Frequently Asked Questions
In close coordination with NHTSA, Hyundai has recalled more than one million vehicles to address a manufacturing issue that could lead to engine failure and in certain circumstances an engine fire. While the majority of incidents among affected vehicles are limited to engine knocking, there have been instances of stalling, meaning the engine may stop running while the vehicle is being driven. Importantly, drivers in this situation can maintain control of the vehicle as brakes, steering and safety devices like airbags remain operational. Typically, as an engine becomes inoperable, drivers will be alerted by warning lights and sounds, and while the engine may experience some hesitation, drivers should have time to safely move the vehicle off the road.
Affected vehicles include certain model year 2011-14 Sonatas, 2013-14 Santa Fe Sports, 2012 Santa Fes, 2015-2016 Velosters, 2011-2013 and 2016-2017 Sonata Hybrids and 2017 Tucsons. Check if your car is affected by these recalls.
Among the symptoms to watch and listen for:
- A knocking noise from the engine that increases in frequency as the engine rpm increases.
- Reduced power and/or hesitation and vibration.
- Illumination of the “check engine” light in the instrument cluster.
- Illumination of the “engine oil pressure” warning lamp.
If you are experiencing any of these conditions, immediately take your vehicle to a Hyundai dealer for inspection. To find the Hyundai dealer nearest you, visit the Hyundai Customer Care Center or call (855) 671-3059.
Vehicles sold by Hyundai are among the safest in the industry. Hyundai has nine models with a TOP SAFETY PICK+ or TOP SAFETY PICK from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for 2022 – one of the automotive industry’s most recognized and rigorous tests. Hyundai quality is also among the best in the industry, ranking above the industry average in J.D. Power’s 2021 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS) and third among all brands in the 2022 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS).
While the majority of incidents among affected vehicles are limited to engine knocking, there have been instances of stalling, meaning the engine may stop running while the vehicle is being driven. In some instances, the engine stall is caused when one of the rotating components in the engine, the connecting rod, stops rotating and fractures. When a connecting rod fractures, the broken parts may damage the engine block, allowing oil to escape and contact hot engine surfaces. This can lead to a fire.
Among the symptoms to watch and listen for:
- A knocking noise from the engine that increases in frequency as the engine rpm increases.
- Reduced power and/or hesitation and vibration.
- Illumination of the “check engine” light in the instrument cluster.
- Illumination of the “engine oil pressure” warning lamp.
If you are experiencing any of these conditions, immediately take your vehicle to a Hyundai dealer for inspection. To find the Hyundai dealer nearest you, visit the Hyundai Customer Care Center or call (855) 671-3059.
If your vehicle is experiencing any of the symptoms outlined above, make an appointment with your Hyundai dealer to have it inspected as soon as possible. The inspection procedure is free and should take no longer than one hour. If it is necessary to replace the engine, dealers will provide you with a free service loaner vehicle or Hyundai will provide a free rental car for your use while your vehicle is being repaired.
Hyundai’s new knock sensor detection system can benefit all vehicles, not just those subject to an engine recall. The technology enables the detection of early excessive engine bearing wear, as validated by one of the world’s leading engineering and scientific consulting firms. Hyundai will provide an extended warranty for certain of these vehicles as part of the resolution of a class action lawsuit.
The software update is being installed on certain model year 2011-19 Sonatas, 2010-2012 Santa Fes, 2013-18 Santa Fe Sports and 2019 Santa Fes, 2010-2021 Tucsons, 2012-2017 and 2019 Velosters, 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrids and 2016-2019 Sonata Hybrid/Plug-In Hybrids, 2014-2016 Elantras and 2014 Elantra Coupes and 2014-2020 Elantra GTs. Check if your car is affected by these service campaigns.
Hyundai has extended the warranty of these vehicles for both original and subsequent owners for certain engine repairs, subject to other eligibility requirements. If your vehicle experiences an engine issue, please contact the nearest Hyundai dealer for evaluation and determination of warranty coverage or visit Hyundai’s online Customer Assistance Center.
If it is necessary to replace the engine, dealers will provide you with a free service loaner vehicle if one is available or Hyundai will provide reimbursement of expenses incurred for rental of a same class vehicle while your vehicle is being repaired. Vehicles that are part of the Theta II GDI class action settlement may be subject to a $40/day rental reimbursement.
Hyundai strongly encourages customers with vehicles affected by a recall to bring their vehicles to an authorized Hyundai Dealer as soon as possible. All campaign repairs are made free of charge to the customer. Hyundai has a reimbursement program in place for repairs performed on your vehicle that were related to a recall or service campaign and you paid out of pocket for the expense.
Visit Campaign Reimbursement | MyHyundai for details.