NHTSA Complaint #11698983 — 2015 HYUNDAI SONATA

1. Description of Safety Problem: My vehicle experienced a sudden catastrophic engine failure while driving, resulting in a complete loss of power and severe engine knocking. This is a known safety defect related to the Theta II engine (specifically, connecting rod bearing failure, often referred to as the KSDS defect) that poses a severe risk of stalling and engine fire. The failure rendered the vehicle inoperable and unsafe. 2. Manufacturer's Failure to Honor Safety Recalls & Warranty: Despite this being a known, documented defect covered by Hyundai's own Technical Service Bulletin (22-EM-00H-1-1) and the TXXI Class Action Settlement—which provides a "Limited Lifetime Warranty" for this issue—Hyundai Motor America has repeatedly and wrongfully denied my warranty claim. Furthermore, I discovered through Hyundai's official campaign portal that my specific VIN had multiple unperformed safety and service campaigns, including critical Engine Control Module (ECM) updates (Campaign #953) designed to monitor and prevent this exact type of engine failure. Hyundai's failure to ensure these critical updates were performed constitutes negligence and directly contributed to the safety failure I experienced. 3. Evidence of Manufacturer Bad Faith: I have obtained documented proof that Hyundai has approved and performed zero-cost engine replacements for the identical defect on vehicles with mileage exceeding 180,000 miles. This proves that my denial is arbitrary, discriminatory, and demonstrates a pattern of bad faith in applying their safety-related warranty extensions. 4. Escalating Consequences: Due to Hyundai's refusal to honor its warranty, the dealership has now threatened a mechanic's lien and is charging $50 per day in storage fees. The manufacturer's failure to address a known safety defect is now causing active financial harm. 5. Requested Action: I urge the NHTSA to: Investigate Hyundai Motor America's systemic failure to honor the safety warranties and complete