Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Complaints

1,199 consumer complaints on file.

#11774019October 27, 2026
ENGINE
This vehicle has been suffering from substantial engine oil consumption, burning oil at an alarming and unsafe rate. I have repeatedly brought the vehicle to Washington Hyundai to address this under the engine class-action lawsuit terms, but the dealership continues to run repetitive tests without a resolution. This is a critical safety issue. Excessive oil consumption poses a severe risk of sudden, catastrophic engine seizure or stalling while operating at high speeds on the highway.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11773666October 26, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle: 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T Limited, VIN [XXX]. Registered and titled in Georgia, USA since July 2022. Built in the USA (VIN begins with 5); originally retailed in Canada. The vehicle has an unremedied ABS module defect that can cause an engine-compartment fire even when parked and turned off. Hyundai Canada lists it as open safety recall R0246-1 (41D013, Transport Canada 2024-080), remedy available since 2024-05-27. The same defect and the same remedy (ABS fuse replacement) are covered in the US by NHTSA recall 23V651 / Hyundai Recall 251, which includes 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles produced 7/12/2012 to 6/15/2013. A second Canadian fire-risk recall is also open: R0212 (21DG01, TC 2022-659, rear park-assist sensors). The NHTSA recall lookup for my VIN shows 0 open recalls (checked 10/26/2026), apparently because the vehicle was first sold in Canada. Georgia Hyundai dealers refuse to perform the recalls, telling me they do not do recalls on Canadian vehicles. As a result, a US-registered vehicle with a known fire defect that Hyundai Motor America has recalled in the US cannot get the remedy anywhere in the US. I have asked Hyundai Auto Canada (10/26/2026) to authorize a US dealer. I ask NHTSA to ask Hyundai Motor America (1) why US-registered vehicles that are the same as those in recall 23V651 are excluded from the remedy because of their original market, and (2) to authorize its dealers to perform the remedy on my vehicle. I am parking outdoors away from structures in the meantime. My family, including three young children, rides in this vehicle. No fire, crash or injury has occurred. Documents available: Hyundai Canada recall lookup and NHTSA lookup for this VIN, both dated 10/26/2026. [XXX], [XXX], [XXX], [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
#11772558October 20, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
The factory white paint on my vehicle’s hood is suffering from severe delamination and peeling down to the bare primer and metal. The paint is flaking off in large sheets from the hood with no prior collision or physical damage. Hyundai has acknowledged a known manufacturing defect involving primer adhesion failure on white vehicles under Service Campaigns like Z05 and TXXW, yet my VIN has been excluded from coverage despite exhibiting the exact same failure. They have denied any "Goodwill" considerations. This issue presents serious safety hazards on the road: - Flying Debris Hazard: Because the failure is on the front hood, large sheets of paint catch high-speed airflow and tear away at highway speeds, creating flying debris that can hit or distract trailing drivers. - Dangerous Sunlight Glare: The large patch of exposed bare metal and dull primer on the hood reflects intense sunlight directly into my field of vision, causing severe glare that impairs visibility while driving. - Rapid Structural Corrosion: Without protective topcoat paint, the hood metal is directly exposed to moisture and road salts (winter is approaching), causing premature surface rust and structural degradation. Hyundai's refusal to remediate this documented factory defect leaves a hazardous and deteriorating vehicle condition unaddressed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771397October 15, 2026
POWER TRAIN
After we had the Hyundai 9C2 recall completed a few weeks ago, we immediately had rough shifting in our Hyundai Santa Fe Sport driving off the lot. Problem has continued since, and is most notable after cold start/once the car has sat for an extended period of time. Hyundai has released a Drivability Information on 5/18/26 regarding the known issue, but our Dealership was unaware. The Dealership recommended replacement of the Transmission, despite my explanation that the issue began after the installation of the recall fix.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771324October 15, 2026
ENGINE
Started car to reverse out of parking space and it started jerking as I accelerated. Drove jerkily the few blocks I had to go to make it home. Did not drive again but upon starting it the check engine light came on. Contacted Hyundai customer care who told me my car was covered under two extended warranties for a well documented engine failure on this exact vehicle - Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2017. I’ve been researching and Hyundai knows about this problem and it had been through the courts after group legal action was taken. Hyundai refuses to pay for the car they know is a failure to be diagnosed. I cannot afford to have the car diagnosed especially not for a problem that Hyundai and half the world know (and have documented) is Hyundai’s fault. Vehicle can not be driven.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771325October 15, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
