NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
236 reportsMileage unknown · Jun 26, 2021
Engine
My engine stalled on the highway with no warning lights or symptoms. I've owned it for 6mo. It had regular recorded maintenance and showed no issue. Then as I was driving home from work, the car seized up and jerked to a full stop at previously 65mph. Inspection by dealership revealed that my engine blew at 70,800 miles. With no…
Read full complaint
My engine stalled on the highway with no warning lights or symptoms. I've owned it for 6mo. It had regular recorded maintenance and showed no issue. Then as I was driving home from work, the car seized up and jerked to a full stop at previously 65mph. Inspection by dealership revealed that my engine blew at 70,800 miles. With no warning. No symptoms. Hyundai will not pay for repairs, $9000 on top of the $14000 I still owe. This car put me in an unexpected dangerous situation!! Every other year of this make and model has been recalled. Please recall the 2016, it is not safe!
NHTSA ODI #11422389
Mileage unknown · Jun 23, 2021
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train
Drive The car on the Highway and seemed like I was losing power and a few minutes later I heard a knocking on the engine
NHTSA ODI #11421946
Mileage unknown · Jun 4, 2021
Engine
vehicle stalled and locked up was not able to push breaks or turn steering dealer advised me engine was stalled and needed to be replaced, was known in my model, this was why this vehicle and year had an extended warranty unto 200K miles. The engine was replaced and the vehicle is still not running correctly. When accelerating t…
Read full complaint
vehicle stalled and locked up was not able to push breaks or turn steering dealer advised me engine was stalled and needed to be replaced, was known in my model, this was why this vehicle and year had an extended warranty unto 200K miles. The engine was replaced and the vehicle is still not running correctly. When accelerating to turn on on highway, it seems stalled and doesn't move, returning to dealer tomorrow after being w/o a vehicle 3 weeks. It is not coming up on your recall notices and am concerned this is a safety issue.
NHTSA ODI #11419718
Mileage unknown · Jun 2, 2021
Engine
The car was sitting in the driveway waiting to be started up. When the car was started, there was a knocking sound from the engine. I turned the car off and checked the oil. The oil was down about 2 quarts, so I decided to change the oil since we were goin on a trip. I changed the oil and the knocking sound did not go away so …
Read full complaint
The car was sitting in the driveway waiting to be started up. When the car was started, there was a knocking sound from the engine. I turned the car off and checked the oil. The oil was down about 2 quarts, so I decided to change the oil since we were goin on a trip. I changed the oil and the knocking sound did not go away so we took it to a dealer. We change the oil every 5-7 thousand miles and reset the service button. The car is at the dealer and I have not heard a word from them.
NHTSA ODI #11419316
Mileage unknown · May 26, 2021
Service BrakesUnknown Or Other
The ABS, traction control, and another light are illuminated. Upon investigating online this is a known issue with these cars. No recall has been issued. My car is available for inspection.
NHTSA ODI #11418573
Mileage unknown · May 23, 2021
Engine
Driving home from work, Car jerked me forward and stopped at 60mph. Engine promptly shut off. Turned key over and put car into neutral to get it off of the highway. Herrnstein Hyundai of Chillicothe told me that my Nu Engine had blown and i need a total replacement. No warnings or dash lights came on. Hyundai states they wont h…
Read full complaint
Driving home from work, Car jerked me forward and stopped at 60mph. Engine promptly shut off. Turned key over and put car into neutral to get it off of the highway. Herrnstein Hyundai of Chillicothe told me that my Nu Engine had blown and i need a total replacement. No warnings or dash lights came on. Hyundai states they wont help despite the recall to be posted on June 25th.
NHTSA ODI #11418196
106,000 miles · Apr 29, 2021
Engine
I GOT MY ENGINE REPAIRED, BUT THE TEST DRIVE SHOWED A SENSOR FOR THE OIL VALVE? THING. HYUNDAI WAS SUPPOSED TO OVERNIGHT IT AS OF FRIDAY 4/23. MY CAR IS STILL NOT DONE. I AM NOT COMPLAINNG ABOUT THE DEALERSHIP, BUT THE PART AND HOW THEY TAKE SO LONG. MY CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP SINCE 3/20/2021. I HAVE HAD NO CAR SINCE THEN.…
Read full complaint
