Recall 20V746 covers 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, Santa Fe, and Veloster vehicles for engine bearing wear. Free repair at any franchised Hyundai dealer.
Hyundai is recalling 128,948 model year 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016 Sonata Hybrid, Santa Fe, and Veloster vehicles because connecting rod bearings inside the engine can wear early and damage the engine. That damage can raise the risk of a fire or cause an engine stall, and Hyundai dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
In the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, Santa Fe, and Veloster vehicles covered by recall 20V746, the engine long block is the main engine assembly: the block, internal moving parts, and the passages that carry oil. Inside it, connecting rod bearings sit between each connecting rod and the crankshaft. They let the rod move smoothly while oil keeps metal surfaces separated.
On affected vehicles, those bearings wear too early. As the bearing surface breaks down, the rod no longer rides cleanly on the crankshaft. Continued driving with that damage can harm the engine, and a broken connecting rod can punch through the engine block.
Warning signs include an abnormal knocking noise from the engine. You can also notice reduced power or hesitation, the Check Engine lamp, the engine oil pressure warning lamp, a burning smell, visible oil leaks, or smoke.
Who's affected?
Covers the Sonata Hybrid, Santa Fe, and Veloster across the 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2016 model years, all tied to the engine.
| 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid | Engine |
|---|---|
| 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid | Engine |
| 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid | Engine |
| 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid | Engine |
| 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe | Engine |
| 2015 Hyundai Veloster | Engine |
| 2016 Hyundai Veloster | Engine |
| Units affected | 128,948 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
A damaged engine can raise fire risk or cause an engine stall, which increases crash risk. If your VIN is included, treat knocking, reduced power, hesitation, check engine or oil pressure warnings, burning smell, oil leaks, or smoke as a reason to stop in a safe place and call a Hyundai dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Hyundai dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your listed 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, or 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, Santa Fe, or Veloster is included in this engine recall.
- Contact a franchised Hyundai dealer to schedule the free engine inspection and KSDS software update that addresses premature connecting-rod-bearing wear.
- Bring the recall notice if Hyundai mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V746 and Hyundai recall 198 when you call.
- Stop driving and call a Hyundai dealer if the engine knocks, stalls, loses power, or shows an engine warning light before the repair.
- Ask the dealer whether Hyundai will replace the engine if bearing damage is found during the inspection.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Hyundai technician inspects the engine for connecting rod bearing damage. If bearing damage is found, the engine is replaced. The technician also installs the Knock Sensor Detection System software update so the vehicle can detect bearing-related engine knock. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Hyundai's reimbursement plan covers qualifying owner-paid repairs tied to this engine issue. Bring repair invoices, receipts, and payment records to the service desk, or contact Hyundai customer service to ask how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 1, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 22, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| January 22, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 22, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| March 31, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V746?
Recall 20V746 covers 128,948 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, Santa Fe, and Veloster vehicles with connecting rod bearings that can wear prematurely and damage the engine. A damaged engine can raise fire risk or cause an engine stall. Hyundai dealers inspect the engine, replace it if bearing damage is found, and install KSDS software for free.
What should I do if my 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, Santa Fe, or Veloster is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 20V746. If it is, contact a franchised Hyundai dealer and ask for recall 198. The dealer will inspect the engine, replace it if needed, and install the Knock Sensor Detection System software update for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Hyundai's remedy says the engine inspection, needed engine replacement, and KSDS software update are free at a franchised Hyundai dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 20V746?
The safety risk is engine damage that can lead to a fire or an engine stall. An engine stall raises crash risk because the vehicle loses power while driving. If your VIN is included, arrange the free Hyundai dealer inspection and repair path before continuing normal use.
What if I bought this Hyundai used?
The recall still follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Sonata Hybrid, Santa Fe, or Veloster is included. If it is, a franchised Hyundai dealer must perform the recall repair for free, even if you never received the original owner notice.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V746000 |
|---|---|
| Hyundai customer service | 1-855-371-9460 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V746 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V746000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →