Hyundai Excessive Oil Consumption: What Causes This Problem?

Explore the prevalent issue of excessive oil consumption in Hyundai vehicles. 

This article delves into the root causes of this problem, examining the mechanical and operational factors that contribute to it. 

We’ll discuss the implications of excessive oil consumption, how it affects your vehicle’s performance, and the steps Hyundai is taking to address this issue. 

Whether you’re a Hyundai owner experiencing this problem or simply interested in automobile mechanics, this article provides a comprehensive understanding of the issue.

What Are the Signs of Hyundai Excessive Oil Consumption in My Vehicle?

There are several signs that your Hyundai vehicle may be experiencing excessive oil consumption:

• Low Oil Level

One of the most obvious signs of excessive oil consumption is a consistently low oil level. If you find yourself needing to top off the engine oil frequently, this could be a sign of excessive oil consumption.

• Oil Spots or Puddles

Keep an eye out for any oil spots or puddles underneath your parked Hyundai. This could indicate a leak, which could contribute to excessive oil consumption.

• Increased Exhaust Emissions

Another symptom of high oil consumption is the presence of blue smoke coming from your exhaust pipe. This is a result of oil burning in the combustion chamber.

• Deposit of Crusted Oil Ash

If you notice a deposit of crusted oil ash on your upstream oxygen sensors and spark plugs, this could be a sign of excessive oil consumption.

• Engine Noise

Excessive oil consumption can lead to low oil levels, which in turn can cause increased engine noise. If you notice your engine making unusual noises, it’s worth checking your oil levels and consumption.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s recommended to consult with a Hyundai service center or a trusted mechanic.

What are some common reasons & fixes for Hyundai Excessive Oil Consumption?

1: Worn Seals or Gaskets

Over time, the seals and gaskets in your Hyundai vehicle can wear out or get damaged. These components are crucial in preventing oil leaks from the engine. When they fail, oil can escape, leading to a decrease in the oil level in the engine. This means you will need to constantly top off the engine oil to avoid engine damage. Regular maintenance and timely replacement of these parts can help prevent excessive oil consumption.

2: Bad Quality Oil

The type and quality of oil used in your engine play a significant role in its performance. If you use the wrong type of oil, or if the oil is old and has accumulated a lot of debris and dirt, it can start to burn. This burning process forces the engine to consume more oil. Regular oil changes and using the right type of oil recommended by Hyundai can help mitigate this issue.

3: Worn Piston Rings

The piston rings in your engine can wear out or get damaged over time. These rings are designed to seal the combustion chamber from the crankcase. When they fail, oil can seep through them and enter the combustion chamber. This leads to the oil burning off and forming carbon deposits on the piston rings and cylinders. Regular engine check-ups can help detect worn piston rings early and prevent excessive oil consumption.

4: High Oil Pressure

Oil pressure is a critical factor in the operation of your engine. When the oil pressure is too high, oil can flood the engine in excessive amounts. This excess oil can fall on the cylinders and get burnt up, leading to increased oil consumption. Regular monitoring of oil pressure and maintaining it within the recommended range can help prevent this problem.

5: Old Engine

As your Hyundai vehicle ages, the various seals and gaskets will start to deteriorate and cause small leaks. These leaks can lead to a decrease in the oil level in the engine, resulting in excessive oil consumption. Regular maintenance and timely replacement of worn-out parts can help keep your engine running efficiently and prevent excessive oil consumption.

What does Hyundai consider normal oil consumption?

Hyundai considers the oil consumption under 0.05 percent to be normal, while the maximum permissible amount of oil consumption is 0.5 percent. 

However, it’s important to note that in older engines, the average oil consumption tends to be higher. 

If your Hyundai vehicle is consuming oil at a rate higher than this, it may be a sign of an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. 

It’s always a good idea to consult with a Hyundai service center or a trusted mechanic if you notice excessive oil consumption in your vehicle.

