April 10, 2017—Kia Motor Corporation and parent company Hyundai Motor Co. are set to recall 1.4 million cars and SUVs throughout North America and South Korea because of risks that the vehicles’ engines are a threat to stall and fail, possibly causing a crash, according to the Associated Press.
The recall covers models including the 2013-14 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport and Sonata, as well as 2011-14 Kia Optimas and 2011-13 Kia Sorentos. The companies said in documents posted Friday by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that debris left from manufacturing can restrict oil flow to connecting rod bearings, and since they are cooled by oil, that restriction can increase temperatures and cause the bearings to wear and fail; thus, engines could subsequently stall.
Those who operate the aforementioned vehicles could hear a knocking sound from the engine that increases in frequency as engine speed increases. They also could be notified via engine warning lights.
The automakers are encouraging vehicle owners with problems to contact their dealers. Hyundai and Kia plan to notify owners and have their dealers inspect all vehicle engines. They’ll replace the engine block for free, if necessary, in a recall scheduled to begin on May 19.
