Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Complaints

1,199 consumer complaints on file.

#11678091August 3, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Driving on freeway and noticed smoke. Realized I needed to pull over and brakes weren’t working. Off ramp was at an incline so car came to a stop just in time to get toddler and myself out of vehicle. Car was on fire.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11677199July 30, 2025
ENGINE
Excessive oil consumption/ burning oil; oil light came on 1,500 miles after oil change.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11677210July 30, 2025
ENGINE
I am unsure what component of the engine caused the issue. There was chance of engine failure while driving. While idle the engine was stuttering and the RPN dial was fluctuating. Engine persisted to stutter and jerk at random intervals when accelerating. The engine light came on flashing ~1 hour after the first sign of the issue. Immediately after the engine light came on the vehicle was moved off of the road and a tow truck was contacted to transport the vehicle to a Hyundai dealership. The vehicle was inspected at a manufacturer's dealership and the problem was resolved with a technician stating that the vehicle needed a "system update". There is also an ongoing issue with the vehicle excessively consuming oil.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11677232July 30, 2025
ENGINE
While driving, my 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe suddenly began losing acceleration without warning. No check engine lights were on at the time. The RPMs surged to 5,000–6,000, but the vehicle failed to gain speed. Moments later, the car lost all power completely. The red engine warning light and battery light illuminated on the dashboard, and the vehicle became unresponsive and would not restart. I had the vehicle towed to a certified Hyundai dealership, where a diagnostic inspection confirmed a rod bearing failure — a well-documented issue associated with the Theta II engine. The dealership initially stated this type of failure should fall under Hyundai’s extended warranty related to the class action lawsuit regarding defective Theta II engines. I purchased the vehicle used in 2020 and have kept detailed maintenance records for every year of ownership, all of which I submitted to Hyundai in support of my engine replacement claim. Despite this, Hyundai denied coverage and declined to replace the engine. This type of sudden engine failure, without any prior warning indicators, is extremely dangerous and appears consistent with the known defects in Theta II engines previously investigated by NHTSA. I’m filing this complaint in the interest of safety, transparency, and accountability, especially as other drivers may be exposed to similar risks. I respectfully urge NHTSA to review this incident as part of its ongoing oversight of Hyundai’s Theta II engine defects and consider re-opening or expanding its investigation into these failures. I also request that NHTSA encourage Hyundai to reconsider its decision to deny my engine replacement claim, especially given the safety-critical nature of the failure and my full compliance with maintenance expectations.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11676866July 29, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Engine or sometimes TPS brakes lights on
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11676913July 29, 2025
ENGINE
Excessive engine oil consumption. The vehicle oil consumption is beyond my control, currently I am afraid to embark on vacation driving to friends or on vacation in other states. Low engine oil can result in engine overheating and fire, thus endangering life, family and property. I am currently adding oil every 14 days to ensure the engine is at a safe operating level for my own safety. I am requesting a one time manufacture's assistance to remedy this defective.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11677035July 29, 2025
ENGINE
I have had this car since Sept 2023, it had about 85,000 miles when I got it. Before I had even owned it for a year and before it had 100,000 miles it was burning oil at an alarming rate! I took it to my dealership which did a consumption test and told me to bring it to Hyundai. Hyundai did their own oil consumption test which results proved my car was burning 3 quarts of oil in under 1,000 miles. Hyundai refused to do anything about it as well as the dealership I bought the car from (they say it is a Hyundai problem) I have spoken to corporate who refuse to fix it because I bought it out of warranty, which I was unaware of at the time I bought it. I am a single mother who has to work full time to support my family, my car has died numerous times and I am buying oil about once a week, I have had to call out of work due to it dying and it has died with my children in the car as well. I am afraid to drive it because I know it will die and I will be stranded but unfortunately I have no other options. It is a complete safety hazard and I can not trade or refinance because even tho I havent had it 2 years, I owe more than it is worth in value.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11676665July 28, 2025
ENGINE
Bought my vehicle as second owner and 1 1/2 years into financing I discovered the piston rings are failing which is causing to much oil consumption. It’s burning oil to fast - in three weeks my car has burned through three quarts of oil. I do my regular oil changes as recommended and already change the gasket. If I have not checked my oil I would never had a clue. I am currently doing my oil changes because the dealer shops were not nor even knew of the burning oil issue. How does one car burn that much oil in three weeks. My extended warranty has exited and now my engine is failing. My vehicle was not included in the class action settlement. I am a teacher with children and don’t have the money to buy a new car let alone fix the engine. The vehicle has rough idling at times and doesn’t have the power to go sometimes. It’s failing quicker than I could imagine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11676337July 26, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
