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Hyundai Recalls 100,000 Sonata, Santa Fe Vehicles

Written by CarPro | Jan 16, 2019 6:00:00 AM
Hyundai is recalling certain Sonata and Sante Fe Sport vehicles for a third time to address engine issues and update software. It�s also increasing its engine warranty for certain model years as well:

  • Approximately 100,000 2011-2014 Hyundai Sonata and 2013-2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Vehicles to Inspect the Reinstallation of the Fuel Tubes of Replaced Engines
  • Releases Knock Sensor Detection System Software Update to Identify Early Indicators of Excessive Engine Bearing Wear in Over 2 Million Sonata and Santa Fe Sport Vehicles
  • Engine Warranty Increased to 10 Years and 120,000 Miles for All Owners of 2011-2018 Sonata and 2013-2018 Santa Fe Sport Vehicles

Fuel Tube Installation

Hyundai has issued a subsequent recall to inspect the fuel tube installation of approximately 100,000 2011-2014 Hyundai Sonata and 2013-2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport vehicles whose engines were replaced under the previous two recalls. The recall is being conducted to inspect and confirm proper reinstallation of the fuel tube to the high-pressure fuel pump.

Technology Update

In addition, Hyundai has developed a new engine monitoring technology called a knock sensor detection system. The technology uses software innovations and leverages existing engine sensors to continuously monitor for symptoms that may precede an engine failure. More details on Hyundai�s engine recalls and the knock sensor product improvement campaign can be found at www.hyundaiengineinfo.com.

Knock Sensor Detection System Software Update

The knock sensor technology will be installed through a free software update performed by Hyundai dealers and is rolling out through a product improvement campaign to approximately 2 million Hyundai vehicles, including all model year 2011-2018 Sonata and 2013-2018 Santa Fe Sport vehicles with engines produced in the U.S.

The knock sensor detection system software continuously monitors engine vibrations for unusual dynamic patterns that develop as an engine connecting rod bearing wears abnormally in a way that could later cause engine seizure. If vibrations caused by bearing wear start to occur, the malfunction indicator lamp will blink continuously, an audible chime will sound (in certain models) and the vehicle will be placed in a temporary engine protection mode with reduced power and acceleration. In this temporary mode, drivers maintain full control of the vehicle as brakes, steering and safety devices such as airbags remain operational.

The vehicle can continue to be operated for a limited time in engine protection mode to enable the customer to safely drive it to a Hyundai dealer for inspection and repair, but acceleration will be slower, with a reduced maximum speed of approximately 60 to 65 mph and a limited engine speed of approximately 1,800 to 2,000 rpm. Hyundai�s knock sensor technology has been evaluated by an independent, leading engineering and scientific consulting firm. When tested using a fleet of vehicles specifically prepared to test the knock sensor technology, the knock sensor system successfully detected failing connecting rod bearings and responded with activation of the engine protection mode. Further explanation of the knock sensor detection system is available at www.hyundaiengineinfo.com.

Extended Warranty

As part of this product improvement campaign, Hyundai will extend the warranty to 10 years and 120,000 miles (up from 100,000 miles) for original and subsequent owners of 2011-2018 Sonata and 2013-2018 Santa Fe Sport vehicles for engine repairs needed because of excessive connecting rod bearing damage.