FORMAL VEHICLE SAFETY AND WARRANTY COMPLAINT Date: [XXX] From: [XXX] Vehicle: 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, 2.4L Theta II engine Mileage: Approximately 150,000 miles (exact current reading to be confirmed) Subject: Recurrent Check-Engine Warning Following Repeated Repairs; Request for Theta II Engine Investigation I am submitting this complaint to formally document recurring engine-related symptoms affecting my 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, and my repeated requests for investigation of a possible connection to the known Theta II engine defects and related warranty programs. On [XXX], the check-engine light illuminated again. Previously, on three separate occasions, the vehicle experienced a flashing check-engine light and a light ticking noise while idling. I was advised each time that the knock sensor was responsible, and the sensor was replaced. The vehicle returned to normal operation after those repairs, but similar symptoms subsequently recurred. While my vehicle was still below the 150,000-mile threshold, I repeatedly expressed concern that the symptoms could relate to the Theta II engine issue. During the most recent dealership visit, resulting in repairs on September 10, 2026, I emphasized that the recommended valve-cover gasket and spark-plug work might address a secondary issue without resolving the primary recurring problem. The check-engine light has now returned approximately five weeks after that repair. I am not claiming that a connecting-rod-bearing defect has been conclusively diagnosed. I am asking that the possibility be properly evaluated and that my earlier reports, repair attempts, and the mileage at which I first raised these concerns be preserved and considered when warranty eligibility is reviewed. I am sending this as a record of contact and communication.. 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
#11771171October 14, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
This is in reference to the Hyundai 9C2 ECU software update for Theta II engines that have caused my 2017 Santa Fe Sport to hesitate, surge and run poorly the first few minutes after a cold start! I contacted my dealership but they have not offered any resolution as of yet even though Hyundai Corporate is well aware of the problems caused by the 9C2 software upgrade!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770765October 13, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
There was a low noise when I got in the vehicle in the morning. I looked at the engine and it was coming from the abs system. I took it to the mechanic shop and the noise was even louder, the abs part on the passenger side of the firewall in the engine blew up and catch fire. Luckily they were able to put the fire down right away. I’m glad that didn’t happen while driving or while in the driveway of our house were there’s more vehicles parked. There was an Abs light on the dashboard due to an abs sensor for the rear right wheel.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770621October 12, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I was driving my car and it showed no signs of any issue but the engine light came on and started blinking so I pulled over and got it towed to a mechanic. He told me that I would need a new engine that would cost me $8000. I looked into it and found that there was a defect with my vehicles engine and that if I took it to a dealership, I could possibly get it covered 100% so I did that and then they covered it and when I got the vehicle back, it had an issue every time I drove it where it was kind of speeding up and jerking when I drove it, I took it back after I told them what happened and then they told me that my catalytic converter was bad and needed to be replaced. I ended up paying $1500 to get that replaced and when I got the car back again it’s still jerking and doing the same exact thing even worse. I contacted them. They told me to bring it back which I did and they told me that it needed a software update that was not available so that I would just have to be patient. They told me that anytime I wanted to drive it I had to let it warm up for 5 to 10 minutes and that it wouldn’t do that. I’ve had my vehicle back for over two weeks and it doesn’t matter if I warm it up or not it’s still doing the same thing. I do not feel safe driving this vehicle and I have not been giving any resolution by either the dealership or by the consumer affairs case manager that I have been working with on this. This has been an ongoing issue for three months now. It’s costed me hundreds of dollars in Ubers because I don’t feel it’s safe to drive.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770488October 11, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
While driving I smelled gasoline then it turned to a burnt smell, engine turned off. Got to side of the road and engine caught fire. Firetrucks and police arrived. Car is totaled entire engine bay was up in flames. Car has been towed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770237October 9, 2026
ENGINE
My 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe is burning oil and I run the risk of engine failure. I have to check my oil level daily. The mechanic who performed my last oil change said he is seeing this frequently with this age Hyundai Santa Fe. He said Hyundai should be willing to replace my engine but of course they won't. I fear that I am going to be on the freeway and have sudden engine failure creating a risk for me and drivers around me.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768889October 5, 2026
ENGINE
While driving over the pass the car suddenly lost power and was running very rough. Luckily there was an exit close by that we took and the engine died on the exit. We were able to get it started and get to a parking lot where it died and would not start again. While trying to start it in the parking lot the check engine light came on. So, after a $375 tow to the nearest town the mechanic discovered a damaged spark plug and the compression test showed 0 psi. The scope showed a hole in the piston. The car also leaks and burns oil. The mechanic recommended scrapping the vehicle since it would not be cost effective to repair it. The mechanic said ours is the 6th Santa Fe in their shop with a blown engine in the past month. It has not been inspected by anyone else.