What Hyundai models burn oil?

According to a class action lawsuit, the following Hyundai models have been reported to experience excessive oil consumption:

• 2012-2020 Hyundai Elantra
• 2009-2018 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
• 2019-2021 Hyundai Kona
• 2020-2021 Hyundai Palisade
• 2010-2012 and 2015-2021 Hyundai Santa Fe
• 2009-2010 and 2015-2021 Hyundai Sonata
• 2011–2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
• 2010-2013 and 2015-2021 Hyundai Tucson
• 2011-2021 Hyundai Veloster
• 2020-2021 Hyundai Venue

The lawsuit alleges that these models are equipped with defective Nu, Gamma, Theta, Lambda, and Kappa engines. These engines allegedly use excessive amounts of oil, stall, and eventually fail. If you own one of these models and notice excessive oil consumption, it’s recommended to consult with a Hyundai service center or a trusted mechanic. Please note that this information is based on allegations in a lawsuit and may not reflect the experience of all owners of these models.

How Does Hyundai Excessive Oil Consumption Affect the Performance and Lifespan of My Vehicle?

Excessive oil consumption in Hyundai vehicles can lead to several issues that affect both the performance and lifespan of the vehicle:

• Engine Damage and Reduced Performance

Excessive oil consumption can lead to various issues, such as engine damage and reduced performance. The crankshaft will foam the oil which reduces engine lubrication. Too much oil will strain and damage the gaskets and seals protecting the engine which leads to oil leaks. This can result in decreased fuel efficiency, loss of power, and increased emissions.

• Increased Maintenance and Repair Costs

Vehicles with high oil consumption require more frequent oil changes and engine maintenance. This can lead to increased costs for owners over the life of the vehicle.

• Safety Concerns

If the oil level becomes critically low, it can potentially result in engine failure or accidents. This poses a safety risk to the driver and passengers.

• Reduced Lifespan of the Vehicle

Over time, the issues caused by excessive oil consumption can lead to premature wear and tear on the engine and other components, reducing the overall lifespan of the vehicle.

It’s important for Hyundai owners to monitor their oil levels regularly and seek professional help if they notice signs of excessive oil consumption. This is because the engine is the heart of the vehicle and oil is its lifeblood. 

Oil lubricates the moving parts of the engine, reducing friction and helping to cool the engine. When the engine consumes oil excessively, it means that there is not enough oil to perform these critical functions. 

This can lead to increased wear and tear on the engine parts, leading to poor performance and eventually, engine failure.

Moreover, excessive oil consumption can lead to the build-up of harmful deposits in the engine. These deposits can clog the oil filter and the oil passages, leading to reduced oil flow and increased engine temperature. 

Over time, this can cause serious damage to the engine and significantly reduce its lifespan.

In addition, excessive oil consumption can also lead to increased emissions, as the burnt oil produces harmful pollutants. This not only contributes to environmental pollution but can also lead to penalties if the vehicle fails the emissions test.

Therefore, it’s crucial for Hyundai owners to address the issue of excessive oil consumption as soon as possible to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of their vehicles.

What Steps Has Hyundai Taken to Address the ‘Excessive Oil Consumption’ Issue in Their Vehicles?

Hyundai has taken several steps to address the issue of excessive oil consumption in their vehicles:

1. Oil Consumption Test

Hyundai has implemented an oil consumption test to diagnose the issue in vehicles. The test involves filling the engine oil with a liter less than the recommended amount after draining the engine. After running the engine for a few minutes, the oil is drained again to check for any discrepancies.

1. Addressing Manufacturing Defects

The excessive oil consumption issue has been attributed to design or manufacturing defects in the engines. Hyundai has been working to identify and rectify these defects to prevent future issues.

1. Legal Action

Hyundai has been involved in a class action lawsuit regarding the oil consumption issue. This lawsuit has brought more attention to the problem and has likely prompted Hyundai to take more decisive action.

