Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Complaints

1,199 consumer complaints on file.

#11704416December 11, 2025
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have been experiencing issues with oil consumption, having to get oil changes every 2 months and sometimes monthly with no reported leaks from 2 different mechanics. I have been very high maintenance over my oil. While I was driving on the highway, my vehicle began to shake and a knocking sound was heard. I felt the vehicle begin to jerk but no warning lights were on. I was no longer able to drive and had to pull over and wait for a tow to my mechanic's garage. The mechanic let me know there was an issue with the engine, specifically the 3rd cylinder and the piston. It does not put out as much pressure as it is supposed to. I brought the vehicle to the dealership after and they confirmed this was an issue and quoted me $8700 in repairs. There were no warning lights and no engine lights prior to this happening. I was informed by my mechanic that this is a known issue with Hyundai in their 2018 models having failing engines. I purchased the vehicle certified pre-owned with a guarantee from the dealership that I was purchasing a reliable vehicle that should have no issues of this degree.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703023December 4, 2025
ENGINE
Vehicle: 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Mileage at Failure: ~129,000 miles Issue Type: Engine Failure / Valve / PCV-Related Defect Manufacturer & Dealer Both Denied Repair My 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe suffered a sudden engine failure at around 129,000 miles. The Hyundai dealer verbally told me the failure was caused by a faulty PCV valve, which is a known issue in Hyundai engines and can lead to severe oil loss, crankcase pressure problems, and ultimately engine failure. However, the printed diagnostic paperwork they provided listed a different reason for the failure, and the descriptions do not match what I was told verbally. This inconsistency makes me believe the cause is related to a known Hyundai engine defect that the manufacturer is not acknowledging. I contacted Hyundai Motor America directly, provided documentation, and requested warranty or goodwill repair assistance. They denied the claim even though the failure was due to a defective engine component and not misuse. This engine failure created a dangerous situation and appears to be consistent with Hyundai’s history of valve, oil system, and internal component defects. Given the mismatch between the verbal explanation and the written diagnosis, I am concerned the dealer and manufacturer are avoiding responsibility for a known defect. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate Hyundai for potential PCV-valve-related engine failures and inconsistent denial practices.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702862December 3, 2025
ENGINE
September 3rd, 2025, my engine failed, for the second time and left me stuck at a busy intersection, in the middle lane and can't move. The first time my engine failed (2022/same vehicle), I was about the get on the highway and it just stopped in the middle of the road right before getting onto the highway. Both times I've had to get out in traffic in order to move my vehicle. I'm causing a stop to traffic or a stop in the flow of traffic. In September when this happened, I had cops, mechanics and pedestrians stopping to help (thank goodness), but that caused a stop in the flow of traffic. Any of us could have been struck by a vehicle. It was also around 10/11pm at night There is an open recall on my vehicle and more specifically, the Theta II engine in my vehicle. It does not show when my VIN number is put in, but it's nationally known that there is an open recall and also a class action suit that was just settled in 2021 granting all customers with "Class vehicles" a lifetime extended warranty on the engines. They make it so that it's not that easy to just search and see there is a recall, but there is. My car has been at the Hyundai dealership since 9/4/25. So, yes it has been inspected by the manufacturer, and they confirmed that the diagnostic came back as positive for the recall. Yes, my check engine light would come on and off starting the end of 2024. Starting in April of 2025 I started having smoke come out of my exhaust and oil burning in days. All the while I have no puddle of oil underneath my car. I took it into Hyundai at that point, and they told me until my engine light was flashing and my car had stopped, they wouldn't be able to do anything in regard to the engine. Now my car has been there, I've provided service receipts that show proof of regular maintenance, I have the KSDS system installed, and they are denying my claim to replace my engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702863December 3, 2025
ENGINE, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SEAT BELTS
Six weeks ago the alternator and battery had also been replaced. My Hyundai Santa Fe Sport turbo engine, exhibited a persistent rubber-like odor for approximately three weeks after the latest maintenance. During this period, the push-start button intermittently failed, requiring multiple attempts to engage, and the vehicle experienced noticeable shaking. After being parked, smoke began to emerge from under the hood, followed by visible flames. Within roughly 3-5mins minutes, the vehicle was completely engulfed in fire and blew up 6 times. Notably, the car had undergone significant repairs in the past year, including an engine replacement, starter, OEM parts, O2 sensors, brakes, valve cover gasket, new tires, and routine oil changes.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11701471November 25, 2025
ENGINE
