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.
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By Staff and AP •• A whistleblower who revealed that Hyundai and Kia took too long to recall more than 1 million cars with engine issues received more than $24 million from the U.S. government’s road safety department.
The award given to former Hyundai Motor engineer Kim Gwang-ho, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, is the first one given to a whistleblower. Additionally, it is the highest amount permitted by a new government program that allows workers who disclose fraud to get up to 30% of the fines paid by the manufacturers.
Hyundai and Kia agreed to pay $137 million in fines and make safety upgrades in November 2020 to fix the engine issues.
In 2016, Kim complained to the NHTSA that Hyundai had neglected to fix a design problem with its Theta II engines, which were prone to freezing up and potentially catching fire. The agency discovered that the recall of the vehicles had been delayed by Hyundai and its Kia affiliate, and that the Korean automaker had given false information regarding the issues.
According to NHTSA’s deputy administrator Steven Cliff, “whistleblowers play a key role in providing information to NHTSA about major safety hazards that are kept from the agency.” “We are committed to compensating those who submit information to us,” the statement reads. “This information is important to public safety.”
After Hyundai recalled roughly 470,000 vehicles in September 2015 due to the possibility that manufacturing debris could obstruct oil flow to connecting rod bearings, the U.S. safety agency began an investigation into the matter in 2017. That might lead to the bearings wearing down and failing, which might result in the four-cylinder engines stalling or igniting. An costly engine block replacement was required for the fix.
According to NHTSA inquiry records, Hyundai only recalled engines manufactured before to April 2012, after which it claimed to have fixed the manufacturing issue. Additionally, Kia decided not to recall its cars and SUVs equipped with the same 2.4-liter and 2-liter “Theta II” engines since it claimed those vehicles were produced at an Alabama plant using a different assembly line.
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.
Why/how do some engines catch 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.
In some cases, the connecting rod, one of the rotating parts of the engine, stops rotating and fractures, causing the engine to stall.
When a connecting rod breaks, the fractured pieces may harm the engine block, which would then allow oil to leak out and come in contact with the hot engine surfaces.
A fire may result from this.
Among the signs to look out for are:
- a banging sound produced by the engine that gets louder as the rpm rises.
- reduced force, hesitancy, and/or vibration
- the instrument cluster’s “check engine” light turning on.
- Engine oil pressure warning lamp illumination.
Engine Issues: 10/10
Engine breakdowns are arguably the worst scenario and the last thing you should be concerned about when buying a new car! Unfortunately, there are a few engine problems with the new Hyundai vehicles.
According to Hyundai Problems, the Hyundai Sonata is the model that is most troubled. Many customers report their engines shutting out, seizing, stopping, or making noises. Those are not the best signs to look for when buying a new car, but fortunately, the worst years are 2011 and 2012.
Do Hyundai vehicles have engine issues?
These kinds of breakdowns have increased in frequency, with thousands of Hyundai and Kia customers in recent years reporting serious engine issues that can be fixed for thousands of dollars.
Do Hyundai cars from 2022 have engine issues?
The engines in the 2022 Hyundai Tucson have serious issues, according to complaints to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The NHTSA has already received 19 complaints in the Engine category. Four more complaints in the Unknown or Other category are extremely similar to the first four.
Hyundai engines are they dependable?
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 produces Hyundai automobile 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.
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.
Are the engines in Kia and Hyundai the same?
There are many parallels between Hyundai and Kia. Both companies are situated in South Korea and have comparable product lines. In actuality, Hyundai Motor Company owns 34% of Kia Motors. Many of these vehicles share engineering, platforms, and powertrains. Hyundai and Kia, however, run their businesses separately. Each brand continues to operate its own design studios, engineering team, sales team, and marketing division. Having said that, there are really more positive similarities between the two brands than negative ones, which is good. Both manufacturers produce luxurious cars with excellent warranties that their owners adore. Nevertheless, it’s important to be aware of these minor variations so that you can make an educated decision.
What Hyundai engines are subject to a recall?
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.
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.