Hyundai is recalling almost half a million Sonatas built with metallic debris that may restrict oil flow and cause the engine to fail.

Hyundai Motor Company, an international automotive manufacturer headquartered in South Korea, is recalling about 470,000 Sonatas with stalling engines.

The issue was caused by an assembly line error at a manufacturing plant in Alabama. Debris that weren’t fully removed from the engine could potentially restrict oil flow and cause the vehicle to stall or fail.

Recall Details

Although Hyundai is Korean-owned and operated, more than half of vehicles sold are made in the U.S.
Image: News Net

The recalled vehicles include the 2011-2012 Sonata model that were manufactured between Dec. 11, 2009, and Apr. 12, 2012. Hyundai’s recall number is 132.

The defective models are equipped with 2.0 or 2.4-liter direct injection gas engines. The engines contain metal debris that were meant to be removed.

“If the debris was not completely removed, oil flow may be restricted through the connecting rod bearings, causing connecting rod damage and possible engine failure. A worn connecting rod bearing will produce a metallic, cyclic knocking noise from the engine and possible engine failure,” according to the report.

There have been no reported injuries thus far, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The administration estimates that only 2 percent of the 2011-2012 models are equipped with engines that have the potential to stall.

Read the letter from the NHTSA to Hyundai here.

Recall Solution

The engine problem stemmed from a Hyundai manufacturing facility in Montgomery, Alabama.
Image: HMMA USA

Hyundai will notify drivers who need to have their vehicles inspected. The group will replace defective engines if necessary. The fix will be free of charge.

“Additionally, Hyundai Motor America will increase the warranty for the engine sub-assembly (short block) to 10 years/120,000 miles for both original and subsequent owners of 2011 and 2012 Sonatas manufactured at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama equipped with 2.0 and 2.4-liter Gasoline Direct injection engines,” the report said.

Please contact your Hyundai dealer or Hyundai Customer Care Center at 855-671-3059 for more information.

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