Hyundai recalls 130,000 vehicles over potential engine failure

A week after being fined by regulators for delaying safety recalls, Hyundai is recalling around 130,000 vehicles in the United States because the engines could fail.

The recall involves certain 2012 Santa Fe SUVs, 2015 and 2016 Veloster cars, and 2011-2013 and 2016 Sonata Hybrids. The vehicles are equipped with 2.4-liter, 2-liter or 1.6-liter engines.

The 2012 Santa Fe is one of the models included in the recall.

The recall will address a manufacturing issue that could lead to wear of connecting rod bearings and engine failure, Hyundai said. A damaged connecting rod could puncture the engine block, causing the engine to stall. It could also let oil escape onto hot surfaces, increasing the risk of fire.

Breakdowns are caused by machining debris which can restrict oil flow. Documents published on the NHTSA website on Friday say owners could hear abnormal knocking noises from the engine and see warning lights before any failure or fire.

The recall stems from discussions as part of a 2019 U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigation into engine failures and fires, the company said. When the investigation began, the agency said it had received complaints from homeowners about more than 3,100 fires, 103 injuries and one death.

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The owners will be notified around January 22. Dealers will inspect the motors and replace them if the bearings are damaged. All vehicles will receive a knock sensor system to monitor symptoms that occur before an engine fails.

Last week, NHTSA announced that Hyundai and affiliate Korean automaker Kia were to pay $ 137 million in fines and safety improvements because they moved too slowly to recall more than a million vehicles. whose engines can fail. The fines resolve a three-year government investigation into corporate behavior involving the recall of several models dating from the 2011 model year.

Hyundai will pay $ 54 million and invest $ 40 million to improve security operations under a deal with the agency. An additional $ 46 million in penalties will be postponed as long as the Korean automaker meets safety requirements, NHTSA said.

Engine failures and fire issues with Hyundais and Kias have plagued businesses for more than five years, affecting owners of more than 8 million vehicles.

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