Hyundai Santa Fe Complaints
8,019 consumer complaints on file.
- #11535158July 28, 2023SUSPENSION
When my daughter returned home from college this summer I took her Santa Fe to a local shop for an oil change and other preventive maintenance. During the vehicle safety inspection, the mechanic noted the subframe and front suspension components were failing due to excessive corrosion and the Santa Fe was not safe to drive. My question is about the effectiveness of Campaign 947 - Underbody Corrosion Prevention Service. The countermeasure to the Hyundai subframe rusting issue appears to have not been an effective action to prevent the subframe's failure. The Corrosion Preventive Service was completed on our Santa Fe on Feb 13, 2018. Given the amount of corrosion on our Santa Fe, the Service Campaign was not effective, and the subframe failed due to corrosion. Both the independent shop and the Hyundai dealer indicated that the failed subframe would eventually lead to a catastrophic failure and possible loss of control of the vehicle. Given my daughter drives the Santa Fe from home to school on I70 I am glad the failure was identified early so the car could be repaired and prevent an accident.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11535159July 28, 2023ENGINE
When passing a vehicle on the highway, engine light came on and power was reduced. After, diagnose was informed of needing new engine. Took to get 2nd opinion and same thing was needed.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11534859July 27, 2023ENGINE
After a recent oil change and while driving from Utah to Wyoming, the engine began sputtering and seemed to be on the verge of seizing. Fortunately, we could make it to a gas station and check the oil. The oil was so low it did not measure on the dipstick. This occurred less than 1,000 miles since the last oil change. I subsequently learned that my sister, who also owns a 2016 Santa Fe, had a similar problem, but her engine completely seized while on the freeway. The local dealership acknowledged this was a problem and managed to replace her engine at no charge. We have been unable to get our local dealership in Colorado to make such an acknowledgment. My son uses the car now for college. His local dealership in Grand Junction told him that all we can do is have them perform an oil change, drive the car, and come and see them when the engine seizes before it's due for another oil change. The implication was that they were aware of the problem, but couldn't apply for an engine replacement unless the engine had seized. This seems wrong and unsafe. My son is currently having to add oil every three weeks.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11534885July 27, 2023ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
A knocking noise from the engine that increases in frequency as the engine rpm increases. Reduced power and/or hesitation and vibration. Illumination of the “check engine” light in the instrument cluster. Illumination of the “engine oil pressure” warning lamp. My car will drive up to maybe 37mph and then the engine will seize up and go into safety mode and it becomes inoperable. THIS is a death trap if we suddenly stall out on the highway or at a higher rate of speed!!!! The dealership is basically saying oh well, it is out of warranty. I just bought this car from Banister Nissan on 6/5/2023. Less than 60 days ago.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11534727July 27, 2023ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL, SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the downhill assist, traction control, auto stop, blind spot, and ABS warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to pull over and called the local dealer and was informed that the vehicle was safe to drive. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes independently activated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the wheel speed sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11534682July 26, 2023ENGINE
Engine burned two quarts of oil between scheduled oil changes. Vehicle has 88,200 miles on it. Engine could sieze up on the highway and cause an accident.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11534689July 26, 2023ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
During normal driving operations the car lost all power as our daughter and her 2 children were driving down the street. She called us and notified us that the car would barely run and that she had her hazard lights on and had no safe place to pull over. When she arrived back home from a few miles away the motor was making a very loud knocking and tapping noise. I immediately checked the oil in the car which we have changed on a regular basis and very recently and to our disbelief there wasn't a drop of oil on the dipstick. No indicators or warning lights had come on to tell us the oil was low. We immediately called a local Hyundai dealership, and they explained that thousands of people have experienced consumption of oil with no obvious leaks causing catastrophic engine failure in Hyundais. Upon inspection from the dealership, it was determined that the motor had spun rod bearings due to excessive oil consumption. However, we have since discovered that the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe is pending a class action lawsuit in California and no recall is current for this year and model. This could have caused serious and devastating fatalities to not only our family but others as well. Hyundai has not yet been willing to work with us for a car we purchased a little over a year ago and are still financing. The warranty did not transfer to a 2nd owner and we were not informed of this. Now the car sits at a dealership and I continue to make payments on a useless vehicle. The manufacturer of Hyundai's engine is the same for many models. However, not all models and years have had recalls yet. This puts thousands of people, like us, at risk for serious injuries, fatalities, and devastating financial loss. The public relies on their vehicles for their family's transportation and their jobs. I did my research and searched for this year, make, and model and found nothing that deterred me from finding this vehicle unsafe or unreliable. Hyundai is not in good faith protecting customers.