I GOT MY ENGINE REPAIRED, BUT THE TEST DRIVE SHOWED A SENSOR FOR THE OIL VALVE? THING. HYUNDAI WAS SUPPOSED TO OVERNIGHT IT AS OF FRIDAY 4/23. MY CAR IS STILL NOT DONE. I AM NOT COMPLAINNG ABOUT THE DEALERSHIP, BUT THE PART AND HOW THEY TAKE SO LONG. MY CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP SINCE 3/20/2021. I HAVE HAD NO CAR SINCE THEN. I AM IN SALES AND A SINGLE MOM. I HAVE BEEN USING MY BOYFRIEND'S TRUCK, BUT I CANT DO THAT FOREVER. CAN YOU PLEASE LOOK INTO WHY HYUNDAI ISNT QUICK WITH DELIVERING PARTS? IM BEYOND FRUSTRATED. HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY WILL NEVER BE A COMPANY I PURCHASE FROM EVER AGAIN. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP. [XXX] [XXX] PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA ODI #11414405
133,000 miles · Apr 19, 2021
Engine
VEHICLE IS 2016 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT WITH 133,000 MILES. I HAVE DOCUMENTED PROOF OF REGULAR MAINTENANCE. VEHICLE WAS GETTING 32-33 MPG. ENGINE SUDDENLY STARTED KNOCKING AND DIED WITHIN A FEW MILES. REPAIR SHOP SAID HYUNDAI EXTENDED WARRANTY FROM 100,000 TO 120,000 FOR THIS ISSUE. MY CAR HAS 133,000 AND IS NOT INCLUDED IN…
Read full complaint
VEHICLE IS 2016 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT WITH 133,000 MILES. I HAVE DOCUMENTED PROOF OF REGULAR MAINTENANCE. VEHICLE WAS GETTING 32-33 MPG. ENGINE SUDDENLY STARTED KNOCKING AND DIED WITHIN A FEW MILES. REPAIR SHOP SAID HYUNDAI EXTENDED WARRANTY FROM 100,000 TO 120,000 FOR THIS ISSUE. MY CAR HAS 133,000 AND IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE 2011 TO 2014 RECALLS. ENGINE WAS REPLACED WITH REBUILT HYANDAI ENGINE. IMMEDIATELY ISSUES STARTING OCCURRING SUCH AS UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION, AND NOW IT WON'T ACCELERATE TO 55 MPH. THERE IS NO POWER AND THE NEW ENGINE IS KNOCKING. AT NEARLY $8,000 OUT OF MY POCKET I AM AGAIN WITHOUT A VEHICLE FOR WEEKS ON END. I AM AN ESSENTIAL WORKER WITH A NEWBORN CHILD AND I CANNOT RISK A BREAK DOWN WHILE ENROUTE THE 37 MILES ONE WAY TO WORK OR AT ANY OTHER LOCATION. ANOTHER ACQUAINTANCE HAS A 2016 SONATA AND HER ENGINE IS ALSO MAKING A KNOCKING SOUND. PLEASE INCLUDE THE NEWER MODELS ON THE ENGINE RECALL AS THEY ARE DOING THE SAME. PLEASE ADVISE WHAT RECOURSE I HAVE FOR A RELIABLE VEHICLE. I SHOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GET ANOTHER 150,000 MILES AT LEAST OUT OF MY SANTA FE AND IT COULD DIE A NORMAL DEATH AS OPPOSED TO A QUICK DEATH DUE TO ENGINE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE ENGINE FAILURE AND OTHER ENGINE ISSUES HAVE OCCURRED.
NHTSA ODI #11412882
840,000 miles · Apr 13, 2021
Engine
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR 45 MILES AN HOUR ON SATURDAY APRIL 10TH, AROUND 5:40PM IN THE CURB LANE. THE CAR COMPLETELY DIED UNEXPECTEDLY. I MANAGED TO COAST TO A SMALL PARKING LOT OFF OF A BUSY STREET. I HAD THE CAR TOWED AND ASSESSED BY INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ON THE FOLLOWING MONDAY. THEY DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE HAD BEEN COMPLETEL…
Read full complaint
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR 45 MILES AN HOUR ON SATURDAY APRIL 10TH, AROUND 5:40PM IN THE CURB LANE. THE CAR COMPLETELY DIED UNEXPECTEDLY. I MANAGED TO COAST TO A SMALL PARKING LOT OFF OF A BUSY STREET. I HAD THE CAR TOWED AND ASSESSED BY INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ON THE FOLLOWING MONDAY. THEY DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE HAD BEEN COMPLETELY SEIZED, BUT THEY PERFORMED NO REPAIR. THE NEXT SCHEDULED CAR SERVICE WAS 86600 MILES, AND AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT, THE CAR HAD ~84K MILES NOT LONG AFTER ITS SERVICE AT ~83K MILES. PLEASE NOTE THAT DURING THE LAST 12 MONTHS OF PANDEMIC, THE CAR GETS TAKEN OUT TO THE GROCERY STORE, A MILE A WAY, ONCE A WEEK OR TO A LOCAL BUSINESS NO MORE THE 8 MILES FROM THE HOUSE VERY OCCASIONALLY. SO THIS VEHICLE DOES NOT SEE HEAVY USAGE. HYUNDAI USA INDICATED THAT I SHOULD HAVE THIS CAR TOWED TO ONE OF THE DEALERSHIPS FOR ASSESSMENT, BUT HAVE ALSO DETERMINED THAT THIS VEHICLE IS COVERED BY AN EXTENDED WARRANTY OF 10 YEARS/120,000 MILES FROM ORIGINAL FIRST USE. THE CASE NUMBER WITH HYUNDAI USA IS 18154048.
NHTSA ODI #11407847
89,000 miles · Apr 3, 2021
Engine
1ST OCCURANCE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING, ENGINE WENT INTO "SAFE MODE" AND ACCELERATION DECREASED DRAMATICALLY. DEALERSHIP PUSHED A "UPDATE" TO THE COMPUTER AND "FIXED" IT. ISSUE HAS HAPPENED AGAIN AND NOW DEALERSHIP IS SAYING THAT THE ENGINE KNOCK SENSOR IS MESSED UP.
NHTSA ODI #11406265
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.