Hyundai Santa Fe Complaints
8,019 consumer complaints on file.
- #11446467January 6, 2022ENGINE
I was driving on the interstate going around 65 mph on the highway. The vehicle stopped accelerating and I had to swerve into the breakdown lane, lucky that I was not hit by other cars. I turned the vehicle off for a few minutes and then tried to restart it but the vehicle made loud noises and started smoking so I turned it off. I had it towed to a dealership and they said it would need an engine replacement. I only had the vehicle for one year and it was in good condition.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11446553January 6, 2022ENGINE
I was driving on the interstate with my 2 kids in the car and my car started losing power. I was able to coast off the exit and the car died. No warning lights, no smoke, no noises, nothing. The engine seized up. We provided maintenance records but Hyundai is denying its their fault or a faulty engine. They quoted us $18,000 for new engine
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11446316January 5, 2022ENGINE
The engine completely failed while driving on the highway. The check engine light appeared approximately 20 minutes prior to event. Vehicle was serviced regularly, Including at a hyundai dealership in July. Per our independent mechanic the engine seized up. The engine is available upon request.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11446381January 5, 2022ENGINE
On Oct. 25, 2021 my family and I were returning from a day trip. I stopped to re-fuel my car and when I got out the engine was making a horrible noise. No lights came on, nothing indicated any kind of issue. I asked my husband and he said it is the engine and told me to turn the car off. We pushed the car to a safe space and took an Uber home. The following day I had the vehicle towed to the local Hyundai dealership. Within a few days I was told the vehicle failed a rod bearing test and that it was being submitted to Hyundai for review and hopeful assistance with replacement because the engine was done. It was indicated that because I had the larger engine and there were no recalls on that one it wasn't likely Hyundai would help but it was worth a shot to try. It took several weeks but Hyundai finally responded and said they would not assist. I was advised by the dealership to file my own claim and argue so I did. It took over a month to get a response from Hyundai despite multiple calls from me and Hyundai basically told me I was on my own. So, I have a blown engine in a vehicle I owe over $16,000 on that only has 103,000 miles. I have taken appropriate care of the vehicle and it has NEVER run low on oil. This is a catastrophic failure with no recourse. Hyundai does not make the engine any longer (gee I wonder why? ) and a remanufactured engine with a 1 year warranty will cost me between $8,000 and $11,000. I have been told by every junk yard within a 200 mile radius that the engine I am looking for is hard to find because they are generally purchased as they come in the door because of such a high need for replacement engines.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11446389January 5, 2022POWER TRAIN
While driving on a busy highway on December 26th, 2021 the vehicles check engine light suddenly illuminated and began flashing. There was a sudden loss of power and unable to accelerate. No warning lamps or indications that a catastrophic failure was impending. This was an extremely dangerous situation that almost ended in a fatal accident with other drivers having to slow down and go around the car in "limp mode.". Today, on January 5th, 2022 the dealership informed us that this vehicle is part of a massive lawsuit and settlement due to defective engines in Hyundai and Kia vehicles that throw rod bearings and even catch fire. There is a claim currently pending with Hyundai to have this engine replaced. There is an estimated 3-4 week turnaround before having the vehicle returned to us. We're to wait 3-5 business days to determine if Hyundai will approve or deny the claim. It's hard to imagine they will based off of us being the original owners and receipts indicating all required maintenance. We're also expecting to have Hyundai to pay for a rental vehicle since there are no loaners available.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11446100January 4, 2022ENGINE
Total engine failure while driving, 1000 miles after a clean bill of health and some work done at licensed hyundai dealership. Both hyundai local and corporate pointed fingers and blamed but no accountability. Dealership quoted 14k for install of used engine. Local engine shop said these engines fail shortly after 100k miles and he sees them more frequently than any other brand. The problem is the engine design, and it's inability to properly lubricate itself under real world driving conditions.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11446246January 4, 2022ENGINE
