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Hyundai and Kia are recalling nearly 1.5 million vehicles across the United States and South Korea due to an issue in their 2 and 2.4 liter gas engines. Debris left over from the manufacturing process can obstruct oil flow, potentially causing the engine to seize and stall while driving, which increases the risk of accidents. The recall affects some of the manufacturers’ best-selling models, including the Hyundai Santa Fe and Sonata, as well as the Kia Sorento, Sportage, and Optima. This recall could cost the fifth-largest automaker in the world hundreds of millions of dollars, as reported by the Financial Times.
This is the latest setback for the problematic Theta II engine family, which has faced numerous reliability issues and was last highlighted in 2015 for a similar recall concerning older Hyundai Sonatas. The announcement follows last month’s recall of nearly 1 million Sonatas and Sonata Hybrids over concerns that seat belts might come loose during crashes.
The problematic engines are thought to impact 1.3 million vehicles in the U.S. and around 171,348 in South Korea. The affected models include the 2013-2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport and Sonata, 2011-2014 Kia Optimas, 2012-2014 Kia Sorentos, and 2011-2013 Kia Sportages. All affected engines were produced at Hyundai’s facility in Montgomery, Alabama.
Drivers can verify if their vehicle is impacted by checking the VIN on the NHTSA website. If necessary, they can take their vehicle to a dealer, where the entire engine block will be replaced at no cost. The recall process is set to start on May 22, with Hyundai stating that there have been no reported injuries or accidents linked to this issue.
However, consumer sentiment indicates that many are frustrated with their unreliable engines. Both Hyundai and Kia saw significant drops in sales last month, continuing a downward trend for the year. This perception of unreliability is the last thing they need right now; April’s sales figures will reveal whether these recalls have affected their market performance.
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