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768622October 2, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I had my engine replaced on XXX from a Hyundai dealership in [XXX]. About a year and some months I was at the Sansone auto mall on [XXX] in [XXX]. I did have a transmission replaced under warranty XXX at that same dealership. My problem is that every so often I lose acceleration when I step on the gas. It's very random and happens more on highway driving. Long story short they said it was my catalytic converter. This was in 2025 I believe and I do have the receipt in my folder. I let the dealership know that it's still happening. I spent over 3k dollars and it's frustrating. They even had me go out with a tech to drive in the road. While he drove he didn't experience this but when I drove with him I let him know look my foot is down on the gas and we're not moving. I filed with BBB but when they said to them to have me come back I just couldn't do it anymore. I've been there and they gave me loaner cars each time. The fact that they just give me looks as if I'm lying is not good. Some time has passed and it was fine. Just recently when I was on the outer bridge I felt no acceleration. I don't want to go back to that particular dealership and am wondering if this is just an engine issue with my car. I've read that these engines have a history of this type of problem. I'm not sure what steps to take but I just don't want to be on the road and it fails for longer than a few seconds. One local place in [XXX] said it will be. Waste to bring in if this issue is very random. Thank you for your time . I almost forgot to say but some days it does that and I try to keep my foot on the gas the car shakes a little. 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
#11768216October 1, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
harsh engagement or hesitation between gears 1 through 3 specifically during cold starts before the powertrain warms up. But also during driving in the highway.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767684September 29, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The driver window as well as the driver rear window fuse blows out. It poses a threat when you need to get the windows down in an event of emergency.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767851September 29, 2026
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Service Campaigh 9C2 Following completion of Service Campaign 9C2 (Theta II Emissions Improvement), certain vehicles may exhibit a brief hesitation or rough shifting condition during cold start operation. My 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe sport has severe loss of power and rough jerky transmission after the update. This condition will definately cause unsafe driving and vehicle engine and transmission damage. Hyundai corporate and local dealerships indicate no remedy for this situation. Dealer also indicated that Hyundai corporate may not release a new software update to fix the issue. This is unacceptable.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767319September 28, 2026
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The vehicle suddenly stopped and suddenly smoke appear in the front part of vehicle. Firemen appeared and when the front of the car was opened the flames of the fire were all over the engine of the car. The front glass broke and the hood has visible signs of the fire. Police were everywhere while firemen worked to stop the fire in the car. The car was towed to our home.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767395September 28, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, STRUCTURE:BODY
I am reporting what I believe may be a safety-related defect involving the driver's door latch/lock actuator assembly in my 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, VIN [XXX]. The driver's door latch failed while the door was in the closed position. As a result of the failure, the driver's door could not be opened using either the interior door handle or the exterior door handle. The door remained mechanically stuck in the closed position. This was not simply a power door lock that failed to electronically lock or unlock. The failure prevented the driver's door itself from being opened from either side. Because the door was stuck closed, the inability to open the door normally substantially increased the difficulty and cost of the repair. SAFETY CONCERN My primary concern is occupant egress during an emergency. If this failure occurred during or immediately following a crash, vehicle fire, electrical failure, medical emergency, flooding event, or another situation requiring rapid evacuation, the driver or occupant could be unable to exit through the affected door. This presents an even greater concern for an elderly person, a person with a disability or limited mobility, or another occupant who may not be physically capable of climbing across the center console and exiting through another door. Depending upon the circumstances, an occupant could potentially remain trapped until another door could be accessed, a window could be broken, or emergency personnel could gain entry. The safety concern therefore is not merely that the door lock or actuator stops functioning. The concern is that failure of the latch/lock assembly can potentially eliminate a normal means of emergency egress from the vehicle. NHTSA has previously recognized in its investigations that an inability to open vehicle doors and circumstances involving potential occupant entrapment can create safety concerns, particularly when rapid access to or escape from a vehicle may be necessary. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767435September 28, 2026
ENGINE
1. 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Theta 2 Engine Failure It was available for inspection upon request at local dealer and service After engine failedXXX abruptly while driving, it was towed to the service for inspection. 2. The Theta 2 engine in countless 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe models has been a safety risk for all citizens on the roads. This has been an unannounced recall failure due to manufacture shards of metal found within the engine, causing vehicle damage and failure. My car stopped abruptly on the road. I have maintained it through due oil changes and service. 3. The independent dealership that serviced my vehicle has verbally recognized that Theta 2 engines are a safety risk, after my family and I did research to expose underlying cause of engine failure. 4. It has been inspected by Allen Turner Hyundai in [XXX]. No known national manufacturers have been present or documented in case. 5. No, abrupt stop while driving along with burning smells and smoke coming from hood of vehicle. 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
#11765865September 21, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the Facebook Marketplace advertisement and odometer reading were 114,841 miles. However, approximately one hour later, it was discovered that the title listed the mileage at 170,395.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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