle visual tweaks to signal the Sport model's extra performance. Lower side sills, larger openings in the front fascia, and a rear diffuser with dual exhaust tips poking out get the speedy message across. Inside, the front seats get larger bolsters and there's a unique flat-bottom steering wheel. Carbon-fiber-esque trim completes the sporty look. Currently, the only Elantra available in the US uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder running on the Atkinson cycle that makes 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. An Eco trim will join the lineup this spring with a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder and seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. With the Sport, Hyundai will have a family of models to appeal to a large portion of buyers in the segment. Related Video: