Hyundai and Kia fined for problem engines
November 29, 2020In the United States, an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has ended in relation to problematic Hyundai and Kia engines and a global recall of these brands.
As a result, corporations were fined $ 81 million and ordered to spend another $ 56 million on improving the quality and safety of products.
The global recall began in 2017 and affected approximately 1.5 million vehicles. These included Hyundai Sonata and Santa Fe Sport (2013 – 2014), as well as Kia Optima (2011 – 2014), Sorento (2012 – 2014) and Sportage (2011 – 2013) with 2.0 and 2.4 liter engines. of the Theta II family. The problem was the possible ingress of metal chips into the motors, which could cause premature wear and damage to the unit. The Korean manufacturer, in turn, has installed new motors in the recallable vehicles. But NHTSA ruled that Hyundai and Kia did not begin the recall procedure on time and did not provide correct information about the defect.
Hyundai will be forced to pay $ 54 million in fines. The brand should spend another 40 million dollars to create a new testing and laboratory center in the United States. At the same time, the company may be fined another $ 46 million if it does not comply with the NHTSA regulations. Kia will have to pay $ 27 million, and the firm will have to spend $ 16 million to improve quality and safety. And in case of non-compliance with the instructions of the American department, an additional fine of $ 27 million is provided.
In addition, some time ago it was noted that the KIA Sportage has acquired a special modification of the Black Edition. It should be emphasized that this special variation of the model will initially be available in Europe.
