An ECU reflash recall involving knock sensors in Kia and Hyundai automobiles was issued in 2019. Ten recalls have been conducted to address problems that led to non-crash fires and stalling in the past six years, and other Kia and Hyundai models have been the focus of inquiries, lawsuits, and investigations.
Hyundai recalled the 2013–2014 Santa Fe Sport and the 2011–2014 Sonata in 2015 and 2017 to address engine component flaws. Also recalled for the same reasons were the 2012–2014 Sorento, 2011–2014 Kia Optima, and 2011–2013 Sportage. To fix engine issues, over a million Kia and Hyundai cars have been recalled. The 2.4 liter and 2.0 liter turbocharged engines are among these. The risk was higher for older vehicles, and the 2.0-liter engines reported the highest frequency of non-crash fires.
Due to a failing anti-lock braking system that could result in an electrical shock and ultimately an engine compartment fire in 2019, Hyundai recalled select 2017-2018 Santa Fe Sports, 2016-2018 Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Tucson, and 2019 Santa Fe XL vehicles. The 2014–2016 and 2016–2018 K900 Sportage models were recalled by Kia Motors America the same year owing to problems with the hydraulic electronic control unit that could result in an engine fire from an electrical short.
In This Article...
Why did Hyundai recall some cars because of an engine problem?
Hyundai has recalled more than one million vehicles in close collaboration with NHTSA to resolve a manufacturing problem that might result in engine failure and, under some conditions, an engine fire.
There have been occurrences of stalling, which means the engine may stop operating while the car is being driven, even though the majority of events involving impacted vehicles have only had engine knocking.
Importantly, drivers can continue to manage their vehicles in this scenario since the airbags, steering, and brakes all continue to function.
Drivers are typically warned by warning lights and sounds as soon as an engine fails, and even if the engine may hesitate at first, they should have enough time to take the car off the road safely.
US regulators intensify their investigation into Hyundai-Kia engine fires and breakdowns
In 2012, a Hyundai Sonata is seen parked in a Hyundai showroom in Des Plaines, Illinois. Investigations into the engine fires that have afflicted Hyundai and Kia vehicles for more than six years have been intensified by U.S. auto safety regulators.
DEARBORN — Investigations into the engine fires that have afflicted Hyundai and Kia vehicles for more than six years have been intensified by U.S. auto safety regulators.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 3 million automobiles from the model years 2011 through 2016 are included in a recent engineering study examination. 161 complaints of engine fires have been sent to the agency, some of which involved recalled automobiles.
Since the business issued an engine failure recall in September 2015, engine failures and flames have plagued Korean automakers’ vehicles. According to NHTSA records published on its website Monday, it has now issued at least eight additional recalls for a variety of engine issues.
The organization claims that it is starting the engineering analysis to determine whether earlier recalls covered enough automobiles. The effectiveness of earlier recalls will also be evaluated, as well as the long-term viability of linked programs and non-safety field operations being carried out by Hyundai and Kia.
Hyundai claimed in a prepared statement that it has “taken many proactive efforts to address engine issues, including executing several recalls, introducing a new engine monitoring system, providing extended warranties, and improving our customer service response.” Hyundai promotes a culture of openness and responsibility because customer safety comes first in all we do.
The Theta II GDI, Theta II MPI, Theta II MPI hybrid, Nu GDI, and Gamma GDI engines from the connected Korean automakers are involved in the vehicle fires. Hyundai’s Sonata, Santa Fe, and Elantra as well as Kia’s Sorento, Rio, Optima, and Soul are among the models covered. Covered model years range from 2011 until 2016.
According to the organization, three people have reported burns and eye injuries that didn’t need medical attention.
Because Kia and Hyundai took too long to recall more than 1 million vehicles with potentially dangerous engines, the NHTSA announced in November 2020 that they would be forced to pay $137 million in fines and make other safety measures. The sanctions end an investigation into the corporations’ actions regarding multiple model recalls going back to the 2011 model year.
For safety performance measures, Kia was required to pay $27 million and put $16 million into them. As long as Kia complies with safety requirements, a further $27 million payment will be postponed, according to NHTSA.
Despite denying the U.S. accusations, Kia claimed it wished to avoid a drawn-out legal battle.
A large number of recalls included production flaws that prevented oil from passing past the engine block. Many of them need pricey engine replacements.
Additionally, 3.7 million vehicles from Hyundai and Kia were the target of a U.S. “product enhancement program” to install software warning drivers of potential engine issues.
8 out of 10 Electrical Issues
Electrical difficulties are a common occurrence in modern vehicles, especially Hyundai vehicles. According to Hyundai Problems, the Elantra and Sonata are the models that are most susceptible to electrical issues.
More frequently than most other failures, owners of these Hyundais have reported the engine not turning over. Additionally, there have previously been recalls due to issues with electrical outlets in the cabin overheating. Hyundai sedans should be avoided if you want to prevent electrical issues.
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NHTSA stated when it began the inquiry that 18 months after the 2015 recall, both automakers announced the recall of 1.2 million additional vehicles for the same issue, including models that the companies had initially claimed weren’t involved.
Over 8 million Hyundai and Kia vehicle owners have had engine failure and fire issues as a result of these issues, which have persisted for more than five years.
Two further automaker-related investigations that the NHTSA started in June 2018 are still active. According to the organization, owners had reported more than 3,100 fires, 103 injuries, and one fatality. It granted a plea for the investigations submitted by the consumer advocacy nonprofit Center for Auto Safety.
