On May 10, 2021, a Judge granted final approval to the Hyundai Theta Settlement. The settlement was to benefit all Hyundai car owners whose engines malfunctioned. You only qualify for the compensation if you bought or leased the following units; 2011-2019 Hyundai Sonata, 2014-2015 Hyundai Tucson, and 2013-2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport.

The vehicles mentioned also had to be equipped with a genuine Theta II 2.0- or 2.4-liter gasoline engine within OEM specifications. Specific units manufactured in 2019 also qualified for the settlement since the Knock Sensor Detection System technology lacked in the engine’s configuration.

What Did Consumers Report About the Engine Malfunctions?

Numerous lawsuits against Hyundai claimed their engines were prone to defects. These defects included engine seizures, total failure, stalling, and fire. Most of the malfunctions were traced back to the connecting rod bearings in the Hyundai GDI engines.

According to one complaint, the fracturing of the connecting rod bearings released metal debris in the engine oil. Although there is an oil filter, it cannot purify the oil completely. Engine damage results from the contaminated oil circulating through its core and can cause unexpected engine failures.

The more these connecting rod bearings fracture, their tolerance deteriorates. Eventually, you’ll hear a “knocking sound” from your engine. There is a possibility the piston might break through your engine block, damaging other engine components.

Potential Rewards for the Hyundai Theta Engine Piston Settlement

Warranty Extension

You can receive a warranty extension as compensation for the Hyundai Theta settlement. Depending on your case, they may extend your powertrain warranty to a lifetime warranty. The warranty extension covers assembling the engine block, short block assembly, bearings and crankshaft, bearings, and connecting rods and pistons. Regardless, many consumers did not receive this warranty extension and had to purchase rebuilt Hyundai engines from retailers like Reman-Engine, https://reman-engine.com/remanufactured-engines/hyundai. 

Repairs Reimbursement

Class members are guaranteed financial reimbursement. The compensation includes a full refund or repairs and a $140 goodwill payment.

Value Reduction Compensation

If you traded in your car for a lower value because of engine stall, failure, noise, or even compartment fire, you would receive compensation. A $140 goodwill payment accompanies the settlement.

Compensation for Engine Fires

Engine fires qualify you for compensation equal to the vehicle’s actual value.

Rebates

You qualify for compensation if you have to buy a replacement vehicle because of the Hyundai Theta engine. Here is the class action for rebates;

• $2,000 for 2011 and 2012 Class Vehicles
• $1,500 for 2013 and 2014 Class Vehicles
• $1,000 for 2015 and 2016 Class Vehicles

What Problems Are Common for the Hyundai Theta Engine

Engine Failures

One common complaint from numerous consumers was engine failures of the Hyundai Theta engine. Most of the malfunctioning engines were manufactured from 2011 to 2014 and included the Hyundai Sonata and Santa Fe. The rod bearings were the root cause of engine failures as contaminated oil flowed through the engine.

Symptoms

• High oil consumption
• Poor overall performance
• Stalling
• Engine Knocks

Fixes

The best solution to fix engine failure in your Hyundai Theta would be a replacement. It does not make sense to rebuild the engine as the issue contributes to other engine problems that develop with time. The recalls and fines paid indicate that Hyundai was aware of this engine issue and made efforts to correct it.

Oil Consumption Issues

Excess oil consumption was also a concern with several Hyundai Theta engines. Although engines naturally consume oil, these engines consume more than usual. The main reason for excess oil consumption is the loss resulting from blow-by past the piston ring gaps. You may need to book an appointment with your garage if you start losing more than 1 quart of oil every 1,000 miles.

Symptoms

• Burning oil smell
• White exhaust smoke
• Pinging or knocking sounds

Carbon Build Up Issues

The 2.4 Theta MPI engine did not have carbon build-up issues because of its multi-point injection system. However, the 2.4 GDI variant experienced these issues because of its inability to wipe away oil. The oil deposits stick to the valves, forming carbon deposits that block your engine’s core internally.

Symptoms

• Misfiring
• Loss of power
• Stuttering on acceleration

Fixes

It would be best to consider taking your engine for a complete checkup after five years or every 80,000 miles. Although it does not significantly impact compromising reliability and longevity, you still need to avoid it. The valve cleaning helps you regain lost power from your engine.

Conclusion

The Hyundai Theta engine is still a top performer despite the issues mentioned. You can find the engine in numerous Hyundai models; newer models have fewer problems. The Hyundai Theta engine settlement closed, but you can still look for other settlements to help with your situation.