Hyundai Recalls 470,000 Sonata Cars Due to Engine Defect

Hyundai will recall roughly half a million Sonata sedans to inspect and possibly replace their engines due to a manufacturing defect that may cause engine failure.

The recall affects some 470,000 cars built between December 11, 2009 and April 12, 2012 that feature a 2-liter or 2.4 liter gasoline engine and were built at the manufacturer’s Alabama assembly plant. Roughly 2 percent of the vehicles have been experiencing this problem and may have to have their engines replaced at no charge, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report says these vehicles are at risk of engine failure and could stall due as metal debris that had not been removed in the manufacturing process gets into the crankshaft area. The debris has been restricting air flow and subsequently damaging or wearing down parts. A warning sign of this problem is described as a metallic cyclic knocking noise.

“This is a safety risk because a stalled vehicle can be hit by other motorists,” said Attorney James Johnson.

If you own a Hyundai, expect to receive notification by November 2. Hyundai will notify car owners to get their vehicles inspected and will replace the engines as necessary at no charge. Those vehicles that require a new engine will also receive an extended 10 year/100,000 mile warranty for anyone who owns the vehicle during that time period.

In an unrelated recall, Hyundai is recalling roughly 100,000 of its Accent compact cars due to the failure of its brake lights.

If you own a Hyundai vehicle that is experiencing problems and you believe it might qualify as a lemon under California Lemon Laws, give us a call at 800-235-6801 for a free consultation.