The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is currently investigating a petition submitted to its Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) regarding an alleged defect in Hyundai vehicles equipped with the 3.3-liter GDI Lambda-II engine in the United States.
The petition, filed on February 2, 2024, is under review by the ODI to determine its validity and potential impact. If approved, it could result in the recall of approximately 60,049 vehicles equipped with the mentioned engine. However, as of now, no decision has been reached.
Jasmine Jewell, owner of a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe, submitted the petition recounting her SUV’s engine failure at 61,413 miles. Despite seeking assistance from multiple Hyundai dealerships, she faced challenges in addressing the issue, ultimately requiring a costly engine replacement.
The petitioner alleges that the 3.3-liter GDI Lambda-II engine is susceptible to engine knocking, potentially leading to complete engine failure without warning. This concern is further highlighted by ongoing class action lawsuits against Hyundai and Kia, asserting similar engine defects posing safety risks.
While Hyundai previously recalled specific VINs for the 2017MY Santa Fe models, concerns persist regarding the broader reliability of the engine. Jewell urges NHTSA to initiate a rulemaking proceeding to assess existing safety standards governing the Hyundai 3.3L V6 Lambda II engine, emphasizing the importance of consumer safety.
The progression of the petition and any subsequent actions by NHTSA will be monitored closely to determine if a recall is warranted.