I've had two Hyundai cars -- a 2004 Elantra, and a 2010 Accent.
I am convinced that both cars' engines are designed so that OIL DISPERSEMENT is not uniform throughout the valve-cylinder system. Thus, the valves wear out relatively rapidly.
Can't prove it, but I have little doubt the manufacturer intentionally uses this ploy to spur rapid wear and failure -- to increase sales!
A Hyundai is not a Toyota.
But admission of such underhanded processes will never come from Hyundai, which is striving mightily to match Toyota's sales levels.
My Elantra's engine died last summer, less than 90,000 miles on it (was purchased new, conscientious maintenance).
Minutes after a routine oil change, the engine stopped without warning. Inspection by a mechanic revealed no oil was reaching two cylinders.
After adding another quart of oil and during a subsequent trip of about four miles, the engine again stopped, inexplicably. But this time the failure was catastrophic. Engine destroyed due to insufficient lubricant dispersal.
Cause? Overheating, apparently due to insufficient oil circulation, a mechanic friend told me. This meant that, unless I spent $3,400 for a rebuilt engine, my Elantra had zero trade-in value.
Not surprisingly, I have received NO RESPONSE to my disaster story from either Hyundai USA, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), or the Federal Trade Commission.
A review of Hyundai Elantra customer complaints at
Now, my 2010 Hyundai Accent, less than 30,000 miles, shows signs of low oil in at least one cylinder housing. I expect nothing good to come from this development.
Recommend people contemplating buying a Hyundai car do online research and speak to Hyundai owners face-to-face before committing to a Korean car.
A Hyundai is not a Toyota.
As I have found the hard and late way.
No more of these cars for me.