- Hyundai faces a class action over alleged engine defects in the Santa Fe.
- Owners claim the 3.3-liter Lambda II GDI engine failed before 80,000 miles.
- NHTSA probe led Hyundai to extend warranties to 15 years or 150,000 miles.
The owners of a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe SE have launched a class action lawsuit against the automaker, claiming the 3.3-liter Lambda II GDI V6 engine fitted to their SUV is defective and prone to catastrophic failure.
This marks the latest chapter in a series of troubles reportedly linked to the same engine, which has also been used in several Kia models and was previously the subject of an NHTSA investigation.
Read: Twenty Hyundai And Kia Owners Get Pocket Change While Get Over $20 Million
This latest action, brought by Jason and Allison Burns, stems from a used Santa Fe SE they purchased in May 2019 with 17,350 miles on the odometer. Nearly five years later, in April 2024, their SUV reportedly stalled and lost power after reaching 79,966 miles.
An inspection revealed a hole punched through the engine block, likely caused by a connecting rod that broke loose inside the motor.
In the same year, Hyundai extended the limited-mile warranty on 2014–2019 Santa Fe models to 15 years or 150,000 miles following the NHTSA’s investigation.
The Burns sent their disabled Santa Fe to a nearby dealership, which, according to the filing, refused to repair or replace the engine at no cost. They say they were unaware of the extended warranty until January of this year.
Unfortunately for them, and after months of back-and-forth with the local Hyundai dealership, the couple agreed to sell back their stricken Santa Fe for a small fraction of its value and instead buy a new vehicle from the same dealer for approximately $30,000.
Did Hyundai Know?
The lawsuit alleges Hyundai has long been aware of problems with the 3.3-liter engine, including reports of seizures and total failures similar to what the Burns experienced.
The class action adds that numerous customer complaints have been issued directly to Hyundai and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, while several other lawsuits have also been filed over the matter.
According to the filing, Hyundai engaged in false and misleading advertising and violated several consumer protection laws, including the California Consumer Legal Remedies Act. The Burns accuse the automaker of unfair and fraudulent business practices, along with breaches of express and implied warranties.
They’re seeking damages and a court order compelling Hyundai to recall all affected engines.