The engine of our 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport has been significantly problematic since we first purchased the vehicle in 2017. These issues have been well documented by other Hyundai owners and have resulted in class action lawsuits. After purchasing our vehicle new from dealer, it began experiencing difficulties, consuming large amounts of oil, spewing smoke from the tailpipe, leaving metal shavings in the engine oil, failing to start, and at times going into a protection mode to keep the engine from further damage and restrict speed above 15 miles per hour. The vehicle had to be towed multiple times at our own expense. Hyundai delayed replacement of the engine for months resulting in thousands of additional miles being put on the vehicle under unsafe operating conditions. Hyundai reluctantly replaced the engine in February of 2024. What appears to not be well-documented in NHTSA complaints are the impacts of these engine issues to other Hyundai components and parts. Hyundai replaced our original engine but did not replace the engine’s catalytic converter. 20 months later, the check engine light has illuminated again as a direct result of oil sludge and buildup from accelerated oil consumption. In November 2025, the dealership identified the fault code P0420 for catalyst efficiency system below threshold. We have experienced a loss of acceleration, increased fumes, and decreased fuel efficiency as a result of the catalytic converter failure, and believe the vehicle is no longer safe to drive at high speeds on freeways. The dealership has confirmed damage to the catalytic converter and has quoted a replacement fee that is $5000, almost $1000 higher than other dealerships in our area. We asked for the dealership to submit a request to HMA for goodwill assistance and were denied on November 24th. We strongly believe that Hyundai is responsible for both the damage to the catalytic converter as well as the safety concerns caused by this issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11701572November 25, 2025
ENGINE
There was no low oil indicator light, no smoke, and no oil on the garage floor. My wife was driving the vehicle on I-285 in Atlanta, returning from the ATL airport, when the vehicle began to lose power and started jerking and surging; the check engine light began flashing. She had to take surface streets to get home because the loss of power made the vehicle unsafe to drive on the freeway. When she arrived home, I checked the engine oil dipstick and it was completely dry. I took the vehicle to the garage that performs my oil changes, and they mentioned this is an ongoing issue with Hyundai—the vehicle is burning oil. The low oil level caused the knock sensor to trigger, which in turn caused the check engine light to flash and reduced power in an attempt to protect the engine. I never received any notification regarding a recall for this issue, and now my motor is more than likely damaged since I can still hear knocking when the engine runs at higher RPMs. My vehicle has over 100K miles, and I have never had an issue with it until now.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11701204November 24, 2025
ENGINE
The engine in my 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.0T shut off suddenly while driving and would not restart. The dealership confirmed the engine is seized, has bottom-end knocking, and FAILED the BCT (bearing clearance test). Hyundai denied assistance claiming ‘maintenance neglect,’ but the mechanical failure is consistent with known Hyundai GDI engine defects. This presents a serious safety hazard because the vehicle lost power unexpectedly while in motion and could have caused a crash.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11701259November 24, 2025
ENGINE
The contact's mother owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while the owner was driving the vehicle at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with loss of compression in the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the engine failure was a known failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11700734November 21, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The engine seized up on the highway with no warning signs or alerts and lost all power to the vehicle putting family at risk on the highway speed. Mechanic confirmed engine seized and metal debris after draining oil. Oil changes are done on timely basis within 5000 miles. Most recent where synthetic oil used and was just at 5000 mark. There was no oil warning at all and regular oil change was scheduled for next day prior to event. Car purchased in 2017 used and this happened before shortly after purchase and engine replaced by Hyundai at that time.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11700398November 19, 2025
ENGINE
We had the oil changed like always and shortly after I was checking the oil and it was not even on the dipstick so I added some and checked for leaks anywhere did not see any than we had problems with it barely accelerating so took it to dealership the performed the anti knock sensor upgrade for free and when I asked about the oil consumption they said that I needed to do a engine clean and all kinds of stuff came to like $400 so I had them do it because I can not have my wife stranded somewhere after all that they changed the oil again that was another $80 they said to bring it back at 1000 miles for them to check brought it back at 700 miles already used 1.5 qts they said engine is junk but cannot get anything done about because it had at the time 120000 miles
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11699995November 17, 2025
ENGINE
2916 Hyundai Santa Fe sport has an open recall of 953 for engine bearings knocking. It has been inspected. Yes, safety was put at risk, motor could lock up while driving causing a wreck. Yes, Tim Shorts Hyundai did confirm the engine was knocking. No lights were on in the vehicle. Was started sitting in the drive way, when the engine started knocking.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11699093November 13, 2025
ENGINE
I dont know the exact component that's failed, but it is consuming way too much oil, i have to put a quart in just about everytime i drive it. When i took it the dealership to find out if it was leaking, or burning oil, they literally charged me 200 to tell me it was either leaking oil or burning it. I personally think it is burning vs leaking, because there isnt oil in my drive way. I then spoke to some one on their YouTube channel that told me to call and tell them my story and they should help me out. I did that but no one ever contacted me about the complaint. It's smokes from the engine and i feel like its just a matter of time before it blows up or catches fire. Even though I can hear the engine ticking and struggle the check engine light is not on. From what I've seen this is a known issue that they are ignoring, even though MANY people have complained. This engine has already been replaced in 2018, and the new one is going bad prematurely as well.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11699044November 12, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport (156,880 miles) suddenly shut down and went into limp mode due to code P1326, which is part of the KSDS safety recall. Hyundai and the dealership refused to perform the recall-required engine inspection because of mileage. This violates safety recall rules. The sudden loss of power creates a dangerous driving situation. I am requesting NHTSA assistance in enforcing the safety recall remedy.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698795November 11, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Gas is purging from the top of the fuel pump
