Car Owner's 2018 Hyundai Sonata Engine Detonation Causes Six-Month Long Headache at Dealership After Traveling 58,000 Miles
Blanca Crowe, a Hyundai Sonata owner, has faced a series of engine troubles since purchasing her car from CarMax in 2018. After driving 58,000 miles, her car experienced a catastrophic engine failure, leaving her with a $20,000 repair bill and a car not worth that much.
Despite having an extended warranty, the warranty company, Carmax Fidelity, initially denied her claim for engine failure. However, after further investigation, Fidelity agreed to cover the entire repair cost, citing it as a major case.
Blanca's car developed a loud noise shortly after having the engine repaired and needed additional repairs. This continued even after the car had a new engine, a new turbo, and a new starter.
Blanca was not the only Hyundai owner facing engine troubles. Certain models, including certain 2011-2014 Sonatas, 2013-2014 Santa Fe Sports, 2019-2020 Elantras, 2019-2021 Konas, and Velosters with the 2.0L Nu MPI engine, have been identified as potentially affected.
One of the main concerns for Hyundai models is the 2012 Santa Fe, which has been associated with a critical engine failure issue involving the failure of connecting rod bearings in the Theta II engine. This can cause total engine shutdowns, stalls, or even engine fires. Despite numerous complaints, many affected vehicles have reportedly been excluded from official recalls, leaving owners facing expensive repairs without manufacturer coverage.
Another issue affecting a broader range of Hyundai and Kia models is the defects in gasoline direct injection engines. These defects are causing inadequate oil flow to moving parts, leading to engine seizure and fire risk. This issue has led to a class-action lawsuit with over 350 complaints to NHTSA.
While not directly an engine failure, the 2025 Hyundai Tucson and Santa Cruz were recalled due to a wiring harness issue that could cause the vehicle to roll away accidentally due to an unintended shift out of park.
Hyundai dealerships have announced they will inspect engines and replace them if necessary, free of charge. However, it's essential for owners to check if their vehicles are included in the affected models and to seek assistance from their dealerships if they are experiencing any engine-related issues.
Blanca's story serves as a stark reminder of the engine failure issues in certain Hyundai models. She was left stranded multiple times in the last five months, towing her car to Hyundai dealers. Her car's air conditioning system even started blowing hot air during a trip to Mammoth.
The engine failure was due to a lack of oil lubrication, which caused a hole in the cylinder block. After the initial repair, the car was diagnosed as needing a new high-pressure fuel pump and a new air compressor. Fortunately, Hyundai agreed to pay 70% of the repairs, and Fidelity agreed to pay the remaining 30%.
As more cases of engine failure in Hyundai models come to light, it's crucial for owners to stay informed, seek assistance from their dealerships, and ensure their vehicles are inspected and repaired if necessary.
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