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11534480July 25, 2023ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On nine separate occasions between mid-June 2023 (mileage appx. 600) and July 21, 2023 (mileage 1994), my vehicle lost power (decrease or loss of power and/or hesitated, sputtered, or stalled) when I was accelerating from a stop or slow speed. During these times, I have noticed that the air conditioner starts blowing only warm air. The only way to correct the issue has been to turn off the engine and then restart it. No error codes have ever been generated, and only twice did warning lights come on (engine oil light and battery light). I will upload my documentation file (to date) with the specifics of what happened along with dates and mileages this has happened. This happened one time on the freeway; I had to pull over to the side to stop/restart my engine. It was very unsafe and put my family at risk. This is a significant safety issue, and I do not feel comfortable driving because if I pull out into traffic and experience this loss of power, I could easily get hit by oncoming traffic. The vehicle has been at the Hyundai dealer since July 5, 2023 (three weeks tomorrow), and it is still there. They had not been able to replicate the problem. I went to pick up the vehicle on July 21, 2023, and as soon as I left the parking lot, the problem happened. I did a U-turn to come back to the dealer, and the vehicle lost all power. I had the vehicle in reverse, and there seemed to be no engagement of the transmission. Even with the gas pedal pushed all the way to the floor, there was no engine revving and no movement of the vehicle. The Hyundai technician and service advisor came to see the issue firsthand (since they had not been able to replicate it). The issue was only resolved when the vehicle engine was turned off and restarted. The vehicle remains at the dealer for further testing. Yes, I will gladly make my vehicle available for inspection upon request.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11534116July 24, 2023ENGINE
Owner states his 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe developed an engine noise, and the check engine light came on. The vehicle was stopped and restarted after 30 minutes, but the engine noise continued. The dealer replaced the engine; however, the owner is seeking rental reimbursement. Also, the vehicle was crashed in the dealer's possession and determined a total loss.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11534206July 24, 2023ENGINE
The engine failed and yes it’s available for inspection upon request. The safety of myself and my children were put at risk because I was driving on the highway and my car shut all the way down. I had to safely get to the shoulder to pull over while maneuvering through high highway traffic. The problem has been identified by the dealership and it has been in their possession for over a month now. Prior to the car completely shutting down there was literally no lights coming on.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11534088July 24, 2023VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The vehicle will accelerate unexpectedly without using the accelarator. Usually this occurs when releasing the brakes and on a slight incline.. To date no injuries or damage has occurred due to this. My dealer has not reproduced this defect as far as I know. This vehicle has nor been inspected by the daeler or insurance reps to my knowlwdge. There is no prior indication that an acceleration will occur-no lights or any warnings. This issues has occurred several time within the last year.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11533965July 24, 2023UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The rubber seal around the windshield is pulling apart and does not remain in the track. When I am driving greater than 30 miles per hour, the rubber seal comes out and flaps in the wind. Regarding my safety or the safety of others: I believe it exposes the security of the windshield which could become loose, crack or fall out. In addition, when it rains water could seep through and cause electrical issues. April 10, 2023 brought vehicle and showed issue, rubber secured. Advised normal. Issue continued. Brought vehicle to South Shore Hyundai dealer on 29/06/2023 and was advised it was fixed, on my way home the same issue resurfaced. Returned vehicle to dealership on Saturday 22 July 2023 for further analysis. Currently awaiting outcome of analysis from certified technician. I am seeking your help to investigate this issue of the broken seal, as I am concerned that maybe my vehicle may not be an isolated case and may require you to contact Hyundai America to investigate and resolve the problem.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11533917July 23, 2023ENGINE