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698836November 11, 2025
ENGINE
The vehicle’s engine is experiencing excessive internal oil consumption that poses a serious safety risk while driving. After a routine oil change performed by an authorized Hyundai dealer, the engine oil warning light illuminated within about 1,700 miles. Upon inspection by another Hyundai service center, technicians confirmed that the engine was burning oil abnormally and was three quarts low, with no external leaks. This issue was documented in the dealer’s repair order, which states “vehicle is burning excessive oil.” The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by a Hyundai dealer. The vehicle is equipped with the Theta II 2.4L GDI engine, which is already covered under Hyundai’s KSDS (Knock Sensor Detection System) extended engine warranty due to known internal mechanical defects such as bearing wear and oil consumption. Despite this, the manufacturer has declined to replace the engine. The excessive oil burning occurs rapidly and triggers the low-oil warning light while the vehicle is in motion, creating a risk of engine seizure and sudden loss of power that could lead to a crash. The defect remains unresolved. Warning lights for low oil level appeared multiple times beginning in 2025, shortly after the KSDS update and knock-sensor replacement.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11697992November 6, 2025
ENGINE
Engine burns prodigious amounts of oil. Uses one quart in about 400 miles. Hyundai verified this with their 1000 mile oil consumption test. The only reason that this engine did not spin the crankshaft bearings from running dry on oil is because I was so diligent in filling the crankcase. A service writer at Happy Hyundai said that I needed a new long block, but the dealership refused because I had 103,000 miles on the engine. They knew about the problems with oil burning on Theta engines, but were happy to send me on my way knowing that I would be putting oil in my car often. This is not acceptable. Can you help me?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11697538November 4, 2025
ENGINE
I purchased this vehicle in November 2022. Hyundai and all affiliates were well aware of the engine recall. I was NEVER informed of the recall, if I was, logically I never would have purchased it. This is fraud by Toyota South in Richmond Kentucky. 6 months or so after purchasing, I began noticing the oil loss, without any oil on the ground where I park the vehicle. I researched and found the recall. I fought with the dealership and Hyundai corporate for 4 months before they said they would replace the engine with a new engine, I was told this early November 2023. I received my car back on 11/24/23. I was told the new engine came with a 12,000(?) mile warranty. I am still looking for this paperwork and will have it available soon. Fast forward to September 2025, as I am driving on I75N to Lexington from Berea, my car shudders and a smoke cloud larger than my vehicle appears behind my car. I check my oil and I am down 2 quarts, which I thought was odd considering I had checked it 2-3 weeks prior to this. I checked it in another week, and it is down 2 quarts again!! There is still no leakage, no oil on the ground, immediately I knew it was another recalled engine. Which is beyond comprehension, why would Hyundai replace a recalled engine, with a recalled engine?? So I go to the dealership and am told I have to do the 3 stage consumption test, drive 1000 miles or be down 1.5 quarts and come back. I was back within 2 days, I drove 150(?) miles and was down 1.5 quarts. The dealership and Hyundai determined the oil consumption issue is present, meaning its a recalled engine. Through phone calls with Hyundai I was told it is also remanufactured, but if you recall, I was told it was a NEW engine. Fraud #2. They refuse to fix it. This is the only vehicle in my household, and my means for income. Hyundai is costing me the right to live, the right to work. They are despicable, awful people to work with. The constant threat of fire is very stressful!!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11697278November 3, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
This engine is burning oil. Its mixing oil with gasoline in the cylinders. Its fouling spark plugs and consuming large amounts of oil with absolutely no visible oil leaks. The exhaust is black. PCV valve is clean. Engine is misfiring due to spark plug fouling. New spark plugs and coils. Multiple dealers have stated this is a KNOWN defect with this particular GDI engine but Hyundai refuses to issue a recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11697001November 2, 2025
ENGINE
I recently purchased this used vehicle in June(2025) and after a couple of months of owning the vehicle, I started noticing the car oil level when I checked, started being lower than normal pretty frequently. And it has gotten to the point where I would have to top the oil off every week only after driving a few 100 miles. When I went for my oil change this October, I did informed Hyundai about the issue and they told me to drive the vehicle for 900 miles, do not top it off. And I am following what they're saying, and right now, I just checked my oil, and I have only driven it for 468 miles since I had gotten it changed on October 22nd of this year, and it's showing about a 1/2 quart low at the dipstick already. But if it gets too low before the 900 miles, I would take it to Hyundai so as not to cause any damage to the engine driving it with the oil too low if it gets to that point. The service tech did state that the first step in correcting the issue was to do a combustion flush. And I hope that Hyundai is taking care of the issue for us consumers. I appreciate your prompt response regarding this matter. Thank you. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11696760October 31, 2025
ENGINE
GDFI MODOR IS BURNING GAS AND OIL TOO QUICKLY Randomly shutting off Burning too much oil
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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