Good news for Hyundai and Kia vehicle owners – a settlement has been announced for those affected by connecting rod bearing failure in certain models of Hyundai or Kia vehicle engines.
This settlement covers Hyundai and Kia models that suffer from a defect related to connecting rod bearing failure within the rotating assembly of the engine. The defect can cause engine seizure, stalling, engine failure, and engine fire.
This settlement will provide affected Hyundai and Kia drivers various compensation options, such as extended warranties, free inspection and repair of the covered engines for certain qualifying repairs.
While both Hyundai and Kia hasn’t admitted any wrongdoing for the connecting rod bearing defect, they have agreed to a settlement.
Read on to learn more about the specifics regarding your eligibility for the claims from this settlement.
Owners Allege Hyundai/Kia Direct Injection Engines Have Known Connecting Rod Bearing Defect
Owners of certain Hyundai and Kia vehicles have alleged that a defect in the Theta II 2.4L, Nu 2.0L GDI, Theta II 2.4L MPI Hybrid, Nu 2.0L GDI Hybrid, Gamma 1.6L GDI engines can cause engine seizure, stalling, engine failure, and possibly engine fire related to connecting rod bearing failure within the rotating assembly of the engine.
Despite numerous complaints to both automakers, the lawsuit claims that some owners and lessees had been denied repairs under the vehicle’s warranty.
However, Hyundai and Kia both have not been found liable for any claims alleged in the lawsuit. Instead, both parties have reached a voluntary settlement in order to avoid lengthy litigation.
Certainly good news for all affected Hyundai and Kia owners.
Hyundai and Kia Models Affected
Hyundai and Kia vehicles equipped with either the Theta II 2.4L, Nu 2.0L GDI, Theta II 2.4L MPI Hybrid, Nu 2.0L GDI Hybrid, and Gamma 1.6L GDI engines found in the following models below are affected by this settlement:
Hyundai Models:
| Make and Model | Engine Type | Model Years |
| Hyundai Sonata Hybrid (HEV) | Theta II 2.4-liter MPI Hybrid engine | 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015 |
| Hyundai Sonata Hybrid/Plug-In Hybrid (HEV/PHEV) | Nu 2.0-liter GDI Hybrid engine | 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 |
| Hyundai Santa Fe | Theta II 2.4-liter MPI engine | 2010, 2011, and 2012 |
| Hyundai Tucson | Theta II 2.4-liter MPI engine | 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 |
| Hyundai Tucson | Nu 2.0-liter GDI engine | 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 |
| Hyundai Elantra Coupe | Nu 2.0-liter GDI engine | 2014 |
| Hyundai Elantra | Nu 2.0-liter GDI engine | 2014, 2015, and 2016 |
| Elantra GT | Nu 2.0-liter GDI engine | 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2018, and 2020 |
| Veloster | Gamma 1.6-liter GDI engine | 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 |
Kia Models:
| Make and Model | Engine Type | Model Years |
| Kia Forte | Theta II 2.4-liter MPI engine | 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 |
| Kia Forte | Nu 2.0-liter GDI engine | 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 |
| Kia Forte Koup | Theta II 2.4-liter MPI engine | 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 |
| Kia Forte Koup | Nu 2.0-liter GDI engine | 2014, 2015, and 2016 |
| Kia Optima Hybrid (HEV) | Theta II 2.4-liter MPI Hybrid engine | 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 |
| Kia Optima Hybrid (HEV/PHEV) | Nu 2.0-liter GDI Hybrid engine | 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 |
| Kia Sorento | Theta II 2.4-liter MPI engine | 2011, 2012, and 2013 |
| Kia Soul | Gamma 1.6-liter GDI engine | 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 |
| Kia Soul | Nu 2.0-liter GDI engine | 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 |
| Kia Sportage | Theta II 2.4-liter MPI engine | 2011, 2012, and 2013 |
Status of the Hyundai and Kia Connecting Rod Bearing Failure Class Action Lawsuit
The case: Hyundai and Kia Engine Litigation II, No. 8:18-cv-02223-JLS-JDE (C.D. Cal.), in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. This lawsuit has been granted preliminary approval of the settlement.
