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KIA recall for engine debris?

103K views 204 replies 52 participants last post by  Nadrojcote 
#1 ·
I don't have my VIN handy to check the recall link at the bottom, but sounds like they may be doing something about the manufacturing debris.


Hyundai, Kia recall 1.2M cars for possible engine failure - Story | KSAZ


DETROIT (AP) - Hyundai and Kia are recalling nearly 1.2 million cars and SUVs because the engines can fail and stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

The recall covers the Korean automakers' most popular models including 2013 and 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport SUVs and Sonata midsize cars. Also covered are Kia Optima midsize cars from 2011 through 2014, Kia Sportage SUVs from 2011 through 2013 and Kia Sorento SUVs from 2012 through 2014.


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The companies say that debris left from manufacturing can restrict oil flow to connecting rod bearings. That can increase temperatures and cause the bearings to wear and fail.

Hyundai and Kia will notify owners and dealers will inspect the engines. They'll replace the block if needed at no cost. The recall is scheduled to start on May 19.

LINKS:

Kia recalls: Information on Kia Recalls | Kia Owners
Hyundai recalls: https://autoservice.hyundaiusa.com/campaignhome
 
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#2 ·
Recall

I just saw there was a recall today. I have entered my VIN but it says no recall. I have been on this forum before talking about how my Sportage sounds like a diesel when it runs. My mechanic says that's just what foreign cars sound like. My gut says otherwise. I even have uploaded a video of the knocking. But everyone just says it's the sound of the lifters. The recall notice said the recall would not begin till May 19th. So is that why when I enter my VIN it says no recalls? And is anyone else's sound like a diesel?
 
#7 ·
And is anyone else's sound like a diesel?
Injectors are really loud on these GDI motors, wonder if that's what you hear? At any rate, that sort of noise isn't likely to be a result of the bearing damage this recall relates to. If yours has a problem I think it's something different.
 
#12 ·
Hi, so 5 days prior to this new massive recall my Kia Sportage 2012 2.4L motor clunked out with the exact same issue announced for the 2.0L.
Unfortunately my warranty expired by 2months and 5000km. That would of made things a lot less stressful, but it's not the case.
After speaking to a 2nd level up at Kia Canada the response I kept getting was "I'm sorry sir, your vehicle is not part of the recall" (very robotic as if reading from a practiced script).
I cannot believe that Kia is trying to say that is not a coincidence . How can this engine, with the EXACT same problem not be part if this recall?
 
#13 ·
Hi, so 5 days prior to this new massive recall my Kia Sportage 2012 2.4L motor clunked out with the exact same issue announced for the 2.0L.
Unfortunately my warranty expired by 2months and 5000km. That would of made things a lot less stressful, but it's not the case.
After speaking to a 2nd level up at Kia Canada the response I kept getting was "I'm sorry sir, your vehicle is not part of the recall" (very robotic as if reading from a practiced script).
I cannot believe that Kia is trying to say that is not a coincidence . How can this engine, with the EXACT same problem not be part if this recall?
Jeff
 
#14 ·
Hi, so 5 days prior to this new massive recall my Kia Sportage 2012 2.4L motor clunked out with the exact same issue announced for the 2.0L.
Unfortunately my warranty expired by 2months and 5000km. That would of made things a lot less stressful, but it's not the case.
After speaking to a 2nd level up at Kia Canada the response I kept getting was "I'm sorry sir, your vehicle is not part of the recall" (very robotic as if reading from a practiced script).
I cannot believe that Kia is trying to say that is not a coincidence . How can this engine, with the EXACT same problem not be part if this recall?
 
#16 ·
The cross reference information I have shows the only 2.4L used on the Gen 3 Sportage was the MPI. If that's correct, your engine would not be part of the current recall. Are you sure it's 'the exact same issue' as what the recall is covering? What did the stealership say was the specific issue with your vehicle?

But regardless of what they told you, I recommend you have it towed to an independent shop that does lots of engine work, and see what they have to say.
 
#15 ·
Just got off the phone with Kia Canada who again confirmed that only 2.0L equipped Sportages are affected and that the 2.4's mentioned in the TC recall apply to other Kia models. Not sure how they would know that or even control that from a mfg process perspective but I hope they are correct.
I was also told that if our 2.4 were to be found to be affected at a later date, then we would receive written notice sometime after May 16, 2017.
Fingers crossed!
 
#17 ·
kiaguy002,
Can you elaborate?

1) Where might one find the cross reference information you have showing the only 2.4L used on the Gen 3 Sportage was the MPI?

2) Where would one determine or confirm the MPI isn't part of this recall?

3) Is there some way an owner can verify their 2.4L is an MPI, ie: labels or stampings on the vehicle somewhere?

Appreciate any further info you can provide.
 
#18 ·
The link to nhsta recall notice was posted earlier, it answers both questions 1 & 2
https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=17V224

The "Defect Notice" only shows the 2.0 turbo GDI engines are affected for the Sportage.


