Engine Defects in Kia and Hyundai Vehicles

There have been a series of class action suits regarding an engine defect in “Theta II” engines in Kia and Hyundai vehicles.  These suits allege a defect that causes “engine sludge,” or failure of the engine to lubricate itself properly – which can lead to an engine knocking condition, loss of power, stalling, premature engine wear and eventually failure, a fire in the engine, and other problems, such as interference with power steering.  

So far, the list of vehicles alleged to be affected includes the following:

2011 Kia Optima 2011 Kia Sportage 2011 Kia Sorento 2011 Hyundai Sonata 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe
2012 Kia Optima 2012 Kia Sportage 2012 Kia Sorento 2012 Hyundai Sonata 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe
2013 Kia Optima 2013 Kia Sportage 2013 Kia Sorento 2013 Hyundai Sonata 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe
2014 Kia Optima 2014 Kia Sportage 2014 Kia Sorento 2014 Hyundai Sonata 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe
2015 Kia Optima 2015 Kia Sportage 2015 Kia Sorento 2015 Hyundai Sonata
2016 Kia Optima 2016 Kia Sportage 2016 Kia Sorento 2016 Hyundai Sonata

Kia and Hyundai have taken the position that the defect only affects a very small number of vehicles and is caused by a flaw in the manufacturing process that leaves metal debris in the crankshafts.  They have admitted the problem requires engine replacement, but they have continued to blame the “metal debris in manufacturing process” even while claiming the previous problems were fixed by improving the manufacturing process.

 

Our firm has seen examples of these defects, and the effect can be nasty.  Besides the problems with the engines themselves and the questionable recalls, even when performed there is reason to be concerned about dealerships performing widespread engine replacements.  Dealerships are not set up to be factories, and the delays in getting the parts also implicates the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act’s “30-day” rule.  

Remember there are important factors to consider when deciding whether to remain in or opt out of a class action, and that pursuing your own individual lemon law remedy will nearly always be worth substantially more than what you would recover as an unnamed member of a class action.   

Contact us if you have a related problem in your vehicle, or if you would like more information.

 

 

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