Last Updated on November 2, 2023
Are you a Hyundai or Kia car owner with a Theta II MPI, Nu GDI or Gamma GDI engine? If so, then you may be affected by an alleged engine failure class-action lawsuit that has recently been settled.
This settlement affects over 2.1 million Hyundai and Kia vehicles produced between 2011 and 2021. The lawsuit alleges that a manufacturing defect with the engine’s rotating assembly may have contributed to engine failure.
This settlement is good news for affected Hyundai and Kia drivers. This agreement will provide various cash compensation options, extended warranties, free inspection and repair of the covered engines for certain qualifying repairs.
Additionally, the settlement will provide the installation of a software update Hyundai and Kia introduced to enhance safety and detection of potential engine failure.
So if you own or lease a Hyundai (2011-2019 Sonata Hybrid, 2016-2019 Sonata Plug-In Hybrid, 2010-2012 Santa Fe, 2010-2021 Tucson, 2014 Elantra Coupe, 2014-2016 Elantra, 2014-2020 Elantra GT, and 2012-2017 Veloster) or Kia (2011-2020 Optima Hybrid, 2017-2020 Optima Plug-in Hybrid, 2011-2013 Sorento, 2011-2013 Sportage, 2010-2018 Forte, 2010-2016 Forte Koup, 2012-2019 Soul) vehicles with 2.4-liter Theta II MPI Hybrid, 2.4-liter Theta II MPI, 2.0-liter Nu GDI, 2.0-liter Nu GDI Hybrid & Plug-In Hybrid and 1.6-liter Gamma GDI engine then this lawsuit may apply to you.
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 Defect
Owners of certain Hyundai and Kia vehicles have alleged that a defect in the Theta II 2.4L, Nu 2.0L GDI, and Gamma 1.6L GDI engines can cause engine seizure, stalling, engine failure, and possibly engine fire.
Despite numerous complaints to both automakers, the lawsuit claims owners and lessees had been denied repairs under the vehicle’s warranty.
However, Hyundai has 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 affected Hyundai and Kia owners.
Status of the Hyundai and Kia Engine Failure Class Action Lawsuit
The case: Hyundai and Kia Engine Litigation II, case number 8:18-cv-02223, 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 financial reimbursement and other benefits for certain engine-related repairs and/or engine failures or engine fires.
Benefits Under the Settlement Include:
- The Settlement extends 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, to both original and subsequent owners for damage to the engine short block and long block assembly caused by connecting rod bearing failure (the “Extended Warranty”). To obtain Extended Warranty benefits, you may need to first complete the Knock Sensor Detection System (“KSDS”) update at a Hyundai dealership (explained further below). For the 90-day period following final approval of the Settlement, the Extended Warranty also provides a free campaign or recall inspection for any Class Vehicles not yet inspected and within the 15-year or 150,000-odometer-mile period from the date of the vehicle’s original retail delivery (whichever comes first), regardless of prior repairs. Service campaigns and recalls are provided free of charge to customers of eligible vehicles. The Settlement also provides loaner vehicles in some instances, subject to dealer availability, or reimbursement or compensation of certain expenses for rental car, ride-sharing, or other transportation expenses for any vehicles that undergo qualifying engine replacement or repair.
- The Settlement provides certain cash reimbursements for qualifying past out-of-pocket repairs andcompensation for past and current out-of-pocket repair-related transportation (e.g., rental, ride-share) and towing expenses, as well as for inconvenience due to qualifying engine repair delays while the vehicle was serviced by Hyundai dealers.
- The Settlement provides certain cash compensation for out-of-pocket transportation (e.g., rental, rideshare) and towing expenses, and for lodging and meal expenses in certain circumstances, if youexperienced a qualifying engine failure or engine fire (regardless of whether you obtained a repairafterwards).
- The Settlement provides cash compensation for certain trade-ins and sales of unrepaired vehicles that experienced a qualifying engine failure or fire.
- The Settlement provides compensation for vehicles lost due to qualifying engine fires. In some instances, the Settlement also provides a cash rebate if you lost faith in the vehicle after experiencing engine troubles related to the alleged defect and you purchased another Hyundai vehicle within a specified timeframe.
Knock Sensor Detection System (“KSDS”) Software Update
- Each of these vehicles is part of an ongoing product improvement campaign to install an engine monitoring technology called a knock sensor detection system. The technology uses software innovations and leverages existing engine sensors to continuously monitor for symptoms that may precede an engine failure. It is installed free of charge for all vehicles in the settlement by Hyundai and Kia dealers.
