The Worst Problems for Every Hyundai Model and Generation

1. Another owner has sued Hyundai and Kia for knowingly equipping vehicles with defective Theta II engines.

   Proving once again that when it comes to engines that catch on fire, people generally aren't fans. The automakers have settled similar lawsuits and issued recalls for these clunkers, but the plaintiff suggests not all affected vehicles were included.

   About the lawsuit ∞

   • These gasoline direct injection (GDI) engines are plagued with problems. From bearing failure, to connecting rod knocks, to oil consumption, and yes – engine infernos.
   • The plaintiff bought their car used and shortly after learned that the car needed a new short block to the tune of $7,000. The work also took 6 months because there're a backorder on parts.
   • In December Hyundai recalled 128,000 vehicles over concerns they could catch on fire. But the lawsuit wants more coverage for the 2012 Santa Fe
     2011-2013, 2016 Sonata Hybrid, and 2015-2016 Veloster.

   keep reading

2. Hyundai thought it could manage EV battery fires with some software updates, but then one of the "repaired" vehicles caught on fire.

   So now the company finds itself staring down the barrel of an all-out battery replacement program for 76,000 Kona EVs worldwide (that's a $900 million dollar barrel, FWIW).

   Also included are some Ioniq EVs and Electric City buses that have also run the risk of being torched. The recall will begin in South Korea before expanding to other countries. There is no official word on a North American recall, but it's only a matter of time.…

   keep reading

3. Owners of the 3rd generation Tucson (2016-2021) are being urged to keep their parked vehicles away from anything that can burn until they have a fuse in the antilock braking system (ABS) replaced.

   If you're wondering if they really mean that, yes. Yes they do Multiple SUVs have caught on fire, both while parked and in motion, due to a short circuit in the ABS.

   An investigation found that the fires may not occur if the operating current in the ABS module traveled through a lower amperage fuse so they want to swap the system's current 40-amp fuse for a 25-amp version. I'd personally like a little more certainty than "may not occur," but that's just me.…

   keep reading

5. The 1st generation Veracruz (2007-2012) has been recalled a second time to fix oil sneaking past defects in a valve cover gasket and damaging the alternator.

   The oil-soaked alternator will lose voltage, leading to problems such as the battery system not properly charging or the vehicle entering "limp home" mode while driving.

   Only 83% of the vehicles originally recalled were ever repaired and of those roughly 1% of the vehicles suffered from gasket leaks about two years later. Hyundai extended the warranty for the 60,000 affected vehicles hoping that would be enough, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) ordered them to recall the problem ... again.

   The recall (#197) is expected to begin on January 8th, 2021.

   keep reading

6. Hyundai is recalling 11,000 Kona Electric SUVs and asking the owners to park outside after reports of 13 battery fires.

   Hyundai believes an electrical short-circuit is being triggered in the lithium-ion batteries as they charge and approach 100%. Most of the fires happened while the SUVs were parked and charging. While the root cause is still under investigation, electrical deficiencies in the LG batteries or software issues in the battery management software are likely to blame.

   More About This Recall ∞

   • In March, Hyundai issued a Kona Electric service campaign to upgrade the battery management system software to detect abnormalities in the battery while the vehicle is parked. But over the last 7 months an additional 7 fires were reported.
   • Now an interim repair will limit the battery's maximum charging capacity to 90%, which removes the risk of fires but will limit the owner's range until a more permanent solution is available.
   • Recall #196 expected to begin in Devember 2020. Because of the nature of the recall, Hyundai strongly emphasizes that owners need to park outside and away from any structures that could catch on fire.

   keep reading

See More News