Will Hyundai Replace My Engine? Here Are The 7 Models That Apply For a Free Replacement!

Facing engine troubles with your Hyundai? “Will Hyundai Replace My Engine?” is a common question, and our article provides clear insights on Hyundai’s engine replacement policies.

Get informed about your options and what to expect from the manufacturer’s support. Unfortunately, a class action lawsuit forced Hyundai to recall several engines at one point. So, will Hyundai replace my engine? Here’s the answer!

Will Hyundai Replace My Engine?

Hyundai offers a free lifetime engine replacement warranty for affected models with 2.4-liter and 2.0-liter turbo Theta II engines. You can contact your local dealership if your vehicle is eligible and encounters issues.

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If you want to know how long they take, don’t worry. Hyundai engine replacement times typically take more than 4 weeks.

If you notice strange issues with your Hyundai engine, there’s no need to panic. You might be eligible for a free engine replacement. That said, there’s a lot to consider before contacting your dealership.

Let’s take a look at everything you need to know to get started.

Will Hyundai Replace My Engine? Answered!

Red Hyundai

Class-action lawsuits have forced Hyundai to recall and replace nearly all 2.4-liter and 2.0-liter turbo Theta II engines if they fail prematurely. Manufacturing issues caused the engines to wear out prematurely and catch fire in certain situations.

Several models from 2011 to 2019 are equipped with the Theta II engines. Your vehicle might be protected by the lifetime class action warranty and qualify for a zero cost engine reimbursement if you have one of the following models:

  • Hyundai-Sonata (Models 2011 to 2019)
  • Hyundai-Santa-Fe-Sport (Models 2013 to 2019)
  • Hyundai-Tucson (Models 2014 to 2015)
  • Hyundai-Tucson (Models 2018 to 2019)
  • Kia-Optima (Models 2011 to 2019)
  • Kia-Sorento (Models 2012 to 2019)
  • Kia-Sportage (Models 2011 to 2019)

Keep in mind that if the car’s engine fails due to overheating, the class action warranty won’t cover it. You can contact your local Kia or Hyundai dealer to see if the engine replacement has been serviced on your model.

The dealership can locate the recall history using the car’s vehicle identification number (VIN).

How Do I Know If My Car Is Safe to Drive?

Hearing about safety recalls from a major auto manufacturer like Hyundai can be alarming, especially if your vehicle is one of those affected. Luckily, the majority of reports from affected cars are limited to engine knocking and stalling.

However, some Hyundai engines have caught fire. Here are a few symptoms to look for to determine if your Hyundai is safe to drive:

  • Banging sounds coming from the engine that increase in frequency as the RPMs increase
  • Power reductions or engine hesitation
  • Strange vibrations
  • Check engine light on
  • Engine oil pressure light on

Most Hyundai owners who have asked “Will Hyundai replace my engine?” have encountered these problems.

If you notice any of these issues, contact your local Hyundai dealer and schedule an inspection. You can locate your closest Hyundai dealer by visiting the Hyundai Customer Care Center or calling (855) 671-3059.

How Long Does It Take to Replace an Engine in a Hyundai?

The time it takes to replace an engine on a Hyundai vehicle significantly varies depending on multiple factors like the dealership involved, staff availability, and engine delivery times.

In the best-case scenario, it will take a Hyundai dealership 1-2 weeks to replace your engine. This timeframe is an estimate and includes the approval and delivery process.

Unfortunately, this timeframe is fairly uncommon. Some dealerships provide estimates of multiple months for engine replacements due to short staff, high volume, engine deliveries, and approval processes.

Generally speaking, you should expect to wait 4-6 weeks or more when replacing an engine through a Hyundai dealership.

Does Hyundai Provide Transportation?

Fortunately, if your vehicle is covered under the Hyundai engine replacement warranty, you won’t have to worry about transportation. Hyundai dealerships provide free rental vehicles or reimbursement for rental fees while your engine is being replaced.

Reimbursement fees may be upwards of $40 per day, depending on the situation. Contact your local Hyundai dealership for more information.

Will Hyundai Replace My Engine Under Warranty?

Hyundai faced a class action lawsuit for faulty Theta II engines that was approved on June 10, 2021. Eligible vehicles affected by the class action lawsuit have a lifetime engine replacement warranty. You can see if your vehicle is affected by the recall here.

Hyundai Powertrain Limited Warranties

Besides safety recalls, Hyundai also offers comprehensive warranties for new vehicles. The Powertrain Limited Warranty covers the repair or replacement of powertrain components — like the engine — originally manufactured or installed by Hyundai.

The Powertrain Limited Warranty lasts ten years or 100,000 miles, depending on which happens first.

There may be certain restrictions or limitations, depending on the warranty. Call your local Hyundai dealership or consult your warranty agreement to determine if your vehicle’s engine is covered.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Hyundai Engine?

Many people ask themselves: Will Hyundai replace my engine? If that’s not the case, then how much do I have to pay?

The cost to replace a Hyundai engine will depend on the vehicle’s make, model, and year. The price also varies based on the location, labor costs, engine type, and more.

Hyundai engine replacements cost $4,500 to $6,000 on average, depending on these factors.

The engine replacement will be less expensive if you buy a used or refurbished engine; in those cases, it may cost $3,000–$4,000. Larger V8 engines will cost more, reaching over $7,000. Hybrid engines can also vary in cost, ranging from $6,000 to $9,000.

Labor costs play a large role in the total cost. Engine replacements can take 10-12 hours on average, meaning that costs at shops with higher hourly wages will quickly stack up. Hourly wages can range from $90 to well over $150.

