File · HYUNDAI-KIA-THETA-II

Theta II engine knock & seizure

Manufacturer

Hyundai/Kia

Years

2011–2019

Where people complain about this

Reddit reply — long

That sounds like the **Theta II engine knock & seizure** issue — it's a known defect on Hyundai/Kia Sonata/Santa Fe/Tucson from 2011–2019.

Premature wear in the Theta II 2.0L/2.4L engine causes rod-bearing failure, knocking, stalling, and complete engine seizure — often before 100,000 miles. Subject to multiple recalls and a multi-billion-dollar class settlement.

Source: In re Hyundai & Kia Engine Litigation — $760M settlement (2023).

If you've taken it to the dealer 2+ times for the same thing, you might have a lemon-law case. I built a free tool that checks your specific car against active class actions and NHTSA records — defectfiles.com. Takes about 60 seconds, no signup. Worst case it tells you nothing's there.

Reddit reply — short

Sounds like the Theta II engine knock & seizure issue — well-documented defect on Hyundai/Kia 2011–2019, In re Hyundai & Kia Engine Litigation — $760M settlement (2023). If your dealer's tried to fix it 2+ times you may have a case. Free 60-sec check at defectfiles.com.

Driving a Hyundai Sonata? Run yours through the check.

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