Kia and Hyundai Engine Failure Increasing Risk of Auto Accidents

In early April, Kia and Hyundai announced that they were recalling close to 1.5 million cars in countries like the U.S. due to engine issues which caused the vehicles to stall, thereby increasing the risk of auto accidents. The recall covers models such as the 2013-2014 Sonata midsize cars, 2013-2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport SUVs, 2011-2014 Kia Optima midsize cars, 2012-2014 Kia Sorento SUVs, and 2011-2013 Kia Sportage SUVs.

According to the LA Times, the companies have indicated that the problem was likely caused by debris left in the engines from when they were manufactured, which can restrict oil flow to the connecting rod bearings. Restricted oil flow can then increase temperatures (which are usually cooled by oil), causing the bearings to eventually wear down and fail.

Consumer Remedies?

At this time the two companies are informing customers that if they start to hear noises coming from the engine and/or see the engine warning lights light up on their dashboards, they should contact their dealers. They’ve also indicated that they will notify all the relevant vehicle owners so that they can arrange for the dealer to inspect the engineers and get the block replaced at no cost, if need be. However, historically, car companies have had difficulties ensuring that all vehicle owners are contacted about potential problems and recalls when it comes to vehicles and their parts and products in a timely manner, leaving many on the highways still unknowingly vulnerable to deadly accidents.

In addition, this particular recall is the second in two years for this exact same engine problem in certain Hyundai cars, such as the 2011-2012 Sonata sedans that were recalled less than two years ago in 2015. This arguably indicates that the company has failed to properly address the problem internally in order to ensure that its vehicles are safe for consumer use.

Your Rights

If a vehicle has been recalled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the manufacturer, dealerships must notify owners of these recalls in some states (although, as mentioned above, many car owners never receive these notices). In Florida, for example, if it is determined that the defect poses a risk to safety, the manufacturer is required to notify owners and remedy the defect, and these notices must be issued no later than 60 days from when the manufacturer filed its report with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Florida Auto Accident Attorneys

If you or a loved one has been in an auto accident, we can help. At Lavalle, Brown & Ronan, our Boca Raton personal injury attorneys have more than 180 years combined personal injury and auto accident litigation experience, serving clients in and around Boca Raton who’ve suffered from accident injuries and even deaths. We work aggressively to ensure that you receive the full amount of compensation applicable to your case, including ensuring that your medical bills are paid and justice is done. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Resources:

latimes.com/business/la-fi-hy-hyundai-kia-recall-20170407-story.html

autonews.com/article/20131028/OEM11/131029944/the-road-to-a-recall

For more information and in depth analysis, please contact Attorney Ken Ronan at   kronan@bocalaw.com and Case Manager Richard Bagdasarian at rbagdasarian@bocalaw.com.

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