I bought the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe yesterday evening. Upon leaving the dealership I promptly broke for a car in front of me. Immediately the vehicle turned off completely. I put the vehicle in the park and attempted to start the vehicle back up. The vehicle would not start up and begin leaking a prominent scent. Following this, white smoke with the same pungent smell was coming from the engine. I propped the hood and saw the smoke continue to release. I then motioned away from the vehicle and called for a tow truck. The car is now being inspected by the dealership I purchased it from the same day. I believe this is related to the NHTSA recall on 2010-2015 Hyundai Santa Fe, recall date 09/22/2023, recall number 21V303000, and Hyundai Safety Recall 251s Anti-Lock Braking System Fuse Replace. This issue is not listed under my vehicle VIN number but it’s apparent to be the case and issue and is being inspected further by the dealership.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11675998July 24, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The engine warning light, battery, and ABS warning lights illuminated, with another unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle returned to function as intended; however, the failure recurred a short distance afterwards. The contact was able to pull over to a rest area and the engine seized. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, who confirmed that the engine had seized, and metal shavings were found in the oil. The dealer declined to perform the repair. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The contact advised that the vehicle never passed inspection. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11676003July 24, 2025
BACK OVER PREVENTION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a blue screen while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the driver from safely operating the vehicle. The warning system failed to operate as intended. The contact stated that the GPS showed the wrong directions. Due to the failure, the vehicle went into the wrong lane. In addition, several unknown warning lights illuminated while driving. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the vehicle was too old for the update. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11676047July 24, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Hello, To whom this may concern, The ABS light turned on the dashboard on a Tuesday evening. My wife kept driving. In the next couple of days, it would feel like the car was all over the road, under braking. It seemed very hard to take off. On Friday, I was outside and heard the car was making a noise. As an automotive technician, I knew the ABS module was cycling nonstop. I pulled the fuse out of the fuse panel to make sure it wouldn't catch fire. We took the car back to the dealer when the bulletin came out for these cars catching fire due to an ABS issue years ago. I went to the dealer on that Saturday and informed them of the ABS module cycling nonstop. They told me that the bulletin had been done already and there was nothing they could do for me. I called Hyundai customer support, and they forced me to pay a diagnostic charge of $220 to tell me it was a failure internally in the ABS module and that they wouldn't cover the repairs. I found it very surprising that Hyundai only had to change a fuse to prevent cars from catching fire. It doesn't make sense to me how the NHTSA allowed them to only change a fuse and not the module that Hyundai said was faulty. This puts every car that I drive next to in danger, with the module going off nonstop while I drive down the road. This has all happened in the last month. Please hold Hyundai truly accountable for this nonsense. It is unacceptable that they can get away with just changing a fuse to prevent a fire, and not fix the actual issue, the ABS module. Thank you,
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11676052July 24, 2025
ENGINE, STEERING, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My engine seized at approximately 80mph on the interstate [XXX] ). The engine light came on only after I lost power. I only avoided a multiple car accident due to quick reaction and taking an exit ramp. Police came to my stalled vehicle and helped my push it off a major road to a nearby parking lot. 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
#11675503July 23, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
Me and my [XXX] was leaving on a road trip and my vehicles brakes lock up while I was driving. I did not have my brakes applied. The brakes locked up randomly with out applying them. I was only going 35mph. Thankfully we were not at freeway or highway speeds were it could have cause an accident. 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
#11675403July 22, 2025
ENGINE
