Connecting-rod bearings on the Theta II 2.0 and 2.4 petrol engines

Engine / equipment

2.0 and 2.4 Theta II (MPI and GDI): Hyundai Sonata, Santa Fe and ix35; Kia Sorento, Sportage and Optima

Period mentioned

2009–2019

Symptoms

Metallic engine knock that rises with revs, oil-pressure warning, loss of power and, in the worst case, a broken connecting rod with an oil leak and fire risk.

Possible cause described

The connecting-rod bearings wear prematurely (in the first cases because of crankshaft machining debris). In the US there were recalls and a settlement that fits the KSDS system free of charge; it monitors vibration and puts the engine into protection mode. In Germany (KBA 013054) Kia recalled the Sorento 2.4 MPI built from 11/1/2011 to 17/6/2015 and the Optima 2.0 GDI hybrid.

Check for the garage

Ask Hyundai or Kia by VIN about a campaign or KSDS update; with knocking or the oil warning, stop and do not keep driving; check the oil level often.

Cost cited in the source

Inspection and, if damaged, a new engine free of charge under the campaigns.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database