This review is in regards to the engine seizure of my 2012 Hyundai Sonata Limited and its prognosis. In this review, I will go over the following:
i. Pre-Issue > Vehicle's Historyii. Peri-Issue > Vehicle's Engine Seizureiii. Post-Issue > Vehicle's Prognosis
PRE-ISSUE [VEHICLE HISTORY]I purchased this vehicle in 2016 from the original owner at 77,000mi (124,000km). The vehicle by anecdote & physical service records of the owner depicted it did not need anything other than regular maintenance (oil changes, tune ups, tires, brakes, etc) in his ownership. He provided all service records from the original purchase agreement to the date of sale (2012-2016) to confirm its orderly and meticulous maintenance. In my ownership, the car was driven conservatively and well-maintained with on-time oil changes and regular maintenance. I never came across any issues while driving over the past 2 years till 102,000mi (164,000km).
I have loved driving my black on black Sonata everyday I've had it with its semi-luxury features like heated/leather seats and beautiful pano roof (many compliments). I even convinced my dad, who'd hated anything Hyundai, to purchase the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe brand new after my praise and approval. We're now a Hyundai family and in fact, I was looking to purchase a new sonata for myself this month. Then it all changed on the morning of a nice summer day (June 24th, 2018) when I heard sporadic knocking noises when completely rotating the steering wheel. I thought nothing serious of the issue though decided I should contact the dealership the following Monday.
PERI(during)-ISSUE [ENGINE SEIZURE]The same day (June 24th) the spontaneous noise introduced itself, is when the $7,000+ issue that 6000 other collective complaints on this website mention. I had just exited the highway in pickering around 11pm and all of a sudden, all the lights on the dashboard flashed, heard a noise from the hood, and the vehicle started to slow down. As I was on active lanes with cars behind me, I pressed the accelerator pedal but realized it was not picking up speed. With quick thinking, I luckily found a small parking lot to pull into and engage in further introspection. I turned the car off, gave it a few minutes, put my foot on the brake and pressed the push-button start. All I heard was a quick jolt as if something was going to happen but nothing. It couldn't be the starter, because I installed a starter a year prior. It also couldn't be the battery because I installed a brand new battery few months prior. I still flagged down a car and had them boost my car. The car still did not start. It couldn't be the alternator where in that case, I wouldn't have lost acceleration when driving. I did a quick search online (carcomplaints.com) and understood what had happened, my engine had seized.
POST-ISSUE [PROGNOSIS]That night, I had the vehicle towed to my house (pictured) and then the next morning to the Hyundai Dealership (pictured). Fortunately, the dealership I frequent, Gyro Hyundai, is one of the best in Toronto and is situated around a high-income/great neighbourhood. I chose this dealership as I had performed 2 recalls there in the past, one being the engine recall (OEM Reference # 51CA21; R0101). After leaving it over night, they followed up with an inspection report to confirm that the engine was seized. The service manager at Gyro Hyundai, was very nice and accommodating. He went over the situation and requested I bring all my service records. I gathered every service record from 2012 to present (July 2018) and delivered the records today (July 3rd).
After they confirm the source of seizure as the engine recall, they will send an application to Hyundai Canada/HQ for an engine replacement. If the application is successful, they will replace it free of charge and provide a rental vehicle while its being serviced. I will update this forum with Gyro Hyundai's response this Friday (July 6th, 2018).
Post Note: I was fond of Hyundai's up until this incident. In fact, I was looking to purchase another Sonata exactly before this took place. If Hyundai will take care of this issue, I will greatly re-consider following through with my initial inclination on purchasing a newer Hyundai.
Update from Sep 5, 2018: Tuesday, September 4th, 2018Loaner was approved for pickup on July 19th. Application for Engine replacement approved July 27th. Parts arrived early August. Received news today, September 4th, 2018, that my car was ready for pickup. The engine and gaskets were replaced; confirmed upon pickup and inspection. The vehicle seems to be back in normal functioning order. Thank you to the team at Gyro Hyundai for facilitating the procedure.
