Hyundai Santa Fe Complaints

8,019 consumer complaints on file.

#11581389April 5, 2024
ENGINE
My car was burning oil much faster than it should have been. On [XXX], my car started making a very loud knocking noise, and my engine blew out while on [XXX] in Nashville, TN. Thankfully I was able to pull over with friends trailing me. There was a burnt smell coming from under the hood. The problem has been confirmed by my local Hyundai dealer. The service department at the dealer attempted to get my car approved for an engine replacement, and Hyundai Motor America has denied the authorization. According to Hyundai, a recall from August 9, 2018 was not addressed on my vehicle. They have documentation that proves that I was not the owner of the vehicle when the recall was issued, therefore, I was not made aware of the recall. Because the recall was not addressed, they are refusing to fix my car for free OR offer any type of goodwill assistance. I would be solely responsible for repairing the faulty engine that they placed in my vehicle, due to a recall that was issued before I owned the car. I know several people that have had to have their Hyundai engines replaced. These cars are causing massive vehicular damage and financial burden on consumers. Based on dealership quotes, this repair will cost me anywhere between $8,000 - $14,000. 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
#11581187April 4, 2024
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Was going down the highway at 65 when my vehicle completely lost the accelerating component. Almost got rear ended so I pulled off. Then made it to work when it happened again. The engine light came on and gave 2 codes. Finally got it towed to the dealership where they have decided it’s either a new timing chain or new engine due to mechanical loss. They discovered there was no oil in the car and they have also found metal shavings in my oil. Now they are telling me I need a whole new engine. I only have 135,644 miles on this car. The car was driving perfectly fine the day before and had just been to the dealer and looked over 1,500 miles before and I was told everything was perfect working condition.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11580923April 3, 2024
ENGINE
What component failed or malfunctioned? Vehicle's engine is burning oil. There are no leaks and no oil left behind after it has been parked for extended periods, yet the engine is bone dry when oil levels are manually checked with the dip stick. The vehicle's engine has been the subject of numerous lawsuits and settlements for connecting rod bearing failures, so it is likely that my vehicle is in the early stages of this failure. Despite the lawsuits, settlements, and known issues, the manufacturer refuses to inspect or test for these issues under warranty. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? One of the recalls that resulted from one of the previous lawsuits led to the installation of an engine knock sensor which is meant to stall the engine and place it into a "limp mode" when the failure is happening. If this is to happen while I am operating the vehicle (especially on the highway), it could put myself, my child, or others on the road at risk when the vehicle suddenly goes from operating at 65+ MPH to something much slower without warning. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? The manufacturer refuses to test for these issues under warranty, despite the symptoms clearly pointing to early rod bearing failure. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The manufacturer refuses to test for these issues under warranty, despite the symptoms clearly pointing to early rod bearing failure. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There has been no warning aside from a simple "check engine" light. Had I not manually checked my oil levels, I would not have noticed the engine was bone dry before operating the vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11580960April 3, 2024
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Loss of acceleration while driving. This has occurred multiple times (always while moving or actively driving). The first time we were driving up a significant hill and the car slowed, lost power and we had to pull over and coast back down the mountain to a repair center. The second time, I was on the freeway and lost acceleration causing me to pull off the road in median. The third time, I was at a stoplight and when the light turned green, I had almost no movement after edging into the intersection. Eventually, at about 5 mph, the car regained speed. The check light went on in the first event and the car was supposedly repaired at the second dealership by re-tensioning "pins". However, no lights or warnings went on for incident #2 or #3 that occurred after the earlier repair effort. The vehicle is currently at the dealership service center for it's 7th day of "unable to replicate the problem" after incident #3.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11580984April 3, 2024
ENGINE
-Premature complete engine failure, at approximately 72,000 miles. -Luckily, was able to get vehicle to manufacturer dealership prior to complete immobilization of vehicle while on the road. -Engine “bearing” failure per dealership. Requires complete engine assembly for repair. Complete engine assembly no longer available, only manufactured for 6 years, and requires 150+ parts to be assembled at dealership for “short block”. -Dealer serviced maintenance documented at correct intervals. -Incident occurred without any warning lights, first and only symptom was a loud knock from the engine that increased in volume and and speed with increasing RPMs. -Vehicle remains at dealership, pending resolution. -Dealership states no active manufacturer recall on issue with this particular engine, but is aware of many other similar complaints and engine failure with this model of engine, 3.3L Lamba II GDI engine. Desire to add my complaint to any others as this poses a safety risk to other owners. Online research reveals an active investigation by the NHSTA and a class-action suit regarding this issue. Please help, and contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11581048April 3, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES
