Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Complaints (2014)

164 consumer complaints on file.

#11671456July 6, 2025
ENGINE
My 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0 Turbo suffered a complete engine seizure while driving due to a blown head gasket, which caused all coolant to leak out. The engine locked up suddenly while my daughter was operating the vehicle, creating a serious safety hazard. She was fortunate to pull over safely, but this type of failure could have resulted in a crash. I was forced to pay over $9,000 for a full engine replacement. This engine is the Theta II 2.0L Turbo GDI, which is part of multiple class action lawsuits and safety recalls due to engine seizure, bearing failure, and fire risk. Hyundai Customer Care has refused to assist or reimburse me. This failure involved no prior warning signs, and the gasket failure appears to be consistent with design flaws already documented in these engines. I am submitting this complaint as I believe this is a defect that poses a safety risk, especially given how suddenly the engine failed during normal driving.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668193June 20, 2025
ENGINE
I was on an expressway with 70 mph speeds and could only drive at 55 mph. A flashing motor light came on and then a thunking/clicking sound. It would not accelerate and also lunging. Towed to an independent mechanic close to where I was who confirmed blown engine. Having towed to Hyundai dealership.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11666989June 15, 2025
ENGINE
Engine seized
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11663274May 27, 2025
ENGINE
Engine is burning oil at a rapid rate. Completed oil change on 12/6/2024 at 94380 miles. On [XXX] check engine light came on at 96684 miles. Dipstix Oil Change checked oil level and level was at least 2 quarts low. Dipstix Oil Change filled oil reservoir. On [XXX], check engine light came back on. SUV was taken to AutoZone and computer said light was due to bad oxygen sensor. Deal's Auto changed oxygen sensor for $557 on 2/24/2025 at 96708 miles. On [XXX], check engine light came back on and engine had a knocking noise. Vehicle was towed to Hyundai in Batesville, MS on 4/17/2025 for $498. Engine was checked by Hyundai on 5/23/2025. Oil level was at least 2 quarts low and dealership recommended an oil change (paid by me) to see if there is oil consumption. I live 8 hours from dealership and already know there is oil consumption. Dealership wants to simply get the vehicle off their hands and is placing consumer at risk with lazy diagnosis. 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
#11659640May 7, 2025
ENGINE
I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious engine defect in my 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe, which suffered rod bearing failure and now requires a full engine replacement at a cost of approximately $8,600. This failure occurred on April 13, 2025, despite regular oil changes and proper maintenance throughout my 1 year and 7 months of ownership. According to my certified mechanic, the vehicle was evaluated using Hyundai’s own rod bearing clearance test protocol, which it failed. The results were submitted to Hyundai by the repair shop, but the manufacturer denied the claim—despite their own diagnostic test confirming the issue. I later discovered that my vehicle may fall under NHTSA Campaign Number 17V226000 (Recall 162), which addresses machining errors in the Theta II GDI engine that can cause premature bearing wear. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether my vehicle should be formally included in this recall or covered under Hyundai’s extended warranty program for rod bearing failures. This issue represents a serious safety risk. The engine began knocking suddenly, without any warning lights or codes, and still had another month or 1,419 miles left till next service and oil level was normal. Vehicle had to be towed to a service facility. A failure while driving could have resulted in a complete engine seizure, placing my family and others at risk. I respectfully request that NHTSA review this issue and investigate Hyundai’s handling of such claims, especially where their own testing confirms a known defect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11657371April 28, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I own a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T which has had door latch issues. Recently, the front passenger side door latch needed to be fully replaced due to a failure which caused the door to be loose latching and the latch sensor always showing open. I paid out-out-pocked for this repair as the Hyundai dealership said there are models which this exact issue was identified, but they said the parts extension had not been placed for my exact vehicle. They were also confused as to why this was not being covered as they see so many of these same repairs. Now, less than one month later, the front driver's side door is now experiencing lock issues in which a loud grinding noise is occurring when the vehicle attempts to lock or unlock the door. Additionally, the door does not unlock some of the time from the external and the manual door handle on the interior is getting harder and harder to open. Both of these issues are consistent with other recalls for other Hyundai models and consistent with the door latch module and actuator failure. I would like to file a complaint regarding this issue as it seems to be a common issue with Hyundai models using this door latch module. I believe the parts extension and repairs for these door latches should be covered by Hyundai especially as this becomes a large safety issue with driving the vehicle with concerns of door latch stability and security.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11656372April 23, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Parts of the ABS system under the hood burned, while the vehicle was parked in my garage, affecting electrical and other parts. I found information online about a recall for this same problem. I have never received a notification of this recall before. I went that same day [XXX] to my local dealer. They gave me an appointment for service for the next day and left the vehicle with them on 04/03/2025. I called the dealer after one week and they told me they already verified the vehicle and notified Hyundai company and are waiting for them to approve the repair. I called the dealer again today 04/23/2025, after 3 weeks and the they told me they are “still waiting for Hyundai Company to approve the repair. That they don’t know how much time this may take and that it may take a lot more time”. In the meantime, and after the bad and risky experience, I have one car less in my house. I understand this is a process but also, considering that this was caused by a factory defect I understand they should be responsible and solve the problem in a timely manner. Thank you. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11652815April 4, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
