Recall wrap: Hyundai Kona and Veloster engine trouble

Hyundai Australia has announced a nationwide recall for 9952 vehicles across the Hyundai Kona and Veloster model lines.

The recall affects Kona and Veloster models built between 2018 and 2020, with affected vehicles potentially fitted with faulty engine parts.

In the recall notice issued by the federal department of transport, Hyundai says the piston rings assembled in the engines of certain models may be defective, causing damage to the piston rings and cylinder bore, which could impact engine performance.

“A damaged engine may result in the vehicle stalling and/or engine oil leaking,” the company said.

“This increases the risk of an accident and/or vehicle fire causing injury or death to vehicle occupants and other road users or damage to property.”

The notice does not make it clear whether the engine concerned is the 2.0-litre four-cylinder or the 1.6-litre turbo, however Hyundai Australia has confirmed that it's the 2.0 MPI unit.

A recall for the same problem with this engine was issued in the US earlier this year, impacting more than 125,000 Kona, Veloster and Elantra models of similar vintage.

In the US notice, Hyundai said the problem, which relates to inconsistently heat-treated piston oil rings, could lead to increased oil consumption before progressing to a knocking sound and, potentially, the engine seizing and stalling.

Australian owners of affected models will be contacted by Hyundai – once replacement parts become available – to have repairs carried out for no charge.

In the meantime, Hyundai says owners should pay attention to any abnormal knocking noise from the engine.

“If such noise is heard, owners are advised not to drive the vehicle and contact their nearest Hyundai dealer for inspection or repair,” Hyundai said.

VIN list: Hyundai Kona and Veloster

Elsewhere, Toyota Australia is calling back 675 examples of its new-generation Toyota GR Supra sports coupe built from 2019 to 2021.

Both the Supra GT and GTS models need attention, with the Japanese car-maker saying the brake booster vacuum pump may become damaged by the engine management software under certain start conditions.

As a result, owners may notice a reduction in braking performance, which could increase the risk of an accident.

VIN list: Toyota GR Supra

Mercedes-Benz has also announced a recall for 44 vehicles including certain examples of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, C-Class, CLA-Class, GLA-Class and GLC-Class.

Impacted models span model years 2015 to 2019.

Mercedes-Benz says the panel located between the windscreen and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly during a previous service repair.

“The bonding might deteriorate gradually over time and could lead to the panel either partially or fully detaching from the vehicle,” the company said.

VIN list: Mercedes-Benz – various models