Check for Recalls – the Salvage Yard’s Double-edged Sword
Most of the industry already knows about the Kia/Hyundai Theta 2 engines – we sell tons of them. Most were recalled for a software update, and through that recall, the bearing tolerances are checked which very often leads to engines being replaced under warranty. These engines are very expensive, so making sure the software update has been done on their car is important because there is a great chance the replacement will do the same thing if not. These are 2.0 and 2.4L engines used from 2011-2019 all across their product line.
Ford has a similar problem with their 1.5L Ecoboost, but it’s not getting near the publicity. 2014-2019 Fusions and 2017-2019 Escape engines have a goodwill policy to replace the short block and head gasket under certain conditions. If you sell one of these and it comes back overheating you might want to make sure it doesn’t have an open recall. This recall specifically states if applies to salvage vehicles too but I’ve yet to have a dealer agree to cover one.
Also with Ford their 1.0L Ecoboost used in 2016-2022 EcoSport and Focus cars has a recall for the oil pump drive belt tensioner. The tensioners break and shred the oil pump belt, which of course causes the engine to seize. There isn’t a repair for this one currently, Ford just replaces engines if it’s under warranty. If not they end up with a salvage part that’s just as likely to have the problem.
— Brandy Patton
Product Services / Technical Support
