Hyundai warranties have a reputation as being some of the best in the industry. When you purchase a new vehicle, it’ll come with a warranty that most other vehicle manufacturers don’t even come close to matching in terms of length and the extent of coverage. Hyundai has worked to extend its engine warranty even further in the wake of mass recalls that began a few years ago on its Theta II gasoline direct injection engines. Learn whether you’re eligible for a Hyundai engine warranty extension and discover what exactly is covered by the extension.
Engine Recalls
In the wake of a class-action lawsuit, Hyundai has issued a recall of certain 2011-2019 Hyundai vehicles that have 2-liter or 2.4-liter Theta II type engines. Because of this recall, owners of eligible vehicles are entitled to several benefits to help them with the costs associated with the engine problem. Of course, you’ll want to get the necessary repair work done, but free engine repairs are just the beginning of what you can expect from this recall.
Additional benefits include the Hyundai engine warranty extension as well as reimbursement for past repairs, rental cars, towing, and any other costs incurred due to the engine malfunctioning. If you sold or traded in the eligible vehicle, you may still be eligible for compensation. Of course, you’ll also receive compensation if your recalled Hyundai vehicle suffered an engine fire. Plus, there’s a new rebate program.
Eligible Vehicles
Several vehicles may be eligible for this extended warranty after the recall. Hyundai refers to these vehicles as class vehicles, and it’s important to understand which ones qualify. The 2011-2019 Hyundai Sonata is eligible, as is the 2013-2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The Tucson may also be eligible if it’s a 2014, 2015, 2018, or 2019 model. Still, it must be equipped with a genuine Theta II gasoline direct injection engine, either 2-liter or 2.4-liter, that’s still within OEM specifications.
To determine whether your vehicle is eligible for the extended warranty due to the engine recall, all you have to do is input your VIN on the automaker’s website. Not only will you be able to discover if your vehicle qualifies, but you can schedule an appointment online to minimize any inconvenience.
Extended Warranty Details
If you have a vehicle that’s eligible for the extended engine warranty, the time and mileage limitations of the initial Powertrain Warranty have been extended significantly. This applies whether you are the initial purchaser of the vehicle or you bought it secondhand, though the details differ depending on your unique situation.
For drivers who bought the Hyundai vehicle brand-new, the warranty is extended to 120,000 miles or 10 years, whichever comes first. This also applies to drivers who are leasing a new Hyundai or purchased a certified pre-owned Hyundai that’s covered under the recall. For those who bought the vehicle used, the warranty is extended to eight years or 80,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Extended Warranty Coverage
The extended warranty covers quite a few different aspects of the vehicle’s engine to allow for a smoother and safer driving experience. With this extension, you’ll have coverage for the entire short block assembly, which is a collection of parts that includes the engine block, connecting rods and pistons, and the crankshaft. However, remember that this coverage specifically seeks to compensate you for damage caused by the engine that often comes accompanied by a piston slap noise.
The piston slap noise is a major problem in eligible Hyundai vehicles and frequently occurs during cold weather. Other engine noises may result from squealing belts, valve train problems, timing chain issues, and faulty bearings. While eligible vehicles are generally covered by this warranty, there is an exception. If your vehicle has been declared to be under exceptional neglect, the warranty extension may be denied. Exceptional neglect is a classification that results from not getting an oil change for 15,000 miles or a full, continuous year.
Typical Extended Warranty Types
While the extended warranty offered in the wake of the engine recall focuses on the problem areas of the engine, there are other extended warranties you may want to consider even if your vehicle isn’t eligible for the class-action warranty extension. So be sure to consider your extended warranty options when buying a new or used Hyundai.
Unlike the standard warranty you get when you purchase any new Hyundai, the extended warranty comes in three different versions to consider. Still, all the different versions have the same term length, which is 10 years or 100,000 miles. The first is the powertrain extended warranty. This covers the engine, the drive axle, and your vehicle’s transmission. While that’s quite a bit if you’re looking to keep your engine in good shape, the warranty doesn’t extend much further in terms of keeping your vehicle running correctly and basic maintenance for anything outside of the drivetrain.
If you’re looking for an upgrade, you can opt for the gold extended warranty. With the gold, you’ll have everything the powertrain warranty covers in addition to several other components, like the HVAC system. This level additionally covers the front and rear suspension, fuel system, and shocks. All of these parts can degrade as your car increases in age, so it’s pretty handy to have them covered.
With the platinum level, your Hyundai is protected to the greatest extent possible by the warranty extension. Platinum coverage includes everything in the gold coverage, in addition to high-tech electronics, which were notably absent from the gold plan. These include navigation and high-end audio systems if those systems are provided by Hyundai and not aftermarket. Additionally, the platinum coverage includes brakes, steering, and CV boots. Keep in mind that any aftermarket modifications you make to your Hyundai vehicle will automatically void the warranty if the original parts were covered.
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