- The knock sensor detection system software continuously monitors engine vibrations for unusual dynamic patterns that develop as an engine connecting rod bearing wears abnormally in a way that could later cause engine seizure. If vibrations caused by bearing wear start to occur, the malfunction indicator lamp will blink continuously and the vehicle will be placed in a temporary engine protection mode with reduced power and acceleration. In this temporary mode, drivers maintain full control of the vehicle as brakes, steering and safety devices such as airbags remain operational.
- The vehicle can continue to be operated for a limited time in engine protection mode to enable the customer to safely drive it to a dealer for inspection and repair, but acceleration will be slower, with a reduced maximum speed and a limited engine speed of approximately 1,800 to 2,000 rpm. When tested using a fleet of vehicles specifically prepared to test the knock sensor technology, the knock sensor system successfully detected failing connecting rod bearings and responded with activation of the engine protection mode.
Hyundai and Kia Models Affected
Hyundai and Kia vehicles equipped with either the 2.4-liter Theta II MPI Hybrid, 2.4-liter Theta II MPI, 2.0-liter Nu GDI, 2.0-liter Nu GDI Hybrid & Plug-In Hybrid and 1.6-liter Gamma GDI engine found in the following models below are affected by this settlement:
- 2011-2019 Sonata Hybrid
- 2016-2019 Sonata Plug-In Hybrid
- 2010-2012 Santa Fe
- 2010-2021 Tucson
- 2014 Elantra Coupe
- 2014-2016 Elantra
- 2014-2020 Elantra GT
- 2012-2017 Veloster
- 2011-2020 Optima Hybrid
- 2017-2020 Optima Plug-in Hybrid
- 2011-2013 Sorento
- 2011-2013 Sportage
- 2010-2018 Forte
- 2010-2016 Forte Koup
- 2012-2019 Soul
Questions About This Settlement?
MyCarVoice.com is not counsel or the settlement administrator in this class action lawsuit. Our goal is to inform owners of these vehicles of the recent settlement.
This post will be updated when/if new settlement information is released. Please considering subscribing to this post for updates.
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Questions about this settlement? Drop them in the comments section below👇
Managing Editor
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
Kim
June 16, 2023 at 2:12 pmI have a 2016 Hyundai Tucson that lost all oil while I was driving and completely destroyed my engine. Thankfully no fire but I can no longer drive my car. Do i qualify for this and if so how do I get my car fixed?
Gustavo
May 31, 2023 at 2:33 amDoes this settlement only cover the base model Veloster? I have a Veloster Turbo model that had the engine go out at around 130k miles. Would this settlement cover my car?
Christopher Rossen
June 1, 2023 at 7:51 amSettlement only covers the Gamma 1.6 liter GDI. Here are the details: https://hma-e2.autosolutionteam.com/production/hyundai_e2_portal.nsf/Notice_E2-Settlement_04-23_v5.pdf
Lindsey Harris
May 10, 2023 at 12:22 pmSo, do we have to wait for a letter in the mail to join? Our Veloster has been in 3 times for a knock sensor issue. It’s absolutely related to the upgrade they did to hide the problem with the engine catching fire. They’ve had our car 2 months, are now claiming we need to replace the engine.
Christopher Rossen
May 10, 2023 at 12:28 pmYes, and I would make sure Hyundai/Kia have your updated information when you purchased the car.
Kathy Merritt
May 3, 2023 at 4:05 amMy 2017 kia sorento is sitting at the kia dealership now. Because it is a “valve that needs to be replaced due improper air flow” it is not covered under the class action lawsuit. It is not a rod, bearing, crankshaft, or piston so it’s not covered. So here I am with a car I can’t afford to repair and no recourse.
Christopher Rossen
May 3, 2023 at 7:59 amKathy, something doesn’t add up here. A bad value due to improper air flow? More than likely, the vehicle suffered from oil consumption, clogging your intake, resulting in the issue they are reporting. Keep me posted.
Kristofur B Steen
March 31, 2023 at 5:13 pm3 engines under my hood between october and November 2022.
Original engine blew at 50,500. First dealership I brought I to drug out “wanting to fix it” for 5 months, (if that specific location opened tech line case, no dealership would touch it. They would have it sent back if I tried taking it somewhere else)
Finally got the word they deny my engine replacement “due to primarily the lack of oil change service records”. Towed it to another dealership, they replaced the engine without asking for oil change service records (funny that). Engine replaced at a Kia dealership, they broke my passenger mirror and denied they did it. 680.3 miles later it blew. Next Kia place said poor craftsmanship. Replaced again, so far, 3000 miles and running decent. But in the process, my ac went from working perfectly, to blowing warm/hot air. All the system software updates and new engine, the car feels sluggish and not even close to how it felt before the engine and software updates.