All that being said, these prices are merely estimates, and your mileage will vary significantly. Buying used or refurbished engines can save you money but has obvious risks. Readers of “Will Hyundai replace my engine?” should understand that these are expensive jobs.

Calling different independent mechanics and dealerships will give you multiple estimates and help you find the best price.

Does the Hyundai Powertrain Warranty Cover Costs?

Hyundai Car

The Hyundai class action lawsuit provides a lifetime engine replacement warranty for affected vehicles. Fortunately, the warranty covers all of the costs of the replacement, including transportation fees during the repair process.

Other Hyundai warranties, like the Powertrain Limited Warranty, may cover the costs of repair.

However, this will depend on the situation, warranty agreement, dealership, and several other factors. You can contact your local Hyundai dealership or inspect your warranty agreement to determine if your vehicle’s engine is covered.

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8 Comments

  1. While driving my 2013 Santa Fe sport 2.0, the engine suddenly cut off. The engine light was on and I had to coast to the next turn off. Hyundai dealership did not even look at my car for 3 months. It sat there until month 4, at which time they told me the engine was blown. They (Hyundai corporate) wanted every receipt of work done since the car was purchased, especially oil changes. They also wanted pictures of certain engine parts, which were taken and sent to Hyundai. They finally approved a new engine. I was never offered a loaner car, nor was I offered a rental. The engine took a week to come to the dealership. I am still waiting for them to put it in. A nightmare beyond words, has forced me to come to the decision that I can never, ever purchase another Hyundai.

    1. Sally, what a terrible experience. I hate you had to go through this, but I greatly appreciate you sharing your experience so others can learn from it.

    2. Hyundai makes you jump thru hoops to get a new engine. Have a 2017 Santa fe.
      It always burned aĺot of oil. Checked and added oil every week. Always took it into
      have oil changes. Had oil change and two weeks later blowm engine. Now Hyundai
      want all records 7 years . First two year dealer out of business. Went to last dealer and
      they won’t give me records. Worst part is daughter died in 2021. So I don’t know
      where she had oil changes. They told me to just drive around to repair shop. They
      know they had defected engine but they come up with impossible request so they
      don’t pay.

  2. I was driving my 2013 Hyundai Sonata to work at 5 am & half way there my car suddenly cut off and I pulled over while waiting 1 hour until I got towed to the dealership by a friend. My car has a clean record history of oil changes etc, @150k miles. I dropped off the Hyundai Car went to work and when I got off work I went to the dealership to find out my car Engine was blown/Limp mode. They told me Hyundai would replace the engine for free. But Gave me a List of of additional recommend services of a total of $1,000 ……. My car was working perfectly fine, do I really need a Belt and Hose replacement for $540? my car had no leaks and I had my belt replaced 4 months ago… like how many belts are there? I only seen one under the hood which I replaced. Let’s see how just replacing my engine turns out without any additional services . I can replace my light bulb , wiper blades & brake pads that’s 500$ off just saying those 3 .

  3. 2014 Santa Fe Sport 2.0 Turbo, 126,000. Regular oil changes, full synthetic. Engine started making a loud banging noise. Took it into the dealership, engine was blown. Request for engine replacement was denied. They said an engine knocking detection software update that was needed, had not be performed. I was unaware of any recall or needed software update.

  4. While driving my 2013 Santa Fe Sport 2.0 the engine suddenly cut off at 79000 miles. After several weeks I was given a new engine from Hyundai and reimbursed any monies spent.
    Fast forward to today. That new engine has 69000 miles on it and has now stopped working.
    I am again without a vehicle and awaiting an answer from Hyundai as to
    whether they will replace this engine. 2 engines, totaling 148000 miles, countless
    hours of stress and misery. Regardless of the outcome of this second engine failure, I will never, ever buy another Hyundai and I strongly advise anyone who is reading this to NEVER BUY A HYUNDAI!!!

  5. My 2020 Elantra made noise from the day purchased. said it was fuel pump, don’t worry. At 29,000 loud tapping. called factory forcase number. At 30,00 factory not responding,at 31/32000 sent to other local dealer who refused warranty work. contacted factory, got new case number then no further contact. At 33,900 engine light coded. Dealer said to drive it in. I did. Engine replacement needed after all of this anguish. Several weeks went by finally they gave me a vehicle to drive. Finally Engine was replaced but is it new or rebuilt. Gas mileage terrible I must pay to have issue looked at. Engine now has 2,900 miles on it after 7 months, Dealer says new motor does not have the orginial warranty mileage on it.

  6. I have a Hyundai sonata eco 2017 bought brand new at 7 miles. Transmission needed to be remanufactured at 50k miles. Literally almost died about 8 times because the dealership kept giving me the car back telling me there wasn’t a problem. After the 8ish time of almost dying, I took the care in and told them to keep the damn car because I don’t want to almost die anymore than I’ve already had. Lo’ and behold they found the problem the next day. Started burning excessive oil around 75k miles but wasn’t “a realistic concern,” until around 106k miles. Followed directions from the dealership that wouldn’t cover an oil consumption test because it was 6,000 miles outta warranty. More-so because CA has a lemon law stating if a car had warranty work more than twice, it’s grounds for a case. Super clever of them to deny it. Engine died at 126k miles. Now, currently in 2024, I get to spend the same amount of money for a used car with 80k miles that I did on a new car in 2017… This 2017 Sonata lasted a mere 7 years, not even 150k miles, not even 300k miles. Garbage product that Hyundai refuses to stand by, so here’s $23k and no more of my business or the thousands of people I tell to avoid Hyundai. But it’s a different engine than this class action lawsuit so I guess I’m completely f*d. Not like the other engines they produced could also be defective; that’s just completely crazy thinking that no more than two of their engine models could have problems…