Hyundai Santa Fe Complaints (2019)

203 consumer complaints on file.

#11732764April 21, 2026
ENGINE
Engine continuously burns oil excessively and the dealership is falsifying the oil consumption test. At my local oil change shop, there is no oil left on dipstick at 3,000 mile interval. When I took it to dealer for consumption test, they checked dipstick after 1,000 miles and it was OVER THE FULL LEVEL. How can the oil be over the full level? This indicates they overfilled it to begin with and invalidated the test. Hyundai corporate is doing everything they can do avoid addressing this issue with the 2.4 engine in these models. Additionally, the transmission already failed less than 70k miles on the car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730989April 13, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
we took it in to be looked at after it had a o2 sensor go bad I changed the sensor and checked fluids I noticed the oil was a touch low and it had metal on the dipstick. I took in to dealership for repair / replacement and Hyundai denied the claim. Even after I have video proof from the dealer technician saying there is metal and bearing material in the oil. I took it to another dealership and they found metal in the oil control valve and still denied it. We got the car back because we were not provided a loaner or a rental. I called back in with concern that the car had a weird burning smell and the car would die. Then it started sounding weird as well. Then called again Saturday because I checked oil and it had fuel smell in the oil. Now today it left my family stranded on the highway. I have th 100,000 mile ten year warranty and the car is only at 83480 miles now when this all started it was at 82000. I have expressed my concern of safety before it finally left my family vernable to be injured in the lane that it died in This afternoon. Many denied claims and now very dangerous situation that was preventable and could have cause fire or death. I brought to manufactures attention early to prevent a accident happening. I was denied all the way through the process .
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11729290April 5, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
The door was completely shut - I was driving on the highway - no alarm on the instrument panel, fully stage 2 latched ( even if it is just stage 1 latched - the instrument panel gives an alarm - there was no alarms about door not fully closed) everything was normal. 15 minutes into the drive - I was exiting the highway, making a right hand turn - the door suddenly popped open, alarm went off on the instrument panel - thankfully did not swing open, I was able to hold onto the door. I shut the door again - drove for 200 Miles - no issue again. This was the first ever time I saw this issue at 90K miles
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11721567March 2, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The trunk hatch is no longer functioning. The car beeps, but does not unlatch. Once the gate is manually open from a latch inside the trunk, it will not close by pushing the gate close button. It just stopped working. I went into the grocery store, and when I returned with groceries, it stopped working. Hyundai says it's out of warranty and will cost $1800 to repair.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11720832February 26, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
Paint is significantly peeling on the hood of my car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11717593February 12, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating with the accelerator pedal depressed and the RPM raised. The contact stated that the vehicle occasionally failed to start. No warning light was illuminated. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost automotive power. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that there were metal shavings in the oil pan. Hyundai Eugene (89320 N Game Farm Rd, Eugene, OR 97408) was contacted; however, the failure was not identified. Upon further investigation, the Hyundai Blue Link App retrieved DTC associated with the Power Train EMS and Power Train TCU. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11716394February 7, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Since December my car has been burning oil at a fast rate. My husband has already had to add an additional 4 quarts since my last service 3000 miles ago. I have read and heard from others with a Santa Fe that they are having to replace their engines because of this. They are under warranty. Unfortunately I am not. I’ve already dealt with a white paint issue with Hyundai. I called couple weeks ago and was told someone would email me and they have not. I’m not sure where to turn now.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11716240February 6, 2026
ENGINE
The vehicle was burning through oil excessively. I was adding 1 quart of oil a week. Dealer did an oil consumption test. They confirmed the engine needed replacement. These vehicles are getting to be known for this issue and the dealer is making me pay 40% of the repairs. They should be covering 100% because the issue is not isolated to my vehicle only.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712612January 22, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My Hyundai Santa Fe 2019 Limited is burning oil. It started after the Turbo broke in October 2024. The turbo began leaking oil and then died. I took it to the dealership as it is still under warranty and they replaced the turbo. As a result, I have had issues ever since and now my car burns oil at a fast rate. In between oil changes I need to put oil in the engine to avoid it being drained. I am able to go about 3k miles on Synthetic oil and by 2.5-3k it is almost empty. It has been doing this now since 2024. I just had my 90k mile check up complete and with that I got an oil change. This was done in November 2024. Syntehtic oil was used. On January 16, as I was driving my car mileage decreased, the car began to shake and the engine light came on. I was able to safely stop and have the car towed. It was found that after driving just 2k miles the oil had completely burned off. I currently have an appointment at the dealer for them to run diagnostics on why it is burning. I saw there was a class action lawsuit against other Hyundai's doing the same thing and as a result Hyundai has to replace the engine. I also have read numerous forums where everyone is reporting the same thing with this particular model of it burning oil. I wanted to report this in case there were other owners of the same car experiencing the same thing.