NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
643 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Sep 14, 2022
Engine
After a road trip from NJ to KY, the low oil pressure light came on during stops. A quick check at the mechanic shows that my oil was low though I was not due for a scheduled oil change. I was informed that the car might be burning oil. The low oil light still came on during stops even after toping the oil. I was later informed…
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After a road trip from NJ to KY, the low oil pressure light came on during stops. A quick check at the mechanic shows that my oil was low though I was not due for a scheduled oil change. I was informed that the car might be burning oil. The low oil light still came on during stops even after toping the oil. I was later informed that the engine cannot maintain the oil pressure when the car is idling after a follow-up visit in a couple of days. A quick check online showed that Hyundai has been having issues with car engines related to 'metallic oil' which could lead to this issue. My mechanic informed me that the dealership has refused to change my motor since it is not included in the ongoing engine replacement program. I was also informed that the company no longer makes the engine even if I want to purchase a replacement! I wish to request the NHTSA to institute a wider review to study if other Hyundai and Kia engines have oil burning/metallic oil issues and if these could be looped into the engine replacement program as it is unfathomable that a 5 yr car's motor should be damaged after a road trip under normal use conditions. Thanks for looking into this.
NHTSA ODI #11484531
Mileage unknown · Sep 14, 2022
Engine
Driving on the Interstate with my kids on our way to see family, when we heard a rattling sound and within in a minute or two, then heard a thud sound and the car died. I was barely able to make it to the side of the Interstate. We first had it towed to a local mechanic, who explained that it had thrown a piston through the engi…
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Driving on the Interstate with my kids on our way to see family, when we heard a rattling sound and within in a minute or two, then heard a thud sound and the car died. I was barely able to make it to the side of the Interstate. We first had it towed to a local mechanic, who explained that it had thrown a piston through the engine block. We were quoted at that time around $11,000 for engine replacement. In order to submit anything to Hyundai, we had to tow it to the nearest dealership, which confirmed the local mechanic's diagnosis, only to be denied coverage because of warranty. They quoted us approximately $14,000 for an engine replacement. Even though this is not the specific issue outlined in the massive recall, they KNOW they have a serious issue with their engine production during this timeframe. They really need to something to help those of use with blown engines. Mileage is roughly 102,000 and we have service records to prove we have not neglected maintenance.
NHTSA ODI #11484374
Mileage unknown · Sep 8, 2022
Engine
I have had my vehicle in for the same sputtering/lack of acceleration problem 5times. The check engine light is flashing, yet, the tech says there is nothing wrong. It is frightening to drive when I cannot accelerate and it jerks horribly between 0-20. When I reach 64mph, it starts deceleration and drops even though my foot is o…
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I have had my vehicle in for the same sputtering/lack of acceleration problem 5times. The check engine light is flashing, yet, the tech says there is nothing wrong. It is frightening to drive when I cannot accelerate and it jerks horribly between 0-20. When I reach 64mph, it starts deceleration and drops even though my foot is on the gas pedal. I also have a known oil consumption problem they have not been helpful with. I did contact the National care line and they have accelerated the problem to a safety concern.my car has been at the dealer for 5 weeks and I just got a message stating nothing is wrong with the car.
NHTSA ODI #11483553
Mileage unknown · Aug 20, 2022
Engine
what I was told by the dealer my engine has failed / locked up due to the crankshaft being locked up. I was put at risk because as I was driving at 45mph on the road and the vehicle just shutoff no power, I was able to get to the side of the road and pull into a parking lot. I tried to start the vehicle while after waiting an ho…
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what I was told by the dealer my engine has failed / locked up due to the crankshaft being locked up. I was put at risk because as I was driving at 45mph on the road and the vehicle just shutoff no power, I was able to get to the side of the road and pull into a parking lot. I tried to start the vehicle while after waiting an hour and a half but all i got was a clicking noise. The vehicle is currently at the dealership where the technician has told me there was a recall on the engine of 2017 santa fe acouple years ago and this is exactly the same thing that happened then. waiting for approval for repair. There were not any warning lights prior to this happening. My vehicle only has around 86,000 miles on it
NHTSA ODI #11480346
Mileage unknown · Aug 10, 2022
EnginePower Train
From what I was told by the dealer my engine has failed / locked up due to the low bearings. I was put at risk because as I was driving at 45mph on a dry road and the vehicle acted as if I hit the brake and skid, luckily I was able to get to the side of the road and noticed lights on my dash, I tried to start the vehicle while…
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From what I was told by the dealer my engine has failed / locked up due to the low bearings. I was put at risk because as I was driving at 45mph on a dry road and the vehicle acted as if I hit the brake and skid, luckily I was able to get to the side of the road and noticed lights on my dash, I tried to start the vehicle while parked and it sounded like marbles so I immediately turned it off. The vehicle is currently at the dealership, waiting for approval for repair. There were not any warning lights prior to this happening. My vehicle only has around 56,000 mile on it. I am aware of the open recall, I received 2 notices about it, but was never notified there was a remedy and to make an appointment. I don't think my recent issue has anything to do with the current open recall. I mentioned to the dealership I was aware of the open recall and I was told they would take care of it while working on my engine issue.
