NHTSA Complaint #11457090 — 2015 HYUNDAI SANTA FE

I am the 2nd owner of my 2015 Santa Fe Sport 2.0T, having purchased it in June 2018. I had regular oil changes, the last one being done on 1/24/22 at 134K miles. Engine started knocking after that oil change, so I was driving back to the repair shop on 1/25/22 when I was unable to accelerate and I pulled off to the side of the interstate. Some warning lights flashed briefly when the acceleration started, but I wasn't able to see which ones since I was more concerned with pulling safely off the road. Towed to the closest repair shop and they advised that my engine was seized and that Hyundai had an open recall so I needed to take my car to a Hyundai dealership. I had it towed to the dealership right away, where it said for the next 6+ weeks waiting to be inspected. They finally inspected it on 3/10/22 and submitted it to Hyundai for approval to replace the engine. Hyundai came back and asked for maintenance records, which I provided on 3/15/22. Today, 3/17/22, I was told Hyundai denied my claim because I didn't bring my car in for repair as soon as the the recall was issued. I didn't know there was a recall until this happened. The only thing I received in the mail was something about a hood latch problem, but that was a different issue. Once I found out about the recall (after my engine had already seized) I did go online to look up the details and Hyundai's recall specifically said that owners can continue driving their car. So even though I didn't know about the recall, and when I did find out about the recall it said the car could continue to be driven, Hyundai won't replace the engine. I tried to call Hyundai to appeal the decision and their message said the office is closed to do scheduled maintenance. There is no option to leave a message.