Hyundai Car Dealership Issue- Full Engine Failure, Advice on how to escalate? (1 Viewer)

[NotRealNameNoSir]

ALRIGHT party people, I already had a busy week and this really put a wrench in the gears. I need ways to approach this issue.


I have been driving a 2016 Hyundai Sonata for 8 years, 165,000 miles. Does well enough but has issues with oil consumption. Known Hyundai issue, pretty ridiculous, I have to add liters and liters of oil to stay in a safe range. I've been driving with extra in my trunk for a long while. Don't buy a Hyundai.

I call a few dealerships and bring it in for an oil consumption test. Standard, they want to check it, have me drive a while, then check after 1000 miles and then apply for an engine replacement. I schedule way in advance and drop my car off Monday morning. While I'm there, they say I need a full top engine cleaning to properly test the oil consumption. Crazy expensive, they say its $1,300ish; I know this is overpriced but they also say this is the only way to apply for the engine approval I say fine, deal, accepted. Supposed to be done that day. I figure worst case it gets cleaned and I'm out 1.3k, oh well.

I call the next afternoon and haven't heard anything. Advisor says they did the full clean, then on a 5 mile test drive afterwards the engine "blew up", and he's filing paperwork with Hyundai for replacement approval. Woah. Had no idea of this risk, it was a dealership-advised cleaning, and the failure occured in their custody after their procedure. He tells me to wait for Hyundai to call me to talk about options.

I'm Frank, so I don't do that. I call Hyundai Customer Care but they clearly don't. They made it clear the approval had been denied, and a separate department would be reaching out with information on next steps, but it would not be an engine replacement. They said the options would be purchasing the car from me, or giving me money in lieu of engine replacement. They also said they could do nothing at the Hyundai customer service center, that I would have to take it up with the dealership itself. I end up talking to their manager but they both stick to the script: due to the mileage, it is not covered and they don't make any decisions. They were just reading off the denied approval.

So now I'm driving a loaner figuring out next options. Hot damn. I trusted the dealership to clean my car, and now I don't have a car. I'll be clear that it was consuming oil but running just fine, still getting great mileage and I don't drive all that much so I wasn't expecting to replace it any time soon. This was not some beater that I barely got onto the lot, I was reliably driving it and staying on top of the oil issue.



Any advice on how to approach this issue? I am not a master negotiator and don't know enough about cars. My main points of "WTF" are that before dropping it off it worked great, and now it doesn't work at all. It was in their custody, doing a recommended cleaning, and it failed while on their test drive to the point of needing an engine replacement. I have been driving it fine without any stalling or knocking or issues for years.

Really bummed, some interviews and trips coming up that I needed my trusty steed for. I am considering going to the dealer in person instead of calling again. Over the phone they wanted me to contact Hyundai, but Hyundai is passing the buck back to them.

 

[JMC9389]

May be time to get legal counsel involved if they cannot give you an equivalent car or better with a working engine when they're the ones that caused the issue.

I'm out of my depths here. Could your auto insurance do something and treat it as a total loss? Sounds like this is what the dealership is offering though. I'd insist on a check from them instead of trade in credit/anything that keeps you linked to them if this is the route you go.

Hold onto that loaner until you have a solution acceptable to you.

 

[Kam]

Couple of thoughts:

1. I wonder if they drained the oil, replaced the oil filter and then someone forgot to fill the oil back up? Tech then takes it out for a test drive and bam, engine seized.
2. Dip stick - is there oil in there?
3. Oil filter - is it a new oil filter and has oil filtered through it? Is there metal shavings etc (would likely need an independent shop to help evaluate).
4. Probably not worth it in this case, but there are oil check companies that specialize in doing oil analysis - get a sample of the oil and send off - they can tell you if it’s new or used/old oil and also would be documentation. You want the oil filter as well - did they fill up with ‘new’ oil after to hide their mistake, but it wouldn’t have went through the new filter.

*I watched a lot of Dave’s Auto Center - google a few of his videos on engines getting seized because of this issue - might be it.

Also - you’ll likely get stonewalled until you take a more formal written route. Use AI like ChatGPT for guidance to help legalize your next email communication to the dealership GM.

Last option is to detail factually everything on Yelp/Google Reviews etc and make them aware if they don’t resolve satisfactorily you’ll share - unlikely to make a difference but worth a shot (legalize written comms probably better path though)

GL

 

[triton]

The fact that they are talking about next steps (cash buy out, etc) might mean there is some sort of recall or class action settlement associated with the car (otherwise they’d just tell you to pound sand).

