Hyundai 2.4L recall

[MysterYvil]

About 10k miles ago we got a recall notice that some 2.4L motors might have bad bearings. We took the car in and she was allegedly fine.

Around a month ago Mrs. noticed a rattle both on acceleration and deceleration. Took the car back in, they told us it was most likely carbon buildup and to run a few tanks of premium and a couple of bottles of Techron through it. Mrs. and I both thought it was rod knock but we gave the fuel a shot anyway.

Did that, no joy. Took the car back, they asked if we were willing to pay ($150-ish) to have the oil pan dropped and inspected. We signed off on it.

BAM! Lots of bearing shards in the pan.

It's still under warranty so we're waiting for a new long block. Also a new clutch/pressure plate/throwout bearing at zero labor, just parts.

Just an FYI to any Hyundai or Kia owners. We're glad it happened under warranty, but kinda disappointed to not hit 100k; our Saturn ran okay at 250k, and our Nissan is still a champ at 205k.

 

[Schnellbandit]

Get your $150 back! Also hit them up for the cost of the Techron.

Under warranty, why are you paying for parts? They were the people telling you to buy Techron to fix a mechanical problem.

 

[MysterYvil]

Get your $150 back! Also hit them up for the cost of the Techron.

Under warranty, why are you paying for parts? They were the people telling you to buy Techron to fix a mechanical problem.

You bet I got that charge reversed. It was then a defect covered under warranty. They refilled the loaner in lieu of directly reimbursing us for the Techron, but I did have to bring it up and propose it.

The clutch is not under warranty (I don't think clutches are ever covered for wear, just defects) but they had to pull the motor and six speed out anyway. The service manager checked the wear, found it at 50%, and offered free labor. We thought it was worthwhile as it's usually a 7.5 hour job on a Sonata.

 

[Mike95060]

Color me skeptical that the clutch actually had 50% wear with less than 100k miles. I would want to measure the one they took out but I'm not exactly trusting when it comes to most mechnics.

 

[msethhunter]

Was the vehicle still under warranty when you agreed to pay the $150 to drop the pan?

 

[MysterYvil]

Color me skeptical that the clutch actually had 50% wear with less than 100k miles. I would want to measure the one they took out but I'm not exactly trusting when it comes to most mechnics.

Our thoughts exactly, especially given that we've had cars with 110k, 205k, 250k with no clutch issues. However, the Sonata has been loaned out to many people, some of whom aren't the greatest at driving stick. Mrs. said she won't be loaning it out again for sure.

Plus the service manager didn't balk when I told him I wanted to see and measure the old part before they tossed or cored it.

I could have gotten the parts a little cheaper but $0 on labor takes away some of the bite.

Was the vehicle still under warranty when you agreed to pay the $150 to drop the pan?

Yes, still under warranty. We were only on the hook if they found no metal bits because the warranty doesn't cover bad gas, normal wear and tear, et cetera.

I called my CC company and it turns out they never charged it in the first place. The service manager put it on the ticket and reversed that charge.

 

[Mike95060]

^ sounds like a shop i would do bussiness with again.

 

[TheRobSJ]

Color me skeptical that the clutch actually had 50% wear with less than 100k miles. I would want to measure the one they took out but I'm not exactly trusting when it comes to most mechnics.

A saying my boss and I like to tell the techs and writers is that we are in the business of selling labor. Parts are just the delivery device for labor. Let me elaborate...

This doesn’t really apply to independent shops, but at a dealership, there’s really three (sometimes more) separate businesses under one roof. Sales department of course sells cars, accessories, warranties, permaplate, and any of that other shit they do when a car is sold. Parts department sells parts of course. They sell over the counter to customers. They sell wholesale to other shops. And they sell to the service department. Of course the parts put on through service are sold to the customer at full retail price. But the profits of those parts goes on the P&L sheet of the parts department...not service. In the end, of course all the depaartment feed their profits to the owner/operator of the store. But I assure you, each department manager runs it like it’s their own business.

So when someone from a dealer’s service department says they’ll do a job for no additional labor cost and all you do is pay for the parts, it’s really 100% a courtesy to you. In this particular situation of the OP, they could have just as easily not mentioned the clutch, put it back together, and hoped they got you a few years down the road for the full parts and labor price of replacing a clutch.

 

[Mike95060]

For the record, Rob is my gold standard when it comes to being an honest wrench. He has along history on the board of no bulshit posts about cars and I do appreciate it.

 

[MysterYvil]

A saying my boss and I like to tell the techs and writers is that we are in the business of selling labor. Parts are just the delivery device for labor. Let me elaborate...

This doesn’t really apply to independent shops, but at a dealership, there’s really three (sometimes more) separate businesses under one roof. Sales department of course sells cars, accessories, warranties, permaplate, and any of that other shit they do when a car is sold. Parts department sells parts of course. They sell over the counter to customers. They sell wholesale to other shops. And they sell to the service department. Of course the parts put on through service are sold to the customer at full retail price. But the profits of those parts goes on the P&L sheet of the parts department...not service. In the end, of course all the depaartment feed their profits to the owner/operator of the store. But I assure you, each department manager runs it like it’s their own business.

So when someone from a dealer’s service department says they’ll do a job for no additional labor cost and all you do is pay for the parts, it’s really 100% a courtesy to you. In this particular situation of the OP, they could have just as easily not mentioned the clutch, put it back together, and hoped they got you a few years down the road for the full parts and labor price of replacing a clutch.

Very much this. I worked at a dealership and heard all the ins and outs.

The service manager knows we plan to keep the car until the wheels fall off, and he knows that since I can't wrench anymore that we'll bring it to him for the usual servicing (for which gets to charge labor). I asked him to swap out the tranny fluid even though it's a little premature so he could put something on his books. I also need to see if him or his staff like beer or wine; they've been good to us over the years.

 

[TheRobSJ]

Techs love donuts. Maybe a bottle (or six bottles of) something alcoholic for the service writer/manager. But don’t forget the rest of the shop. Bring in a dozen or two for the shop, and watch the red carpet roll out next time you’re in.

When one of my guys is working on a car of someone who’s brought in donuts, I remind them who’s car it is and not to fuck it up. Because, well...I don’t know about them but I sure I do like getting free donuts every now and then.

 

[MysterYvil]

Techs love donuts. Maybe a bottle (or six bottles of) something alcoholic for the service writer/manager. But don’t forget the rest of the shop. Bring in a dozen or two for the shop, and watch the red carpet roll out next time you’re in.

When one of my guys is working on a car of someone who’s brought in donuts, I remind them who’s car it is and not to fuck it up. Because, well...I don’t know about them but I sure I do like getting free donuts every now and then.

The mechanics have always been great; they really know what they're doing and they pay attention.

When we get everything done I'm taking over a couple of twelve packs plus a double-dozen donuts.