NHTSA Looking Into Claim That Hyundai’s 3.3-Liter V6 Is Prone To Failing

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received a petition requesting an urgent investigation into an alleged defect impacting Hyundai vehicles equipped with the Korean brand’s 3.3-liter GDI Lambda-II engine in the United States.

The petition, dated February 2, 2024, is currently under investigation by the ODI to determine whether it warrants further action. If granted, it could potentially lead to the recall of up to 60,049 vehicles equipped with the 3.3-liter GDI Lambda-II engine. As of now, the petition remains open, with no decision made yet.

Read: Feds Investigate How Frequently Kia Sorento Engines Blow After Dozen Complaints

An owner of a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe, Jasmine Jewell, submitted the petition to the NHTSA. In her letter, Jewell recounts the engine failure of her SUV at 61,413 miles. Despite reaching out to four Hyundai dealerships in Rhode Island, she discovered they were all inundated with vehicles needing engine replacements.

Consequently, she had to tow her vehicle to a dealer in Massachusetts, where she was promptly informed that a new engine was necessary. The quoted cost for a replacement was $19,997, excluding labor charges.

In the petition, the owner alleges that the 3.3-liter GDI Lambda-II engine is prone to engine knocking, “followed by the potential for complete engine seizure without any accompanying warning lights or indications.” She adds that the issue appears to manifest suddenly and without warning.

Hyundai did initiate a recall for 2017MY Santa Fe models with the GDI Lambda-II engine six years ago, addressing specific VINs, but according to the petitioner, “the broader concerns about the reliability of the 3.3L Lambda II engine persist.”

She also states at least 11 class action lawsuits have been filed against Hyundai and Kia claiming defective GDI engines “pose risks of stalling or catching fire.” The Kia Sorento is also under investigation for an engine issue. A class action has also been filed in Canada for a host of Hyundai GDI engines, including the 3.3-liter Lambda-II. Additionally, a separate class action lawsuit in Australia asserts Hyundai has known about engine issues since at least 2015.

“I formally request the immediate commencement of a rulemaking proceeding to assess and potentially amend existing motor vehicle safety standards that govern the Hyundai 3.3L V6 Lambda II engine,” writes Jewell. “This undertaking is crucial to ensure that these vehicles adhere to safety standards that effectively mitigate and rectify the identified defects, thereby preventing further harm to consumers.”

We’ll keep an eye on this story to see how the petition progresses and whether NHTSA takes further action, ultimately determining if a recall is necessary.