Hyundai and Kia Motors are planning on recalling nearly 1.5 million vehicles due to issues in the engine in United States, Canada and South Korea. The recall comes at a time when the automakers have already been struggling with sales in key markets. Reports indicate that the recall will set back both the companies by a few hundred million dollars.
In terms of numbers, the companies in question will be recalling 1.19 million cars and sport utility vehicles in the United States, 114,187 in Canada and 171,348 in South Korea due to an engine issue that increases the risk of a crash. The South Korean companies have decided to announce this recall with respect to observation made by safety regulators in those respective countries. The recall in the US involves Hyundai's Sonata and Santa Fe and Kia's Optima, Sorento and the Sportage. While in South Korea, it covers Hyundai's Sonata, Grandeur sedans and Kia's K5, K7 and Sportage models equipped with a 2-litre or 2.4-litre Theta 2 gasoline engine produced before August 2013. It is believed that metal debris in crankshafts might cause engine damage, thereby eventually leading up to possible loss of motive power.
The company will begin recalling the affected vehicles in a phased manner beginning in South Korea from May 22. Post inspection of the affected engine, it will replace them without additional cost to the customer. This is not the first time that Hyundai and Kia have identified issues with the Theta engines which are internally manufactured. Back in 2015, Hyundai had recalled 470,000 Sonata sedans in the United States to replace faulty engine parts. In order to ensure that cars in their local market are not affected, the companies in their home market of South Korea, have extended the warranty period for five Theta 2-equipped models.
