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.
In This Article...
A Colorado man was found guilty of killing two women in 1982.
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.
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.
Is the engine of your Hyundai or Kia susceptible to a catastrophic failure?
The engines in the aforementioned vehicles purportedly had an engine problem, but Kia and Hyundai continued to sell them and refused to inform customers of it, causing customers to bring their cars in for repairs at their own expense and lowering the resale value of their cars. These acts endanger the people operating and riding in these vehicles, as well as everyone else on the road, and force customers to overpay for subpar cars.
With a proven track record of success, Keller Rohrback holds automakers responsible for marketing automobiles that fall short of their initial promises. Courts have appointed our consumer protection team to key positions in cases involving significant safety flaws in vehicles made by General Motors, Fiat-Chrysler, Hyundai and Kia, Toyota, Honda, and Mitsubishi, as well as in the “Dieselgate” litigation against Volkswagen and Fiat-Chrysler regarding the emissions systems of diesel vehicles.
Keller Rohrback, a national law firm with locations in Seattle, Phoenix, New York, Missoula, Oakland, and Santa Barbara, acts as lead and co-lead counsel in class actions. Its Complex Litigation Group is happy to provide its knowledge to clients around the country, and our trial attorneys have won verdicts and reached settlements totaling more than $23.25 billion.
Which Hyundai engines are in need of repair?
Certain model year 2011–2014 Sonatas, 2013–2014 Santa Fe Sports, 2012 Santa Fes, 2015–2016 Velosters, 2011–2013 and 2016–2017 Sonata Hybrids, and 2017 Tucsons are among the affected vehicles.
Which model year of Hyundai has engine issues?
Certain Santa Fe SUVs from 2016 to 2018, Santa Fe Sports from 2017 to 2018, the 2019 Santa Fe XL, and Tucson SUVs from 2014 and 2015 are among the Hyundai models that have been recalled. The car companies record 11 instances of fires in the United States, but no injuries.
How durable are Hyundai engines?
The most important features that most buyers consider when buying a car are dependability and durability. Given the large investment that buying a car entails, it stands to reason that owners would want to ensure that their purchase will last for several years. The typical engine life of a Hyundai ranges from 250,000 to 400,000 kilometers. Your car’s engine might last 15 to 20 years in top condition, depending on how much you drive each day. However, there are a few things that you will need to do on your end to keep the engine of your automobile in good operating order if you want to be sure that it can survive that long.
Who manufactures Hyundai’s engines?
What Business Produces Hyundai Engines? For their vehicles, Hyundai and Kia produce the engines. But there is some overlap between the two businesses. For instance, both Hyundai and Kia vehicle models use the Kappa G3LA/G3LC and Kappa G4LD engines.
Is a secondhand Hyundai a wise choice?
It’s a wise move to consider whether you should purchase a used Hyundai. After all, purchasing a car—even a used one—is a significant investment, so caution should be given.
But the answer is equally straightforward. Hyundais make excellent used automobiles. In fact, a CarMD analysis of vehicles, trucks, and SUVs between 1996 and 2016 discovered that Hyundai models have the lowest repair costs for issues with the check engine light and was one of only three brands to place in the top 10 for lowest average repair cost and repair frequency.
But other than the findings of one specific study, why should you purchase a used Hyundai?
How does Hyundai compare to Honda?
All of Hyundai’s vehicles received at least a 3.5 out of 5 rating in the U.S. News reliability ratings, making them more trustworthy than Honda automobiles. In contrast, only 3 Honda automobiles achieved a grade of 3.0 out of 5.
In an effort to attract more customers, Hyundai provides a longer warranty than Honda. A 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty are both provided by the Hyundai brand.
A 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty are both provided by Honda.
Honda doesn’t necessarily need to work as hard to acquire customers’ trust, according to the argument that it has established for itself. However, Hyundai continually outperforms expectations with its products and after-sales services.
Hyundai: Is it as dependable as Toyota?
Hyundai and Toyota provide some of the most dependable cars on the market right now if you’re seeking for them. Which one, though, triumphs? While they both perform well and significantly outperform other modern brands, Toyota narrowly edges out Hyundai in terms of reliability. In the majority of user polls and extensive evaluations, Toyota has marginally less issues per vehicle than Hyundai. Hyundai, as opposed to Toyota, provides customers with slightly better and longer warranties. In general, some of the world’s most trustworthy automobiles are produced by Hyundai and Toyota. With either brand, you can’t go wrong.
Does Kia outperform Hyundai?
The conclusion is that, despite the similarity of the vehicles offered by Hyundai and Kia, Kia models offer greater value and better quality, as well as bolder style and a more engaging driving experience. Simply put, no matter what you value most in a car, Kia automobiles are better overall. Of course, it is ultimately up to you to decide. We recognize that purchasing a new car is a significant investment. We advise you to test drive both brands since we are certain that you will ultimately decide on a Kia. Any way you look at it, it’s unquestionably the better option. Please forgive me, Hyundai.