NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
82 reports30,000 miles · Jul 24, 2018
Engine
ON 7/19/2018, AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, I NOTICED THE ENGINE WOULD NOT REV MORE THAN 4000RPM WHILE IN PARK. THOUGHT THIS MIGHT BE A SAFETY FEATURE SO DIDN'T GIVE IT MUCH THOUGHT. I DROVE THE CAR THAT DAY APPROXIMATELY 80 MILES, AND ABOUT 1 MILE FROM MY HOUSE, WHILE STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN ON A CITY STREET, THE ENGINE DIED. I WA…
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ON 7/19/2018, AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, I NOTICED THE ENGINE WOULD NOT REV MORE THAN 4000RPM WHILE IN PARK. THOUGHT THIS MIGHT BE A SAFETY FEATURE SO DIDN'T GIVE IT MUCH THOUGHT. I DROVE THE CAR THAT DAY APPROXIMATELY 80 MILES, AND ABOUT 1 MILE FROM MY HOUSE, WHILE STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN ON A CITY STREET, THE ENGINE DIED. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR STARTED BUT IT IMMEDIATELY DIED AGAIN. I WAS ABLE TO AGAIN GET THE VEHICLE STARTED AND DROVE IT THE REST OF THE WAY HOME. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT EVER ILLUMINATED! DROVE THE CAR ABOUT 20 TOTAL MILES OVER THE NEXT 3 DAYS WITH NO PROBLEMS. ON 7/23/2018, MY WIFE DROVE THE CAR TO WORK AND THE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING WHILE SHE WAS STILL MOVING ON A BUSY CITY STREET. SHE WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START AGAIN AND SHE HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP. STILL NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT! WE BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE ON 7/11/2015. A 36 MONTH OLD VEHICLE WITH APPROX 30K MILES AND IT BREAKS DOWN? THIS PROBLEM IS NOT AN ANNOYANCE. THIS PROBLEM IS A SAFETY ISSUE! NHTSA SHOULD BE ORDERING A MANDATORY RECALL, ESPECIALLY AFTER THE PROBLEMS THEY HAD WITH PRIOR YEAR HYUNDAI ENGINES.
NHTSA ODI #11113283
30,000 miles · Jun 29, 2018
Power Train
TRANSMISSION DISENGAGES AT RED-LINE SPEEDS. ENGINE RPM'S CONTINUE TO REV UP WHILE VEHICLE FORWARD TRAJECTORY IS CUT OFF. INTERMITTENT PROBLEM - CREATES SAFETY ISSUE WHEN PASSING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS AND TRANSMISSION DISENGAGES AT RED-LINE INSTEAD OF SHIFTING UP TO THE NEXT GEAR. WHEN GOING FROM ZERO TO SIXTY (FROM A STOP) TH…
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TRANSMISSION DISENGAGES AT RED-LINE SPEEDS. ENGINE RPM'S CONTINUE TO REV UP WHILE VEHICLE FORWARD TRAJECTORY IS CUT OFF. INTERMITTENT PROBLEM - CREATES SAFETY ISSUE WHEN PASSING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS AND TRANSMISSION DISENGAGES AT RED-LINE INSTEAD OF SHIFTING UP TO THE NEXT GEAR. WHEN GOING FROM ZERO TO SIXTY (FROM A STOP) THE TACHOMETER/TRANSMISSION WILL DISENGAGE AFTER FIRST GEAR HITS REDLINE. THIS HAPPENS WHILE IN AUTOMATIC MODE. ENGINE CONTINUES TO REV HIGHER RPM'S, BUT VEHICLE LOSES FORWARD TRAJECTORY. THIS HAS BEEN AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM SINCE OWNING THE CAR WHICH WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW IN 2015.
NHTSA ODI #11104734
93,751 miles · Jun 22, 2018
Engine
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE ENGINE SEIZED AND TURNED OFF. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP. THEY TOLD US THAT THE MOTOR IS LOCKED AND WILL NOT TURN OVER BECAUSE OF INTERNAL ENGINE FAILURE AND THERE WAS SLUDGE AND METAL IN THE OIL PAN. THE ASSISTAN…
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I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE ENGINE SEIZED AND TURNED OFF. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP. THEY TOLD US THAT THE MOTOR IS LOCKED AND WILL NOT TURN OVER BECAUSE OF INTERNAL ENGINE FAILURE AND THERE WAS SLUDGE AND METAL IN THE OIL PAN. THE ASSISTANT MANAGER THEN TOLD US THAT THIS WAS ALSO A PROBLEM FOUND WITHIN THE 2013-2014 MODELS THAT HAD GOTTEN RECALLED, BUT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO FOR US AND WE HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR A NEW ENGINE.
