- hyundai has issued a recall for 128,948 vehicles over defective connecting-rod bearings that can wear out prematurely and damage the engine.
- the recall covers the 2012 santa fe, the 2011–2013 and 2016 sonata hybrid, and the 2015–2016 veloster.
- owners of the affected vehicles will be notified beginning on january 22, 2021, and those with engines that show bearing damage will have their engines replaced.
hyundai motor america has issued a recall for 128,948 of its vehicles, including the 2012 santa fe, the 2011 to 2013 and 2016 sonata hybrid, and the 2015 to 2016 veloster, for connecting rod bearings in the engine that could wear out prematurely and damage the engine, according to the national highway traffic safety administration (nhtsa). the engine damage can ultimately result in an increased likelihood of a fire or engine stalling, which can lead to a crash.
owners will be notified of the recall beginning on january 22, 2021, to bring their vehicles to a hyundai dealer. if the dealer finds bearing damage, the engine will be replaced. dealers will also install a new knock sensor detection system (ksds) through a software damage; the system will monitor engine vibrations to detect premature wear or damage.
before being notified of the recall, owners of these vehicles should pay attention for any of the following, which could indicate the connecting rod bearings are wearing on the engine: abnormal knocking noises from the engine, reduced power or hesitation, illumination of the "check engine" light or the engine oil-pressure warning light; or a burning smell, oil leaks, or smoke.
hyundai owners can check the nhtsa website or nhtsa's new recall app to see if their vehicle is involved in the recall.