According to this article at The Truth About Cars, Kia and Hyundai have recalled 1.7 million vehicles equipped with the Theta II 2.0 and 2.4 liter 4-cylinder engines due to a problem with the manufacturing process that could result in metal shavings contaminating engine oil and leading to destruction of the engine.  The National Highwaay Traffic Safety administration has launched an investigation into whether the companies acted with reasonable speed once notified of the problems.

The vehicles affected are certain

Hyundai Sonata
Hyundai Santa Fe
Kia Optima
Kia Sorento
Kia Sportage

Don’t assume that your vehicle is not affected even if you didn’t get notice of a recall, especially if you bought the vehicle used.  A lot of the earlier models of these vehicles are hitting the buy-here/pay here lots now, perhaps after being unloaded by previous owners who started experiencing problems.

I successfully represented a client who had a Hyundai Sonata which had a blown engine. A subsequent inquiry into the history of the vehicle revealed that the vehicle was a “laundered lemon”, that is, a vehicle that had been bought back by the manufacturer under the lemon law, but subseqently sold to by a dealer to the consumer without mandated disclosure of the lemon history.

You should be aware that if you bought one of these vehicles even if the manufacturer’s warranty has expired, you MAY be able to get a new engine or engine repairs thanks to the recalls.  In some cases, if the dealer arranged financing and if you fell behind because the engine went out you MAY have a defensive claim, and in a few cases an offensive claim for damages.  This is far from universal, in some cases you won’t be able to use problems with the vehicle as a defense.

If you had an engine go out on a Hyundai or Kia vehicle, I suggest that you contact a consumer lawyer in your area. You can find one in your area through the National Association of Consumer Advocates’ Find an Attorney page.