For number 3 there is probably something in the owners manual that would state if your model is GDI or MPI. I do remember the first few years of the 3rd Generation Sportage came to the US with 2 engine options. The 2.0T-GDI and the 2.4MPI. I don't remember what year the 2.4 switched to GDI.
 
#21 ·
tom93R1,
Thanks, but the NHTSA notice only confirms that no 2.4L Sportage is affected in the U.S.

I don't see any reference to only 2.4L MPI's being used in Sportage production. This may well have been the case with all U.S. bound Sportages and therefore explain why 2.4L engines are absent from the NHTSA recall in the Sportage section but since mine is a Canadian version, I'd like to try and confirm there is absolutely no chance the engine is a GDI version.

There is nothing in the owner's manual and so far nothing I can find physically on the vehicle that provides any engine specs.
 
#31 · (Edited)
the 2013 Canadian Sportage 2.4L was not a GDI version, only the 2.0L turbo (this info is from Canadian dealers specs for that year). The 2.4L GDI engine in the Canadian Sportage was not available till the 2014 model year.

US and Canadian Sportage models use the same engines and are all built at the same factory in South Korea.
 
#22 ·
My source on this is Wikipedia. Yes, anonymous and not verified as fact, but generally a fairly reliable source of information. If you search there for 'Hyundai theta engine' and 'Kia Sportage', the charts in those 2 write ups indicate that there were no GDI 2.4L used in the 2013 Sportage.

However, IMO those of us with the MPI engine shouldn't be feeling completely confident just yet about what the future holds. Personally, I'll be continuing to watch closely for any indication that the MPI has some connection to this GDI/Turbo mess. I simply don't trust anything that Hyundai/KIA says (i.e. 'manufacturing debris'), and will rely on reports from the forums and some other web sites, to monitor how many seized MPIs are showing up.
So far, so good - fingers and toes crossed.
 
#23 ·
Hi, I have the same type of question, I'm looking everywhere to find out where my engine was manufactured? I have a
2012 Kia Sportage 2.4L. I know by checking my vin # it says car is manufactured in Korea, but does that mean the engine was also manufactured there?
As my earlier post says, my engine clunked out on me with the exact same problem as there describing on the other engines, the dealers themselves said so as well. But Kia Canada is still not saying anything about these engines. Do you think there waiting to get more complaints to actually make it a recall? Any help??
 
#24 ·
kiaguy002,
I've scoured Wikipedia and have read everything they have on this. Searching your suggestions produces articles I've seen before and I still fail to see where either indicate that there were no GDI 2.4L's used in the 2013 Sportage.

While I suspect as do you that a GDI was never used in the 2013 Sportage, I sure wish there was a better/satisfactory way of confirming same, notwithstanding your suspicion that at some point MPI issues may be connected and or revealed. I too share your warning on being overly confident.

But I wonder, do we know if perhaps the GDI issue only applies to Alabama produced engines and if said engine plant is/was ever used as a supplier to other global Hyundai/Kia vehicle production sites? If the GDI problem is limited to Alabama engine production, I'd be amazed if they ever used it as a source for engines for vehicles produced in Korea but I'm clearly only speculating (ok, hoping) at this point.
 
#26 ·
... Searching your suggestions produces articles I've seen before and I still fail to see where either indicate that there were no GDI 2.4L's used in the 2013 Sportage. ...
I'd never expect to see anything as specific as what you're looking for. In all cases where the Wikipedia articles list engines (Applications, etc), they either list nothing (which means MPI), or they wrote GDI (or Theta II). Again, I'm relying on all of what they wrote to be accurate. It's certainly possible that whomever did that write up made a mistake, but at least the charts in both write-ups are consistent with respect to your 2013 Sportage. If you're still not convinced, why not call your vin into a stealership, and see what they have to say about which engine you have.
 
#25 ·
Why not look up pics. of a Mpi injector and a gdi injector, and then go out to your car and look at the motor and it's injectors. chances are they are TOTALLY different in shape and then you would know! Or go to a site that DECODES your VIN # and that will tell you what motor your specific ride has!
 
#27 ·
MIA KIA 09,
I'll be sure to explore the physical differences of both injection systems and compare to what I have. As for VIN decoding sites, do you know of one that gets down to that level of detail? Any I've already used simply state '2.4L'.

kiaguy002,
Need clarification on your comment; "they either list nothing (which means MPI), or they wrote GDI (or Theta II)." Are you suggesting Theta II means GDI? I ask because under the Theta II heading, Wikipedia lists the 2.4L version as MPI.

As for contacting the dealership, you say it all with the term you choose to use for them. I've never had much trust for them regardless of marque, but in this case, even their country HQ staff were no more convincing.

One last thing, images offered online of KIA GDI engines suggest the plastic engine cover will show 'GDI' in large characters. Mine doesn't, it looks like this: http://www.picautos.com/images/kia-sorento-2.4-06.jpg

Might this confirm it's an MPI?
 
