NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
151 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Aug 8, 2023
Engine
8/5/23 was driving on turnpike when 2016 Santa Fe lost complete power without warning. Was barely able to pull over to the side of the road and the car completely died. Was in the car with 3 small children all under the age of 7 and stuck for over 2 hours waiting for a tow no air conditioning and no safe place to wait on the s…
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8/5/23 was driving on turnpike when 2016 Santa Fe lost complete power without warning. Was barely able to pull over to the side of the road and the car completely died. Was in the car with 3 small children all under the age of 7 and stuck for over 2 hours waiting for a tow no air conditioning and no safe place to wait on the side of the turnpike with barely enough shoulder space for the car. Had car towed to Napleton Hyundai in West Palm Beach. We have unfortunately had this happen before on our Hyundai Sonata, similar circumstances car lost all power while driving and would not restart. The Sonata turned out to have defective engine and was replaced at a different dealership under the class action, but we have had zero communication from Napleton Hyundai regarding the Santa Fe. We have provided everything that the dealer has requested, and not received any response from Napleton. We were told if the engine seized, engine is covered up to 150K miles and they are aware of the Santa Fe defect. But, we are stranded hours from home without a car and no one at the service department has called us back or informed us what are the next steps despite repeated requests from us to find out what is going on with the Santa Fe.
NHTSA ODI #11537141
Mileage unknown · Jul 27, 2023
Engine
After a recent oil change and while driving from Utah to Wyoming, the engine began sputtering and seemed to be on the verge of seizing. Fortunately, we could make it to a gas station and check the oil. The oil was so low it did not measure on the dipstick. This occurred less than 1,000 miles since the last oil change. I subseque…
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After a recent oil change and while driving from Utah to Wyoming, the engine began sputtering and seemed to be on the verge of seizing. Fortunately, we could make it to a gas station and check the oil. The oil was so low it did not measure on the dipstick. This occurred less than 1,000 miles since the last oil change. I subsequently learned that my sister, who also owns a 2016 Santa Fe, had a similar problem, but her engine completely seized while on the freeway. The local dealership acknowledged this was a problem and managed to replace her engine at no charge. We have been unable to get our local dealership in Colorado to make such an acknowledgment. My son uses the car now for college. His local dealership in Grand Junction told him that all we can do is have them perform an oil change, drive the car, and come and see them when the engine seizes before it's due for another oil change. The implication was that they were aware of the problem, but couldn't apply for an engine replacement unless the engine had seized. This seems wrong and unsafe. My son is currently having to add oil every three weeks.
NHTSA ODI #11534859
Mileage unknown · Jul 14, 2023
Engine
I posted when this happened but didn't know what it was. On 5/16/23, I was driving on highway going about 60 mph when my vehicle completely shut off with no warning. I lost all control except I could steer a little. Thank God, I was able to get off the road safely. I had no brakes and had to drift to a stop. It never started aga…
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I posted when this happened but didn't know what it was. On 5/16/23, I was driving on highway going about 60 mph when my vehicle completely shut off with no warning. I lost all control except I could steer a little. Thank God, I was able to get off the road safely. I had no brakes and had to drift to a stop. It never started again. I had my granddaughter with me. I'm 62 years old and I've been driving since I was 16 and this is the most dangerous thing that has ever happened while driving. Please do something about these vehicles! I know people have had to have lost lives from this.
NHTSA ODI #11532335
Mileage unknown · Jul 12, 2023
Engine
The engine completely gave out all of a sudden on the highway while coming home from vacation. We were stranded on the highway and had to have someone come help my husband push the car off highway to the nearest convenience store. The car would not take a jump so we paid $427 to have it towed from Bay St. Louis, MS to Kenner, LA…
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The engine completely gave out all of a sudden on the highway while coming home from vacation. We were stranded on the highway and had to have someone come help my husband push the car off highway to the nearest convenience store. The car would not take a jump so we paid $427 to have it towed from Bay St. Louis, MS to Kenner, LA to our reputable mechanic to find out the problem. Per our mechanic the engine has completely gone out. This car is not even 10 years old, is well maintained, gets regular oil changes and only has about 87 or 88K miles on it. It has not been inspected by anyone other than our mechanic. There were no warning signs at all on the car prior to this or when it killed and died. Completely killed. We have called Corporate Hyundai office and they gave me a case number of [XXX] and said I would have to deal with the Hyundai of Metairie location and it would be 3 weeks before they could even inspect the vehicle after I incurred another towing charge. I did call the Service Dept. and left a message for Mr. David Porter to call me but he has not called back. I cannot believe a car does not last more than 10 years and at least $125,000 miles. Therefore, I would like to report a problem so this does not happen to anyone else and recoup some of my expense costs as my car is valued at like $13,500 if it was running and only a 1,000 if not running. A refurbished engine is anywhere from a $3500 to $4800 plus the cost of a warranty and labor. I have read there were some engine complaints on Hyundai and there is a pending investigation. Mechanics name David Mills, 627 Oxley Street, Kenner LA.504-466-8776. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11531920
Mileage unknown · Jul 9, 2023
Engine
My 2016 Santa Fe engine spun a rod bearing at 130,900 miles. Took to dealership and they diagnosed it and refused any warranty.
