NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
254 reports130,000 miles · May 3, 2021
Engine
ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, ENGINE STARTED TO MAKE A RATTLING SOUND. THE SOUND GOT WORSE WHEN ACCELERATING ESPECIALLY IF I WAS ATTEMPTING TO GO UP A HILL.I TRIED TO MAKE IT TO A MECHANIC, BUT THE ENGINE DIED ON THE WAY WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE IT UP A BIG HILL AND WOULD NOT RESTART. I HAD IT TOWED TO A SHOP, THEY SAID THERE WAS NO OIL…
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ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, ENGINE STARTED TO MAKE A RATTLING SOUND. THE SOUND GOT WORSE WHEN ACCELERATING ESPECIALLY IF I WAS ATTEMPTING TO GO UP A HILL.I TRIED TO MAKE IT TO A MECHANIC, BUT THE ENGINE DIED ON THE WAY WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE IT UP A BIG HILL AND WOULD NOT RESTART. I HAD IT TOWED TO A SHOP, THEY SAID THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE CAR DESPITE THE FACT THAT WE ALWAYS HAD OUR OIL CHANGED REGULARLY. THERE WAS NO SIGN OF A LEAK. THEY HAD TO PUT THREE QUARTS IN IT JUST FOR ANYTHING TO SHOW ON THE DIPSTICK. THE SHOP THAT I TOOK IT TO DID NOT DO ENGINE REPAIR AND RECOMMENDED THAT I HAD IT TAKEN SOME PLACE TO HAVE THE ENGINE REBUILT. THEIR THEORY WAS IS THAT SOMETHING BLEW AND THAT THE OIL WAS BEING BURNED UP. IT HAPPENED SO FAST. ONE DAY I HAD A DEPENDABLE CARE THAT I LOVED. THE NEXT IT NEEDED IT'S ENGINE REPLACED. HOWEVER, I KNEW I COULD NOT AFFORD TO PAY FOR AN ENGINE TO BE REBUILT OR REPLACED. SO, I HAD TO JUST HAVE MY CAR TOWED HOME.
NHTSA ODI #11415063
Mileage unknown · Apr 29, 2021
Engine
MECHANIC SHOP CUSTOMER PRESENTS WITH COMPLAINT OF OIL LEAK AND NO SERPENTINE BELT. IINITIAL DIAGNOSIS. CAMSHAFT SEAL AND SERPENTINE BELT UPON OPENING UP FOUND EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO TIMING AND HEADS. DAMAGE TO CAMSHAFT, ROCKER ARMS APPEAR TO BE BURNT FROM NO LUBRICANT. APPEARS TO BE BLUNT FORCE TRAUMA THAT CAUSED BROKEN PARTS.…
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MECHANIC SHOP CUSTOMER PRESENTS WITH COMPLAINT OF OIL LEAK AND NO SERPENTINE BELT. IINITIAL DIAGNOSIS. CAMSHAFT SEAL AND SERPENTINE BELT UPON OPENING UP FOUND EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO TIMING AND HEADS. DAMAGE TO CAMSHAFT, ROCKER ARMS APPEAR TO BE BURNT FROM NO LUBRICANT. APPEARS TO BE BLUNT FORCE TRAUMA THAT CAUSED BROKEN PARTS. UNLESS WE OPEN UP THE ENGINE THERE IS NO WAY TO DETERMINE THE EXTENT OF DAMAGE TO THE INTERNAL ENGINE PARTS. THE RECALLS DEMONSTRATE OVER 129,000 ENGINES RECALLED FOR HYUNDAI AND THIS APPEARS TO BE CAUSED BY ENGINE DEFECTS. PICS CRANKSHAFT SEAL INSIDE ENGINE PIECE OF SERPENTINE BELT INSIDE ENGINE ROCKER ARM BEARING DAMAGE ROCKER ARM SERPENTINE DAMAGE EMAIL MORE PICS
NHTSA ODI #11414455
102,000 miles · Apr 27, 2021
Engine
CAR WAS STATIONARY AND WOULD NOT START, TOWED TO DEALER AND DEALER EXPLAINED ENGINE WAS BLOWN. I SEARCHED GOOGLE FOR RECALLS AND MANY HYUNDAI SANTA FE'S BETWEEN 2013-2019 HAD RECALLS, ALTHOUGH THEY WERE SPORTS MODEL AND OURS IS NOT A SPORTS MODEL, WE BELIEVE THAT THERE WOULD BE OTHER SANTA FE NON-SPORTS MODEL WITH SAME ISSUE. HY…
