WASHINGTON — Hyundai Motor America is recalling greater than 130,000 automobiles in the US and Canada for an engine defect that may improve the chance of a hearth.

The recall covers sure 2017 Tucson compact crossovers and 2017 Sonata Hybrid midsize sedans outfitted with 2.0-litre Nu GDI engines produced by the automaker’s engine plant in Ulsan, South Korea, in keeping with a doc submitted to NHTSA. The recall impacts roughly 95,515 automobiles in the US and 34,607 automobiles in Canada.

The connecting rod bearings in these engines could put on prematurely, which over time may end up in engine injury and finally stall the car throughout operation.

As of Sept. 17, Hyundai stated it was conscious of 45 fires within the U.S. associated to the difficulty. The automaker shouldn’t be conscious of any confirmed crashes, accidents or fatalities attributable to the difficulty, Hyundai spokesman Michael Stewart stated.

Sellers and car house owners will obtain recall notifications beginning Nov. 12.

Dealerships will examine the engines to find out whether or not there’s any bearing injury. If injury is discovered, the engine shall be changed.

As well as, Hyundai stated all affected automobiles will obtain an enhanced engine management software program replace containing its new Knock Sensor Detection System, which displays engine vibrations for uncommon patterns and helps detect points that would result in an engine failure.

Hyundai’s newest recall stems from a 2019 NHTSA investigation into almost 1.3 million Sonata and Santa Fe automobiles from the 2011-14 mannequin years over allegations of noncrash car fires. NHTSA sought knowledge relating to noncollision hearth incidents of all Hyundai automobiles from all mannequin years outfitted with Theta II, Lambda II, Gamma and Nu engines.

“We worth a collaborative and cooperative relationship with NHTSA and proceed to totally cooperate with them on the investigation,” Stewart stated. “We proceed to actively monitor discipline knowledge and determined to conduct this recall to make sure the protection of our clients.”

For years, Hyundai and affiliate Kia Corp. have been suffering from engine defects, resulting in investigations by NHTSA and subsequent remembers.

Final November, Hyundai and Kia’s U.S. items agreed to pay a report US$210 million civil penalty after NHTSA stated they did not recall 1.6 million automobiles for engine points in a well timed style.

Stewart stated Hyundai has adopted “tons of of modifications and carried out further manufacturing processes to make sure the standard and integrity” of its engine manufacturing.