The engine was replaced under a recall related to an engine knock code. About two weeks later, the vehicle lost all power while driving. The dealership confirmed a failure in the high-pressure fuel line and that the turbo had failed at the same time. The same visit revealed oil leaks, and shortly after, the vehicle began emitting white and black smoke. Their technician stated the failures were due to “consequential damage from engine failure.” The problems have continued to return, and I’ve been told the vehicle is unsafe to drive. Hyundai is now refusing to fully cover the cost of repair, offering only 15% off, despite all of the damage being directly linked to the replacement engine. I transport children in this vehicle. My safety and theirs have been at risk multiple times because of these unresolved and ongoing failures.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11651548March 30, 2025
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Car hesitates, lagging at stop lights/slow traffic has completely shutdown while moving in traffic. Several episodes include complete shut down unable to crank following a stop multiple times in last 7 months. 2 Hyundai Dealerships have not been able to duplicate or repair specific issues or stop from occurring. Other repairs were attempted by Dealerships in efforts to correct problems. Car has been towed 5 times under extended warranty.75K- 83K miles. Battery discharge warning still appears even after new battery, plus other engine parts were replaced. Anxiety PTSD is my status.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11639607January 30, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the engine seized. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the roadway. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the ring around the engine needed to be replaced. There was an excessive amount of oil leaking. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted by mail and phone, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11613614September 9, 2024
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. While the contact's son was driving 70 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road and the vehicle was turned off. 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 manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11606765August 6, 2024
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact coasted off to the side of the road. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that several warning lights had illuminated on the instrument cluster. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that a rod bearing had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that prior to the engine failure the contact observed that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact was adding approximately 1-quart of oil every week. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 196,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11593925June 12, 2024
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled, and the RPMs dropped. There was no warning light illuminated. A Police Officer responded and there was an abnormally strong chemical odor present. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11593148June 7, 2024
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while his wife and daughter were driving, the vehicle unexpectedly decelerated to approximately 25 MPH. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact's wife was able to pull the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the local dealer was in contact with the manufacturer. The contact related to the failure with the Technical Service Bulletin: 19-01-002H-1 (Engine Monitoring Logic Product Improvement). The failure mileage was approximately 185,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11584016April 19, 2024
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, and while driving below 10 MPH, the vehicle stalled inadvertently. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11575797March 6, 2024
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics and the contact was informed that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The second mechanic informed the contact of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Colling) which he linked to the failure. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer and was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 137,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11547207September 28, 2023
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the center console became loosened. The contact stated that the center console started to crack and fall apart. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11547068September 28, 2023
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle started shaking and with an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. The vehicle was diagnosed by a dealer and the contact was informed that the failure was due to a lack of maintenance and oil changes. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the vehicle was not under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11544046September 12, 2023
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 54,400.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11542731September 5, 2023
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel odor coming from the vehicle when the vehicle was started. Additionally, while driving at approximately 20 MPH, the contact also smelled the fuel odor. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the high-pressure fuel line needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 109,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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