Under the terms of the settlement, class members will be eligible to receive benefits for certain engine-related repairs and/or engine failures or engine fires.
Benefits Under the Settlement Include:
- Warranty Extension – Must have the KSDS installed prior to engine failure
As part of the Settlement, Hyundai/Kia is extending the Powertrain Limited Warranty to a 15-Year/150,000-Mile Limited Warranty from the date of the vehicle’s original retail delivery for current and subsequent owners of Hyundai/Kia Class Vehicles. The Extended Warranty will cover damage to the short block assembly, consisting of the engine block, crankshaft and bearings, connecting rods and bearings, and pistons, and the long-block assembly, that is the causal result of connecting rod bearing failure in those Class Vehicles owned or leased by individual consumers that occurs within 15 years from the date of the vehicle’s original retail delivery or 150,000 odometer miles, whichever comes first.
To obtain Extended Warranty benefits, you will need to have the free KSDS update installed in your vehicle by a Hyundai/Kia dealership BEFORE experiencing an otherwise Qualifying Failure or Qualifying Fire (see below). To confirm whether your vehicle has received the KSDS update or for assistance scheduling an appointment, please have your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) ready and contact your nearest Hyundai/Kia dealer or Hyundai’s Consumer Assistance Center at (800) 633-5151 or click here and enter your VIN.
You are not required to complete the KSDS update to obtain the Extended Warranty if your vehicle was previously recalled under NHTSA Recall Numbers 20V746 or 21V727.
However, if you have not done so already, Hyundai/Kia strongly encourages you to have your local Hyundai/Kia dealership install the KSDS update by November 4, 2023, so that you may be eligible for other compensation offered under the Settlement, e.g., rental car, towing, ride-sharing, or other transportation expenses and incidental expenses, where the underlying repair itself is covered under the Extended Warranty.
With the exception of cases of where Class Members did not timely obtain the KSDS update, if applicable, or cases of “Exceptional Neglect” (defined below), and subject to the existing terms, limitations, and condition of the Class Vehicles’ original Powertrain Limited Warranty, the 15-Year/150,000-Mile Limited Warranty from the date of the vehicle’s original retail delivery shall persist in its full duration once obtained regardless of any subsequent transfer in ownership or lease of the vehicle. The Extended Warranty is not available to commercial entities such as used car dealers, franchisees, or automobile auction houses, but will still be transferable to subsequent owners for personal use.
The Extended Warranty covers all costs of inspections and repairs including, parts, labor, and diagnosis, for the engine short block assembly and long block assembly caused by connecting rod bearing failure. Class Members are suggested to retain all vehicle maintenance records, and, if Hyundai/Kia believes there may be Exceptional Neglect, you may be required to provide records for vehicle maintenance performed to receive Extended Warranty repairs.
Coverage under the Extended Warranty may be denied for Exceptional Neglect. Exceptional Neglect means when (i) Defendants or their dealers suspect the engine evidences a lack of maintenance or care (i.e., outside of factory maintenance and care specifications) based on an inspection of the physical condition of the engine that shows unacceptable lacquering, varnish, or sludge and (ii) service records demonstrate unacceptable gaps in regular oil changes.
You will have the opportunity to provide service records to Hyundai/Kia if Exceptional Neglect is suspected. Based on the records that you submit, records from dealers, and records from Carfax (or similar reputable third parties), there are unacceptable gaps in regular oil changes if, since original delivery, the Class Vehicle has one oil change gap of greater than 10,500 miles or 14 months, or was previously diagnosed with excessive oil consumption issues AND the Class Vehicle was not repaired to address such issues within 30 days or 1,000 miles, whichever comes first, subsequent to any completed oil consumption testing and confirmed diagnosis. If you experienced a Qualifying Failure or Qualifying Fire within your vehicle’s first 15,000 miles, however, you will not be barred from receiving Extended Warranty coverage regardless of any oil change gaps.
