Hyundai, a leading automaker, is currently embroiled in a lawsuit over allegations of engines that self-destruct in its vehicles. This legal action is the latest development in a series of engine failures that have plagued Hyundai and Kia models over the past decade, leading to sudden breakdowns and posing serious safety risks on the road.
Background on Hyundai’s Engine Troubles
The issues with Hyundai’s engines first came to light around 2012, when the company initiated recalls for models such as the Sonata and Santa Fe. These problems were part of what has been described as a “decade of very troublesome engines” for Hyundai and Kia. Despite these early recalls, engine failures have persisted, with ongoing complaints about bearing wear and oil consumption in Theta II engines.
Key patterns have emerged in the defect reports, including the presence of metal shavings that lead to catastrophic failures. These issues are tied to the broader context of Hyundai and Kia’s engine woes, which have continued unabated for over a decade.
Details of the Current Lawsuit
The recent lawsuit alleges that Hyundai concealed known defects in its engines, leading to fires and explosions. The plaintiffs in this case are affected owners from various U.S. states who experienced total engine loss without warning. These incidents are directly linked to the lawsuit’s focus on self-destructing engines.
The plaintiffs are seeking remedies such as compensation for repairs and buybacks. The lawsuit is a class-action suit, emphasizing the widespread nature of the issue and Hyundai’s alleged failure to adequately address the self-destruct problem.
Affected Vehicle Models and Engines
The lawsuit implicates specific Hyundai models, including the 2011-2019 Sonata and 2013-2018 Santa Fe. These vehicles reportedly have engines that fail due to manufacturing flaws, as detailed in the recent lawsuit.
The Theta II engine family, which is central to both the current lawsuit and the “decade of very troublesome engines” for Hyundai and Kia, has been particularly problematic. Defects such as connecting rod bearing failures have led to engine seizures. Kia models sharing the same engine technology have also experienced overlapping issues, contributing to the ongoing pattern of engine failures.
Safety Risks from Engine Failures
Real-world incidents where self-destructing engines led to loss of power or fires have been documented. The lawsuit against Hyundai includes accounts of crashes on highways due to sudden engine failure. The broader safety implications are significant, with Hyundai and Kia vehicles linked to over 100 fires since 2011, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Owner testimonies highlight instances of sudden stalls, underscoring the danger these failures pose to drivers and passengers. These incidents form part of the ongoing narrative of Hyundai and Kia’s “decade of very troublesome engines”.
Hyundai’s Response and Recalls
In response to the engine issues, Hyundai has initiated recall efforts for the Theta II engines. However, these recalls have been criticized for not fully addressing the self-destruct risks, as detailed in coverage of the recent lawsuit.
Despite evidence from the “decade of very troublesome engines” for Hyundai and Kia, the company has issued statements denying full responsibility. Hyundai has also expanded its recall efforts in response to the lawsuit, offering free engine replacements for affected models. However, owners argue that these measures have come too late.
Implications for Consumers and Industry
The engine failures have imposed significant financial burdens on owners, with repair costs exceeding $8,000 for self-destructed engines. This has fueled the class-action suit detailed on November 12, 2025.
The ongoing engine issues have also impacted Hyundai and Kia’s reputation. The “decade of very troublesome engines” has eroded consumer trust, as evidenced by sales dips and increased warranty claims, according to an analysis from October 12, 2022.
Regulatory scrutiny is another potential consequence, with NHTSA investigations into the persistent issues. The lawsuit could also set precedents for defect liability in the auto sector, with implications for other automakers.
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