There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters.
We try to boil down it to the most important bits and pieces -- the recalls, service bulletins, and lawsuits that can help you solve you car problems. Interested in getting these quick story bits as an email? Signup over at CarComplaints.com.
An increasing number of cars are going up in spontaneous flames and I’m glad to see somebody’s willing to step up and investigate. We’re still waiting on a decision from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The investigation will focus on the Theta II engine and the automaker’s handling of prior recalls.
keep reading article "State Attorneys Open Investigation into Theta II Engine Fires"The automaker says there’s a problem with the sealant they used for the 2011-2013 model years. Common warning signs include oil pools on the ground, knocking engine noises, the smell of oil burning on hot engine parts, a smoldering wall of flames coming out of your engine. You know, subtle stuff like that.
Hyundai plans on sending out recall notices by the end of March 2019.
keep reading article "2nd Generation Tucson Recalled for Oil Leaks and Engine Fires"The troublesome engine can be found in the 2011-2016 Elantra and is known for ticking noises, oil sludge, and premature failure. The automaker has a history of blaming these problems on poor maintenance and often denies warranty claims. So what else is Nu?
keep reading article "Hyundai Questions Merits of Nu Piston Slap Lawsuit"If approved, the settlement would double the existing sunroof warranty, reimburse certain previously-paid expenses, and even offer cash to those that decide to sell their car within the next 90 days.
Hyundai still won’t admit the sunroof is defective, but they’re sure acting like it is.
keep reading article "Hyundai Has Offered to Settle an Expoding Sunroof Lawsuit Settlement And It’s Good News for Owners"This lets gas can spray out onto hot surfaces and is the **perfect recipe for engine fires. It gets worse.
This was supposed to be Hyundai’s opportunity to right the wrongs of their gasoline direct injection engines with massive oil flow problems. Those engines were notorious for knocking, seizing, and were eventually recalled in multiple campaigns. These were the replacements and now because of an installation snafu they’re catching on fire.…
keep reading article "Hyundai Can't Even Stop Their Replacement Engines From Catching on Fire"However there’s an issue in the way the 2018 Elantra GT’s sunroof motor was programmed that could turn it into a slow, dull, but strong guillotine.
The system won't detect if a finger, head or other objects are in the way of the closing glass and won't immediately retract.
Resist the urge to stick your head out of the sunroof until the recall begins in February 2019. Actually, just go ahead and resist that urge in general.
keep reading article "Elantra GT’s Sunroof Motor Recalled for Being World’s Slowest Guillotine"Much higher than you’d think, especially if you’re one of these 3 million Hyundai and Kia owners.
The Center for Auto Safety (CAS) has put together a list of vehicles that they say should be taken off the road until a pending government investigation ends with a comprehensive recall.
CAS says Kia and Hyundai have done nothing but provide empty statements about working directly with vehicle owners who report fires. In addition, both automakers seem to be waiting for NHTSA to conclude its investigation to determine if additional actions should be taken.…
keep reading article "Are 3 Million Hyundai and Kia Cars Too Dangerous to Drive?"
Piston slap eventually leads to block damage, oil sludge, and complete engine failure. The lawsuitaccuses Hyundai of placing blame on owners for their defective engines.
keep reading article "Lawsuit Filed Over Pisto Slap Concerns in 5th Generation Elantra Vehicles"AEB was found to reduce rear-end crashes by 39% during research by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Automatic emergency braking uses a combination of radar, lidar (reflected laser light) and cameras for a forward collision warning system that gives a driver audio or visual warnings that a forward collision is near.…
keep reading article "Is Hyundai Falling Behind in AEB Technology?"
The side curtain airbag probably won't deploy properly to be able to protect an occupant. In addition, Hyundai says it can't guarantee the detached diffuser will remain in the airbag, and if it doesn't, occupants could be harmed by the projectile.
This is the same problem affecting Kia and Ford vehicles. The affected SUVs were built between 09/05/17 and 11/30/17.
keep reading article "Projectile Airbag Diffusers in the 2018 Santa Fe Sport"The best way to find out what's wrong with a vehicle is from the people who drive them. Not only do owner complaints help us rank vehicles by reliability, but they're often used to spark class-action lawsuits and warranty extensions. Plus, they're a great way to vent.