As part of the Settlement, Hyundai/Kia will provide a free inspection for up to 90 days after the Final Approval Date for any vehicle that did not receive an inspection under at least one of the KSDS update campaigns or recalls if it is still within the 15-year or 150,000-mile period from the date of the vehicle’s original retail delivery, whichever comes first.
Depending on loaner availability, Hyundai/Kia dealerships will also provide a free loaner vehicle of comparable value if requested by the Class Member and until repairs are completed on their Class Vehicle. If no loaner vehicle is available, Hyundai/Kia will provide compensation for reasonable rental car, ride-share, or transportation expenses up to a maximum of $80 per day. (See below for how to make a Claim for transportation reimbursements.)
You do NOT need to submit a Claim Form to receive this extension of the Powertrain Limited Warranty for the engine short block assembly or long block assembly under this Settlement. - Reimbursement for Past Repairs – Must file a Claim
Under the Settlement, Hyundai/Kia will reimburse you in full for money you spent on Qualifying Repairs that occurred before June 7, 2023, if the vehicle was within 15 years from the date of original retail delivery or 150,000 odometer miles, whichever came first. In certain instances, you may qualify for an additional $150 goodwill payment and/or inconvenience payment:
(a) TYPES OF “QUALIFYING REPAIRS”
“Qualifying Repairs” refers to any repairs performed to address hole-in-block symptoms (i.e., the connecting rod punctures a hole in the engine block), engine seizure (unrelated to pre-existing oil consumption issues), or engine fire (see “Qualifying Fire”).
If the repair was completed at an authorized Hyundai/Kia dealership, “Qualifying Repairs” also include any repairs to address symptoms associated with connecting rod bearing failure where the vehicles received a diagnosis of (1) abnormal bearing noise, (2) stall caused by seizure with a failed bearing clearance test, or (3) P1326 warning light.
“Qualifying Repairs” does not include repairs caused by a collision involving a Class Vehicle, unless the collision was directly caused by a Qualifying Failure or Qualifying Fire. “Qualifying Repairs” also does not include any repairs that were plainly unrelated to engine short block manufacturing issues (for example, a stall caused directly by a timing chain, fuel pump, oxygen sensor, turbocharger, or the electrical system) or where an investigation or inspection revealed an unrelated cause (for example, oil consumption issues that are not the causal result of connecting rod bearing failure).
“Exceptional Neglect” may also exclude an otherwise Qualifying Repair if (i) an evaluation of available service records and/or submitted documentation suggests a lack of maintenance or care (i.e., outside of factory maintenance and care specifications), e.g., a repair order or service records noting engine oil sludge, engine coolant in oil, oil that smells burnt, an old oil filter (noted to be on the engine for greater than 20,000 miles), very low levels of drained oil, or other similar indicia of neglect, and (ii) service records demonstrate unacceptable gaps in regular oil changes.
You will have the opportunity to provide service records to Hyundai/Kia if Exceptional Neglect is suspected. Based on the records that you submit, records from dealers, and records from Carfax (or similar reputable third parties), there are unacceptable gaps in regular oil changes if, since original delivery, the Class Vehicle has one oil change gap of greater than 10,500 miles or greater than 14 months, or was previously diagnosed with excessive oil consumption issues but the Class Vehicle was not repaired to address such issues within 30 days or 1,000 miles, whichever comes first, subsequent to any completed oil consumption testing and confirmed diagnosis. If the Qualifying Repair occurred within your vehicle’s first 15,000 miles, however, Exceptional Neglect will not bar you from obtaining reimbursement for the past repair of the Qualifying Repair.