I have made a lot of mistakes in my life I wish I could fix, but i only have 1 regret. That regret is buying a 2017 Kia forte 2.0 L.
It’s been 9 months since the original breakdown, no reimbursement from Kia after a few months, so I filed a lawsuit. Lawsuit still pending. Am I eligible for this? if I proceed with my current lawsuit, how will this effect me if I am eligible?
Christopher Rossen
April 1, 2023 at 8:29 amHi Kristofur. Sounds like you have had some real bad luck with this car. I would discuss this matter with your attorney to figure out what the best option might be for you.
Sandra P
March 29, 2023 at 3:24 pmI have a 2014 Kia soul. It was eating oil. Burning it like crazy. It was in the dealership for 2 days. Now the car hesitated and shut off. Went to the dealership and they said the catalytic converter needs to be replaced at $ 3000. This car has had oil and engine problems for over 8 months now and I know they knew. Does my car qualify?
Christopher
March 30, 2023 at 7:02 amSandra it should, but depends on the mileage.
Rick
March 28, 2023 at 2:39 pmI have a lifetime warranty, my engine stopped working and they would not honor it. I had to pay $12k to put a new engine in. Can you please email me how I can get help to deal with them?
Christopher
March 29, 2023 at 1:49 pmRick, what was the reason for not honoring the lifetime warranty?
Mathew Thompson
March 6, 2023 at 3:37 pmwhat is the actual compensation that Hyundai owners receive? My 2017 just blew up this past Saturday. My wife and I barely made it out of the car. It is a total loss.
Christopher
March 8, 2023 at 10:18 amMatthew, depends on mileage. This post outlines the proposed compensation. Hope this helps.
Tina Jarvis
March 6, 2023 at 12:28 pm2018 Kia Soul 2.0 mileage 106000 (approx, don’t have documents in front of me) October 2022 Vehicle dies on highway out of state. Complete loss of oil pressure (no oil splattered in or under engine). Mechanic said needed new engine. Oil change done at 104986 (have receipt). We no longer have this vehicle (sold to salvage company as we had to buy a new vehicle and needed all cash available ) How do we get on the list?
Christopher
March 8, 2023 at 10:18 amTina, letters will begin to go out to all affected owners around the June/July time frame.
Peter B
February 28, 2023 at 10:18 pmQuick question. Do you or anyone else know about Kia engines burning too much oil? My dealer was doing an oil consumption test for my 2016 Optima. Halfway through the test, they stopped and said they’re not doing anything until the engine completely gives out
Christopher
March 1, 2023 at 7:14 amYes, we have received messages from other owners of a similar procedure.
Scott Schweizer
February 27, 2023 at 7:42 pmI have a 2015 Veloster Turbo that has a 1.6L gamma engine. It has developed a severe rod knock. There is metal in the oil pan. I have stopped driving it at this point. Is my car covered?
Christopher
February 28, 2023 at 10:43 amDepends on the mileage of the vehicle. If below 150,000 then it should be.
Kim C
February 18, 2023 at 7:09 pmHi. My Mom’s 2017 Kia Forte recently had engine failure with only 15k miles. After weeks of going through Kia Corp. they refused to fix because the car was 5 months out of warranty. The car received regular services and oil changes. It cost her over $8000 to replace engine. Is she eligible?
Christopher
February 20, 2023 at 8:30 amHi Kim. Only 15K miles and engine failure….wow….lowest mileage failure I’ve seen yet. So this is the class action that would pertain to here car: https://mycarvoice.com/news/lawsuit-hyundai-oil-consumption-nu-gamma-theta-lambda-kappa-engines/
Renee
February 26, 2023 at 1:54 pmHi Chris, my 2014 Hyundai Sonata ‘s engine seized in December 2022 and Hyundai is denying my claim for a new engine stating that I did not maintain the vehicle to the warranty standards since there is evidence of sludge. Hyundai specifically stated that the sludge was the reason for denial. There is evidence of sludge because my car is consuming to much oil which is also Hyundai’s fault! The 2014 Sonata is not listed in the oil consumption claim! Do you know why this is?? My car has been sitting at the shop since December because they need to freaking fix for free!!! By the way, the quoted me $14000 to put a new engine in!! Hyundai can seriously suck it!!!!
Christopher
February 27, 2023 at 6:48 amHi Renee. Good question, and I’ve reached out to the attorney to get you an answer. Will email you direct.
Mike D'Ambrosia
February 17, 2023 at 11:24 pmI have the 2019 Kia Soul 1.6l auto base model with gdi engine. How do I register for this class action suit, to get benefits?
