Hyundai Motor is recalling 129,000 U.S. vehicles over an engine issue that can boost the risk of fire, U.S. regulators said Friday.
The recall concerns some 2015-2016 Veloster, 2012 Santa Fe, 2011-2013 Sonata Hybrid, and 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles as connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which over time can lead damage to the engine.
Dealers will carry out inspections and if bearing damage is observed, then the engine will be replaced, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said.
Hyundai said all recalled vehicles will also get an improved engine control software update containing a new Knock Sensor Detection System that monitors engine vibrations for uncommon patterns potentially indicating an abnormal condition with the engine, such as a damaged connecting rod bearing.
Last week, Hyundai and Kia Motors’ U.S. units agreed to pay a record $210 million civil penalty after U.S. auto safety regulators said the automakers failed to recall 1.6 million vehicles for engine issues in a timely fashion.
NHTSA said the automakers agreed to consent orders after it stated they had improperly reported some details to the agency about the recalls.
Hyundai agreed to an overall civil penalty of $140 million, including an upfront payment of $54 million, an obligation to spend $40 million on safety performance measures, and an extra $46 million deferred penalty if it does not fulfil requirements.
The settlement concerned recalls in 2015 and 2017 for manufacturing issues that could result in bearing wear and engine failure.
