Hyundai and Kia are both facing scrutiny after nearly 6 million of their vehicles produced between 2011 and 2019 have been recalled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The faulty vehicles can unexpectedly erupt in flames.

Reporting from an ABC affiliate in Tampa Bay has highlighted the safety risk, and NHSTA has issued numerous recalls for cars that have the Theta II engine.

Let’s dive in to what you need to know about the Kia & Hyundai fire recalls.

What Kias & Hyundais are being recalled for fire?

Theta II Engine Class Action Settlement

Hyundai and Kia owners began suing the automakers in 2015 after they refused to pay to repair or replace the Theta II engine. Hyundai settled the class-action suit.

What is this lawsuit about?
The people who filed these lawsuits are called Plaintiffs, and the companies they sued, HMA, HMC, and others, are called Defendants. The Plaintiffs allege that the Class Vehicles suffer from a defect that can cause engine seizure, stalling, engine failure, and engine fire. The Plaintiffs also allege that engine seizure or stalling can be dangerous if experienced. The Plaintiffs also allege that some owners and lessees have been improperly denied repairs under the vehicle’s warranty. HMA and HMC deny Plaintiffs’ allegations.

Which Hyundai vehicles are included?
The “Class Vehicles” are 2011–2019 model year Hyundai Sonata, 2013–2019 model year Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, and 2014–2015 and 2018–2019 model year Hyundai Tucson equipped with 2.0 liter and 2.4 liter genuine Theta II gasoline direct injection engines within OEM specifications.

What can I get from the settlement?

• Warranty Extension
• Reimbursement for Past Repairs
• Reimbursement for Rental Car, Towing, Etc.
• Compensation for Inconvenience Due to Repair Delays
• Compensation If You Traded In or Sold a Class Vehicle
• Compensation for Vehicle Involved in an Engine Fire
• Rebate Program