[Cessna170B]

Most of your questions can be answered by googgling "Hyundai Engine Settlement." However, here is a short synopsis:

Hyundai claims an engine manufacturing defect caused 2011-2014 Sonata engines to fail prematurely. Often, this failure was preceded by a knocking sound followed by the engine seizing, often around 70,000 miles.

In a class action lawsuit Hyundai agreed to replace failed engines in 2011-2019 Sonatas that exhibit a specific trouble code provided that the owner had a knock sensing software update. You do not qualify for the engine replacement without this free update provided by Hyundai dealerships.

A Korean whistleblower charged that it is not an engine assembly problem, but a design defect that causes the engine failures, specifically inadequate rod bearings. The engine failure problems also affect some Kia models.

My local Hyundai dealership has its back lot filled with Sonatas waiting for new engines -- most 2011-2014 but later models, also. Generally, I'm told, the wait for a replacement engine is about four weeks.

The engine warranty for this specific defect if "lifetime," though would ask your dealership what Hyundai's definition of that word is.

I, like you, do a lot of driving in remote areas with no cellphone coverage. I worried about losing the engine in some remote place. Ultimately, I decided to trade my 2011 Sonata for a 2019 and then trade that car for another brand.

You can probably do well with your car as a trade in, but on the other end of the deal you will be looking at inflated prices and low inventories. Hard to say what to do. If you do trade I imagine you probably will have to go to a car with more mileage or smaller in size. You will miss the Sonata's quietness and comfort.

For what it's worth I have a theory on the engine failures. Looking at the reports, the engines run well with no oil consumption until around 70,000 miles when they begin to lose massive amounts of oil and then will seize if not noticed.

My 2011 Sonata had a perfect engine until 75,000 when I noticed it was losing oil. I replaced the PCV valve and the oil usage stopped. My theory is that a clogged PCV causes the engine to rapidly lose oil that is unnoticed by the owner until catastrophic wear and eventual failure occurs.

I believe the internal high pressures of the GDI engine cause more rapid than average oil loss with a clogged PCV. Change it at 50,000 miles. Takes five minutes and 10 bucks.

My old Hyundai service tech, who I trust, said the blown engines he sees are from cars with poor service records. He doesn't believe Hyundai's recommendation of going 7,500 miles between oil changes. Oil breaks down and gets contaminated way before that.

It sounds like you maintain your car exceptionally well. For me, I would take a chance of it going 100,000 miles while saving my nickels and dimes for a new car down the road. With the lifetime warranty you won't have a terrible financial hit if the engine goes. As long as you in civilization when you lose it.

Hope this helps your thinking.

 

[Cessna170B]

Another thought that I've not seen followed through on. Next oil change save back a little used oil and send it out for analysis. If the report shows no unusual metal in the oil, I think you can keep the car with confidence. If the report comes back with excessive rod bearing material, then ....

 

[Cessna170B]

Fram, the orange box of death.

 

[Cessna170B]

I wonder if Hyundai has looked at engine failures in regard to the type of oil and oil filter used.

Oil filters are pretty sophisticated devices with backflow valves, specific pressures, volume per second, and prescribed filtration. I lost an engine in a '81 Ford Mustang when the oil filter failed.

Since then I've never used anything but OEM equipment.

 

[Cessna170B]

It's a good idea to check your oil immediately after a change. Technicians are fallible and they can forget even to put the new oil in (happened to me) or not tighten the filter or drain plug (happened to me).

In my thinking, it is not a big deal to check the oil weekly, on the same spot to assure an accurate reading. The Sonata is notorious for oil consumption, so I would watch it very carefully and try to catch problems early.