Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Complaints

1,199 consumer complaints on file.

#11684341September 1, 2025
ENGINE
Our vehicle was towed to a Hyundai Dealership on July 26, 2025 (VIN [XXX] ) 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe to see if the engine falls under Hyundai's TSB #22-EM-001H-1Engine Failure Campaign. This vehicle has now been at Chapman Hyundai in Scottsdale AZ for over 5 weeks. We have yet to receive confirmation from Hyundai that any testing was done to see if the rods failed, thus having the engine fall under the recall. What we have received was a statement that “The engineering department did some tests and said that they didn’t think it was a rod issue, that it was due to lubrication not getting to the engine. When I asked for that data to be sent to me so I could review it with our long-time mechanic and my mechanical engineers that I work with, I was told that would not be possible, I just had to “trust” what I was being told. However, as a show of “good faith” in their unwillingness to provide us data, Hyundai was willing to pay for half of an engine replacement, leaving us on the hook for over $3,000 to the dealership. While I told the Executive Correspondence Department that that offer was not satisfactory, I did tell him we would be willing to pay $1,000 towards the replacement if Hyundai absorbed the remainder since on the above offer, I was paying retail while Hyundai is absorbing costs at wholesale prices. Five weeks on, we still have not received any confirmation as to the real issue of the engine failure, and frankly I have a hard time believing that any manufacturer would be willing to come up with the offer proposed if they didn’t believe the issue was substantially theirs. The company’s lack of willingness to provide data for us to review is very concerning and makes me think that the issue would indeed fall under the recall. 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
#11683918August 29, 2025
ENGINE
This vehicle is burning oil. It burned out a spark plugs and almost caused a crash. Purchased from dealership 6/26/2025
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11683096August 26, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the engine seized. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was coasted to the shoulder of the roadway; however, the vehicle was in an unsafe location. The contact and his wife exited the vehicle and stood further back off the roadway for their safety. The contact stated that because of the unsafe location of the vehicle, the contact and his wife were fearful of remaining in the vehicle. Additionally, other vehicles were driving by fast. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while on a trip. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall or special programs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,316.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11683192August 26, 2025
AIR BAGS
The passenger airbag sensor is malfunctioning and does not recognize that a passenger is in the car. The dealership advised that they don't know if the airbag would deploy if an accident occurred, which presents a risk to passengers. The airbag light stays on all the time. The dealership performed the diagnostics on the vehicle on 2/5/2025 and confirmed that the sensor was malfunctioning. They advised that the parts were on back order (88104-4Z591-VAS and 88952-4Z500). We still have not been able to obtain both parts as of 8/26/2025. We have contacted dealerships in other states who advised that they've been waiting on these parts for over a year. We are unable to fix the vehicle, and it is unsafe to drive with anyone in the passenger seat. We opened an issue with Hyundai Corporate, but did not receive any resolution. We were told that they would reimburse us for the cost of a rental when we needed to transport additional passengers. They later denied our request because 1) They claim it is not a safety-related issue, and 2) it occurred outside the state where we initially took the vehicle to the dealership since we are on a long-term work assignment and temporarily living in another state.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11682302August 22, 2025
ENGINE
Engine siezed, causing me to have to tow my vehicle. I was moved in the military to Germany in 2019, I had to have no open recalls on the car before I shipped it overseas. I completed a recall on the 5th of January 2019. On the 10th of January, Hyundai activated another recall on the vehicle. I was unaware of this recall and shipped my vehicle to Germany on the 16th of January 2016. The car returned from Germany in September of 2023. I had zero issues with this vehicle while I was over there, no check engine lights, no warning lights, nothing. I always changed the oil when told to do so, and when I returned from Germany it was the same thing, no issues and always completed oil changes when it was needed. I had no idea of the recall, Hyundai was sending it to an address I no longer lived at. I had no reason to take my vehicle to Hyundai to check for recalls. On [XXX], my vehicle engine stopped working at 84622 miles, and Hyundai said that it would be covered under warranty, but because I did not complete the recall that was activated on the 10th of January 2019, they denied the warranty and now my car is worthless. 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
