Hyundai Oil Consumption Recall

Consumers have registered numerous complaints about excessive oil consumption issues related to more than 20 Hyundai models. Despite these defects being a source of constant pain to consumers, Hyundai has made half-hearted attempts to solve them.

The design or manufacturing defects responsible for excessive oil consumption have proved costly to vehicle owners. Hyundai’s excessive oil consumption may lead to premature wear and tear, oil leaks, engine stalling, or complete engine breakdown.

Affected owners believe Hyundai should have recalled the defective units and permanently solved the matter. In April 2022, several plaintiffs filed a class action against Hyundai in a California federal court to seek justice.

Additionally, California lemon laws have provisions that offer relief to lemon owners – for example, a problematic Hyundai with excessive oil consumption. 

If you’re looking for a solution to your problematic Hyundai, a California lemon car attorney can assess your rights and potentially help you pursue a refund or replacement.

Hyundai Excessive Oil Consumption Lawsuit

The lawsuit alleges that over 20 Hyundai models have defective Nu, Lambda, Kappa, and Theta engines leading to excessive engine oil consumption. Through the case, Hyundai owners hope the courts can compel Hyundai to issue a recall and compensate them.

The plaintiffs who filed the Hyundai excessive oil consumption lawsuit include:

• Catherine Little — 2017 Hyundai Sonata
• Anna Chumra —  2018  Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
• Michelle Smith —  2016 Hyundai Sonata
• Bryan Rothmaller— 2017 Hyundai Tucson Sport
• David Cho — 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe

According to the plaintiff Hyundai owners, the excessive oil consumption has contributed to a high maintenance cost due to regular oil refills.

Below is a list of the affected Hyundai and Kia Models.

• 2020-2021 Hyundai Venue
• 2011-2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
• 2011-2021 Hyundai Veloster
• 2010-2012 and 2015-2021 Hyundai Santa Fe
• 2012-2020 Hyundai Elantra
• 2020-2021 Hyundai Palisade
• 2010-2013 and 2015-2021 Hyundai Tucson
• 2010-2021 Kia Forte
• 2012-2021 Kia Rio
• 2018-2021 Kia Stinger
• 2009-2018 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Some Hyundai owners attempt to solve the defect by adding oil beyond the maximum limit. Unknown to them, the oil may entirely or partially submerge the crankshaft, putting the engine at risk. 

Below are the dangers associated with this attempt:

• The crankshaft may foam oil and reduce lubrication.      
• Excess oil will strain and damage the gaskets that protect the engine
• Oil leakage from undesignated points
• Oil residue will damage combustion and exhaust systems.

According to the lawsuit, Hyundai disregarded the numerous complaints and failed to warn customers about excessive oil consumption. 

Besides excessive oil consumption, the Hyundai class action claims oil migrates to other wrong areas. Consequently, the oil residue may destroy the combustion or exhaust system, impeding its normal functioning.

Critical Reservations About Hyundai’s Handling of Excessive Oil Consumption

• Hyundai denies providing service to complainants that don’t provide maintenance records, even with an active warranty.
• Hyundai doesn’t warn customers of excessive oil consumption
• Hyundai should have offered maintenance service beyond warranty terms due to the exceptional circumstance of this case.
• Hyundai hasn’t offered reimbursements for out-of-pocket repairs due to excessive oil consumption problems.

Relief Sought By Hyundai Car Owners

Vehicle owners of affected Hyundai and Kia models claim that the manufacturer or dealer can’t repair the excessive oil consumption defect. As a result, affected consumers spend huge sums of money and time attempting to solve the problem.

That said, affected vehicle owners feel that Hyundai and Kia should recall the affected units and permanently fix the problem. In the absence of a timely recall, circumstances force vehicle owners to endure the following:

• Drive thousands of miles as part of ‘oil consumption tests.’
• Long waiting time to get replacements parts, which sometimes defective in solving the initial problem

Symptoms of Excessive Oil Consumption

If you’re unsure how to diagnose excessive oil consumption in Hyundai, here are a few signs to consider.

• Blue Smoke: If you notice persistent blue smoke or while driving with a load, that’s a cause for worry. However, that’s normal with diesel engines. Blue smoke means engine oil has leaked into the combustion chamber.

Possible causes of blue smoke include leaking or worn piston rings and damaged cylinder walls.

• Emission of Oil Droplets in the Exhaust Pipe: It occurs when valve guides become worn out; as a result, engine oil seeps past the shafts. Eventually, oil flows into the exhaust gas from the engine.

Common causes of this problem include damaged head gaskets, broken piston rings, or clogged PVC rings.

• Carbon Deposits in the Engine: You may also find oil deposits on the engine spark plugs, indicating oil seepage into the combustion chamber.

Speak to an Experienced California Lemon Law Attorney

You can progress as other Hyundai owners wait for the conclusion of the class action. Remember, some class actions may take up to three years before a settlement happens. On the bright side, a lemon case can settle within 3-6 months, making it a worthy route to justice.

If you’re in California and dealing with oil consumption issues in your Hyundai, an experienced and reputable Hyundai Lemon Law Attorney can seek relief on your behalf. Contact us online or call us at 657-529-5239 for a free case review.