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CAR WAS STATIONARY AND WOULD NOT START, TOWED TO DEALER AND DEALER EXPLAINED ENGINE WAS BLOWN. I SEARCHED GOOGLE FOR RECALLS AND MANY HYUNDAI SANTA FE'S BETWEEN 2013-2019 HAD RECALLS, ALTHOUGH THEY WERE SPORTS MODEL AND OURS IS NOT A SPORTS MODEL, WE BELIEVE THAT THERE WOULD BE OTHER SANTA FE NON-SPORTS MODEL WITH SAME ISSUE. HYUNDAI INFORMED US THAT IT WOULD COST $18000 FOR A NEW ENGINE, THEY WOULD COVER HALF THE COST, WE PURCHASED THE CAR FOR AROUND $21000 - THIS IS RIDICULOUS AND TAKING ADVANTAGE OF CONSUMERS. I AM WAITING FOR PAPER WORK FROM HYUNDAI WITH REPORT BUT THERE IS NO WAY I CAN PAY $9000 TO GET A NEW ENGINE. ANY ASSISTANCE ON THIS GAUGING AND POSSIBLE ISSUE THAT OTHERS HAVE ENCOUNTERED WOULD BE APPRECIATED. I DO NOT THINK THEY ARE BEING HONEST. WE ALSO BROUGHT THE CAR IN PRIOR TO 100000 MILE WARRANTY EXPIRED WITH 'CHECK ENGINE' LIGHT ON, THEY DIAGNOSE SOME SMALL MAINTENANCE HAS TO BE PERFORMED AND WE PAYED FOR THAT, WE DROVE IT HOME AND A FEW DAYS LATER 'CHECK ENGINE' LIGHT RE-APPEARED, BROUGHT IT BACK AND THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG. ATTACHED ARE INVOICES FOR ABOVE REPAIRS
NHTSA ODI #11414152
91,845 miles · Apr 20, 2021
StructureUnknown Or Other
THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT OPEN EITHER FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. THIS HAPPENED OUT OF THE BLUE. CAR IS A 2015...AND NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. IN RESEARCHING MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH HYUNDAI MODELS AND YEARS. WE HAVE TALKED WITH THE DEALERSHIP, TAKEN IT TO A LOCKSMITH (COULDN'T OPEN WITH A SLIM JIM AND…
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THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT OPEN EITHER FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. THIS HAPPENED OUT OF THE BLUE. CAR IS A 2015...AND NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. IN RESEARCHING MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH HYUNDAI MODELS AND YEARS. WE HAVE TALKED WITH THE DEALERSHIP, TAKEN IT TO A LOCKSMITH (COULDN'T OPEN WITH A SLIM JIM AND AN INDEPENDENT THAT USED TO WORK FOR HYUNDAI WHO SAID HE WOULD HAVE TO DESTROY THE PANEL TO GET INSIDE TO CHECK THE ASSEMBLY AND REPAIR. DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE IF A FAST EXIT IS NEEDED. HYUNDAI FORUMS HAVE THE ISSUE BEING ASKED ABOUT FREQUENTLY INVOLVING ONE DOOR OR WITH MULTIPLE DOORS
NHTSA ODI #11413052
85,400 miles · Apr 20, 2021
Air BagsCrashInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT 5 MPH, WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE IMPACTED THE FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A FRACTURED LEFT WRIST AND RIGHT SHOULDER SPRAIN AND DID NOT SEEK MEDICAL AT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT 5 MPH, WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE IMPACTED THE FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A FRACTURED LEFT WRIST AND RIGHT SHOULDER SPRAIN AND DID NOT SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION AT THE MOMENT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVABLE, THE INSURANCE COMPANY DEEMED THE VEHICLE TOTALED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO IMPOUND LOT. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 85,400. *DT
