If You Own a 2011-2019 Hyundai or Kia, You Might Be Eligible for a Free Engine (2024)

If You Own a 2011-2019 Hyundai or Kia, You Might Be Eligible for a Free Engine (1)

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Hyundai has come a long way since the crummy Excel hatchbacks of the early 1990s. Today, the brand hits hard on reliability and is a paragon of electrification and driving enthusiasm, at least to those who have been paying attention. Arguably, this somewhat newfound reputation is a result of constant improvement and development of a strong product line. This progression has not happened without growing pains, though, as the company has had plenty of hiccups along the way. One of the most wide-reaching problems resulted in a class-action lawsuit for one of its most popular cars, the Sonata, and the associated warranty could reward owners with free replacement engines.

By the late 2000s, Hyundai went from making brittle compacts to stylish, cool cars purchased on their own merits. The 2011-2018 Sonata was one of the brand’s biggest hits after Hyundai took the car from a staid, mini-Accord look-alike to a swanky Mercedes-Benz CLS-looking mid-sized sedan. It was a hit for Hyundai, as the manufacturer finally made a credible alternative to the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. Unfortunately, owners would later learn that the engines in the 2011 to 2019 Hyundai Sonata, are complete garbage. They were so unreliable that recalls and a class-action lawsuit forced Hyundai (and Kia) to replace all 2.4-liter and 2.0-liter turbo Theta II engines if they wear out prematurely, with very few questions asked.

Update:We put together a guide about the issues with these engines and how to identify symptoms of oncoming failure thatyou can read here.The original story continues below.

To make a long story short, the Theta II engine has been somewhat known on the street for its troubles, with Youtube videos showing the engines blowing up with relatively low miles. Plenty of Hyundai and Kia owners, who owned and maintained their vehicles within Hyundai-specified maintenance cycles, found themselves with bunk engines and vehicles that would randomly immolate.

No matter how often the oil was changed, or how regular maintenance was performed, Sonata and Optima owners would be the owners of completely worthless cars with knocking, tapping engines. More than 10 years later, and after a somewhat quiet battle in court, these cars have made their way to their second, third, or more owners looking for a reliable, cheap car. However, its new owners might not know about the deep secret that many of these models hide.

Recently, I found myself being a good samaritan whilst making my normal rounds in search of cheap basket cases I can put back on the road. I saw a listing for a 2011 Hyundai Sonata Limited for only $1,500. The car was clearly cared for, as it had new tires, very few blemishes, and low miles for its year. The owner said the engine went out but didn’t have any money to repair the car.

too bad these engines are like $3000 for one that is likely also on its way out

the ROI just isn’t there for what could be a very nice car for someone pic.twitter.com/GyomcjW06P

— Kevin Williams (@GaytonaUSA) June 20, 2022

I couldn’t buy that Sonata, as a used engine replacement would be very expensive. Moreover, I could tell by the candor of the listing that the owner didn’t know about the recall, warranty, and class-action lawsuit that would see the engine replaced with a brand new one, free of charge. I sent a link, along with a text message.

If You Own a 2011-2019 Hyundai or Kia, You Might Be Eligible for a Free Engine (2)


It doesn’t cost a thing to be a good person. For a lot of people, times are hard. Scrapping a car that should, in theory, be great for a much longer time is a hardship. The used-car market is awful, and it’s likely that whatever the family would have bought to replace the Sonata would have been very expensive for the condition it was in. By sending a quick message, I could (hopefully) change the situation for the better.

If you’re the owner of a vehicle equipped with Hyundai’s Theta II 2.0-liter turbo or 2.4 liter naturally aspirated engine, you might be covered by this class-action-based lifetime warranty and eligible for a free engine replacement. The settlement includes these vehicles:

  • 2011-2019 Hyundai Sonata
  • 2013-2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
  • 2014-2015 Hyundai Tucson
  • 2018-2019 Hyundai Tucson
  • 2011-2019 Kia Optima
  • 2012-2019 Kia Sorento
  • 2011-2019 Kia Sportage

There are a few caveats to note. There was an ECU reflash recall performed in 2019 related to the knock sensor that these cars should have had. Also, if the vehicle’s engine died due to head or head gasket issues (overheating), then unfortunately the lifetime warranty won’t cover that. If you’re unsure if the recall work has been performed, call your local Hyundai or Kia dealer. The service department should be able to find the vehicle’s recall history via its VIN.

This settlement hadn’t officially been legally put to rest until 2021. As I’ve learned, many don’t know that they are eligible for a replacement. For more information, check out Hyundai’s settlement website, and Kia’s engine settlement website.

Update July 20, 2:30 PM ET:The Hyundai owner I’d been talking to about this followed up, and luckily, this information got their car back on the road.

