Hyundai’s Engine Saga: New Lawsuit Adds to the Drama

Owners of the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe SE have filed a class action lawsuit against the automaker, claiming that the 3.3-liter Lambda II GDI V6 engine installed in their SUV is defective. This lawsuit adds a new chapter to the series of issues connected with this engine, which was also used in several Kia models and previously became the subject of an NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) investigation.

The lawsuit was initiated by Jason and Allison Burns, who purchased a used Santa Fe SE in May 2019 with a mileage of 17,350 miles (28,000 km). Almost five years later, in April 2024, their SUV stalled and lost power at 79,966 miles (approximately 129,000 km). An inspection revealed a hole in the engine block, likely caused by a fractured connecting rod within the engine.

In the same year, Hyundai extended the limited warranty for the 2014–2019 Santa Fe models to 15 years or 150,000 miles following the NHTSA investigation. The Burns sent the defective vehicle to a nearby Hyundai dealership, which, according to the lawsuit, refused to repair or replace the engine free of charge. The couple claims they only learned of the extended warranty in January 2024. After months of correspondence with the dealer, the Burns agreed to sell the faulty car back for a fraction of its value and purchased a new vehicle from the same dealer for approximately $30,000.

Legal Battles and Consumer Reactions

The lawsuit claims Hyundai has long been aware of the 3.3-liter engine’s issues, including incidents of total failure. The Burns accuse Hyundai of unfair and fraudulent practices, as well as breach of (express and implied) warranty. The couple seeks damages and a court order for the recall of all affected engines.

Interestingly, the legal battle has brought to light several customer sentiments and feedbacks, highlighting varied experiences with Hyundai’s customer service and their handling of warranty claims. The case illustrates a broader struggle between consumer rights advocacy and large automotive manufacturers dealing with product defects.

Hyundai, like other automakers, is under pressure to ensure transparency and improve consumer trust amid increasing scrutiny over product safety standards. While no new warranty modifications have been announced post-2024, Hyundai continues to emphasize its commitment to addressing customer concerns and ensuring the reliability of its vehicles.