Hyundai is recalling nearly a half-million midsize cars in the U.S. to replace the engines because a manufacturing problem could cause them to fail.
The recall covers 470,000 Sonata sedans from the 2011 and 2012 model years equipped with 2-liter or 2.4-liter gasoline engines. At the time, the Sonata was Hyundai’s top-selling vehicle in the U.S.
The company also is recalling nearly 100,000 Accent small cars because the brake lights can fail.
In documents on the Sonata recall posted Friday by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Hyundai says that metal debris may not have been fully removed from the crankshaft area during manufacturing at Hyundai’s Alabama engine plant. That can restrict oil flow to the connecting rod bearings, and since they are cooled by oil, they could fail. If that happens, the engines could stall and cause a crash.
Dealers will inspect the cars and replace engines at no cost to owners, a company spokesman said. The company also will increase the engine warranty for 10 years or 120,000 miles.
Owners will be notified November 2, and they’ll get a second notice when the replacement engines are available.
The Accent recall covers certain 2009 to 2011 models. It’s an expansion of a recall issued in 2013. Hyundai says the brake light switch can fail, and the lights won’t come on when a driver steps on the brakes. Also, the cruise control may not be deactivated by stepping on the brake, and the gear shifter may get stuck in the “park” position.
Hyundai will replace the brake switch at no cost to owners starting November 2, the company said.
Source: AP