Why So Many Hyundai and Kia Vehicles Get Recalled for Fire Risk

As with all recalls, the repair work necessary to correct any of these problems is free when done by a dealership.

Some Hyundai and Kia vehicles that have received a KSDS update may be eligible for a lifetime engine warranty. These include some vehicles with 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter Theta II four-cylinder engines. You can check if your vehicle or the vehicle you’re planning to buy has had this specific repair done at Hyundai’s recall website or Kia’s recall website. If it hasn’t, make sure to have the work done as soon as possible.

In addition to free repairs, owners of some Hyundai and Kia vehicles equipped with Theta II, Nu GDI, and Gamma GDI engines may be able to take advantage of recent a class-action lawsuit that could offer cash reimbursement for some prior repairs and expenses related to vehicle repairs and breakdowns, such as towing and rental cars. The settlement will also offer free inspection and repair or replacement of damaged engines that are still within their 15-year or 150,000-mile extended warranty for certain qualifying engine repairs as well as potential compensation for customers whose vehicles required lengthy repairs, caught fire, or were sold or traded in due to loss of faith or other provisions. (This lawsuit is in addition to a prior class action settlement from 2021, which is closed, meaning that owners can no longer join it.)

Owners of the following vehicles may be eligible for those benefits: 2011-2019 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid sedans, 2016-2019 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid sedans, 2010-2012 Hyundai Santa Fe SUVs, 2010-2021 Hyundai Tucson SUVs, 2014 Hyundai Elantra coupes, 2014-2016 Hyundai Elantra sedans and hatchbacks, 2014-2020 Hyundai Elantra GT hatchbacks, 2012-2017 Hyundai Veloster hatchbacks, 2011-2020 Kia Optima Hybrid sedans, 2017-2020 Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid sedans, 2011-2013 Kia Sorento SUVs, 2011-2013 Kia Sportage SUVs, 2010-2018 Kia Forte sedans, 2010-2016 Kia Forte Koup coupes, and 2012-2019 Kia Soul hatchbacks, all 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 four-cylinder engines.

Owners who have had serious issues may want to consider the pros and cons before joining a class action. “Usually, people who do their own individual litigation or kvetching come out better than class members,” Shahan says. “But sometimes they’re really good settlements.”

Hyundai and Kia say they have entered into an agreement to resolve the class-action litigation. Once the settlement is approved by the court, owners will be informed about how to submit a claim. Remember that there are deadlines to meet if you do want to participate in the class-action settlement.