If the car has 165k miles on it the blue book would be less than an engine replacement so that might be why they are talking about cash compensation.

But im just spit balling here. Perhaps check Hyundai owner forums? But in parallel I’d start shopping for another car as they won’t let you keep a loaner forever.

Good luck with your quest my friend.

 

[NotRealNameNoSir]

Couple of thoughts:

1. I wonder if they drained the oil, replaced the oil filter and then someone forgot to fill the oil back up? Tech then takes it out for a test drive and bam, engine seized.
2. Dip stick - is there oil in there?
3. Oil filter - is it a new oil filter and has oil filtered through it? Is there metal shavings etc (would likely need an independent shop to help evaluate).
4. Probably not worth it in this case, but there are oil check companies that specialize in doing oil analysis - get a sample of the oil and send off - they can tell you if it’s new or used/old oil and also would be documentation. You want the oil filter as well - did they fill up with ‘new’ oil after to hide their mistake, but it wouldn’t have went through the new filter.

*I watched a lot of Dave’s Auto Center - google a few of his videos on engines getting seized because of this issue - might be it.

Also - you’ll likely get stonewalled until you take a more formal written route. Use AI like ChatGPT for guidance to help legalize your next email communication to the dealership GM.

Last option is to detail factually everything on Yelp/Google Reviews etc and make them aware if they don’t resolve satisfactorily you’ll share - unlikely to make a difference but worth a shot (legalize written comms probably better path though)

GL

All good questions on the oil. I haven't seen the car since I dropped it off for cleaning; don't really want to drive this beautiful 2025 hybrid loaner back until I hear from them. These engines are notorious for these issues and others. My honest opinion is they weren't my tests or supplies, I don't want to bring in a 3rd party to analyze them.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyundai_Theta_engine

@triton everyone hates them, and the oil consumption is typical. I think you're right about the engine replacement, I really would prefer to not drive a Hyundai anymore so would take the cash over trade-in if it wasn't a heavily favored deal. KBB says $4,485-$5,285 from private party.

 

[doublebooyah85]

Hyundai and Kia did an awful job with these engine and transmissions for about a 10 year stretch and we were replacing 30 engines a month. Customers had to wait months sometimes to get their car fixed. It was a nightmare for us and the customers.

Sounds like they did the throttle body cleaning to see if it would fix the issue. That was always step #1 before applying for the engine replacement with Hyundai and at our store it was about a $700 repair.

You need to hold the dealer accountable. Ask to schedule a sit down meeting with the General Manager and Service manager. No way should the engine have blown up on their watch and if so, the dealer relationship with the manufacturer is exactly why you went back to the dealer. If they are not going to replace the engine for you, they need to work with the manufacturer on your behalf. That is why after all you came back to a franchised dealer to perform this service and not a quick lube down the street.

You also need to push them for a service loaner. This should all be done in person with mgmt and not the advisor.

If you could PM me the dealer name I would be curious. We were a Hyundai dealer for 25 years.

 

[Labrat]

Honestly, I'm shocked you got 165k miles out of it.

 

[NotRealNameNoSir]

Hyundai and Kia did an awful job with these engine and transmissions for about a 10 year stretch and we were replacing 30 engines a month. Customers had to wait months sometimes to get their car fixed. It was a nightmare for us and the customers.

Sounds like they did the throttle body cleaning to see if it would fix the issue. That was always step #1 before applying for the engine replacement with Hyundai and at our store it was about a $700 repair.

You need to hold the dealer accountable. Ask to schedule a sit down meeting with the General Manager and Service manager. No way should the engine have blown up on their watch and if so, the dealer relationship with the manufacturer is exactly why you went back to the dealer. If they are not going to replace the engine for you, they need to work with the manufacturer on your behalf. That is why after all you came back to a franchised dealer to perform this service and not a quick lube down the street.

You also need to push them for a service loaner. This should all be done in person with mgmt and not the advisor.

If you could PM me the dealer name I would be curious. We were a Hyundai dealer for 25 years.

I'll PM you. Yes, I keep coming back to that in my head: that's why the dealerships exist, I eat a little extra cost but am covered by this big umbrella company. I also have an extended warranty for this garbage peeling white paint but no one has appointments to fix it covered by Hyundai because there's a million cars with the same issue.

I am using a service loaner now, really nice 2025 hybrid for just the price of gas.

 

[upNdown]

so would take the cash over trade-in if it wasn't a heavily favored deal. KBB says $4,485-$5,285 from private party.

If the car is worth less than $5k, I wouldn’t bother getting a lawyer involved. I can’t imagine this situation ending any better for you than a check for $5k. I’m thinking your best case scenario is to drive their loaner for as long as possible.

