Engine. Review the 643 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 161 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 67 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

14 crash reports23 fire reports11 injury reports

Engine complaints

643 reports

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Mileage unknown · May 9, 2022

EngineUnknown Or Other

Engine light came on took it to the dealer they told me that it had been looked at when they pulled the vehicle up to inspect the bottom the vehicle showed melted parts from the vehicle that are on sure what caused it

NHTSA ODI #11463913

Mileage unknown · May 7, 2022

Engine

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Engine started using excessive oil. Monitored and refilled as needed. On Sept 15, 2021, Engine completely seized while driving. Took over a month to get appointment at local Hyundai dealership. Towed to dealership and confirmed engine needed to be replaced and possible AWD system damage (can’t confirm until engine is replaced). At dealer since Oct 25, 2021 (now May 2022). Hyundai refused warranty coverage as we are second owners. Dealer advised delay to repairs due to numerous similar engine failures and lack of parts.

NHTSA ODI #11463722

Mileage unknown · Apr 24, 2022

Engine

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Starting in September we have been documenting my engine burning, not leaking, oil at an alarming rate. I am currently losing 2-3 quarts of oil every 2 weeks. I have submitted a claim through Hyundai Corporate through the CDI engine recall program and they are denying my claim because "I'm out of warranty." The recall is supposed to extend the warranty for these issues but they are refusing to honor the terms of the recall. My car smells like burning oil and I've been told not to park inside my garage or near my home as the car is a fire hazard. I have attempted resolution by contacting the entire chain of command at Hyundai including Omar Rivera (Director of Quality and Service Engineering), Barry Ratzlaff (VP, Customer Satisfaction), and Jose Munoz (CEO and President).

NHTSA ODI #11461960

Mileage unknown · Apr 15, 2022

EngineSteering

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While traveling at approximately 60mph I decelerated to make a left turn through a busy intersection (evening rush hour traffic). While decelerating, I felt the car give a "shudder" at which point I looked to the dash to see the check engine light blinking, then the battery light illuminated. At this point, while passing through the intersection turning left, the engine shut off, as well as the power steering. The car coasted through the intersection and came to a stop barely out of the crossing lane. It would not restart and I was forced to push the car with my family inside to a safer position. Prior to this event there had been no drivability issues, no other times that warning lights had come on. The only issue of note that I have had for this vehicle is a seemingly excessive amount of engine oil being consumed. The car is at a dealership now and I am told that the engine needs to be replaced, with no explanation for the failure.

NHTSA ODI #11460831

96,255 miles · Apr 13, 2022

Engine

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The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The vehicle had previously been serviced under Manufacturer Service Campaign Number: 961 (Auxiliary Canister Kit Installation) however, the failure occurred after the repair. The contact stated that while her son was driving 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that built-up oil caused the engine to fail. The dealer informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and was towed back to the contact's residence. Prior to the failure, the vehicle stalled and inadvertently accelerated or decelerated while driving. The vehicle was previously taken to the dealer, but the dealer could not duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 96,255.

NHTSA ODI #11460677

Mileage unknown · Apr 13, 2022

Engine

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The engine is consuming oil. After 500 miles since my last oil change the oil DOES NOT show up on the oil stick. The engine warning light came on and Oil leak from engine, I have taken the vehicle to the dealership and they thought it was an oil cap plug not put in correctly. But oil leak still happen and the engine warning light keeps turn on. Every day i have to check oil level to make sure it not go below the minimum and I keep on adding oil. The dealership can't give me answers as to the problem. I have had the vehicle for a year with no issues until 2 months ago when this started.