Christopher
February 18, 2023 at 6:40 amHi Mike. You will receive a letter in the mail with the steps needed to take. Also, subscribe to this post as I will be updating it when new details are released.
Ryan
February 16, 2023 at 9:50 pmMy 2013 Kia’s engine was a complete failure when it hit 110,000 miles and they said they wouldn’t replace it. And did not warranty it. I was going to take them to court. Kia is a horrible company. They have so many recalls on their cars. I just need to get reimbursed and get a different car brand.
Keith Soller
February 16, 2023 at 9:06 pmWe had a 17 Santa Fe sport that threw number 3 rod through the block! Did not have the service campaign done cause we got notified the day it blew! Had to trade the car in cause Hyundai said we were sol!
Kerry Rabon
February 16, 2023 at 7:41 pmI had a Santa Fe 2016 and the engine seized. The mechanics at the dealership told me it was a faulty engine but unfortunately i did not have all my oil receipts. They refused to fix it and i couldn’t afford to pay 7000 for a new engine so i was forced to give my car back to the finance company. Is there any compensation for situations like this?
Christopher
February 17, 2023 at 8:15 amKerry, this settlement does not cover 2016 Santa Fe vehicles. If you purchased this vehicle new you could pursue lemon law.
Kendra
February 16, 2023 at 7:31 pmThis recently happened to me in my 2017 Sportage. I see that’s not on the affected list and I’m wondering why? It says only 2011-2013 Sportage.
Broke down in the highway and 2 tow jobs later it was determined to be the bearings in the engine. Kia did replace it however I was out of a car for 3 weeks because they did not have any rentals available.
Lynsey
February 16, 2023 at 6:45 pmDoes this apply to the entire United States? I live in ohio and had to have my engine replaced on my 2016 kia soul.
Christopher
February 17, 2023 at 8:08 amLynsey, yes all U.S. residents.
Melissa bradshaw
February 16, 2023 at 5:59 pmMy 2016 kia optima had to get the engine replaced bc of knock sensor in 2020 but the motor uses a lot of oil still and kia will not do anything to help me they told me I have to pay out of pocket for everything and won’t even try to get me into anything else either to Blow it up ” and they might cover then .. it so frustrating
Rommuel
February 16, 2023 at 5:13 pmHi. My engine light went on the. The. Engine is eating a lot of oil. Loosing oil a lit engine making a lot of noise. And vibrating. And. We had. Sludge. Cleaning done. On engine oil. And. My car at service for 2 days. In kia. Dealership.. and. I have. Bought so much oil keep adding oil … am I entitle to to this settlement ?
Christopher
February 17, 2023 at 8:09 amWhat model and year do you have Rommuel?
Sandra Dixon
February 16, 2023 at 4:58 pmMy kia is parked on my front lawn with a blown engine. How do I know if mine is part of this lawsuit? I am also in Canada. Do they have such a thing here?
Christopher
February 17, 2023 at 8:10 amSorry Sandra, U.S. consumers only.
Jenn
February 16, 2023 at 4:30 pmSo is compensation only available to those under 150,000kms? And how does one go about being compensated?
Christopher
February 17, 2023 at 8:16 amCorrect. If you qualify, you will receive a letter in the mail with steps to go about getting compensated.
rommuel
July 27, 2023 at 1:59 amis kia soul 2019 baze model 1.6 gdi included?
Christopher Rossen
July 28, 2023 at 6:54 amYes, 2012-2019 Souls with the 1.6 GDI is included.
Ashley
February 16, 2023 at 4:29 pmI had a 2016 kia sorento engine completely died while I was driving had to trade in the vehicle left with a $6000 carry over would I qualify for any type of settlement
Christopher
February 17, 2023 at 8:17 amYou do not Ashley, this settlement only covers 2011-2013 Sorento.
Lisa
February 16, 2023 at 4:20 pmI have engine issues with my 2016 Santa Fe. Are you saying that this car is not included?
Christopher
February 17, 2023 at 8:11 amCorrect Lisa.
Chris Melanson
February 17, 2023 at 10:52 amThere already has been a class action that was settled for your vehicle. My 2014 Santa Fe, like yours is not part of this “fire risk”, ours are subject to complete engine failure even withon 400 km’s of an oil change
Seth
February 16, 2023 at 3:50 pmSanta Fe outside of the year listed that is plagued with the knock detection sensor although it has been changed multiple times and does not fix it. Have had my feel with Hyundai after having an open case and realizing they will not honor repair due to I have changed oil myself with higher quality oil/ filters and have not bothered to keep receipts. What are the chances a 2018 Santa Fe Sport qualifies?