 

[BarrieJ3]

I’m watching. I couldn’t/can’t even get issues on a brand new car resolved, so I’m amazed you’ve even received the offers you have for resolution on an almost decade old car with over 150,000 miles on it.

Everyone here must be oodles and boodles smarter than me or have just wonderful consumer experiences with the recommendations I’m seeing. Definite pikachu face over here.

 

[doublebooyah85]

The more I think about it I’m not so sure Hyundai is going to help bc it has a 160K miles and your out of warranty.

These engines never had a recall, and there was never a successful class action lawsuits to my knowledge. WHICH WAS BULLSHIT and probably would have bankrupt Hyundai.

You may be able to push the dealer did a poor job with the oil consumption test, but they won’t admit fault, and just say hey we’re trying to help fix your 160k mile engine out of warranty.

You may be shit out of luck here and if so the best case scenario maybe just asking the dealer to refund the oil consumption test in good faith.

I’ve got a text sent to my old Hyundai service manager. I’ll PM you once I hear back. I’m sure the factory has made exceptions, but those are always hit and miss.

 

[justsomedude]

I'll be clear that it was consuming oil but running just fine,

Hate to be the one to break it to you, but this is a contradiction and means your engine was close to toast anyway.

My wife had a Hyundai Santa Fe about the same age/miles as your Sonata. Started guzzling oil, and once we got to adding 1quart/month we just made immediate plans to replace it. There is no quick fix for blow-by and excessive oil burn without replacing the piston rings (and possibly other components), and that requires what is essentially an engine rebuild.

Sure, adding oil is a band-aid and may keep you running for the time being, but things are far from "fine" and it's a sign your engine is just about done. You may try reaching out to a lawyer, but they may just confirm what you already know... you're probably out of options.

Take the sucker punch to the gut and start shopping for a new car.

 

[NotRealNameNoSir]

The more I think about it I’m not so sure Hyundai is going to help bc it has a 160K miles and your out of warranty.

These engines never had a recall, and there was never a successful class action lawsuits to my knowledge.

You may be able to push the dealer did a poor job with the oil consumption test.

You may be shit out of luck here and if so the best case scenario maybe just asking the dealer to refund the oil consumption test in good faith.

I’ve got a text sent to my old Hyundai service manager. I’ll PM you once I hear back. I’m sure the factory has made exceptions, but those are always hit and miss.

Appreciated. Definitely disappointing that the oil consumption lawsuit was dismissed. I know there was a large settlement around these engines prematurely failing but may not for this reason.

https://www.hbsslaw.com/cases/hyundai-kia-engine-I-fire-hazard-theta-II-GDI

I don't know what their cleaning did or how it affected the vehicle. I feel as if I need an answer for why it "blew up" before I agree to anything.

@justsomedude appreciate the perspective. You're probably right.

 

[doublebooyah85]

Appreciated. Definitely disappointing that the oil consumption lawsuit was dismissed. I know there was a large settlement around these engines prematurely failing but may not for this reason.

https://www.hbsslaw.com/cases/hyundai-kia-engine-I-fire-hazard-theta-II-GDI

I don't know what their cleaning did or how it affected the vehicle. I feel as if I need an answer for why it "blew up" before I agree to anything.

@justsomedude appreciate the perspective. You're probably right.

We would have def helped you out. Again…get a sit down face to face with mgmt. You never know what they may offer to you.

Did you buy the car from them? Did you service with them regularly?

 

[NotRealNameNoSir]

We would have def helped you out. Again…get a sit down face to face with mgmt. You never know what they may offer to you.

Did you buy the car from them? Did you service with them regularly?

1. Definitely will get face time.
2. Nope, purchased car a few towns over. Got regular service in other places, just moved back to the state. No loyalty discounts here.

I need to frame this not as a warranty issue, but as a "I drove my car there for a cleaning, and now after you worked on it it doesn't run at all" issue.

 

[ekricket]

1. Definitely will get face time.
2. Nope, purchased car a few towns over. Got regular service in other places, just moved back to the state. No loyalty discounts here.

I need to frame this not as a warranty issue, but as a "I drove my car there for a cleaning, and now after you worked on it it doesn't run at all" issue.

I’d record every interaction. I might even show up with my “lawyer friend” who isn’t representing me but just wants to hear what’s going on.

I’d also start exploring state consumer protection agencies.

 

[doublebooyah85]

I’d record every interaction. I might even show up with my “lawyer friend” who isn’t representing me but just wants to hear what’s going on.