NHTSA ODI #11103485
40,300 miles · Apr 13, 2018
Fuel/propulsion SystemVisibility/wiper
I ACTUALLY HAVE TWO SEPARATE PROBLEMS WITH MY HYUNDAI. 1)MY CAR LURCHES WHEN I STEP ON THE GAS IF I'VE HAD TO SLOW DOWN OR STOP. I WAS CROSSING RAILROAD TRACKS BEHIND SOMEONE WHO SLOWED WAY DOWN. THEY FINALLY GOT OVER THE TRACKS AND SPED BACK UP, I ALSO STEPPED ON THE GAS TO GO JUST AS THE RR CROSSING ARMS STARTED TO FLASH & CO…
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I ACTUALLY HAVE TWO SEPARATE PROBLEMS WITH MY HYUNDAI. 1)MY CAR LURCHES WHEN I STEP ON THE GAS IF I'VE HAD TO SLOW DOWN OR STOP. I WAS CROSSING RAILROAD TRACKS BEHIND SOMEONE WHO SLOWED WAY DOWN. THEY FINALLY GOT OVER THE TRACKS AND SPED BACK UP, I ALSO STEPPED ON THE GAS TO GO JUST AS THE RR CROSSING ARMS STARTED TO FLASH & COME DOWN, THERE WAS A TRAIN COMING. MY CAR HESITATED AND LURCHED WHICH GAVE ME A BIT OF A FRIGHT, SINCE THERE WAS A TRAIN COMING THREE BLOCKS AWAY. I MADE IT ACROSS THE TRACKS WITH TIME TO SPARE, BUT HAVE ALSO HAD THIS HAPPEN WHEN I WAS PULLING INTO TRAFFIC. WHEN YOU PULL OUT IN TRAFFIC AT A BUSY INTERSECTION, TO HAVE YOUR CAR LURCH & PAUSE IS A BIT UNNERVING & MAKES ME LOOK LIKE A JERK DRIVER TO PULL OUT TO THEN ONLY PAUSE & GO. 2)THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS. WE HAD GOTTEN 5 TO 6 INCHES OF HEAVY WET SNOW. I TOOK MY LITTLE SWEEPER & SWEPT OFF ALL OF THE WINDSHIELD AROUND THE WIPERS, SIDE WINDOWS & BACK WINDOW. I GOT BACK IN THE CAR AND TURNED THE WIPERS ON TO CLEAN THE WINDSHIELD MORE CLEARLY, THIS KNOCKED SOME SNOW DOWN WHERE THE WIPER RESTS & THE WIPERS WOULDN'T MOVE. IT'S AS THOUGH THEY COULDN'T GO DOWN AND RESET THEMSELVES, SO THEY WOULDN'T COME BACK UP. I GOT OUT & CLEANED AROUND THE BASE OF THE WINDSHIELD AGAIN. THERE WAS SOME SNOW ON TOP OF MY CAR WHEN I LEFT MY HOME THAT I WAS TOO SHORT TO REACH. STOPPING AT THE STOP LIGHT CAUSED SOME OF THE SNOW TO FALL FORWARD ON MY WINDSHIELD. I TURNED THE WIPERS ON AND THEY PUSHED MOST OF IT OFF, BUT WHEN THEY COULDN'T GO ALL THE WAY BACK DOWN THEY WERE UNABLE TO SWIPE AGAIN. THEY KEPT TRYING BUT THEY DIDN'T GO ALL THE WAY DOWN TO RESET THEY WERE STUCK. SINCE THERE WAS STILL SNOW BLOCKING MY VISION, I GOT OUT AT STOPLIGHT & SWEPT SNOW OFF MY WINDSHIELD & BASE OF WIPERS. LIGHT WAS NOW GREEN SO I QUICKLY JUMPED IN TO GO, MY CAR LURCHED (SEE #1) & MORE SNOW FELL FORWARD. SAME SCENARIO, VISION BLOCKED.
NHTSA ODI #11084915
32,820 miles · Mar 27, 2018
EngineService Brakes
PURCHASED A CPO CAR FROM DEALERSHIP. 32K MILES. DROVE APPROXIMATELY 150 MILES WHEN DRIVING UP A MAJOR HIGHWAY AT 60MPH, ENGINE STARTING SEVERE KNOCKING, IN LESS THEN 1/2 MILE, ENGINE FAILED. ELECTRICAL WORKED, PUT ON HAZARD LIGHTS. BRAKES WERE UNUSABLE. COASTED TO EMERGENCY LANE AND PUSHED INTO PARK. CAR WAS TOWED BACK TO DEA…
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PURCHASED A CPO CAR FROM DEALERSHIP. 32K MILES. DROVE APPROXIMATELY 150 MILES WHEN DRIVING UP A MAJOR HIGHWAY AT 60MPH, ENGINE STARTING SEVERE KNOCKING, IN LESS THEN 1/2 MILE, ENGINE FAILED. ELECTRICAL WORKED, PUT ON HAZARD LIGHTS. BRAKES WERE UNUSABLE. COASTED TO EMERGENCY LANE AND PUSHED INTO PARK. CAR WAS TOWED BACK TO DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE CAR ENGINE THREW A ROD. ENTIRE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS CAR WAS "CERTIFIED". CAR WAS RETURNED TO DEALERSHIP WHERE A FULL REFUND WAS OBTAINED. I HAVE VIDEO OF THE ENGINE SOUND.