NHTSA ODI #11478689
Mileage unknown · Aug 9, 2022
EnginePower Train
car was in shop for recall on wheel sensor ,next day the engine stopped working properly .ran really ruff and hesitated .took back to dealer and told 2 cylinders were not running correctly. i was told they would submit the Hyundai for engine replacement. Hyundai denied its under warranty or there problem ,when there is a histor…
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car was in shop for recall on wheel sensor ,next day the engine stopped working properly .ran really ruff and hesitated .took back to dealer and told 2 cylinders were not running correctly. i was told they would submit the Hyundai for engine replacement. Hyundai denied its under warranty or there problem ,when there is a history or engines failing in the 2017 year .class action lawsuits against them for it.
NHTSA ODI #11478417
Mileage unknown · Aug 7, 2022
Engine
I was driving the vehicle. Engine started pecking then a loud pop noise came from the vehicle. I stopped beside the road. I saw it was leaking engine oil. I drove it to the nearest mechanic. I was told the valve cover had a hole in it. When the valve cover came in. The mechanic took the cover off and checked the engine . He sai…
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I was driving the vehicle. Engine started pecking then a loud pop noise came from the vehicle. I stopped beside the road. I saw it was leaking engine oil. I drove it to the nearest mechanic. I was told the valve cover had a hole in it. When the valve cover came in. The mechanic took the cover off and checked the engine . He said a bolt or pin came lose on the crankshaft and broke off pieces of the engine on the inside. I was quoted for a new engine at 11,000 dollars. I said I can't afford that and I was would have it towed home. I had it towed to a hyundai dealer inside at the beginning of June. I told them what happened and left it there. I also filed a claim on the hyundai website. Mid July I got a call saying it was the timing chain and since I had no warranty, and hyundai was not going to cover it. The cost would be about 1,500. I asked them are you sure the mechanic took it apart and checked because I had it looked at already and I was told the crankshaft did it. Two days later I got a call back at was told it was the crankshaft that caused the problem. I needed a new engine. They quoted me a engine replacement from 14,500. I told them I can't afford that and had it towed home. I dont believe they sent the problem to hyundai to see it it would be covered. I bought that vehicle less than a year a go. I have been without that vehicle since May, and I have been out of town for 2 months unable to come up with a solution. I believe this is the same recall that is on the sport additions and think it should be added to the current engine recall as the sport models.
NHTSA ODI #11478074
Mileage unknown · Aug 3, 2022
Engine
When I first purchased the SFS I noticed the shift change was always inconsistent. RPM would jump no matter what the speed was. It slowly started to lose MPG and power. The major issue began with a tapping sound coming from the engine. Shortly after, the CE light came on. Had the sensor replaced and soon after- engine stalls aga…
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When I first purchased the SFS I noticed the shift change was always inconsistent. RPM would jump no matter what the speed was. It slowly started to lose MPG and power. The major issue began with a tapping sound coming from the engine. Shortly after, the CE light came on. Had the sensor replaced and soon after- engine stalls again. Days later, the car stalls while excelerating on the Delaware Memorial bridge. The most horrific detail about this incident is that my 5 year old was in the car and it was 5pm rush hour traffic. We were “lucky” enough to coast to the end of the bridge to be able to pull over. Without a proper place to pull over, we were almost hit by a semi who noticed my vehicle seconds before ramming into us. It was the most helpless feeling to not be able to get out of your vehicle and walk to safe location. I will not risk driving my vehicle even a mile. I fear that my vehicle will be the cause of an accident and I can’t bear to think of what would happen. I still do not have an answer to what is causing this issue. Scanners do not pick up any issues and the CE light is not on. All fluids are good and battery was replaced 6 months ago. I’m at a complete loss.