I’d also start exploring state consumer protection agencies.

No need for a lawyer. That will just get the dealership employees to shut down and not talk to you. Lawyer up with their lawyers and you really have no case.

There is no consumer protection in this example…BBB litigation sure. Attorney general complains sure. No sales practice act violation.

You just need to be a human being. I brought my car here to the professionals to get it fixed and it blew up on your watch. Anyone in my shoes would be upset/confused and looking for a fair resolution.

Bottom line tho you brought an old vehicle in for service with problems. Out of warranty. And no existing relationship with the dealer.

 

[ekricket]

Bottom line tho you brought an old vehicle in for service with problems. Out of warranty. And no existing relationship with the dealer.

I’d think a reputable dealer would have recognized all these things and taken precautions. A less reputable dealer might take your car and say “let’s see what we can do, but if we fuck it up it’s on you, even though you have no idea what “tests” we are going to run, like taking it up to 120 mph to “blow out the carbon”.

If you send me cracked chips to stamp I’m not going to do it, no matter how “good” of a dealer I am.

 

[NotRealNameNoSir]

All good perspectives and I appreciate them. I'm not knowledgeable in this part of the world. I have been saving up for a down payment so I am not panicking, just a bummer that I have to be shopping. I will be waiting for their phone offer from Hyundai corporate, then expect to sit down with the dealership with a bag for my car belongings.

I was expecting to have to do this with wife's 2008 Ford with almost 200k miles, now I may be looking at a double. Man, nothing like large unexpected bills to make a job interview feel much more important!

 

[justsomedude]

You just need to be a human being. I brought my car here to the professionals to get it fixed and it blew up on your watch. Anyone in my shoes would be upset/confused and looking for a fair resolution.

This.

And whatever they offer just be prepared to counter. Don’t accept the first number they present.

If they offer you $6k credit/trade, wait before accepting or responding. Browse the lot. Find what you want and then start working the numbers. Say you find a $35k car you like. My gut instinct would be to double their starting point… ask for $12-$15k credit in this hypothetical scenario. You probably won’t get it, but see what they say - Then you can work the process from there.

An $8k credit is still cheaper (for both you and the dealership) than paying a bunch of lawyers to figure it all out (for a crummier outcome).

 

[NotRealNameNoSir]

This.

And whatever they offer just be prepared to counter. Don’t accept the first number they present.

If they offer you $6k credit/trade, wait before accepting or responding. Browse the lot. Find what you want and then start working the numbers. Say you find a $35k car you like. My gut instinct would be to double their starting point… ask for $12-$15k credit in this hypothetical scenario. You probably won’t get it, but see what they say - Then you can work the process from there.

An $8k credit is still cheaper (for both you and the dealership) than paying a bunch of lawyers to figure it all out (for a crummier outcome).

Man, $6k credit will be tough not to take since that's KBB value lol. I know you're just talking in hypotheticals but don't get my hopes up like that! And I'm not sure I want to stay Hyundai. Bad paint, bad computer, bad engine and now bad service.

 

[doublebooyah85]

Man, $6k credit will be tough not to take since that's KBB value lol. I know you're just talking in hypotheticals but don't get my hopes up like that! And I'm not sure I want to stay Hyundai. Bad paint, bad computer, bad engine and now bad service.

You could buy another used car off them but yeah I would be looking for $4k or so.

However @justsomedude negociating tactic is spot on in most regards.

 

[ekricket]

You just need to be a human being.

He’s dealing with a car dealership, I don’t know if you missed that. Nothing humane about any interactions there.
It will be an unnoticeable day when AI replaces car dealers

 

[justsomedude]

I was expecting to have to do this with wife's 2008 Ford with almost 200k miles, now I may be looking at a double. Man, nothing like large unexpected bills to make a job interview feel much more important!

This could actually help you...

Going in to buy 2 cars (even off their used lot) is going to give you more leverage than buying one.

 

[BarrieJ3]

You could buy another used car off them but yeah I would be looking for $4k or so.

However @justsomedude negociating tactic is spot on in most regards.

When are we getting the Booyah ex car dealer AMA?

Cause I got 1 lemon and another that no dealer will fix.

Tag me when you create the thread k thx byeeeeeee.

 

[doublebooyah85]

When are we getting the Booyah ex car dealer AMA?

Cause I got 1 lemon and another that no dealer will fix.

Tag me when you create the thread k thx byeeeeeee.

Lemon is a loosely used word. Only applies to new cars having the same problem 3 times within the first year. And those instances you do hire a lawyer (almost believe it was required).