I received a letter 6 months ago advising me to park my car outside and away from buildings because the car could catch fire even when not running. I've had to get permission from my HOA every month to park in the parking lot. I call the dealership every month to see if there has been a solution. Sometimes I have to drive my grandchildren and two of them are in car seats. Sometimes I have to drive my dogs and they are restrained in safety harnesses. I am afraid to drive with them because I'm not sure I'd be able to get them out in time if there was a fire. I called Hyundai customer service and they told me to ask my dealership for a loaner car. when I did, they said they would call me back. They did not. I have an upcoming road trip at the end of this month and I'm afraid I will have to cancel because of this safety issue. I feel that Hyundai is taking much too long to come up with a resolution and they are putting me and my family, my grandchildren, and my dogs at risk, not to mention the inconvenience and the worry.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11580596April 2, 2024
ENGINE
My vehicle was turning off without any warning, last oil change was in October 2023, and had the oil changed this month. Engine started making loud noises from top, and eventually louder knocking noises from below. We towed vehicle to the dealer where we purchased at Balise Hyundia in Springfield MA. The vehicle has 84,000 miles and we've always maintained it. There were no warning indicators that there was an issue with the engine. After further research I've discovered numerous articles and complaints regarding Hyundai's 3.3-liter engine after certain number of miles. The engines are failing, and I'm concerned we may be victims of an issue that has existed with these engines. This is a safety issue because there is no warning the engine is failing, the car turns off without warning, and the potential of an overheating engine causing a seizure and fire is always a concern.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11580615April 2, 2024
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the charger indicator warning light illuminated and the engine seized. The battery was recharged. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed valve cover gasket leak and that the valve cover gasket and the alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was scheduled to be taken to the dealer for inspection within the week. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 126,600. The VIN was unavailable.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11580796April 2, 2024
ENGINE
Driving at 70 mph and the car’s RPMs dropped. Coasted to exit the highway to find out the car was not accelerating as it should. Took car straight to dealership to drop it off. Have 100,139 miles on the vehicle. Was told by dealership that car was consuming oil. No check engine lights came on, no oil lights on. Nothing. No warning, no smoke, etc. have been told that the car is consuming oil. I was told when I dropped the car off on Saturday there was 1 qt of oil, and by Monday when they test drove the vehicle there was none and the engine had seized up on them in the parking lot. It has now been two weeks. The initial quote given was 11k (if warranty didn’t cover anything). The dealership submitted all maintenance records, registration and the form stating I am the only owner of the vehicle. Friday (XXX) was told warranty would pay 90% and I would be responsible for 10%, did not have an explanation as to why they did not cover all. Ask to get that information. Saturday (XXX) was told warranty would cover 95% and I would cover 5%, awesome. Agreed to get the ball rolling and order parts. Hear from service advisor on XXX, stating that the repairs are now quoted at $23k, so my portion is more. Still no reasoning why. Later found out that Hyundai has discontinued the 11k long block engines, so they are having to order short block engine + all parts to build it. The huge concern is that is ZERO warning. This could have been dangerous had I pulled out in front of a car! I know there are multiple complaints against Hyundai, so I know I am not alone. 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
#11580440April 1, 2024
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The mechanic performed an oil change, and the contact was informed that metal shavings were found in the oil. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that there would be a fee required to diagnose the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11580528April 1, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Hyundai is taking an extensive period of time to repair a current recall. Owners were notified to park vehicles away from other structures and other vehicles. Since I've had to park my vehicle outside of my garage, my vehicle has been broken into. I installed remote start because I physically was unable to scrape the ice off my windshield. The delays in this "fix' have cost me frustration and money. I've called Hyundai each month to check in and nobody has an answer. As of this moment, we have no notification of how soon a repair can be made. I'd like to sell or trade my vehicle in, but with an open recall without a current repair, the value is not the same.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11580394April 1, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On two different occasions the car is rolled away from me and while I was out of the car and walking away from the vehicle. The first time it rolled backwards across the parking lot and into a flagpole and the second time it was a McDonald's parking lot and I was able to jump back in the car in time but it started to roll forward as I was bending down to get my debit card off the ground.