January 2024, my 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe entered limp mode and displayed code P1326—known to indicate engine bearing failure under Hyundai Recall 162. I took it to Terry Reid Hyundai (Cartersville, GA), paid $175 for diagnostics, and was told the vehicle “passed.” However, I was never given a bearing clearance test (BCT) result, and no VIN-tied data was submitted to Hyundai’s internal WebDCS system, as required by TSB 23-EM-001H. Later communication with Hyundai confirmed that all BCT results—pass or fail—must be submitted and tied to the VIN in WebDCS, yet Terry Reid produced no record. Instead, they provided a blank Multi-Point Inspection (MPI) sheet and handwritten notes—none of which constitute a BCT or fulfill Hyundai protocol. In April 2025, the engine failed catastrophically. Shottenkirk Hyundai performed a proper BCT, revealing cylinder #2 at 1.13mm (well beyond failure limit), and submitted both the test and an oil sample to the lab. The oil analysis showed no sludge, fuel, or coolant contamination, contradicting Veritas Global Protection’s and Hyundai’s claim of owner neglect. Despite clear lab evidence, Veritas denied my claim, falsely asserting: The sludge existed before contract purchase (no proof), No rod bearing clearance documentation was submitted (Shottenkirk did), A prior P0420 code related to the catalytic converter caused sludge (mechanically inaccurate). Hyundai’s consumer affairs rep later claimed internal records can’t be shared, that even more evidence wouldn’t matter, and that Hyundai branded the engine based on “exceptional neglect” solely due to one missing oil change receipt—despite a clean oil report and lack of dealership testing. She also confirmed Hyundai does not notify consumers when engines are branded.This pattern shows coordinated misrepresentation between Hyundai, Veritas, and Terry Reid Hyundai. They failed to follow protocol, withheld required data, falsely blamed the consumer, and denied a legitimate claim despite lab evidence
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11675414July 22, 2025
ENGINE
Car stopped running 4 months ago and had it towed to the shop and they did a Knock sensor update and sent us back with it. 4 months later check engine light comes on and take it in and they recommend a new engine and this car has a class action and they’re saying we don’t qualify. They’re saying it’s the piston rings. The car burns oil like crazy. Over 5 quarts in 2,500 miles consistently and the oil light never comes on. I have 2 kids that ride in this car for it to just die or for the engine to start fire is a risk I am not willing to take.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11674656July 18, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
High pressure fuel pump leaking gas into engine oil
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11673859July 16, 2025
ENGINE
On June 22 2025 while driving on Interstate 17, the vehicle engine started to lose power and the engine light started to flash on and off. Pulled over and the vehicle stalled and was not able to turn on again. The vehicle is available for inspection. Safety was a concern as we had to change over 3 lanes as we were losing power. The problem has been confirm that the engine has failed and they are numerous TSBs out for engine failure on the Theta II engines, vehicle also qualifies for 15yr/150K engine warranty. The vehicle engine is branded which is a manufacturer defect and never was replaced. The vehicle was towed by AAA to a AAA repair shop and said diagnosis was given thereafter vehicle was towed to dealership which it currently sit at. However Hyundai denied claim because service record was not provided (I was not the owner of vehicle on the years they are requesting) I do have my records from when I owned the vehicle however service advisor stated I did not need to provide my records since they dated back to where I didn't owned vehicle. I purchase vehicle from a dealership. If any more information is needed please advis. I would just like my engine replaced.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11673928July 16, 2025
ENGINE
Engine failure and metal debris and timing belt slipped time. Loss of power and we parked it flashing engine light. Massey Hyundai said it’s not a recall but when I research there’s a lot of engine failure recalls so I’m not quite understanding what the situation is and we still owe money on the vehicle. They basically told us to junk it. This has been the worst situation I have ever went through with a vehicle. I’ve never owned a Hyundai and I probably never will ever buy another Hyundai. I just wanna know why my engine failed and nobody can tell me why Massey hundai cannot tell me why. they just want me to remove it from their service center or they’re gonna charge me $500 to dispose of it. I’ve never heard of such stuff in my life. This is too overwhelming, especially when it happened. My daughter just had reconstructive foot ankle surgery and has pins in her foot. We were stranded an hour and a half away from home at a doctors appointment for a check up for her foot. Our Insurance towed it, but left us standing and hundred degree weather which was a complete nightmare, especially when you have someone that can’t walk and just had surgery not that that’s any of your fault. I just want to know why my engine failed why there was metal debris why can’t no one tell me. $10,000 for a new motor or charge you $500 to remove it from our lot. I can’t even lie about this stuff. It’s insane. I still owe money on the vehicle. I had to refinance it during Covid. If you could just like, give me some sort of information I don’t even know where to turn to at this point and if I can’t turn to the dealership, who do I turn to.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11673959July 16, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY
I closed my door and the driver door latch became stuck and will no longer open from the inside or outside. I have tried to open it myself, ask a mechanic and a locksmith and no one can open the door without damaging the door.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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