Can a car hydrolock and restart?

Hello, yes, it sounds like damage was probably done by trying to start your car after stalling in high water, and once you forced it to restart, it continued to rapidly deteriorate due to contamination. In order to prove the failure due to water contamination, you may have to have the engine torn down to validate the concern - as evidence will be present if water played a part in the failure. Seek guidance at a shop near you who can help. Use this link to find some shops near you that can help with your concern: www.repairpal.com/repair-shops