Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis GDI engines have been subject to class actions and settlements due to bearing wear and metal debris from inadequate machining/debris control. Failures include engine seizure, stalling, fire risk, and sudden loss of power. Nationwide settlements provided extended warranties, inspections, reimbursements, and buybacks.
Affected GDI engines include Theta II (2.0T/2.4L), Nu (2.0L), Gamma (1.6L GDI/Turbo), and Lambda (3.3L/3.8L). Models such as Hyundai Sonata, Elantra, Veloster, Accent, Santa Fe; Kia Optima, Sorento, Rio; and Genesis G80 were covered by major settlements that extended warranties, mandated inspections, and offered reimbursements or repurchases. Owners should verify VIN eligibility and campaign status before purchase.
| Year(s) | Make | Model | Should Purchase? | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 | Hyundai | Sonata | Not Suggested |
Engine: Theta II 2.4L GDI – G4KE Bearing wear and debris → seizure, stalling, fire risk Covered by nationwide settlement (extended warranty/inspection) |
|
| 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 | Kia | Optima | Not Suggested |
Engine: Theta II 2.4L GDI – G4KE Bearing wear and debris → seizure, stalling, fire risk Settlement remedies apply (inspection/reimbursement eligibility varies) |
|
| 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 | Hyundai | Sonata (2.0T) | Not Suggested |
Engine: Theta II 2.0L Turbo GDI – G4KH Metal debris/bearing failure → sudden power loss, engine failure Included in settlement expansions and inspections |
|
| 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 | Kia | Optima (2.0T) | Not Suggested |
Engine: Theta II 2.0L Turbo GDI – G4KH Bearing wear and debris-related failures under load Eligible for inspection and remedy under settlements |
|
| 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 | Hyundai | Santa Fe Sport | Not Suggested |
Engine: Theta II 2.4L GDI – G4KJ Sudden power loss and stall complaints; fire risk in failures Settlement remedies apply (inspection/reimbursement eligibility varies) |
|
| 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 | Kia | Sorento | Not Suggested |
Engine: Theta II 2.4L GDI – G4KJ Bearing wear and debris → seizure, stalling, fire risk Settlement remedies apply (inspection/reimbursement eligibility varies) |
|
| 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 | Hyundai | Santa Fe (V6) | Not Suggested |
Engine: Lambda II 3.3L GDI – G6DF Premature wear, stalls under load; fire risk in severe failures Included in wider investigations/remedies across GDI families |
|
| 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 | Kia | Sorento (V6) | Not Suggested |
Engine: Lambda II 3.3L GDI – G6DH Bearing wear, stalls, fire risk under failure conditions Remedy programs vary by VIN and campaign |
|
| 2017 2018 2019 | Genesis | G80 (3.8) | Not Suggested |
Engine: Lambda II 3.8L GDI – G6DJ Complaints of premature wear and stall/power loss events Remedy pathways align with broader Hyundai/Kia settlements |
|
| 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 | Hyundai | Elantra | Not Suggested |
Engine: Nu 2.0L GDI – G4NA Complaints of premature wear and stalling Covered in broader investigations and recall expansions |
|
| 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 | Kia | Optima (2.0 GDI) | Not Suggested |
Engine: Nu 2.0L GDI – G4NA Premature wear and stalling complaints Settlement remedies vary by VIN |
|
| 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 | Hyundai | Veloster Turbo | Not Suggested |
Engine: Gamma 1.6L Turbo GDI – G4FJ Bearing wear and debris-related failures in some applications Remedy pathways aligned with broader defect programs |
|
| 2017 2018 | Hyundai | Elantra Sport | Not Suggested |
Engine: Gamma 1.6L Turbo GDI – G4FJ Reports of premature wear and stalling Coverage is model/year-specific; verify by VIN |
|
| 2012 2013 2014 2015 | Kia | Rio | Not Suggested |
Engine: Gamma 1.6L GDI – G4FD Premature wear and stalling complaints Risk escalates under thermal stress; recall coverage varies |
|
| 2012 2013 2014 2015 | Hyundai | Accent | Not Suggested |
Engine: Gamma 1.6L GDI – G4FD Complaints of rough running and premature wear Remedy pathways aligned with broader defect programs |
Affected GDI engines (Theta II 2.0/2.4 and related Lambda families) in Hyundai Sonata/Santa Fe, Kia Optima/Sorento, and Genesis G80 were covered by major settlements that extended warranties, mandated inspections, and offered reimbursements or repurchases. Owners should verify VIN eligibility and campaign status before purchase.