Otherwise, if you’re just having repeated issues over several years and you didn’t have time to file the lemon law problem you also can hire an attorney and work against the manufacturer and once again the dealer should assist you. The lawyer will only get paid based on the manufacturer pays you. My buddy just had a shit box jeep go to the shop over 20 times. Jeep cut them a check for $9k, he kept the car, attorney got $3k.

You also don’t need a lawyer but obviously helps you immensely if your not well versed in filing customer complaints against mega corporations.

Bottom line; build a relationship with your local franchise dealer. Pick one that has a great service department, not necessarily the “best new car prices” although of course that’s a bonus. Almost all new car dealers will sell at invoice or below. The real gem is the service department, a general manager who is on site everyday, and a bonus if the dealership is locally owned and not some mega auto group corp.

 

[CraigT78]

Hyundai and Kia did an awful job with these engine and transmissions for about a 10 year stretch and we were replacing 30 engines a month. Customers had to wait months sometimes to get their car fixed. It was a nightmare for us and the customers.

Sounds like they did the throttle body cleaning to see if it would fix the issue. That was always step #1 before applying for the engine replacement with Hyundai and at our store it was about a $700 repair.

You need to hold the dealer accountable. Ask to schedule a sit down meeting with the General Manager and Service manager. No way should the engine have blown up on their watch and if so, the dealer relationship with the manufacturer is exactly why you went back to the dealer. If they are not going to replace the engine for you, they need to work with the manufacturer on your behalf. That is why after all you came back to a franchised dealer to perform this service and not a quick lube down the street.

You also need to push them for a service loaner. This should all be done in person with mgmt and not the advisor.

If you could PM me the dealer name I would be curious. We were a Hyundai dealer for 25 years.

This guy cars.

 

[FordPickup92]

I have been dealing with dealership issues for 2 years since purchase of my truck.
I would A. recommend you get a lawyer
B. Let the dealership and Hyundai know this ^
Speak to the service manager at the dealership and request documentation of every thing they've done to the car since you've had it. Make sure a lawyer sees this paperwork
Call the general manager at the dealership and let them know you are not satisfied (and that you absolutely will not be paying for an engine cleaning that damaged your vehicle during their service) and have not been satisfied with this vehicle since (whatever time frame you choose)
I (personally) would make a scene and not accept the offer to pay for your vehicle because they're going to valuate it at the damaged value. Fuck that
Tell them you are incredibly unsatisfied and will never purchase a Hyundai again. Make as much fucking noise as possible (with couth) because frankly, these major vehicle companies do not give a rats ass about you as a customer. You have to make a whole lot of noise for them to acknowledge you. There's a few nice guys along the way but I promise you, if they think they can push you off and satisfy you with the bare minimum and not come out of pocket on their end, they will.
Feel free to reach out via PM I'd be happy to go over my situation with you at more length (and yes I currently have a lawyer involved with my case)

Edit: and I'd be damn sure I'm NOT coming out of my pocket for a loaner

 

[FordPickup92]

And just as a general statement to the thread. Most lawyer consults are free, and they can at the very least give you guidance. Sometimes, all you need is a letter, that let's management know you're not riding off into the Sunset with the garbage offers. You're never threatening them. You just want compensation for the loss vehicle, your inconvenience of not having a vehicle (I would totally not let them know you have another driving source), and to be cleared of any bills they want to give you for the cleaning.
If I had to guess, this situation happens more frequently than not and most people just take it from behind, so to speak

 

[doublebooyah85]

And just as a general statement to the thread. Most lawyer consults are free, and they can at the very least give you guidance. Sometimes, all you need is a letter, that let's management know you're not riding off into the Sunset with the garbage offers. You're never threatening them. You just want compensation for the loss vehicle, your inconvenience of not having a vehicle (I would totally not let them know you have another driving source), and to be cleared of any bills they want to give you for the cleaning.
If I had to guess, this situation happens more frequently than not and most people just take it from behind, so to speak

Having a lawyer reach out to us (car dealer) would be an instant stop working with the customer, park the car out back, and see you in court. Once customer engages in lawyers they gotta talk to ours. Would significantly delay any resolution especially a matter that’s needs addressed asap and is less than $5K.

Gotta go the civil route first, talk amicably and hopefully resolve the issue (and he already has a loaner if I read it correctly). OP hasn’t even met w the dealership staff since hearing his car blew up. Remember this a 160k mile car out of warranty with no open recall/campaign bulletin. Albeit it’s a known issue Hyundai has had over the last 10 years so some sort of favorable resolution is reasonable to the OP.

I would say this is bad advice giving the circumstance fyi.