NHTSA ODI #11477478
Mileage unknown · Aug 3, 2022
Engine
Excessive oil consumption since May 2022. Recently, stalling, misfiring, and engine light just came on. Yes it is available for inspection if needed. Safety risk - leaving me stranded on the side of the road, causing an accident which could possible end in injury or death of myself or someone else, engine fire. Yes, the dealer h…
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Excessive oil consumption since May 2022. Recently, stalling, misfiring, and engine light just came on. Yes it is available for inspection if needed. Safety risk - leaving me stranded on the side of the road, causing an accident which could possible end in injury or death of myself or someone else, engine fire. Yes, the dealer has identified there is an oil consumption problem by doing 4 oil consumption tests, which 2.5-3.5 quarts of oil have burned within 1,000 miles. No, corporate has not inspected anything, they tell me to contact the dealer. The dealer had performed oil consumption tests but nothing else has been planned. I have had this problem since May 2022, the engine light just came on August 1st, which is because the spark plug has heavy deposits of oil and ash on it from the oil consumption.
NHTSA ODI #11477309
73,399 miles · Aug 1, 2022
EngineFuel System, Gasoline
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power, then started jerking before independently accelerating. The contact also stated there were times when the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power and stopped. The contact would then restart th…
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The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power, then started jerking before independently accelerating. The contact also stated there were times when the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power and stopped. The contact would then restart the vehicle and continue driving. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was diagnosed with no failure being found. The failure reoccurred often. The vehicle was also taken to another local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle but also found no failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 73,399.
NHTSA ODI #11476901
Official recalls
6Feb 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.
Sep 20, 2017
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Santa Fe vehicles equipped with 3.3L engines. The crankshaft assemblies may have been produced with surface irregularities in the crankshaft pin, causing engine bearing wear.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The engine bearing wear may cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify all owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the engine, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 168.
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 6, 2017
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The affected vehicles have a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that may not have been set in the correct mode during vehicle assembly, and therefore will not provide an appropriate warning in the event of an underinflated tire. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An underinflated inflated tire can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the TPMS sensors, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for the recall is 159.
Nov 21, 2016
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 19, 2015, to November 14, 2016, and 2017 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured November 28, 2015, to November 14, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result, in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected accessory trailer hitch wiring harnesses, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 13, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 153.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Trailer Hitches
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 19, 2015, to November 14, 2016, and 2017 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured November 28, 2015, to November 14, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result, in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected accessory trailer hitch wiring harnesses, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 13, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 153.
Electrical System:wiring
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 19, 2015, to November 14, 2016, and 2017 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured November 28, 2015, to November 14, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result, in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected accessory trailer hitch wiring harnesses, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 13, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 153.
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
3DP24001 · 3.3L Engine Loss Of Motive Power (lomp)
Opened Feb 8, 2024 · Closed May 16, 2024
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a petition on February 2, 2024, requesting a defect investigation into an alleged defect of the "engine" on the following vehicle model: 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles equipped with the 3.3L V-Shaped GDI Lambda-II engines. The petition cites allegations of a loss of motive power, often resulting in an engine seizure. The stall is preceded by a knocking sound, decreased performance and no warning lights. An analysis of the subject vehicle population was undertaken using complaints submitted to ODI along with manufacturer data. It was determined that the frequency of events is low for the subject population, while those that specifically report a loss of motive power event have a high mileage at the time of incident. The 2017 Santa Fe is equipped with a service interval reminder for the consumer that must be set by the consumer themselves or at a dealership. A Technical Service Bulletin (19-EM-002H) instructs the dealership to set the maintenance reminder at the completion of routine maintenance service or anytime a repair is performed that requires new engine oil. This maintenance reminder will help reinforce the need for proper oil maintenance intervals. Additionally, the Santa Fe vehicles with 3.3L V-shaped Lambda-II engines will be added to Hyundai’s existing Technical Service Bulletin (23-EM-007H) related to combustion chamber cleaning. These actions will help limit negative consumer incidents related to loss of motive power. Lastly, Hyundai has extended the limited engine warranty for MY 2013-2019 Santa Fe vehicles equipped with 3.3L V-shaped Lambda-II engines included in the Petition. The updated coverage is 15 years, or 150,000 miles and details are contained in Technical Service Bulletin 24-EM-003H. In view of the service interval reminder, combustion chamber cleaning, and extended warranty actions being taken by Hyundai, ODI is denying this Defect Petition. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the report cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
AQ23002 · 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.
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