The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·15V568000·Announced 2015-09-10

Hyundai Recalls 2011-2012 Sonata Vehicles for Engine Crankshaft Defect

Hyundai is recalling 2011-2012 Sonata vehicles because metallic debris in the engine crankshaft may restrict oil flow, potentially causing engine failure and increasing crash risk.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (engine crankshaft) that can lead to engine failure and vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash, which aligns with the 'Severe' criteria for structural defects and significant injury risk.

Plain-English summary

Hyundai Motor America is recalling approximately 470,000 model year 2011-2012 Sonata vehicles manufactured between December 11, 2009, and April 12, 2012, at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama. These vehicles are equipped with either a 2.0-liter or 2.4-liter Gasoline Direct injection engine. The recall addresses a manufacturing defect where metallic debris may not have been fully removed from the engine crankshaft.

If the debris was not completely removed, it may restrict oil flow through the connecting rod bearings, causing damage to the connecting rods. A worn connecting rod bearing will produce a metallic, cyclic knocking noise from the engine and may lead to engine failure. Engine failure would result in a vehicle stall, which increases the risk of a crash.

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace the engine assembly, as necessary, free of charge. Additionally, Hyundai Motor America will increase the warranty for the engine sub-assembly (short block) to 10 years/120,000 miles for both original and subsequent owners of the affected vehicles. Interim notifications were mailed to owners starting on October 8, 2015, with a second notification to be mailed when parts are available. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059 or visit www.HyundaiUSA.com/Campaign132.

The recalled product

Product
HYUNDAI SONATA
Brand
HYUNDAI
Manufacturer
Hyundai Motor America
Category
Vehicle — Sedan
Hazard
Affected units
470,000

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (1)

  • SONATA

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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