NHTSA ODI #11412969
133,700 miles · Apr 19, 2021
Engine
OUR VEHICLE HAS NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES, NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, NOTHING. WE WERE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 60MPH WHEN THERE BEGAN TO HAVE A KNOCKING, RATTLING NOISE FROM THE ENGINE. WE PULLED OVER TO CHECK IT, NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OR ANYTHING STILL. DROVE THE VEHICLE TO OUR REPAIR SHOP, AND ON THE WAY THERE, OUR ENGI…
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OUR VEHICLE HAS NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES, NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, NOTHING. WE WERE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 60MPH WHEN THERE BEGAN TO HAVE A KNOCKING, RATTLING NOISE FROM THE ENGINE. WE PULLED OVER TO CHECK IT, NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OR ANYTHING STILL. DROVE THE VEHICLE TO OUR REPAIR SHOP, AND ON THE WAY THERE, OUR ENGINE BLEW. STILL NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. OUR VEHICLE ONLY HAD 133,000 MILES ON IT, SO OF COURSE IT'S OUT OF WARRANTY. SUCH A HUGE BURDEN. WE ARE NOW STUCK HAVING TO REPLACE THE ENGINE, WHILE OWING A CRAP TON OF MONEY ON THIS SUV.
NHTSA ODI #11412784
99,000 miles · Mar 15, 2021
EngineFuel/propulsion System
WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY 65MPH AFTER 15 MIN THERE IS A BURNING RUBBER SMELL, THE OIL IS LOW EVEN THOUGH I CHANGED IT 3 WEEKS AGO, IT IS CONSUMING TWICE AS MUCH GAS AS BEFORE. I CALLED A CERTIFIED HYUNDAI DEALER AND THEY HAVE NO AVAILABILITY, I HAVE A SAFTEY CONCERN BECAUSE ENGINE FIRES CAN HAPPEN. NOT SURE IF THIS IS RELATED…
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WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY 65MPH AFTER 15 MIN THERE IS A BURNING RUBBER SMELL, THE OIL IS LOW EVEN THOUGH I CHANGED IT 3 WEEKS AGO, IT IS CONSUMING TWICE AS MUCH GAS AS BEFORE. I CALLED A CERTIFIED HYUNDAI DEALER AND THEY HAVE NO AVAILABILITY, I HAVE A SAFTEY CONCERN BECAUSE ENGINE FIRES CAN HAPPEN. NOT SURE IF THIS IS RELATED TO ABS RECALL
NHTSA ODI #11403056
88,000 miles · Mar 5, 2021
Engine
AFTER GETTING GAS, I NOTICED A STRANGE SOUND COMING FROM MY CAR. I DROPPED IT OFF WITH MY MECHANIC WHO RECOGNIZED THIS AS A HYUNDAI GDI ENGINE HAVING DEFECTS. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP THAT CONFIRMED THE BEARINGS WERE WORN AND ENGINE ROD WAS ALMOST THROUGH THE ENGINE. HYUNDAI HAS REFUSED TO COVER EXPENSE TO …
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AFTER GETTING GAS, I NOTICED A STRANGE SOUND COMING FROM MY CAR. I DROPPED IT OFF WITH MY MECHANIC WHO RECOGNIZED THIS AS A HYUNDAI GDI ENGINE HAVING DEFECTS. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP THAT CONFIRMED THE BEARINGS WERE WORN AND ENGINE ROD WAS ALMOST THROUGH THE ENGINE. HYUNDAI HAS REFUSED TO COVER EXPENSE TO REPAIR.