NHTSA ODI #11081581
38,667 miles · Feb 28, 2018
Electrical SystemService Brakes
PUSH TO START DOES NOT WORK. BRAKE IS NOT REGISTERING
NHTSA ODI #11075363
700,662 miles · Jan 19, 2018
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control
2015 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT 2.0T 4CYL WJTH THE PREVIOUSLY RECALLED (2011-2014) ENGINE. THETA || GDI 2.0 WAS RUNNING PERFECTLY NORMAL ONE DAY NO WARNING LIGHTS OR MESSAGES WERE DISPLAYED BESIDES MY TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT . I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 30 MILES AN HOUR ON FLAT PAVED ROAD WHEN THE ENGINE STARTED MAKING A KNOCKING/ TICKING NOIS…
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2015 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT 2.0T 4CYL WJTH THE PREVIOUSLY RECALLED (2011-2014) ENGINE. THETA || GDI 2.0 WAS RUNNING PERFECTLY NORMAL ONE DAY NO WARNING LIGHTS OR MESSAGES WERE DISPLAYED BESIDES MY TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT . I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 30 MILES AN HOUR ON FLAT PAVED ROAD WHEN THE ENGINE STARTED MAKING A KNOCKING/ TICKING NOISE VERY LOUDLY , THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT THEN CAME ON , I TURNED THE CAR AROUND TO HEAD BACK HOME WHICH I WAS ONLY 4 MILES AWAY , THE CAR WAS LOSING POWER TO THE ENGINE AS I KEPT DRIVING TO MAKE IT HOME , I MADE IT TO THE HILL I LIVE ON WHICH IS STEEP AND TRIED TO GO A LITTLE FASTER BUT THE CAR WOULDN'T GO OVER 20 MPH AT THIS POINT AND THE NOISE IS BECOMING LOUDER AND LOUDER . I MADE IT TO MY DRIVE WHEN THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN . I TURNED THE KEY OFF FOR ABOUT A MINUTE AND THEN TRIED STARTING IT UP AGAIN , IT WOULDN'T. TURN OVER AND MADE A LOUD CLUNK . I DID TRY HAVING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED AS I WAS TOLD THE TROUBLE CODE IT WAS DISPLAYING WERE P0014 AND P0024 , MY MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THIS AS THE ENGINE TIMING SOLENOIDS NEEDING TO BE REPLACED AND THE CAMSHAFT TIMING BEING ADVANCED , I WENT AHEAD WITH THE NEW SOLENOIDS AND A COMPLETE OIL CHANGE DUE TO THERE BEING METAL SHAVINGS IN THE OIL AND ON THE SOLENOIDS . AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE COMPLETE IT WAS TEST DRIVEN BY THE MECHANIC AND THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN ONCE AGAIN, THE BRAND NEW SOLENOIDS AND OIL ALL HAD BEEN CONTAMINATED WITH METAL SHAVINGS . I WAS THEN ADVISED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE AS IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. I NOW HAVE A CAR WITH AN OUTSTANDING BALANCE THAT DOESN'T RUN AND A VERY HIGH MECHANIC BILL AND NOTHING TO SHOW FOR IT. I WILL NOT BE PURCHASING A REPLACEMENT ENGINE OUT OF POCKET AS THIS IS A FAULTY ENGINE
NHTSA ODI #11063653
48,000 miles · Dec 27, 2017
Latches/locks/linkagesStructure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR DID NOT LOCK AUTOMATICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (POHANKA HYUNDAI, 1770 RITCHIE STATION CT, CAPITOL HEIGHTS, MD 20790, 301-899-0480), WHERE THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO UNLOCK THE DOOR AND RECOMMENDED THAT THE DOOR …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR DID NOT LOCK AUTOMATICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (POHANKA HYUNDAI, 1770 RITCHIE STATION CT, CAPITOL HEIGHTS, MD 20790, 301-899-0480), WHERE THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO UNLOCK THE DOOR AND RECOMMENDED THAT THE DOOR NEEDED TO BE REBUILT. THE TECHNICIAN FURTHER STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 48,000.
NHTSA ODI #11056835
32,836 miles · Dec 13, 2017
Exterior LightingUnknown Or Other
WHILE DRIVING, ALL WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASH CAME ON, AND THE GAS RANGE CONTINUOUSLY FLUCTUATED AS IF I WAS PUTTING GAS IN THE CAR, BUT IT WAS LEAKING SOMEWHERE. THE SPEEDOMETER ALSO STOPPED WORKING.THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED SINCE SEPTEMBER.
NHTSA ODI #11054513
Mileage unknown · Aug 22, 2017
SteeringUnknown Or Other
WHEN I MAKE A TURN I CAN HEAR A CLICKING SOUND.
NHTSA ODI #11018865
NHTSA investigations
2AQ23002 · Hyundai And Kia Abs Module Fires
Opened Nov 17, 2023 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.
DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power
Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.