JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Just a few days ago, we told you about two First Coast News viewers with one common problem. They both own Hyundai vehicles and they say their cars are undrivable.
Cody Evans and Wanda Burrow want their Tucson and Sonata repaired, but Hyundai representatives are not assuming responsibility. They say the drivers did not maintain their vehicles properly. Evans and Burrow disagree.
Since their story aired, a Hyundai representative has reached out to both drivers.
"She stated that they just received the claim, and they are going to review it again and see what they can do for it," Cody Evans said.
First Coast News has received several emails from viewers with the same problem. It's important you document all your efforts to correct the issue with your vehicle. Keep a record of all emails, phone calls, and other documents of your interaction with your local Hyundai dealership.
First Coast News Anchor Anthony Austin has been speaking with a Hyundai senior manager. He has instructed Anthony to forward him emails from Hyundai drivers.
The senior manager also asked we share this information:
Recommended maintenance: Owners should refer to their vehicle’s owner’s manual and follow the maintenance schedule provided for the type of driving condition applicable to the owner’s driving habits. In general, for most vehicles, the engine oil and oil filter should be changed at least every 7,500 miles or every 12 months, whichever occurs first, for non-turbocharged vehicles and every 5,000 miles or every 12 months, whichever occurs first, for turbocharged vehicles, under normal driving conditions. Owners should be responsible for keeping copies of their maintenance records. Regular maintenance is essential to obtaining the highest level of performance, safety, and reliability from one’s vehicle.
For potential buyers of used vehicles: we strongly recommend performing due diligence before purchase to verify the vehicle has been properly maintained according to manufacturer specifications, including obtaining copies of maintenance records from sellers and previous owners where available. Potential buyers may also utilize services such as CarFaxTM to obtain reports of maintenance histories, collisions, and other potential risks. We encourage owners to review these reports carefully.
First Coast News also spoke with Attorney Matthew Schelkopf who has filed lawsuits on behalf of Hyundai/Kia drivers.
In 2021, there was a class action settlement for certain Hyundai and Kia vehicles containing the 2.0L and 2.4L GDI Theta II engines. Specifically, that lawsuit extended the warranty (and offer reimbursements) if the engine experienced a connecting rod bearing failure within the rotating assembly.
The law firm is currently in the process of settling a class action lawsuit against Hyundai and Kia for certain Hyundai and Kia vehicles containing the Nu 2.0L GDI, 2.4L MPI Theta II and 1.6L GDI engines. This lawsuit seeks to extend the warranty (and offer reimbursements) if the engine experienced a connecting rod bearing failure within the rotating assembly. This case has not been finally approved by the court and the final approval hearing currently scheduled for September 2023.
Also, there is a class action case against Hyundai and Kia for alleged oil consumption in certain vehicles. This defect is separate and unrelated to connecting rod bearing failure of the two class actions mentioned above. The oil consumption case is Cho, et al. v. Hyundai Motor Company, LTD., et al. and that case is being litigated.