Hyundai Elantra, Kona & Veloster Abnormal Engine Noise
Hyundai Motor America have announced a recall affecting approximately 125 thousand 2019-2020 Elantra, 2019-2021 Kona and 2019-2021 Veloster vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines.
The engines in the affected vehicles may have been assembled using piston oil rings that were produced with excessive hardness. The hardened oil rings could lead to chipping of the ring's outer periphery, which could lead to scuffing of the engine cylinder bore. A damaged cylinder bore can create accelerated oil consumption, abnormal knocking from the engine and/or an illuminated oil pressure warning light. Continued operation could cause the connecting rod bearing to seize causing damage to the engine and eventually a stall. Under rare circumstances, a connecting rod could puncture the engine block and casue an engine oil leak and a potential fire hazard.
| Indications that the problem could exist include: |
|---|
| Abnormal (knocking) noise from the engine |
| Reduce and/or hesitating engine power |
| Illuminated “Check Engine” light |
| Illuminated oil pressure warning ligh |
| Burning smell, oil leaking and/or smoke |
Dealers will inspect the engine for damage on the cylinder bore and piston skirt and if abnormalities exist, the engine will be replaced. As an added level of protection, the affected vehicles will receive an enhanced engine control software update containing new piston noise sensing that continuously monitors engine vibrations and unusual patterns that could indicate an abnormal condition in the engine.