Why Did it Take So Long to Recall the Theta II Engine?
Safety regulators are looking into how Kia and Hyundai handled their Theta II engine recalls, specifically if the companies acted fast enough. They want to know if Hyundai and Kia did enough and fast enough concerning the recalls of nearly 1.7 million vehicles with Theta engines prone to a lot of noise and finally locking up.
At this point, we know the widespread engine problems are caused by metallic debris left behind during mechanical deburring on the assembly line. Those tiny bits of metal are carried through the engine by oil, wreaking havoc on the way.
Hyundai first recalled their Theta II engines in September 2015. It took Kia nearly one and a half years to issue their first recall, despite overwhelming evidence of similar problems.
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Theta II GDI Engine Stalls and Siezes
Many Kia vehicles have a Theta II, a gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine that is well known for having oil flow issues that eventually cause catastrophic failures.
Related Kia Generations
At least one model year in these 3 generations have a relationship to this story.
We track this because a generation is just a group of model years where very little changes from year-to-year. Chances are owners throughout these generation will want to know about this news. Click on a generation for more information.
3rd Generation Optima
- Years
- 2011–2015
- Reliability
- 41st out of 42
- PainRank™
- 34.37
- Complaints
- 415
2nd Generation Sorento
- Years
- 2011–2014
- Reliability
- 42nd out of 42
- PainRank™
- 35.31
- Complaints
- 499
3rd Generation Sportage
- Years
- 2011–2015
- Reliability
- 37th out of 42
- PainRank™
- 9.64
- Complaints
- 95