NHTSA ODI #11399390
73,000 miles · Mar 3, 2021
Electrical SystemLane Departure
THE BLIND SPOT DETECTOR STARTING RANDOMLY GOING OFF VERY SPORADICALLY SINCE WE HAD THE CAR. THEN ONE DAY IT STARTED GOING OFF ALMOST EVERY MINUTE FOR ABOUT 7-8 MINUTES THEN AN ERROR MESSAGE APPEARED AND IT STOPPED WORKING ALL TOGETHER. THE CAR WAS IN MOTION ON THE FREEWAY.
NHTSA ODI #11398973
Mileage unknown · Feb 12, 2021
Service Brakes
RECALL 194 IS RELATED TO POTENTIAL ELECTRICAL FIRE. THIS RECALL HAS BEEN OUT SINCE 9/2020 AND YET NO DEALERSHIP HAS PARTS TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I HAVE CALL AT LEAST 3 TIMES AND GET TOLD "PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE". LAT CALL IS THE DATE BELOW.
NHTSA ODI #11395890
Official recalls
2Sep 22, 2023
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.
Jun 5, 2017
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the secondary hood latch actuating cable may corrode and bind, causing the secondary hood latch to remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the hood is not securely closed or the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary latch cable, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owner's may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for the recall is 163.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
3AQ23002 · 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.
DP21003 · Throttle Control System Vulnerabilities
Opened Nov 12, 2021 · Closed Jun 20, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:throttle
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003. Accordingly, Model Year (MY) 2005-2016 Kia Optima/K5, MY 2006-2015 Kia Sorento, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Santa Fe, MY 2006-2015 Hyundai Sonatas are all part of the subject population. The petition was originally filed as a Vehicle Owner Questionnaire that can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under reference (ODI) number 11439675.On November 12, 2021, ODI opened Defect Petition DP21-003 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. ODI performed trend analyses of the VOQs related to vehicle speed control issues for all the subject vehicles and found that none of the 52 Model/Model Year Hyundai/Kia vehicles demonstrated any actionable trend that warranted an investigation.Petitioners submitted 1119 VOQs and non-VOQ cases in which sudden uncommanded acceleration (SUA) or loss of motive power (LOMP) incidents were alleged.For the 1119 reports, 220 were incidents involving crashes, from which 69 subject Hyundai-Kia vehicles were inspected by Hyundai/Kia dealer technicians, Hyundai/Kia engineers, and/or third-party representatives.ODI found the inspections identified no vehicle defects related to the ETC system.Of the 220 crash-involved reports, 13 Event Data Recorder (EDR) records were downloaded successfully and 11 of those indicated driver error: (i.e.) pedal misapplication.A condition where the accelerator pedal is mistakenly applied instead of the brake pedal when the driver wants to stop the vehicle.In addition, ODI reviewed a scientific journal paper published in Forensic Science International in 2016 by Mr. Park et al ., as well as related test videos. ODI does not believe there is any evidence of uncontrollable SUA occurrences in any of the tests reviewed. NHTSA's Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) reviewed the allegations regarding the potential noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 124.Based on the information provided, the Agency concludes there is insufficient information for us to determine if a possible non-compliance exists.Finally, both Hyundai and Kia informed ODI that all their vehicles manufactured after 2012 were equipped with an ETC management system, in which the engine speed will go to idle when the system sees signals from both the brake pedal and accelerator pedal at the same time; this is commonly known as the brake-throttle override system.After thoroughly assessing the material submitted by the petitioner, information already in NHTSA's possession, information submitted by Hyundai and Kia in response to an Information Request letter, and the potential risks to safety implicated by the petitioner's allegation, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. After full consideration of appropriate factors, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA?s reasons for denial of the petition will be published.
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