Hyundai and Kia are recalling nearly 1.5 million vehicles in the U.S., Canada and South Korea for very critical engine problems. 

The automakers said a defect in cars and sports utility vehicles may lead to stalled engines and an increased risk of crashes. South Korea’s transport ministry said Friday that metal debris in crankshafts could result in engine damage and the loss of motive power, according to Reuters. 

The list of vehicles to be recalled in the U.S. includes:

• Hyundai Santa Fe Sport SUVs, 2013 to 2014
  
• Hyundai Sonata midsize cars, 2013 to 2014
  
• Kia Optima midsize cars, 2011 to 2014
  
• Kia Sportage SUVs, 2011 to 2013
  
• Kia Sorento SUVs, 2012 to 2014
  

According to regulators Hyundai and Kia all together recalling 1.19 million cars and SUVs in the United States, 114,187 in Canada and 171,348 in South Korean, safety regulators said. 

“The recall is related to a manufacturing process problem,” the companies said in a statement. The engines for the vehicles recalled in the U.S. were made at a Hyundai plant in Alabama.

Hyundai said it would replace defective engines with new ones, with recalls scheduled to begin in late May.

According documents posted by Hyundai and Kia on Friday at the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that debris left from manufacturing can restrict oil flow to connecting rod bearings. Since they are cooled by oil, the restriction can increase temperatures and cause the bearings to wear and fail, and the engines could stall. 

Owners will hear a knocking sound from the engine that increases in frequency as the engine speed rises. They also could get engine warning lights on their dashboard, Hyundai spokesman Jim Trainor said. Those with problems should contact their dealers.

Hyundai and Kia will notify owners and dealers will inspect the engines. They'll replace the engine block if needed at no cost to owners. The recall is scheduled to start on May 19. 

Trainor said the company has no reports of any crashes or injuries.