NHTSA ODI #11531123
Mileage unknown · Jul 2, 2023
Engine
On the morning of June 26, I dropped my daughter off at camp. Not far from the house, the engine light begins blinking with no warning. I pull over to look under the hood; there was no smoke and the oil level and color looked ok. I was able to get back home but on the way began to lose acceleration. This would have been much wor…
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On the morning of June 26, I dropped my daughter off at camp. Not far from the house, the engine light begins blinking with no warning. I pull over to look under the hood; there was no smoke and the oil level and color looked ok. I was able to get back home but on the way began to lose acceleration. This would have been much worse if I was on the highway traveling at a higher speed as opposed to a residential area. Later, I was able to tow it to an independent service center who said the code for repair is P1326 for a knock sensor. In the mechanic’s research of the code, he said this is an issue for a Hyundai certified mechanic. I too did some research and saw all the Hyundai owners with the exact same issue. I called all the Hyundai auto shops in my area and none of them have appointments just to look at the car until the end of July. Now I am stuck with an immobile car that I just purchased in January and was told I’m not entitled to a loaner or rental because the vehicle isn’t being repaired yet.
NHTSA ODI #11530028
Mileage unknown · Jun 22, 2023
Engine
The car was being driven by our daughter south on Interstate 75 in Florida when the engine seized. It just froze. All power was lost while in the middle lane. Our daughter had to glide into the shoulder using only the momentum of the vehicle and carefully avoid traffic. The car was towed to our local mechanic who found nothi…
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The car was being driven by our daughter south on Interstate 75 in Florida when the engine seized. It just froze. All power was lost while in the middle lane. Our daughter had to glide into the shoulder using only the momentum of the vehicle and carefully avoid traffic. The car was towed to our local mechanic who found nothing wrong with the battery, starter, alternator or oil. The oil was in fact checked prior to the trip that day. I called our local Hyundai dealer who stated that this was a "known problem". He also added that the engine would probably have to be replaced and he had "10 cars in front of mine that needed engine replacements." We are still waiting for Hyundai Corporate to agree to the repair. The vehicle only has 47,000 miles on it and has the balance of the drive train warranty. We are without a car and are currently renting a vehicle so that we can have transportation. I have no idea why this vehicle and others like it have not been recalled. This is an extremely dangerous problem with these cars. The driver, our daughter , could have been in a dangerous accident.
NHTSA ODI #11528412
Mileage unknown · Jun 21, 2023
Engine
On July 26, 2021, I purchased a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe SE. I purchased the vehicle with 90,168 miles on it, a current inspection, and a 3,000 bumper-to-bumper warranty. It has a 6 cylinder 3.3L engine. Since then, I’ve put 38,266 miles on it, and it’s ran without a problem. I’ve done all preventative maintenance, made my oil ch…
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On July 26, 2021, I purchased a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe SE. I purchased the vehicle with 90,168 miles on it, a current inspection, and a 3,000 bumper-to-bumper warranty. It has a 6 cylinder 3.3L engine. Since then, I’ve put 38,266 miles on it, and it’s ran without a problem. I’ve done all preventative maintenance, made my oil changes mostly around when needed in accordance with mechanics, and overall maintained the car as per recommended. On March 25, 2023, I was driving to work, and I felt a sudden loss of acceleration. I heard a knocking that I hadn’t heard before, yet no lights came on. No check engine light, no oil pressure light. My dashboard was not indicative of any problem. I ended up getting it towed to my personal mechanic, who was able to tell me that although the engine hasn’t seized up yet, it was surely not far from it. I was also informed that it was nearly empty. Now, I’ve had oil changes before and at no point has any mechanic, including those at my Hyundai dealership ever told me that I was short on oil. I had no puddles anywhere, at home or at work. I’ve had no smoke emissions from the vehicle to indicate that it was burning oil. To this day…I don’t know where 5 quarts of oil went out of my engine in two weeks. It is my belief that the only way this amount of oil could just vanish out of thin air is a glaring engine defect leading to near-catastrophic engine failure.
NHTSA ODI #11528130
Mileage unknown · Jun 20, 2023
Engine
As I was driving home from work at night on May 4, my engine suddenly started making noises, then the engine light started flashing and the engine stopped working and I had to coast to the side of the road. I had to get it towed back to my residence late at night. I had an independent mechanic verify the catastrophic engine fail…
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As I was driving home from work at night on May 4, my engine suddenly started making noises, then the engine light started flashing and the engine stopped working and I had to coast to the side of the road. I had to get it towed back to my residence late at night. I had an independent mechanic verify the catastrophic engine failure. To date the vehicle has not been repaired due to the high cost and unavailable replacement engines.
NHTSA ODI #11527883
Mileage unknown · Jun 16, 2023
EngineUnknown Or Other
I was driving and all of a sudden my car quit sounded like a belt broke so I coasted to Thackers Repair and he told me a rod went right through the side of the engine so I would need a new engine. I had my oil changed every 3000 miles there was no reason for this, and I did not receive any recalls.
NHTSA ODI #11527443
Official recalls
3Feb 3, 2022
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Santa Fe, 2017-2018 Santa Fe Sport, 2019 Santa Fe XL, and 2014-2015 Tucson vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.
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 multi-fuse, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 31, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 218.
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.
Mar 10, 2016
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured September 1, 2015 to February 12, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the wires in the front seat belt buckle harnesses may be damaged by the seat's height adjuster mechanism, resulting in a failure to provide an audible warning when front seat occupants do not fasten their seat belts. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Without a warning to remind the front seat occupants that their seat belts are not buckled, they may forget to buckle their seat belt, increasing their risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and reroute the wires in the front seat belt buckle harnesses to their proper locations, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 27, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 141.
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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