Your Hyundai Kona Might Have a Dangerous Defect. We Can Help.
When you purchase a car from a major auto manufacturer like Hyundai, you expect it to work as advertised, and rightly so. You certainly expect the engine to work. Unfortunately, many auto manufacturers cut corners and put cars into the market that are half-baked, carrying dangerous defects.
Hyundai Motor America recently issued a recall of its Kona line due to a serious engine defect. According to the recall campaign reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the defective Konas carry a risk of stalling and, in some cases, spontaneous fires. The 2021 recall follows several prior recalls addressing other issues in certain Kona model vehicles.
If you own or lease a Hyundai Kona covered by the recalls, it’s important that you act soon to protect yourself and your family and get the functioning vehicle you deserve. A California auto fraud attorney at Nita Lemon Law is ready to help you respond to the recall and get the repair, refund, and other compensation you are owed.
What’s Wrong With the Hyundai Kona?
The recent recall applies to Hyundai Kona SUV models that were installed with 2.0-liter engines which may carry a hazardous defect. According to the recall notice, the engines installed in the covered vehicles may have been assembled with inconsistently heat-treated piston oil rings. The poor heat treatment can lead to increased oil consumption, leading to a knocking sound and, ultimately, the engine seizing and stalling. An engine seizing or stalling in the middle of a drive can be extremely dangerous, especially if the vehicle is being driven on a freeway, in traffic, or otherwise at high speeds. Additionally, the problem can cause oil to leak onto hot exhaust components, which could result in a fire.
Signs That Your Hyundai Kona May Be Defective
Hyundai Kona drivers may see a warning light in the instrument panel if their cars are affected by the problem. Drivers should also look out for a knocking noise in the engine, reduced power or trouble accelerating, or the smell of smoke and/or burning oil.
In any event, owners of the affected model lines should have their vehicles inspected regardless of whether they identify any warning signs.
Which Hyundai Kona Models Have Been Recalled?
The 2021 recall covers close to 126,000 total units, including model year 2019-2021 Konas as well as model year 2019-2020 Hyundai Elantras and model year 2019-2021 Hyundai Velosters. Any covered Hyundai model equipped with a 2.0-liter inline-four engine carries the identified risks.
The Hyundai Kona Has Been Hit With Recalls Before
Defective engines aren’t the only problem with Hyundai Konas. Previously, Hyundai issued a safety recall of the model year 2019-2020 Kona EV (electric vehicle) as well as the 2020 Ioniq EV. That recall concerned a defective lithium-ion battery that carried an unreasonable risk of catching fire due to likely electrical shorts.
Additionally, in 2020, a number of model year 2020 Konas were subject to a recall because the vehicles were affixed with improper certification labels. The labels reflected an inaccurate Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR), which increased the risk that the vehicles would be overloaded and wind up in a crash.
Kona Isn’t the Only Defective Hyundai
The recall of the 2019-2021 Hyundai Kona models is just one of several recent recalls based on defective Hyundai autos. Earlier in 2021, Hyundai issued a recall of more than 150,000 Santa Fe Sport crossovers, covering model years 2013-2015. That recall pertained to a defective brake system that could cause brake fluid to leak into the ABS module, leading to potential electrical shorts. Like the Hyundai Kona, the defective Santa Fe Sport brake fluid issue generated the risk of an unexpected engine fire.
Your Rights as a Hyundai Owner
If you own or lease a defective Hyundai model, you have the right to get the car you paid for. If the dealership can fix the defective engine, they must do so–for free. If the part cannot be fixed, you have the right to a refund or replacement vehicle. If you were injured because of the defective part, or if you suffered any damage to your property, you have the right to pursue a claim for damages against the auto manufacturer.
A seasoned California auto fraud and defective product attorney at Nita Lemon Law can walk you through your options, whether that means going through the dealership, Hyundai, or NHTSA. At Nita Lemon Law Firm, we believe you have the right to the car you paid for, and we believe that auto manufacturers who put dangerously defective vehicles on the market should be held accountable for any harm they cause. We’ll make sure you get the compensation you are owed and the safe, trustworthy vehicle that you deserve.
Call a Zealous Auto Fraud and Personal Injury Lawyer at Nita Lemon Law Firm for Help With Your Defective Hyundai Claims
If you bought a defective Hyundai Kona or any other faulty car in California, you have the right to get the product you paid for or get your money back. If you or someone you care about was hurt because of a dangerously defective product, you have the right to seek compensation, and the right to seek justice. The California Lemon Law team at Nita Lemon Law Firm is ready to help.
For a free, no-obligation consultation, please call the Nita Lemon Law Firm toll-free at 877-921-5256, submit a free case evaluation on our website at www.nitalemonlaw.com, or email us directly at nick@nitalemonlaw.com. Either way, we will personally evaluate your case and promptly respond to your inquiries. We look forward to hearing from you.