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712497January 21, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Complaint: Safety Defect - Engine Failure Risk (Stalling/Fire) My 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe has the defective Theta II 2.0L Turbo engine (G4KH), subject of class action In re: Hyundai and Kia Engine Litigation and multiple TSBs. The engine has a known manufacturing defect causing premature connecting rod bearing failure, leading to catastrophic engine seizure. SAFETY CONSEQUENCE: This defect presents a clear, unreasonable safety risk: Sudden Stalling: Engine can seize without warning while driving, causing loss of propulsion and power steering/brakes, leading to a crash. Engine Fire: Failed engines can leak oil onto hot components, causing fires. MANUFACTURER'S INADEQUATE REMEDY: Hyundai's "Knock Sensor Detection System" software update (Campaign 966) only attempts to detect failure moments before it happens. It does NOT fix the underlying mechanical defect. The engine remains a ticking time bomb. PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: My vehicle has suffered multiple related failures (turbocharger, fuel injectors) costing over $5,700, confirming the powertrain's deterioration. I fear driving it, especially with my teenage daughter. The defect is well-known, yet Hyundai's settlements fail to protect subsequent owners like myself, leaving unsafe vehicles on the road. REQUEST: I urge NHTSA to investigate the ongoing safety risk these engines pose to all owners, compel Hyundai to issue a true safety recall for a permanent repair (e.g., engine long-block replacement), and mandate clear disclosure of this defect to all used car buyers.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711643January 17, 2026
ENGINE, STEERING
internal mechanical failure of the piston rings and cylinder walls. Misfire on Cylinder #2. Further testing revealed that Cylinder #2 is at 80 PSI, which is significantly below the manufacturer's specification. A subsequent leak-down test showed a 90% loss of pressure with air escaping through the oil filler hole. The issue stated above can cause severe mechanical failure of piston rings and cylinder walls can absolutely lead to connecting rod bearing problems by creating excessive debris, poor lubrication, abnormal piston motion, and increased stress, causing premature wear, overheating, and eventual bearing failure, often resulting in catastrophic engine knocking and damage. Diagnostics completed by Hyundai dealer and stated an engine replacement. Vehicle became difficult to steer and then warning lamp came on. Vehicle was difficult to turn left and right and almost caused a collision.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710660January 13, 2026
ENGINE
On my 2019 Sante Fe 2.0T, I started having oil consumption/engine issues after 85, 000 miles. Under warranty, I had several minor repairs made over the last year (since 87,000 miles) at the dealership. In September 2025, at 97, 500 miles, I had it into the dealership complaining of burning oil and excessive consumptions in between oil changes. They AGAIN made a few minor repairs, I signed a one-owner warranty form since it was prior to 100,000, and they said come back if I experience further issues. On December 21, at 9pm at night, I broke down on the side of the PA turnpike. My engine light came on after my car started shaking vigorously, and wouldn't accelerate beyond 30mph. Being a Sunday night, I called the dealership in the morning- I was told no appointments for 3 weeks. Took it to a mechanic- where they diagnosed engine failure- hole in intake vale and floating valve not seated. Towed to dealership where it was INITIALLY diagnosed spark plugs and engine coil. Once a mentioned I had a prior diagnosis and pictures, Hyundai did bioscope- found burnt valve and now need all new intake values and part of the engine rebuilt. Hyundai wants me to pay for repairs. I don't think I should have to pay a dime- I've been complaining for over 15,000 miles BEFORE my warranty expired. And now, at 102, 000 miles, the engines blown?? This is a known manufacturer defect with the Theta II engines, and the pistons. I would expect Hyundai at the VERY LEAST to cover the cost of the repairs. Quite frankly, they should replace my engine with a new one, since replacing valves wont solve the pistons and burning excessive oil anyways. I have all documentation of repairs at the dealerships, email correspondence sent between the dealership's service advisors and myself, as well as my routine oil changes.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709203January 6, 2026
ENGINE
Driving on interstate when the car all of a sudden started shaking and the check engine light came on. Had it towed to repair place who said they could not touch it and had to go to Hyundai. Towed it there. Just advised today of the issue and that Hyundai wouldn't cover it. Car has just over 100k miles on it. The engine should not fail this soon. Cylinder 2 no compression was the reported issue. Without a car for several weeks.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708614January 4, 2026
ENGINE
After several oil changes and going from ever 5000 miles to every 3000 miles for oil changes to the need to add additional oil before hitting 3000 for being low on oil. Was told this vehicle just burned oil often and nothing really i was able to do. Check engine light turned on. Car stalled, shook and even turned off after being idle too long. Diagnostic found a leak in a cylinder and no combustion in engine. Out of warranty coverage. No warning lamps came on prior. Was on the freeway when light came on luckily was able to pull over safely. Seen many other cars with similar year, make model and engine had similar issues with oil consumption leading to the need of a full engine replacement. Further reading into issue showed several class actions and recalls to similar situation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704840December 13, 2025
