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Hyundai Kona unsafe to drive?
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CST578
New User
Oct 27, 2021, 8:28 PM
Post #1 of 7
(3714 views)
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Hyundai Kona unsafe to drive?
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Hello,
I own a 2020 Hyundai Kona (2.0 Engine) that had a recall for possible defective piston rings. The remedy was just testing to see if the engine currently has symptoms of defective piston rings and updating software to detect any future knocking in the engine that could be a sign of the defects. Total engine replacement would have been the solution if the defects were detected.
https://www.consumerreports.org/car-recalls-defects/hyundai-elantra-kona-veloster-recalled-due-to-engine-problems-a1121205321/
Knowing that defective piston rings could cause a sudden stall of the vehicle or an engine fire (all according to Hyundai on the recall notice I received), should this car be considered safe to drive long-term or does the enhanced risk of these outcomes without an engine replacement make it time to trade? I’m on the fence as to what to do.
Thank you!
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Oct 27, 2021, 11:32 PM
Post #2 of 7
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Re: Hyundai Kona unsafe to drive?
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I hope you have all your records of YOUR care for this car since it was new wasn't that long ago.
Really read what you are supposed to do, you just stated it here or contact Hyundai via info that should have come with this car all about this.
At some point you may wish to involve a lawyer if not satisfied with some resolution that makes you feel good about keeping this car or what choice they may offer like a new one again greatly at their expense those hard laws vary from place to place.
Wish you luck this seems like a real nightmare but get going on it, not here but with THEM,
T
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Oct 28, 2021, 4:25 AM
Post #3 of 7
(3690 views)
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Re: Hyundai Kona unsafe to drive?
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At some point they have determined that not every car has the defect and that they are not going to change every engine so they have a system in place to inspect the vehicles.
The question is... is this inspection sufficient to catch every failure prematurely?
Probably not...... Our opinion doesn't really matter in this. It is all up to the manufacturer what they will do. I would definitely try to get some sort of written commitment from them that they will honor a later failure after the warranty period expires.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Oct 28, 2021, 7:15 AM
Post #4 of 7
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Re: Hyundai Kona unsafe to drive?
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CST578 :
To answer you subject line question "Is it safe to drive" ONLY > Probably? Rings with a wear or problem give clues like excessive oil consumption, smoke out exhaust, fouled plugs would wreck other sensors in exhaust and if you used a paper or towel in tail pipe it would show oiliness.
THAT'S EXTREME. The fire scare is probably more of a CYA comment except a cat/converter might get so hot who knows.
Can only be IMO that it would give all kinds of warning signs to you, not run well also. It's those folks who just keep driving with symptoms or warning lights on the blow up most cars prematurely.
Hope that help, AYOR if a company warns you than you know you are not the only one with a demonstrated problem as Hammer said probably NOT all of them.
I'd be seriously bummed out with that notice it's not flattering for Hyundai either,
T
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CST578
New User
Oct 28, 2021, 6:37 PM
Post #5 of 7
(3661 views)
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Re: Hyundai Kona unsafe to drive?
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From what I have been told by the dealer and directly from Hyundai, this is where it ends for my vehicle and others in this recall if no problem is detected from their “Atkinson Engine Test”. The test along with the updated software to detect knocking is all they will do unless a problem does happen to surface in the future and it is confirmed to be a result of the defective piston rings, they will then replace the engine at no charge. I was actually hoping the test would fail but I wasn’t so lucky.
My concern is about a catastrophic failure of the vehicle that could result in injury/death of myself and others on the road around me more so than the inconvenience of having to get the car repaired if the problem ever did surface, ie. A sudden stall @75MPH on I-95, etc.
Hyundai said they expect that < 1% of vehicles in the recall will have the problem. I asked them how they came to that % but did not get an answer.
Chances are symptoms of the problem would show first as @Tom Greenleaf said, but there does seem to be the possibility of a sudden catastrophic failure as they have happened with this particular 2.0 engine previously in past Years/Models. Who truly knows however if the vehicle operators just ignored signs of a possible problem before failure.
I’m definitely bummed out by this. I have owned 2 Hyundai vehicles previously for a combined total of about 16 years/250K miles and never had any major issues only to now have a major recall like this on my current vehicle. Very disappointing.
@Tom Greenleaf and @Hammer Time I appreciate the insight that you guys have provided to help me decide what to do with the Kona.
Thanks again!
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CST578
New User
Oct 28, 2021, 7:34 PM
Post #7 of 7
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Re: Hyundai Kona unsafe to drive?
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@Hammer Time
LOL, I don't disagree that it might be a bit overdramatic. To a layperson/non-mechanic though, the info you read online about this recall and even partially the recall letter sent out by Hyundai I can see why someone might go that length in thinking it is a possibility.
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