Hyundai Motor America Inc. in Fountain Valley plans to recall about 470,000 Sonatas over a condition that might cause engines to stall, according to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The recall affects vehicles for model years 2011 and 2012, manufactured at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing in Alabama. The automaker determined that metal debris generated during manufacturing of the engine crankshaft might have not been completely cleaned out. Leftover particles can cause reduction in oil flow to the bearings, causing their premature wear and potential engine stall at higher speeds.
Hyundai said its dealers will “inspect, and if necessary, replace the engine assembly,” of the affected vehicles. It also switched to a hydraulic pressure-based “wet blast” process to clean the crankshaft oil passage during manufacturing of subsequent vehicle models.
There have been no reports of accidents or injuries attributed to the Sonata’s engine stalling.