ENGINE
Vehicle is consuming oil at an exceptionally fast rate. In October 2025, when taken in for an oil change and my complaint of a burning smell upon quick acceleration, the technician documented no oil was found on the dipstick. Just a month later, in November 2025, the oil level was already extremely low, the vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and an oil consumption test is currently being administered. The vehicle is scheduled for an engine replacement in January 2026 after the consumption test is concluded.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11701386November 25, 2025
ENGINE, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, SERVICE BRAKES
Overly excessive oil consumption 2 Quarts every 3 or 4 days.no leaks. Engine gets so hot I don't have to turn on heater In winter. On going issue since 100,000 miles. EBS light stays on electronic parking brake switch does not work. Parking brake will randomly engage after vehicle is turned off. Dealership cannot duplicate issue. If cruse control is turned on the vehicles warning lights all of them will suddenly illuminate and the vehicle shuts off. alternator and battery replaced. Have not used cruse control since. Airbags never inflated in a front end crash at 45mph Most recently I started experiencing I intermittent trouble staring the car. Then one day it didn't start at all and smoke was coming from under the hood. Towed to mechanic , starter burnt up 155,000. $ 900 to replace then a couple days later I lost power on the freeway and the car started jerking and vibrating. Stopped Vehicle cut off and would not start. After 1hr I started and limped home. Vibration under 2000 RPMs and when stopped. Knocking noise under hood. Brand new spark plugs. Mechanic stated Cylinder 3;missfire was identified as a hole in a valve due to weak material now I have to replace engine. Oil consumption and excessive friction and heat is to blame. My car has been cared for like a baby it's all I have. I should not have to be responsible for this very cheaply made engine that was doomed to fail.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698888November 12, 2025
ENGINE
Engine oil consumption issue. I have taken the vehicle in 4 times due to this they have. Changed hoses and even the oil pan but the engine still runs out of oil. On several occasions the oil light comes on within 1000 miles of a oil change and when I check it the system is completely out of oil. This means the lubrication system is running with no oil and likely has metal particles in it. I have contacted Hyundai corporate and the issues still has not been resolved. There needs to be a recall on these engines before they start blowing up. I uploaded files of thw most recent service nov 5th and the current odometer reading and oil level. 7 days later the oil level is low.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698043November 6, 2025
ENGINE
This vehicle requires 1-2 quarts of oil to be added to it weekly. It's all over the internet that many different models of Hyundais consume excessive amounts of oil. This puts others at risk due to damaging the engine and the possibility that the car will just stop completely while driving it. We have records to show how often and how much we have to add more oil every week.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11695524October 24, 2025
STEERING, ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I purchased my 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe on October 29, 2021. Since then, I’ve experienced a series of mechanical and electrical failures that I believe are far beyond normal for a vehicle of this age. - The remote start has never worked. - On October 20, 2023, the hatch latch failed. The only way to open it now is by climbing into the back and manually pulling the latch. - On October 27, 2023, the electric power steering failed. I had to replace the entire steering column at a cost of $4,000. - The paint began deteriorating prematurely and required a full repair. Hyundai covered this under warranty, but the cost was $8,000. - In early spring 2025, all coil packs had to be replaced due to misfires, costing approximately $500. - September 4, 2025, The car stalled while I was driving on a main road and I had to pull over. There were no warning lights and I started home. About a mile from home check engine light came on so contact mechanic. Ended up towing to a dealership and was told the engine must be replaced because the oil had burned off without any warning from the oil light indicator. The turbo also needs replacement. - The combined cost is $14,000. These failures have caused significant financial hardship and stress. I am currently $17,000 underwater on the loan, and the repair costs are overwhelming. The lack of warning before catastrophic engine damage is especially concerning. I believe these issues reflect systemic defects in the vehicle’s design and manufacturing. The repeated failure of critical components—especially the steering system and oil monitoring—make this the worst automotive experience I’ve ever had. I respectfully request that the NHTSA investigate these failures and determine whether Hyundai should be held accountable. Consumers deserve protection from vehicles with such extensive and costly problems.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11693603October 15, 2025
ENGINE
The car is burning oil and Hyundai advises to change the oil every 7500 miles. The car holds 5.1 qt of oil and is currently burning about 1 qt of oil for every 5,000 miles. How is this not a forced recall? People are blowing up their motors all over the country. They knew it was an issue and bought their way out of a class action lawsuit. This endangers any driver if it happens on the interstate. Hyundai/Kia are being allowed to skirt accountability with these motors.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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