A New Jersey woman recently filed a class action lawsuit alleging that certain Hyundai Elantra models have a piston defect which can cause dangerous engine failures.
Plaintiff Elizabeth Brown filed the class action lawsuit against Hyundai Motor America and Hyundai Motor Company LTD, alleging that the car maker’s Elantra models posses a dangerous piston defect.
The Hyundai Elantra class action claims that Elantra models from 2011 through 2016, with “Nu” 1.8 liter engines, are affected by a piston defect.
Brown says the piston defect stems from 2011 changes to the piston manufacturing process.
The Hyundai class action lawsuit alleges that Brown purchased a 2013 Hyundai Elantra, containing a “Nu” 1.8 liter engine, from an authorized dealer near her home.
In late 2017, Brown reportedly began to notice a knocking, ticking noise from her vehicle. A week later, while her son was driving the car, a loud pop was heard from the engine before it failed.
The plaintiff says she attempted to file a warranty claim but was denied when the dealer allegedly found oil sludge, citing inadequate maintenance.
The Hyundai Elantra piston defect can allegedly cause engine failures. The symptoms of the related engine failure reportedly include a knocking noise upon start up, loss of engine power, loss of power steering, loss of break assistance, and sudden stalling.
The Hyundai Elantra class action lawsuit claims that once the engine fails, there is no way to fix it apart from completely replacing the engine, a $10,000 repair.
Brown argues that Hyundai Elantra engine failure can place consumers at serious risk for accident, injury, and death. If a Hyundai Elantra engine were to fail while a consumer was driving, they would reportedly be at serious risk for collision.
The Hyundai Elantra class action claims that the automaker knew about the defect but did not initiate a recall or repair action in the United States.
Brown says Canadian dealers were instructed to replace engines affected by engine knocking, a symptom of the problem, but no such order was initiated in the United States.
Instead of offering a fix for the dangerous problem, Hyundai Elantra dealers blame consumers for “inadequate maintenance” and deny warranty claims for a replacement engine, according to the Hyundai Elantra class action lawsuit.
“Defendants have not recalled and/or offered an adequate engine repair to the Class Vehicles, offered their customers suitable repairs or replacements free of charge, or offered to reimburse their customers who have incurred out-of-pocket expenses to repair the defect,” the Hyundai Elantra class action states.
Brown seeks to represent a Class of current and former owners and lessees of Hyundai Elantra vehicles affected by the alleged piston defect. She also seeks to represent a New Jersey subclass of the same consumers.
The Hyundai Elantra class action seeks compensatory damages, punitive damages, injunctive relief, court costs, and attorneys’ fees.
Brown is represented by Matthew D. Schelkopf and Joseph B. Kenney of Sauder Schelkopf LLC; Nicholas Migliaccio, Jason Rathod, and Esfand Y. Nafisi of Migliaccio & Rathod LLP; Daniel C. Levin of Levin Sedran & Berman.
The Hyundai Elantra Piston Defect Class Action Lawsuit is Brown v. Hyundai Motor America, et al., Case No. 2:18-cv-11249-JLL-JAD, in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.
UPDATE: On Jan. 22, 2019, Hyundai asked a federal judge to dismiss a class action lawsuit which alleges that the company concealed Elantra engine defects.
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163 thoughts onHyundai Elantra Class Action Lawsuit Alleges Piston Defect
Having the same exact problem with my 2013 Hyundai Elantra GLS and I’ve done all of the recommended maintenance to my car. It has 112,000 miles and I’ve absolutely babied the car. This will be my last Hyundai, tons of road noise, wear and tear issues with the interior and paint, and horrible gas mileage since new. Never should have moved from Toyota to Hyundai. Horrible cars. Horrible company.
My 2013 Elantra has 103k miles on it and it too is knocking very badly. The sound is worst on the passenger side of the engine. As it warns up the sound decreases slightly.
I’m very meticulous about the care and maintenance of my vehicles, driving them well into the 200k mile range. I’ll be lucky if this ticking time bomb makes it another 100 miles let alone another 100,000. ABSOLUTE GARBAGE.
I have same problem with a 2013 elantra.stalling and dealer blame it on maint and need engine replace at my cost.never ever buy a Hyundai they do not take care of there customers.
I have a 2013 Elantra that I bought used in 2015. It has 53k and started the dreaded “piston slap” recently. Dealer says need engine change, and since i am not original owner, it is not covered by warranty and the engine change cost is $6,000. The car has been maintained at the dealership with regular oil change. I am so pissed at Huyndai. How do i join the class action law suit ?????
I have the same loud knocking engine issue with my 2012 Hyundai Elantra. How do I join the class action lawsuit ?
how do i join the class action lawsuit
I have a 2013 same issue did a recall ever go out?
I have a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. I have had nothing but problems with idoling and hesitates . I hav had it serviced at the dealership and they claim it’s a sensor . When i pick it up it’s still has the same problem . I have had nothing but problems with pick up speed and it’ has horrible gas mileage . Never owned a car with these problems. I feel like they sold me a lemon . So sad all other people’s comments are similar To mine .
My daughter also has a 2013 Hyundai Elantra with the piston problem. Her car has only 90000 miles on it!
Mine its only 67000 piston noise
I have a 2014 Elantra 1.8L, with 102,000kms that has the exact same problems as described. I will have it diagnosed tomorrow by Hyundai to find out their recommended course of action. I would estimate the results will be similar to those noted. What can we do to hold them accountable? They told me today that there are no outstanding recalls on this vehicle. How is this engine not being forced to be recalled?
I have a 2014 Hyundai Elantra with 102000 KMs that has the exact symptoms as described. I brought it to a dealer and was told I needed a new engine and that it was unsafe to drive. however, it’s not covered under warranty and I am expected to pay $5000 for a new engine. Reading into these lawsuit claims… Hyundai should really be looking after their customers.
What did you end up doing? I am in the exact same boat as you.
I have a 2013 Elantra Coupe. Exact symptoms as described.