NHTSA ODI #11460622

Mileage unknown · Apr 5, 2022

Engine

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My car was experiencing excessive engine motor oil consumption that progressively became extreme. Based on internet information, others owners were having similar oil consumption issues. The cars check engine light came on and the engine became very erratic around a sharp curve in Vermont. Struggled to get the car to the side of the road prior to the engine completely stalling. Unable to get the vehicle restarted. Luckily it was still daylight and that it failed in an area where I still had cell phone service. A local garage towed the car and and determined that there was no compression in one cylinder. They contacted Lia Hyundai in Albany NY and the service representative informed them that the engine would be covered but that the would have to inspect the car. Spent over $300 have the car towed to the Hyundai dealer. After inspection, we were informed that there was a burnt valve and that the valve assembly had to be rebuilt. They told us this repair would not be covered under the recent class action settlement which covers the small block assembly if the Knock Sensor Detection System Software was installed (Service Campaign 953). The software was installed previously. The total estimated cost for the valve assembly repairs are over $4,600. Based on the recent inflated costs of vehicles we decided to proceed with the repairs. Spent hours contacting Hyundai Corporate directly on several occasions to rectify the matter to no avail. We were told that they were going to contact the local dealer and get back to us. We never received a returned call. Lia Hyundai did provide us with a loaner vehicle and we are currently waiting for the repairs to be completed. We also asked them for an engine compression test once the repairs are complete and for the return of all damaged components. We will verify the compression results at an independent service center and also perform an oil consumption test. We have approximately 100,300 miles on the car prior to the failure.

NHTSA ODI #11459668

Mileage unknown · Mar 28, 2022

Engine

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When driving the vehicle the check engine, battery and oil light came on when about 30 feet from a green light. Started to turn into a parking lot about two seconds later and the car stalled. Had no power or steering. Was able to stop with the break, but if had been going faster on on the main road may have crashed, with no throttle or steering control. Was able to stop the car as soon as entered the parking lot. Put vehicle in park, but it started rolling back into traffic once took the foot of the brake. Had to wait in vehicle with the brake until tow truck arrived. The vehicle was towed to a dealership and and it was determined that engine had excessive bearing wear. I was told by the dealership Hyundai that based on miles that Hyundai was not going to assist with any financial support to fix the vehicle. I called Hyundai 1(800) 633-5151 and spoke with Lindsey (supervisor) who said that she would not look up recalls from the NHTSA and that my specific vin number was not identified in any current recall for that issue. I asked her to look up to see how many vehicles were affected with the safe issue year and engine size safety recall 17V578000 from the NHTSA. She said that if not in her computer linked to a specific vehicle she would not help and then hung up. We feel blessed could have been a lot worse at high speeds. The main issue is the Hyundai representative showed no concern for the safety issue once I informed them that there may be more vehicles with a similar issue to the current recall. It appears the issue is a lot larger than the initial number of vehicles recalled and will probably lead to severe injury or death if not looked into. I am hopeful they report this issue themselves, but know that they are probably more concerned about profits than consumer safety.

NHTSA ODI #11458745

120,000 miles · Mar 25, 2022

Engine

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The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled with an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from the hood however, there was no evidence of a fire. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

NHTSA ODI #11458377

Mileage unknown · Mar 24, 2022

Engine

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On January 11, 2021 I was on my way to work. I work for Kia. My car stalled out and my engine light began blinking perfusly. I made an illegal turn to get to my job where I was told to pull into service where it was diagnosed with a knock sensor code. It was towed to south Towne Hyundai of Newnan where it still is and has yet to be diagnosed. I have been getting lies saying I was next over 3 weeks. I have lost a job, exhausted all of my funds on rentals and my calls are being ignored. I filed a claim for reimbursement but at this time. I no longer want to deal with Hyundai. I would just like them to buy the vehicle back from my finance company as I completely am utterly disgusted by the policies, practice, and procedure that they refuse to honor. The case workers give false information but when you go read the website they have not adhered to anything they offer.

NHTSA ODI #11458190

Official recalls

22V056000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

Feb 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.

17V578000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

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.

17V358000 · Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch

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.

17V142000 · Tires:pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems

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.

16V842000 · Electrical System:wiring; Trailer Hitches

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

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

Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.

16V145000 · Seat Belts:front:warning Light/devices

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

DP24001 · 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.