The center’s executive director, Jason Levine, claimed that they petitioned NHTSA for a probe since it appeared that no one was paying attention to the complaints of owners of Hyundai and Kia vehicles.
Nearly 3 million vehicles throughout the model lineups of the associated Korean manufacturers were subject to the new investigations, one for Hyundai and the other for Kia, which focused on non-crash fires.
NHTSA stated in papers that it had received reports of fires in the engine compartment as well as fires involving various other parts, such as tail light housings, wire harnesses, and light bulbs.
Later, the associated Korean automakers admitted that dealers might not have always replaced engine blocks correctly. According to Kia, during the repairs, a pipe delivering high-pressure gasoline may have been damaged, misaligned, or tightened improperly, allowing gas to leak and strike hot engine components, starting more fires.
More than 500,000 vehicles made by Hyundai and Kia are being recalled due to engine fire concerns.
Following were more recalls. More than 4.7 million Hyundai and Kia vehicles have been recalled, and they conducted a “product enhancement program” affecting an additional 3.7 million to install software that will warn drivers of potential engine issues.
Since 2015, Hyundai and Kia have issued 31 U.S. recalls for fire and engine-related issues, according to data gathered by the Center for Auto Safety. More than 20 models, totaling more than 8.4 million cars, from the model years 2006 through 2021 are included in the recalls.
In some instances, like the almost 200,000 vehicles that were recalled in September due to electrical shorts in the braking system, the automakers advised owners to store their cars outside since fires could start when they are turned off. Additionally, there were recalls for items that could catch fire inside engines, such as fuel pump cracks, defective catalytic converters, and brake fluid leaks.
In a statement, Kim, who is headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, expressed his desire for his reports to result in “genuine safety improvements, both within Hyundai and across the industry.”
“I am thankful that the U.S. legal system had a program in place to make this feasible and I am pleased that I have been fairly compensated for the risks I took to protect owners of these dangerous autos.” said Mr. Kim.
Do Hyundai Elantras have issues with their engines?
Do you have a Hyundai Elantra on the road? If one day you start having engine issues, don’t be shocked. Over the years, thousands of Elantra drivers have complained about engine problems.
There are other issues Elantras can have as well, though. You could experience issues with the steering, the electrical system, the brakes, and more. The sections that follow discuss typical Hyundai Elantra issues and solutions. Selling your automobile to CarBrain may be the best course of action in many situations.
What are Hyundai’s most frequent issues?
Since the engine is the heart of the car, having a malfunctioning one can be irritating and, frequently, scary. Engine issues with Hyundai automobiles are frequently reported. These issues can range from ticking or strange noises to stalling, cutting out, or seizing. The 2011 and 2012 Hyundai Sonata appear to have been most affected by these problems. Both the Sonata and Elantra have a history of internal electrics problems, which can lead to improper engine operation. To get you back on the road, any engine problems should be fixed right away.
What Hyundai models are the most trustworthy?
The sleek and well-equipped Hyundai Sonata is a midsize sedan that has established itself as a serious rival to the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. It has a comfortable ride and an elegant interior with spacious seats.
The Sonata offers high fuel economy and a wealth of features as standard equipment, making it a solid purchase for the money. The Sonata is the company’s best-selling Hyundai model as of October 2021, and EchoPark visitors adore it as well.
Hyundai 1.6 T engines are they trustworthy?
The 1.6L Hyundai and Kia engines are often more reliable than average. The Gamma engines don’t have any flaws that could cause catastrophic engine failure, in contrast to the problems with the Theta engines. Oil leaks are typical as engines age, every direct-injected engine is affected by carbon buildup, purge valve repairs are quite affordable, and cat failure isn’t that frequent.
There aren’t many problems that the 1.6 Gamma encounters that could necessitate pricey repairs. Most of the problems these engines encounter are modest and don’t significantly affect their ability to perform or drive. With being said, reliability is greatly influenced by maintenance. Hyundai advises oil changes every 9,000 miles. Simply replace your oil every 5,000 miles to greatly reduce the likelihood of any problems.
With the Hyundai 1.6, 200,000 miles should be reached without much maintenance being required. However, bear in mind that a number of general maintenance components, such as spark plugs, water pumps, coil packs, injectors, belts, and hoses, will become necessary when you approach these higher mileages.
What is the Hyundai Elantra’s biggest issue?
The airbag warning light intermittently coming on and going off is the most common issue. When your safety and life depend on the other airbags, it’s tempting to worry that they might not function properly.
Are Hyundai engines covered by a lifetime warranty?
You may be covered by this class-action lifetime guarantee and qualified for a free engine replacement if you own a car with a Hyundai Theta II 2.0-liter turbo or 2.4-liter naturally aspirated engine.
What models of Hyundai are being recalled?
Certain 2019-2022 Accent, 2021-2023 Elantra, and 2021-2022 Elantra HEV vehicles are being recalled by Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai). The front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioners may blow up when they deploy in the case of a collision.
What year did Hyundai recall its engines?
Model Year 2013 and 2014 Hyundai Sonata vehicles with 2.0 liter and 2.4 liter gasoline direct injection (GDI) engines produced at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama will have their engines inspected and, if necessary, replaced as part of a safety recall by Hyundai in the United States.