#11682018August 20, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On June 6,2025 my car caught fire under the hood on the way home from work. I was then told my car has an ABS module recall and thats whats caused the fire, as well as, electrical shortage. Hyundai finally came to get car on June 27. They refuse to fix or communicate with me on my car that I am still having to pay car note on. They refuse to give me an estimate of damages that results in total loss for insurance purposes
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681829August 20, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
2013 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT TURBO. PAST/PRESENT SAFETY-SENSITIVE DEFECTS, NOTED OVER THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS: 1. One Confirmed Open Recall [CAMPAIGN #/NHTSA RECALL #—Recall 251 / 23V651000] (To Be Scheduled ASAP). 2. RPM/Propulsion Limp-mode Conditions: Vehicle periodically loses RPM READINGS on Dash and goes into the Propulsion sputtering/restricted-speed limp-mode hesitation condition. This condition may occasionally normalize by stopping, turning off engine and restarting. This intermittent RPM/Propulsion condition sometimes occurs, signified by a temporary sputtering/bucking while driving vehicle. ❓️CHECK STORED CODES ASAP...To Do. 3. Several times the car failed to accelerate predictably. For example, as when trying to accelerate up to highway speed from the on-ramp, leading to a fear of a near-miss, stalling and getting rear-ended. On such occasions, since attention is directed outside of the vehicle for safety, the state of the RPM READING on the dash has not been noted. ❓️CHECK STORED CODES ASAP...To Do.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681720August 19, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Loud knocking sound. Vehicle in Limp Mode. Blinking CEL - Error code P1326 VIN - [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
#11681321August 18, 2025
ENGINE, STEERING, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I am the current owner a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. While I was driving my SUV on the highway at highway speeds at 60mph, the oil pressure and the check engine warning light illuminated all of sudden after around 1 hour of smooth ride. In the meantime, suddenly the vehicle lost motive power, the steering wheel seized and smoke came immediately. Losing motive power in running conditions and smoke coming out during failure could have endangered our lives. The smoke came out due to leakage of engine oil probably. The vehicle was stuck in the middle of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then after Hyundai Dealership. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 76,245 only. Before reporting to NHSTA I have seen numerous complaints about high oil consumption and burnt valves on Theta II engines around 2017 santafe sport model and very similar occurrence of events happening to all while driving the vehicle on highways. Hyundai must need to provide support to this year model and make vehicles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681384August 18, 2025
ENGINE
2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.4L GDI engine failure due to known Theta II defect. Engine developed severe knocking and is unsafe to operate. The vehicle has experienced engine failure consistent with Hyundai’s recalled Theta II GDI defect (metal debris and bearing wear). Hyundai has refused to replace the engine, citing incomplete oil change records from a prior owner. This denial is unreasonable, as the defect is a manufacturer issue, not ordinary wear or maintenance neglect. The vehicle is unsafe to drive and at risk of stalling/fire. I request NHTSA investigate Hyundai’s refusal to honor its recall and extended warranty obligations.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11680444August 13, 2025
ENGINE
Driving at about 80 mph the engine stalled. Check engine and oil light turned on Dealer said there were no lights and no codes present and simply changed oil. 18 miles later engine light was flashing and engine started making horrible noise. Towed back to dealer and vehicle failed bearing test
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11680192August 12, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who determined that the engine oil was extremely low. An oil consumption test was started by the dealer however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,013.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11680267August 12, 2025
ENGINE
My 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport suffered a blown head gasket that required me to pay $9,000 for a full engine replacement. Hyundai is aware of ongoing problems with their 2.0 turbo motors, but the recall only covers the rod bearing failure/knock sensor issue. Many owners, including myself, are experiencing blown head gaskets, and several believe this failure is directly related to the same underlying engine defect. This is not an isolated case—numerous complaints online and in owner forums describe the same problem. Despite the high repair cost and known engine vulnerabilities, Hyundai refuses assistance because my vehicle is outside the mileage limit, even though the defect is widely reported and appears to be a design/manufacturing issue, not normal wear and tear. I believe NHTSA should investigate whether the head gasket failures in these 2.0 turbo engines are linked to the same defect that prompted Hyundai’s engine recalls, as it presents significant safety risks (engine overheating, sudden power loss, potential for fire). In 2018, the Center for Auto Safety formally petitioned the NHTSA to investigate 2011–2014 Hyundai Santa Fe models (among others) due to a high number of non-collision fire complaints, including reports of melted wires, smoke, and burning odors in the engine bay . While this isn’t directly about head gasket failures, it underscores a pattern of serious safety-related issues affecting that generation of Santa Fe vehicles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679241August 8, 2025