While driving on freeway there was a clicking sound coming from the engine area but no other strange sounds or sensations, no warning lights or changes in the dash gauges. Finished 30 mile trip back home. Next morning when starting the car the same noise was happening so we checked oil. Oil reservoir was empty so added 4 quarts and let it sit for awhile then idle before leaving. The clicking noise seemed be random, sometimes louder and faster and sometimes not clicking at all. Approximately 15-20 miles down the freeway (about 60 mph) the RPMs spiked so I moved to slow lane and braked. At this time a large commotion from the engine that shook the car with large amount of smoke coming from behind the car and an oil trail. Car was towed to mechanic where engine failure/hole in engine was diagnosed. Waiting for appointment now at dealership. Fortunately never lost control of the vehicle.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11533937July 23, 2023LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
when driving in the rain, the driver side (left) blind spot is not functional. When the right turn signal is used, the camera shows the right side of the car and the triangle on the right mirror lights up if there is vehicle in the blind spot. In the rain, the camera lens is as clear as when it is not raining. when the left turn signal is used, due to poor aerodynamics, there is a large drop of water on camera lens which prevents driver from seeing the blind spot on the left side. The large drop of water is displayed on the dash instead of the left side of the vehicle.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11533831July 22, 2023POWER TRAIN
I have been taking my 21 Santa Fe hybrid limited into the dealership for a year and a half for the same code . Powertrain code P040B00, and to this day they can not repair this issue. I looked it up and a ton of us are having issues with this same code. It should be investigated, and customers should be warned. Hyundai needs to recall these vehicles or provide a solution. A year and a half is unacceptable
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11533743July 21, 2023ENGINE
At 80,000 miles, transmission went out. Then, 91,000 miles the motor locked up. Hyundai refuses to repair
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11533639July 21, 2023POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving out of the driveway, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated at high speed without warning. Additionally, while in traffic, the vehicle started to stall with a delay while accelerating. The contact attempted to shift into reverse however, the vehicle failed to respond with the transmission warning light illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to operate as designed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 35,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11533367July 19, 2023FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
I was pulling out of a sidestreet and realized a car was coming and used the brake. The Automatic Braking system activated and VIOLENTLY stopped the car. I was only going about 5 miles an hour but the tremendous force from the Braking system caused my rotator cuff and my bicep to tear. It cost me thousands to pay for surgery and physical therapy. I am very worried about all the injuries that this system causes. I have since had the dealership turn it off. I can not risk being injured like that because the car thinks that there will be a collision when I know that my manual braking was sufficient. There was no chance of any accident. I had Hyundai (case # 20962390) inspect the car & they claim (after 4 different inspections) that there is no issue with the system. They also claimed that it wouldn't activate at 5mph but I know that is not true. So if it works correctly, how many people are injured? Before you mandate that the car stop at 65mph, you need to gather more info on how many injuries have occurred.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 1
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11533274July 19, 2023ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, STEERING
Driving at 25 mph and the vehicle alerted "shift to neutral" and came to a complete stop and stalled. Had no warning, couldn't even pull to side of road. Could not start again and had to be towed.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11533214July 19, 2023UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving on highway on July 17, 2023, 2022 Sante Fe with less than 12,000 miles driven , suddenly lost power, RPM racing back and forth, and would not exceed 40 mph despite gas peddle to floor. Eventually was able to reach 60 mph, until reaching a slight incline where it dropped to 40 mph. I was seriously concerned I was going to cause an accident with several large trucks being forced to rapidly slow down behind me as lft lane was occupied by other vehicles. This is the second such incident. In October 2022, less than I month after I purchased vehicle new from dealership, vehicle suddenly lost power climbing a hill on a two-lane hiway with multiple vehicles not far behind me. I was terrified for fear of being hit from behind as this highway is curvy, heavily traveled, and bordered on one side with drops between 75-100 feet to the river below. The vehicle slowed to 30 mph despite trying to downshift/upshift pressing accelerator. There was no room to pull off road so I continued at 30 mph, trailing numerous vehicles until reaching top of hill where vehicle seemed to recover. Since I only owned vehicle for a few weeks I thought it was something I had done until I received a recall notice. Second incident above ocurred after vehicle had been serviced for recall.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0