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11580198March 30, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Occurred on [XXX] while travelling in the middle lane of a 3-lane highway just west of Raleigh, NC and heading west. The Emergency Brake Light came on, the car stopped suddenly and my head shook from side to side. This could have been a major accident if the traffic wasn’t light. I do not tailgate and there were at least 6-8 car lengths between me and the car in front. No cars on either side. There was no beeping warning from the vehicle about being too close to other vehicles before the car stopped. I pressed on the gas pedal and the car moved forward. The weather was about 50-60 degrees, dry road and sunny. Next Step: Called Hyundai Customer Care on [XXX] and was advised to bring the vehicle in for inspection and correction. Took the car into the Hyundai Autonation dealership in Buford, GA, where the vehicle was purchased. They found nothing wrong. Note: Have researched this problem online and found multiple instances of the same occurrence. See the following online: Emergency Braking System Activates Intermittently | Hyundai Santa Fe Forums 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
#11580193March 30, 2024
Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness, Carry Handle, Shell, Base
The harness does not stay tight on the child’s chest. The harness was adjusted to the correct fit, when pulled to check the tightness the harness does not stay taught. It releases without pushing the release button
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11580122March 29, 2024
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owned a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, a gasoline and smoke odor was ventilating into the interior of the vehicle through the vents, after which the driver observed flames emanating from the engine compartment on the passenger side of the vehicle, prompting him to pull to the shoulder of the roadway. Upon exiting the vehicle, the vehicle became fully engulfed in flames. Local emergency services arrived and were able to extinguish the fire. The ABS warning light was illuminated. A fire report was filed. A police report was reported, and injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss by the contact's insurance provider. The contact stated that though medical treatment was not sought, the driver sustained minor injuries to his right arm, and a passenger sustained a quarter-sized burn to his right leg. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 138,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
2
Deaths:
0
#11579881March 28, 2024
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid. The contact stated while shifting into reverse (R) and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated and responded slowly. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she then shifted into drive(D) and was able to drive; however, the failure recurred while driving and depressed the accelerator pedal. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed an unknown speed while driving. The contact stated that she had parked the vehicle and allowed the vehicle to run for 20 minutes. The contact stated that she then turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle responded as needed while driving. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the next availability for diagnostic testing was in a month. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 18,500.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11579959March 28, 2024
ENGINE
I was driving down a busy road when engine seized, no warnings on dash prior to failure. Luckily, I was able to catch a break in traffic and safely cruised into an open parking lot. Otherwise, it could have easily resulted in a collision. The incident occurred on Wednesday 11/22/2023. The 2017 Santa Fe had regular oil services and did not show or indicate any signs it required attention. No check engine light, no oil pressure, light, absolutely nothing. The car simply cut out while driving at around 35-40mph. Santa Fe was towed and the dealership mentioned rod bearing failure and engine knock. The estimate to fix it was 18k which was not feasible for me at the time. Additionally, the dealership claimed it was a common problem with the make, stating they had received multiple cars that Thanksgiving weekend. I worked with the dealership, but they did not seem to want to do the replacement, so I purchased a used rebuilt engine and paid the labor to change it for approximately 8,500 dollars. I opened a claim with Hyundai and it was denied because I was the a second owner and the warranty expired at 60k and I was at 66k. I went about a month and a half without a car and it created financial and emotional burdens.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11579815March 27, 2024
ENGINE
Engine is overheating causing vehicle to burn through oil. I take the interstate every day, putting myself and others at risk if my vehicle breaks down. My oil sensors do not work, and do not display or illuminate. They flash on for a brief second and then disappear.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11579794March 27, 2024
ENGINE
Engine seized up on the interstate with no warnings. Almost got hit by 2 semi's as I tried to get off the next exit. I had 3 small children riding with me and it was terrifying. Got it towed 100 miles to the nearest dealer and they said the engine was consuming oil and the engine seized up. They said they are "well aware" of this problem, but without any recall, the bill is entirely on me. The recall does cover most Hyundai models, but for some reason, it missed mine.. but clearly has the same issues.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11579443March 26, 2024
STEERING
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was jumping from left to right. The contact stated that the ESC and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the passenger’s side wheel speed sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. Additionally, the steering column housing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. While driving, the steering wheel had extensive play. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 6,200.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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