If You Own a 2011-2019 Hyundai or Kia, You Might Be Eligible for a Free Engine (3)
If You Own a 2011-2019 Hyundai or Kia, You Might Be Eligible for a Free Engine (2024)

FAQs

Is Hyundai and Kia owners to get compensation as engine failure class action is settled in the US? ›

Hyundai and Kia owners to get compensation as engine failure class action is settled in the US. Owners of millions of affected Hyundai and Kia cars in the US are eligible for cash after an agreement was reached ahead of the matter going to trial, amid ongoing Australian class action.

What Hyundai models are affected by engine failure? ›

The affected vehicles included popular models like the Hyundai Sonata and Santa Fe, as well as the Kia Optima and Sportage, among others. The root cause of these problems was traced back to manufacturing defects and issues with the engines' design.

Does Kia replace motors for free? ›

If your Kia has experienced engine failure due to manufacturing defects, you may be eligible for a free engine replacement. This applies to specific models like the Sorento, which had a class action lawsuit and recall over engine issues.

How do I know if I qualify for a Kia class action lawsuit? ›

To qualify for benefits under the Settlement you must have bought or leased a Class Vehicle, which are certain vehicle models originally equipped with or replaced with the respective corresponding genuine multi-port fuel injection (“MPI”) or gasoline direct injection (“GDI”) engine within Original Equipment ...

What is the Hyundai and Kia fuel economy litigation? ›

(Reuters) - A U.S. appeals court restored a $210 million nationwide class-action settlement for hundreds of thousands of owners of Hyundai Motor Co and Kia Motors Corp vehicles whose fuel economy estimates were inflated.

What is the Hyundai engine recall class action lawsuit? ›

A class action lawsuit against Hyundai Motor America (“HMA”) alleges that certain 2011 – 2022 model year Hyundai vehicles that were not equipped with an engine immobilizer (called the “Class Vehicles”) contain design flaws, including the failure to manufacture the Class Vehicles with an anti-theft device called an ...

Does Hyundai warranty cover engine replacement? ›

Our extensive powertrain warranty covers repair or replacement of powertrain components (i.e., selected engine and transmission/transaxle components), originally manufactured or installed by Hyundai that are defective in material or factory workmanship, under normal use and maintenance.

What years did Hyundai have engine problems? ›

Affected vehicles include certain model year 2011-14 Sonatas, 2013-14 Santa Fe Sports, 2012 Santa Fes, 2015-2016 Velosters, 2011-2013 and 2016-2017 Sonata Hybrids and 2017 Tucsons.

Which Hyundai engine is recalled? ›

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Elantra, 2019-2021 Kona and Veloster vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage. A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

How do I claim my Hyundai settlement? ›

This Claim Form may be submitted in one of two ways:
  1. Electronically through this settlement website by clicking the Submit button below.
  2. By printing and mailing the Claim Form to: Hyundai Theft Settlement P.O. Box 6609 East Brunswick, NJ 08816.

Is there a recall on the Hyundai Sonata 2011 engine? ›

Hyundai Motor America is conducting a safety recall to inspect, and if necessary replace, the engine assembly in Model Year 2011 and 2012 Hyundai Sonata vehicles equipped with 2.0 liter turbo and 2.4 liter gasoline direct injection (GDI) engines manufactured at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama.

Does Kia give you a loaner car for recalls? ›

Kia will provide a free recall inspection for up to 90 days after the Final Approval Order for any vehicle where recall inspections were not completed, regardless of current mileage or prior repairs. Kia dealerships will provide a free loaner vehicle of comparable value if requested, until repairs are completed.

How do I know if my Kia engine has a recall? ›

Typically, you will hear directly from your dealer about any vehicle recalls. However, you can also find out for yourself. If your Kia vehicle is impacted you can find out easily by plugging in your vehicle identification number into the Kia Owner Portal or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ( NHTSA) .

What is the status of the Hyundai class action lawsuit? ›

Kia-Hyundai Class Action Settlement 2024: Car Owners Can Now Claim Up to $3,375. The Kia-Hyundai Class Action Lawsuit is a legal case involving specific Kia and Hyundai vehicles.

How much will I get from Kia settlement? ›

KIA-Hyundai Class Action Settlement 2024

Certain Kia and Hyundai vehicles have security issues, which are brought to light by this class action complaint. The settlement, which has been preliminarily approved by the court, provides up to $3,375 per vehicle to those affected.

How do I contact Kia engine settlement? ›

For all questions about claims or potential claims filed after November 30, 2021, contact Kia America online via https://customercare.kiausa.com/Request/NewRequestThetaClass or via phone at 1-888-952-4827 or 800-333-4KIA(4542). 111 Peters Canyon Rd. Send Us A Message: Thank you for your message.

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