Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Motors Corp. will recall nearly 1.2 million vehicles in the U.S. due to a manufacturing error in the Hyundai's four-cylinder engine beginning on May 19.
All Hyundai 2.0- and 2.4-liter "Theta" four-cylinder engines may have been affected by "residual debris" left by the manufacturing processes at Hyundai's Alabama-based plant. The debris can potentially restrict oil flow to connecting rod bearings, increase temperatures and cause bearings to wear and fail, and the engine to ultimately stall while moving, according to a company document posted by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Warning signs
As the vehicle accelerates drivers may hear a "knocking noise from [the] engine," reduced power and/or hesitation and engine warning lights on the dashboard. The frequency of the knocks is said to increase as the engine speed rises.
There have been no reports of crashes or injuries, Hyundai notes in its recall document to the NHTSA.
Recalled vehicles
The following Hyundai vehicles are included in the U.S. recall:
- Hyundai Santa Fe Sport SUVs, 2013 to 2014
- Hyundai Sonata midsize cars, 2013 to 2014
Kia, an affiliate of Hyundai which uses the same engines, will also see U.S. recalls for the following vehicles:
- Kia Optima midsize cars, 2011 to 2014
- Kia Sportage SUVs, 2011 to 2013
- Kia Sorento SUVs, 2012 to 2014
Once recalled, dealers will inspect and replace the engine sub-assembly or "short block" as necessary.
In addition to the 1.19 million cars and SUVS being recalled in the U.S., 114,187 are being recalled in Canada and 171,348 in South Korea.
