All the recalls on my car have been completed. I’m currently at 195,000 km. I’ve had this car for just over a year, and I bought it used from a Kia dealership. Recently, my engine stalled on the highway due to low oil. For the past few months, I’ve been told at every oil change that my car is burning oil excessively. Now, I have to go for oil top-ups between oil changes.
My mechanic mentioned that this is a common problem with Hyundai Tucsons, but when I contact Hyundai, they tell me there’s no recall on my engine. The other day, while driving on the highway at 110 km/h, the engine suddenly revved up to 4000-5000 RPM. I had to slow down to 60 km/h in the slow lane with my hazards on to keep the RPMs at 2000 until I got home. It was also making a sputtering noise, and the dipstick showed that there wasn’t enough oil.
What are my options and fix’s for this?
Sorry to hear about the trouble with your Hyundai Tucson! Excessive oil consumption is a common issue with some Hyundai and Kia models, and while there may not be a recall, it's still worth checking if there are any Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) that apply to your vehicle. TSBs address known issues and can sometimes lead to a repair being covered even if a recall isn't in place.
Here are some options to consider:
1. Get a Second Opinion**: If your mechanic has already identified excessive oil consumption, it might be worth getting a second opinion from another trusted mechanic or even a Hyundai dealership. They can perform an oil consumption test to determine how much oil your engine is burning and recommend solutions.
2. Engine Inspection**: If the issue persists, it may be time for a thorough engine inspection. Sometimes, excessive oil consumption can lead to more severe engine problems like worn piston rings, faulty valve seals, or damaged gaskets. These problems need to be diagnosed to prevent further engine damage.
3. Check for TSBs or Warranty Extensions**: Hyundai has, in the past, offered warranty extensions for certain engine issues, especially for vehicles with known oil consumption problems. It’s a good idea to call Hyundai customer service and specifically ask about any warranty extensions or TSBs for your engine model.
4. Document Everything**: Keep detailed records of your oil top-ups, mechanic visits, and the symptoms you're experiencing. This could help if you need to escalate the issue with Hyundai or file a complaint.
5. Explore Legal Options**: If the problem persists and Hyundai isn't offering any assistance, you may want to consult with a lawyer who specializes in automotive issues. There could be cases where legal action is needed to get compensation or repairs if the engine issue becomes catastrophic.
In the meantime, keep topping up the oil and monitor it closely to avoid running into a low-oil situation again, as it can severely damage your engine.
Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.
