Hyundai Sonata Engine Failure Lawsuit

The settlement applies to owners and lessees of a Class Vehicles, who purchased or leased the Class Vehicle in the United States, excluding the territories, or abroad while on active military duty (“Class Members”). Class Vehicles are 2011-2014 Hyundai Sonatas with a Theta II 2.0 or 2.4 liter gasoline direct injection engine.

For more information, please visit the settlement website.

Hyundai extended the Powertrain Warranty for Class Vehicles. The extension of the warranty will cover the engine short block assembly consisting of the engine block, crankshaft and bearings, connecting rods and bearings, and pistons for 10 years and 120,000 miles (whichever comes first) from the original sale or lease of the vehicle. The 10-year / 120,000-mile extension of the warranty continues even if the vehicle is sold.

The extension of the warranty covers all costs of inspections and repairs including, parts, labor, and diagnosis, for the engine short block assembly. Coverage under the extension of the warranty cannot be denied on the grounds of improper vehicle service or maintenance history (excepting limited exceptional neglect circumstances).

Hyundai dealerships will provide a free loaner vehicle if requested. If no loaner vehicle is available, Hyundai will provide full reimbursement of reasonable rental car expenses.

Class Members do not need to submit a Claim Form to receive this extension of the Powertrain Warranty

Money that Class Members spent on certain Class Vehicle repairs before class notice was disseminated were eligible for reimbursement in full, based on certain eligibility requirements. The deadline for submitting these claims is January 26, 2017.

The federal class action lawsuit alleged that Hyundai sold Sonata vehicles with defective rotating assemblies in the Theta II 2.4 L engines that cause sudden and catastrophic engine failure. When the rotating assembly fails, it does so without warning and causes the engine to abruptly seize, according to the complaint. The complaint also alleged:

Consumer complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) describe how Sonata engines may cause the vehicles to knock or rattle, stall or seize up, or shut off completely while the vehicle is running. Some Sonata owners describe their vehicles as “running very rough,” “hesitating,” “knocking,” and “rattling,” while others indicate that “the engine has seized,” “the engine had locked up,” or “the engine just died.” For one Sonata driver “driving down HWY @65MPH,” the “car lost power.”