Auto News: Kia and Hyundai Spontaneous Engine Fires

Kia and Hyundai, two of the fastest growing auto manufacturers in North America, are under scrutiny as a result of defects with various popular Kia and Hyundai model vehicles that may result in non-collision fires. To date, thousands of Kia and Hyundai consumers have reported that their vehicles have spontaneously caught on fire without being involved in a crash.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating approximately three million vehicles after receiving thousands of consumer complaints about these spontaneous fires.

It is alleged that the cause of these non-collision fires stems from a design flaw that, “restricts or blocks oil flow to the engine’s moving parts, such as connecting rod bearings, prematurely wearing out those parts to the point that the engine parts seize, which stops engine operation while running. Engine seizure often causes internal parts, such as the connecting rods, to break and knock a hole in the engine, permitting fluids to leak and ignite a fire.”

Earlier this month, the NHTSA opened an investigation after reviewing more than 3,000 reports of fires that ignited without any sort of collision involved. To date, NHTSA has tracked at least 3,125 complaints of fires reported by owners and the automakers, including at least 103 injuries and one death to date.

The affected vehicles are all powered by Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) Theta II engines that create severe driving hazards for owners. The common complaints among consumers whose vehicles have caught on fire include, but are not limited to fire, smoke, loss of power, stalling, knocking noise from the engine, hesitation, illumination of the check engine light, illumination of the engine oil pressure warning indicator, and the like.

If you own or lease a new or used Kia or Hyundai vehicle listed below and you have experienced any of these listed complaints, you should contact the Lemon Law Experts immediately for a case review.

The vehicles that are presently known to be affected and at risk for spontaneous fires are:

• 2011-2019 Kia Optima
• 2011–2019 Kia Sorento
• 2011-2019 Kia Sportage
• 2014-2019 Hyundai Tucson
• 2013-2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
• 2011-2019 Hyundai Sonata

There are both Federal and State laws that protect the interests of consumers. California offers one of the nation’s most comprehensive Lemon Laws, the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, which covers vehicles purchased or leased in California with a warranty. The Song-Beverly Act recognizes warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular use for vehicles sold in California.

If you own or lease one of the vehicles listed above and you have repaired your vehicle for engine-related complaints, the Lemon Law Experts may be able help you find a solution. The Lemon Law Experts currently represent many Kia and Hyundai consumers who have reported engine-related complaints with their Kia and Hyundai GDI Theta II vehicles.  If you are concerned about your vehicle and your safety, call us today for a case review.  The Lemon Law Experts have an excellent team of star attorneys and an extensive support staff who are standing by to assist you.

If you own or lease a Kia Optima, Sorrento, Soul, Sportage, Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, Hyundai Sonata, and you are concerned about how the GDI Theta II engine defect might affect you, contact the Lemon Law Experts of Consumer Law Experts today. We provide individualized service and have represented thousands of consumers with their vehicle fraud and warranty claims. Protect your rights, investment, and safety with a consultation by calling the Lemon Law Experts today.