Between about 2011 and 2019, many Hyundai and Kia models were built with engines that could fail. Metal debris left from manufacturing restricted oil flow to the connecting rod bearings. Over time the bearings wore, the engine knocked, and some engines seized or caught fire.
The result shows up clearly in our data. Six of the Hyundai and Kia models we track, the Sonata, Optima, Sportage, Santa Fe, Sorento and Tucson, all have their worst years inside this window.
The years with the most complaints
| Model year | Complaints per 100k sold | Model average |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 Hyundai Tucson | 1,812 | 522 |
| 2013 Kia Sportage | 1,156 | 372 |
| 2016 Kia Sorento | 1,100 | 583 |
| 2012 Kia Sportage | 1,078 | 372 |
| 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe | 998 | 428 |
| 2013 Hyundai Sonata | 994 | 457 |
| 2014 Kia Sorento | 990 | 583 |
| 2017 Hyundai Tucson | 955 | 522 |
| 2013 Kia Sorento | 930 | 583 |
| 2013 Kia Optima | 926 | 480 |
| 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe | 908 | 428 |
| 2012 Hyundai Sonata | 743 | 457 |
| 2012 Kia Sorento | 736 | 583 |
| 2014 Kia Soul | 623 | 403 |
Complaints that mention engine failure, seizing or knocking were especially common on the 2016 Sorento (253) and 2017 Tucson (180). The 2012 and 2013 Sonata each drew more than 200 such complaints, and the 2012 Optima and 2012 Sportage more than 150. The 2016 Tucson also had a separate problem: its new dual-clutch transmission hesitated or would not move after a stop.
Warning signs
- Knocking from the engine that gets louder with speed.
- Engine light or oil light that comes on and stays on.
- Loss of power or the engine stalling while driving.
- Burning oil smell or smoke from under the hood.
Hyundai and Kia added software that listens for bearing knock and puts the car into reduced power mode so the driver can stop before the engine seizes. If that warning appears, have the car checked right away.
What Hyundai and Kia did
The carmakers recalled engines on many models, installed the knock sensor software on millions of cars and extended engine warranties, in many cases to 15 years or 150,000 miles, and for life on some engines, for both original and later owners. A class action settlement covered many of the same cars. Coverage depends on the exact model, year and engine, so the only way to be sure is to give a dealer the VIN.
Buying a used Hyundai or Kia from these years
- Check recalls on the free federal lookup and confirm the knock sensor update was done.
- Ask a dealer whether the extended engine warranty applies to that VIN.
- Ask for oil change records. Carmakers may ask for proof of maintenance before approving a claim.
- Listen at cold start for knocking, and check the oil level.
- Consider a car with a replaced engine. A new engine with records lowers the risk a lot.
Later years are much better. The 2020 and 2021 Tucson and the 2018 and 2020 Sorento are our best picks for those models. See the Tucson and Sorento pages for year by year detail.
Questions
Does this affect the Hyundai Elantra? Some Elantra years have engine complaints too, but at much lower rates. See the Elantra page.
My car is out of warranty and the engine failed. Can I get help? Ask a dealer to check the VIN for extended coverage first. If none applies, ask Hyundai or Kia customer care for a goodwill repair, especially if you have maintenance records.