(b) GOODWILL PAYMENT FOR PREVIOUSLY DENIED WARRANTY REPAIRS
If before June 7, 2023, you presented your Class Vehicle for a Qualifying Repair to a Hyundai/Kia dealership and were denied an in-warranty repair and subsequently obtained the Qualifying Repair elsewhere, you are eligible to receive an additional $150 goodwill payment. The denial of warranty repair must be documented contemporaneously in repair orders or communications to Hyundai/Kia or its representatives
How do I Know if I am Part of The Settlement?
Judge Staton decided that, for the purposes of this proposed Settlement, everyone who fits this description is covered by the Settlement: All owners and lessees of a Class Vehicle who purchased or leased the Class Vehicle in the United States, including those that were purchased while the owner was abroad on active U.S. military duty, but excluding those purchased in the U.S. territories and/or abroad.
However, the Class excludes all claims for death, personal injury, property damage, and subrogation. Vehicles that have been previously received a branded or salvaged title are not a part of the class or eligible for benefits under the settlement.
If I Bought or Leased a Class Vehicle That Has Not Had Problems, am I Included?
Yes. You did NOT have to experience stalling, engine seizure, engine failure, or a vehicle fire to be included in this Settlement.
If you still own or lease a Class Vehicle, you are eligible to take advantage of the Settlement’s extension of the Powertrain Limited Warranty to 15 years or 150,000 odometer miles from the date of the vehicle’s original retail delivery, whichever comes first, for certain types of engine repairs, as well as certain other benefits of the Settlement.
To obtain Extended Warranty benefits, it is not necessary to file a claim. However, you generally need to first complete the free KSDS update at a Hyundai dealership (see FAQ 9).
How do I Make a Claim?
Hyundai and Kia encourages you to submit your Claim Form and supporting documentation online, but you may download and then print a Claim Form here or you may request a Claim Form be mailed to you by calling (855) 215-4931. Please keep a copy of your completed Claim Form and all documentation you submit for your own records.
The deadline to submit a Claim for most benefits is December 7, 2023. Any extension of due date(s) will be posted on this Settlement website here. For more information, please contact the Hyundai.
However, for a Qualifying Repair, Qualifying Failure, or Qualifying Fire that occurs after June 7, 2023, the Claim Form must be submitted online, or postmarked no later than 90 days from the date those costs were incurred or from the date you experienced the Qualifying Failure or Qualifying Fire.
If you fail to submit a Claim Form and supporting documents by the required deadline, you will not receive compensation for prior expenses. Sending in a Claim Form late will be the same as doing nothing. Please DO NOT send Claim Forms to Class Counsel or the Court.
How Do I Submit a Claim?
- If you are a Hyundai owner that is eligible to file claim, visit: Hyundai E2 Class Action to file a claim.
- If you are a Kia owner that is eligible to file a claim, visit: Kia E2 Settlement to file a claim.
Helpful Hyundai Settlement Links
Settlement Website(s): Hyundai E1 Engine Settlement / Hyundai E2 Engine Settlement
*If your vehicle has a Theta II GDI engine then it may be included in one of these settlements
Long Form Notice: Notice_E2-Settlement_04-23_v5.pdf
Submit a Claim: Hyundai E2 Class Action
FAQs: Hyundai E2 Class Action
Why Wasn’t My Car Included In The Class Action Settlement?
Helpful Kia Settlement Links
Settlement Website(s): Kia E1 Engine Settlement / Kia E2 Engine Settlement
*If your vehicle has a Theta II GDI engine then it may be included in one of these settlements
Long Form Notice: Notice.pdf
Check your VIN: Kia E2 Settlement – VIN Lookup
Submit a Claim: Kia E2 Settlement – Submit a Claim Instructions
FAQs: Kia E2 Settlement – Frequently Asked Questions
Why Wasn’t My Car Included In The Class Action Settlement?
Questions About This Settlement?
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Christopher is an automotive technical writer. When he’s not at the local autocross event, he can often be found working on one of his cars. Specializes in automotive class action law, industry trends, and automotive maintenance. Email me direct, or learn more about us
