In a recent analysis, Dmitry Sapko, a car expert and mechanic affiliated with the automotive information platform CarAraC, questioned the durability of modern gasoline engines in Hyundai/Kia vehicles. According to Sapko, these engines are probably living their last years before being phased out due to their flaws in design and engineering. The problems are not complex to solve, but they haven’t been addressed by the company yet.
“The company is not investing in developing new gas engines,” Dmitry stated. “Instead, they’re packing older technologies with modern emission systems choking all the potential of formerly decent technologies, which compromises their reliability and overall usability.”
This explains why many Hyundai/Kia owners report engine problems within several first years of ownership. The company seems to be choosing between selling gas-powered cars and switching completely to EVs.
Dmitry Sapko delves deeper into the mechanical shortcomings of Hyundai/Kia gas engines; he points out specific features that potentially make Korean engines less durable: the use of thin timing chains and the problematic location of catalytic converters.
Thin Timing Chains: A Weak Link Worth Noting
The timing chain, an essential component of an engine’s internal combustion system, works to synchronize the rotation of camshafts and crankshaft to ensure that the valves and pistons in the engine work in a symphony to create the proper timing for all combustion processes. According to Sapko, Hyundai/Kia’s decision to use thinner timing chains has significantly reduced the overall reliability of these engines. Now, you never know when it can break or stretch, causing fatal engine failure.
“In practical terms, a thinner timing chain is less durable and more likely to stretch or even snap,” explains Sapko. “This will likely lead to valve damage once valves have a harsh meeting with badly timed pistons. It may cause the need to replace the entire engine.”
Also, the problem gets worse because Hyundai/Kia engineers don’t outline a certain replacement period for the chain kit, claiming that it should live as long as the engine.
Faulty Catalytic Converter Placement
Catalytic converters are filters that are made to clean the exhaust air and reduce the emissions your car produces when you drive. Sapko criticizes Hyundai/Kia’s design choice to integrate these converters into the exhaust manifold. This is considered the reason for several significant problems in these cars.
“In this position, a catalytic converter is subjected to extreme heating, affecting its durability,” Sapko points out. “When a catalytic converter fails, it not only impacts the vehicle’s emission performance. It can result in complete engine shutdown because of ceramic parts getting directly into the cylinders and destroying the engine block.”
This placement of catalytic converters helps them warm up faster and work better. But it affects the durability and reliability of the engine heavily.
Real-World Consequences
Owners of Hyundai/Kia vehicles with gasoline engines confirm these concerns with their numerous reports about early engine failure cases. For instance, a 2017 Hyundai Sonata owner from California reported a complete engine failure at just over 60,000 miles. The timing chain is thought to be the reason for engine replacement. A 2018 Kia Optima owner from Texas experienced significant performance issues due to the catalytic converter falling apart and killing the engine with its ceramic debris.
These examples prove that Hyundai/Kia needs to do something with their engines. Their design should be improved if the company still wants to sell gasoline-powered vehicles worldwide.
But we should understand that automotive brands are moving away from investing money in ICE-powered vehicles. They prefer engineering new EV technologies. So, there is little chance Korean manufacturers will address these concerns in the future.
The crucial question is whether these design flaws may affect Hyundai’s and Kia’s reputations as reliable and affordable brands. If it affects their brands, their future EVs may also be at risk of poor sales.
For now, the concerns raised by Dmitry Sapko highlight a pivotal moment for Hyundai/Kia. The direction they choose to take could define their place in the automotive market for years to come.