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On Aug 2, 2025, while traveling back from vacation with our family of 4, our engine failed and completely seized up on a very busy highway. The vehicle completely shut off in a lane of travel near an exit ramp, and we were unable to even pull off on a shoulder for safety. We were unable to restart the vehicle or reproduce the issue because the vehicle will not turn on. There were no warning lamps or other messages. However, the car has historically consumed an extraordinary amount of oil, even with routine oil changes and service. Two quarts of oil were added to the vehicle the day before this happened. The vehicle was towed to a Hyundai dealership and the incident was reported to Hyundai USA. We've been told the dealership can not run tests or inspect the vehicle until Aug. 21, nearly three weeks after it happened. We were told this is because they have numerous other vehicles with similar problems. This was an incredibly terrifying experience that put the safety of our family of 4, including two young children, at risk. A bystander called 911 and a state trooper arrived to set up flares and expedite a tow truck. We were told the spot we broke down is an incredibly busy part of an interstate where fatal accidents happen every other day.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679255August 8, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the "Low Oil" warning illuminated. The contact drove back to the residence and checked the oil level on the dipstick and became aware that there was no oil in the engine. The contact added 4 quarts of engine oil and drove the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer initiated an oil consumption test. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer three more times before the dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact stated that the engine had been replaced two years prior due to excessive oil consumption. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679299August 8, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dear NHTSA, I'm reporting a recurring safety issue with my vehicle's door latches. All four doors have, at different times, become completely stuck—unable to open from inside or outside. This creates a serious risk, especially in emergencies where quick exit is critical.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679324August 8, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the odor of gasoline was present inside the cabin of the vehicle. While driving approximately 25 MPH, flames were present coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle was parked and quickly became engulfed in flames. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the fire. During the incident, the vehicle was destroyed along was personal items inside. A fire report was taken at the scene that indicated the fire had originated in the engine compartment of the vehicle. The cause of the fire was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the fire. The contact indicated that the vehicle was recently serviced at the local dealer for a manufacture's campaign P-1326. The failure mileage was 159,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679045August 7, 2025
ENGINE
Burning oil, going through 1 quart every 250 miles. Paid over $1000 for last service. Replaced valves, gasket, fuel pump gasket, spark plugs, etc… Had us drive 1000 miles and bring back at which they said they would further help. Brought it back 950 miles later. It burned 3.5 qts of oil and now saying we need to pay $7000 for an engine. It only has 104k miles
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11678668August 6, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power after the engine made an abnormal sound. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic to be diagnosed, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired, and the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where DTC: P1326 was retrieved, and the vehicle was diagnosed with knock sensor signal range error, metal shavings into the engine, and other unknown failures. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11678287August 4, 2025
ENGINE
Vehicle is only 10 years old and barely has 120k miles on it. Consistent maintenance and oil changes are done. My son was driving on the highway and the vehicle died suddenly and coasted to the side of the road. We had it towed to a repair shop and after some testing they said the engine has seized up. Most likely related to the common rod bearing issue with these motors, but this is not on the recall for some reason. This should not happen on a car with so low miles and use! Luckily my son was safe and not in an accident when this happened.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

← Back to Hyundai Santa Fe Sport