#28 · (Edited)
Give vindecoder.net a try it is FREE and does list kia brand!Also your underhood infor label should tell you also, if you don't know where it is, it should show you in your owners book. Where it will show the engine size ,it sould also spell out MPI or GDI
 
#29 ·
Already tried vindecoder.net. It doesn't get down to that level of detail without having to pay and once it showed my vehicle residing in Tennessee, I suspected it's bogus and certainly not worth paying for.

Labels under the hood? I have only one. It's on the underside of the hood to the left of the latch and simply details the emission control system.

And no reference in my owner's book (some 430 pages long) to any underhood label whatsoever.
 
#30 ·
Would you consider anything Not "bogus" ? a few people here that have been generally correct (as kia owners) in assistance given and proven by their length of membership and posts have tried to help you. What exactly is it you wish for "proof"? The HP ratings of the GDI are considerably higher in posted rating than the MPI and for a 2013 only shows across all trim of the Sportage the SAME motor specs. So I would have to agree with all the others that you do NOT have the GDI motor in question. And PLEASE remember we are a forum of owners here that correspond with those that join in here, Not a "board" of factory techs manning this site. We do the BEST that we can to help all fellow Kia owners.
 
#34 ·
miakia09,
Thanks for the lecture.

I already fully appreciate the spirit of forums such as this and who comprises its contributors. This forum has been excellent on many topics but in this case many here are either making statements citing various sources that when carefully read/reviewed do not support the commentor's statement or suggesting solutions that are dead ends as yours were. Vindecoder didn't provide the data you suggested for my VIN. Does it for yours? My Sportage doesn't have an underhood information label, does yours?

I appreciate all input and suggestions, I just wish they could have been more conclusive this time around.
 
#36 ·
I'm not sure why you're so set on having somebody find information for you regarding whether your car is a MPI or GDI. Have you searched the forums yet? I vividly remember there were posts on the subject when KIA made the change from MPI to GDI for the 2014. The information is on here somewhere, you just need to put forth a little effort to find it.

Ultimately, the recall discussed here is the US recall, it isn't the Canadian recall or any other country. There may or may not be a recall in Canada, but this thread and the links provided aren't about that. You will need to do more of your own searching to find details related to what if anything is happening in Canada.
 
#35 ·
SORRY! but to your questions of me the answers are all yes. And how would I have known what was NOT posted by you that you had tried using for a decoder site? There are other VIN decoder sites on the WEB, but your query HAS been answered multiple times. I hope you have a better Day and upcoming Easter Observance.
 
#40 ·
To keep Forum Etiquette, I think the end of this discussion is at hand. I hope the member in question will believe his owners manual,if he does read it for "proof".
 
#51 ·
I just input my VIN and got this information - I live in Canada and it looks like June 5th is when notices will go out.



(RC109) MY 2011 – 2013 Optima(TF), MY 2011-2013 Sportage (SL) and MY 2012-2014 Sorento (XM)
2.4L GDI and 2.0L T-GDI Engine
Voluntary Safety Recall

Kia Canada will be conducting a Voluntary Safety Recall (RC109). Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) will be loaded when affected owners receive a notification beginning the week of June 5, 2017.

Kia will send an interim letter notifying owners of the affected vehicles by mail beginning the week of June 5, 2017. The purpose of the letter is to keep impacted owners informed of Kia’s recall implementation plan.

Kia will send a follow-up notification letter when the repair is available.

In the meantime, if owners hear a cyclic knocking noise coming from the engine and/or notice the illumination of the engine warning lamp and/or oil pressure lamp warning, they are to contact their nearest Kia dealer to have the vehicle inspected
 
#53 ·
That MIGHT be, but the issue is not a GDI/MPI issue.

The recall is for the Theta engine for bearing/connecting rod failure.

The injection system is NOT part of the issue. (Now, it may well be that the 2.4L Theta engine is GDI and the 2.4L MPI is a different engine series, so the statements aren't mutually exclusive).
 
#54 ·
... but the issue is not a GDI/MPI issue. ...
Actually, everything SO FAR indicates the seized Theta engine issue is limited to the GDI/Turbos, and does not include the Theta MPI. The list of KIA/Hyundai model/year in the new large recall includes only GDI/Turbo-equipped vehicles, and there have been no widespread reports of seized MPI engines.

That said, I don't think any Theta MPI owner should feel confident about this just yet, because IMO nothing that KIA/Hyundai says can be trusted. So I'll just continue to wait, read whatever new reports show up, and hope for the best.
 
#57 · (Edited)
I had a 2.0 2014 Rondo that chewed through a litre every 6000 km. Kia wouldn't do anything about it so I dealt in on my SX.

The SX does not appear to use a drop between 6000km oil changes, 100% synth with Kia filters. I cringe at the thought of a 2.0 turbo running around with low oil level....gonna be trouble ($$$) there.

The problem these days, people treat cars like appliances and just assume nothing needs to be checked. And modern engine reliability has helped foster that belief unfortunately, because the fact is, most modern engines do not need anything checked between regular maintenance intervals.

But the occasional oil burner is gonna get ya.
 
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