It’s important to note that while these steps are being taken, Hyundai owners should regularly monitor their oil levels and seek professional help if they notice signs of excessive oil consumption.

What Are Some Tips for Hyundai Owners to Minimize Oil Consumption?

• Regular Oil Changes

Regular oil changes are crucial to maintaining the health of your engine. Over time, oil can become dirty and less effective at lubricating the engine. Regular oil changes ensure that your engine is always running with clean, high-quality oil.

• Use the Right Oil

Always use the type of oil recommended by Hyundai for your specific model. Using the wrong type of oil can lead to increased oil consumption.

• Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance can help identify issues such as worn seals or gaskets, or problems with the piston rings, before they lead to excessive oil consumption. Regular check-ups and timely repairs can help keep your engine running efficiently.

• Monitor Oil Levels

Regularly check your oil levels. If you notice that your oil level is decreasing rapidly, it could be a sign of excessive oil consumption. Early detection can help prevent further damage to your engine.

• Avoid Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving, such as rapid acceleration and deceleration, can lead to increased oil consumption. Try to maintain a steady speed and avoid sudden stops and starts.

Does the Driving Environment Influence Excessive Oil Consumption In Hyundai?

The driving environment can play a significant role in the oil consumption of Hyundai vehicles. Here are some ways how:

• Driving Conditions

The conditions in which you drive your Hyundai vehicle can impact oil consumption. For instance, frequent short trips, especially in cold weather, can prevent the engine from reaching its optimal operating temperature. This can lead to increased oil consumption as the oil does not get hot enough to burn off certain contaminants.

• Driving Style

Aggressive driving styles, such as rapid acceleration and deceleration, can lead to increased oil consumption. Maintaining a steady speed and avoiding sudden stops and starts can help reduce oil consumption.

• Terrain

The type of terrain you frequently drive on can also affect oil consumption. Driving on hilly or mountainous terrain, or off-road driving, can put more strain on the engine and lead to increased oil consumption.

• Climate

Extreme climates can also impact oil consumption. Very hot or cold temperatures can affect the viscosity of the oil and its ability to properly lubricate the engine, potentially leading to increased oil consumption.

What is the Hyundai oil consumption test and how does it work?

The Hyundai oil consumption test is a diagnostic procedure designed to measure the rate of oil consumption in Hyundai vehicles. Here’s how it works:

• Drain the Engine: The first step involves draining the engine oil.
• Refill the Oil: After draining the engine, refill the engine oil with a liter less than the recommended amount.
• Run the Engine: Run the engine for a few minutes.
• Allow Oil to Settle: Turn the engine off and open the oil filler cap. Allow the engine oil to settle down to the oil pan for at least 15 minutes.
• Check the Oil Level: Check the engine oil level using the oil level dipstick and refill the oil to the “F” line of the oil level dipstick. A 5W-30 viscosity engine oil with API Service Grade of SN Plus or newer is recommended.
• Calculate Consumption Rate: The amount of oil that was required to refill the engine to the “F” line is the amount of oil that the engine consumed during the test. This gives you the rate of oil consumption. If the rate of oil consumption is higher than what Hyundai considers normal, it may indicate a problem that needs to be addressed. It’s always a good idea to consult with a Hyundai service center or a trusted mechanic if you notice excessive oil consumption in your vehicle.

                     

Conclusion

Excessive oil consumption in Hyundai vehicles is a significant issue that can impact the performance, safety, and lifespan of the vehicle. 

It can be caused by various factors, including worn seals or gaskets, poor quality oil, worn piston rings, high oil pressure, and aging of the engine. 

Hyundai has taken steps to address this issue, including implementing an oil consumption test and addressing manufacturing defects. 

However, it’s crucial for Hyundai owners to monitor their oil levels regularly, use the right type of oil, and seek professional help if they notice signs of excessive oil consumption. 

By doing so, they can ensure the longevity and optimal performance of their vehicles.