Christopher
February 16, 2023 at 4:15 pmSeth, that’s tough to say, but here is a little information on why your model wasn’t included: https://mycarvoice.com/news/why-wasnt-my-model-year-car-included-in-the-class-action-settlement/
Chris Melanson
February 17, 2023 at 10:50 amI have gone through 2 engines in my 2014 Santa Fe…..they blame sludge for not repairing…….. I said prove the sludge isnt a result of your defected engine!!! They tried to tell me sludge ONLY happens woth poor servicing. I said B.S. the defect is improperly ported oil ports, to wit the oil flow in YOUR engine is constricted and does not circulate properly thusly overheating the oil and major parts of both short and long block leading to heat stress on engine parts leading to those parts failing.
Dont matter how right you are, they will hide behind “sludge” as they’re defining reason.
They will ask you to bring it in, pop the valve cover and take a picture of what THEY ALREADY KNOW IS THERE…..sludge.
Good luck bud. I am in month 5 of my second fight for engine replacement under “INDUSTRIES BEST WARRANTY”
Devin
March 16, 2023 at 2:23 amI have one of the above mentioned cars will I receive a letter in the mail if my Vin is not affected in the recall or is it because it’s a lawsuit all cars are qualified.
Sidney
February 16, 2023 at 3:44 pmI had to replace my engine in my 2018 Kia Soul, how do I get compensation?
Christopher
February 16, 2023 at 4:12 pmSidney, settlement notice won’t be complete until June 7, 2023. Once you receive letter in the mail(around that time) then you can make a claim for reimbursement.
Devin
March 16, 2023 at 2:16 amI have one of the above mentioned cars will I receive a letter in the mail if my Vin is not affected in the recall or is it because it’s a lawsuit all cars are qualified.
Christopher
March 16, 2023 at 8:15 amYou will receive a letter in the mail. The letter will specifically state the stipulations of being part of the settlement benefits.
Dawn Ronski
February 14, 2023 at 12:54 pmI have the exact same issue with my 2014 Kia Sorento. So what do I do?
Christopher
February 14, 2023 at 1:14 pmDawn, depending on your situation, you are eligible to receive financial reimbursement and other benefits for certain engine-related repairs and/or engine failures or engine fires. Did your car catch on fire?
Andrew
February 14, 2023 at 4:01 pmMine did
Virginia Link
February 16, 2023 at 3:24 pmMy car didn’t catch on fire, but I had a rod break causing complete engine failure. Do I qualify?
Christopher
February 16, 2023 at 3:40 pmHi Virgina. You would qualify for an extended warranty under this settlement.
Mandi
April 24, 2023 at 5:29 pmI assume this does not apply to Canadians? Thx
Christopher Rossen
April 25, 2023 at 6:49 amCorrect Mandi.
Chris Melanson
February 17, 2023 at 10:44 amChris….
My 2014 Santa Fe Sport Limited (which I bought brand new)has experienced engine failure twice….
First failure (at 52,000 km) replaced by Hyundai.
Afterwards, we did all the software upgrades…. the replaced engine has since failed. There is zero oil on dipstick (just like with original engine at time of purchase) and ZERO WARNING LIGHTS from the supposed upgrades.
They are already telling me how they will deny this claim. They are once again hiding behind “proper service” even though i repeatedly asked how a defect in engine can be my fault…..
What can a guy do now, Chris?
Lloyd Chamberlain
February 26, 2023 at 7:04 pmHi Christopher. I spent a lot of time researching the Hyundai/Kia engine issue. My 2010 Hyundai Tucson engine died, but it was already at 156,000 miles. It it safe to say that I won’t qualify for any of these settlements etc
Christopher
February 27, 2023 at 6:44 amHi Lloyd. Your model does qualifies, but with that mileage I’m not sure. We will have to see when this case reaches a decision: https://mycarvoice.com/news/lawsuit-hyundai-oil-consumption-nu-gamma-theta-lambda-kappa-engines/ But in my experience, you may have too much mileage.
Kim
February 16, 2023 at 7:53 pmMy tuscon’s engine failed while i was driving on the highway.
Shelly Ekkelboom
February 16, 2023 at 8:03 pmDoes this not cover the regular 2016 optima lx? I’ve had engine problems, sucking through oil like crazy and engine stalling because the plugs foul up. I’ve took it to Kia and they won’t do nothing
Stacy Weibel
February 17, 2023 at 11:23 amSame ..2017 kia Sorento, oil just vanished, no smoke , no leak.. just gone . ENGINE SEIZED WHILE DRIVING , 2K MILES OVER WARRANTY AND HAD TO PAY $8K OUY OF POCKET