I have a 2017 Hyundai Santa FE Sport 2.4 Liter engine. On December 16th at 3am i was on the highway and the gas would not go above 65mph after i herd a clunk, but i did not hit anything in the road. 4 miles after that it started slowing down with all the warning lights going off. 3 miles after that off the highway onto a city street and 4 miles away from home the vehicle made a sudden down shift (it seemed) started to slow down after a sound of my engine clinking and sounded as some parts fell off. A half mile away from home it slowed to a walking pace and shut down. I looked under the vehicle, oil was everywhere, i looked under the hood and seen the same thing. After a half mile tow my mechanic of 12 years who inspects the vehicle and does all the repairs and oil changes three to four times a year stated the pins and rods under the engine fell apart and blew a hole in the bottom of the engine. My mechanic T.J.Burns at Burns Automotive, CarMax mechanic and Precision Auto all in Greenville, South Carolina said the 2.4 Liter engines from this manufacturer are known for blowing out and dying after 100,000 miles regardless of proper maintenance and this IS a a manufacturer's defect in their professional opinion.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11445984January 3, 2022ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS
The contact’s mother-in-law owns a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated after charging the battery and at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled into a shopping center and purchased a quart of oil to add to the engine oil. When the contact opened the hood, oil had leaked all over the engine. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to his residence. The vehicle was not inspected or repaired. The contact was concerned after doing research that oil had leaked onto the alternator and caused the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11446081January 3, 2022ENGINE
On December 31, 2021, at approximately 12:30pm CST, I was driving my fathers 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe down I-94 in Michigan City/ LaPorte area of Indiana. In the vehicle was my father, my wife and my brother. I was driving at approximately 70-75 mph and I started hearing a rattling noise when I accelerated. It sounded as if the vehicle had a loose heat shield on the exhaust, so I didn't think too much of it. About 45-60 seconds after that, all the dash lights came on and I pulled off to the side of the highway. I turned the vehicle off and waited about 30 seconds and tried to start it back up, which it did not do. I then noticed smoke coming from under the hood, so I told everyone to get out of the vehicle and I popped the hood latch. I opened the hood and tried to determine where the smoke was coming from, however it was coming from under other parts in the engine, so I could determine what exactly was smoking. I then saw a flame. I told everyone to get back and I immediately called 911. Within 10-15 minutes, a firefighter pulled up in a pick-up truck. He assessed the situation and spoke with my father. Ten minutes after that, other firefighters showed up with an engine and extinguished the fire. By that time though, the fire had completely engulfed the entire front end of the vehicle. We spoke with the police officers after a short wait, a tow truck came and picked up the vehicle and we were picked up by other family members.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- Yes
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11445812January 1, 2022ENGINE
Per the Theta Engine Recall Settlement, I had the recall work performed on my 2015 Hyundai Sante Fe on August 23, 2021. Roughly in October, the oil light faded on and off on the dashboard. I pulled into the Autozone and purchased 1 Quart of engine oil. I checked the dipstick in the parking lot and added the quart to the proper fill line of the engine dipstick. On 11/11/2021, while driving my vehicle, without any warning, the engine stopped and shut the car off in traffic. The oil light, check engine light, and service light came on then went off. I attempted 5 times to restart the engine before it would run. I took it to a Midas Auto shop where the diagnostic advised the engine failed and was damaged. I had the vehicle towed to Larry H. Miller Hyundai in Peoria, AZ 85382. The diagnostics indicated that the engine failed as was due to the fact of the Theta Class Engine Recall. The mechanic, service manager, and service advisor took notes and photographs of the valve train on the engine block. They advised the vehicle engine was damaged and needed replacement. They advised they did not find any indications of lack of maintenance. The engine was low on oil as it is apparent that the engine was more likely running hot. Hyundai Motors has denied the extended warranty claim (even though the recall updates have been completed prior to the engine failure). I have appealed within the company for the replacement of the engine but Hyundai is continuing to deny the claims. The dealership has advised other customers are being denied for the same reason just due to gaps in service records even though there are no indications of wear of the engine. Hyundai has since tried to settle the claim with me for $500.00 to release the company from any liability that the HMA failed to conform the vehicle to warranty in connection fo my concerns and history repair.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11445754December 31, 2021ENGINE
On September 15, 2021 while driving the Santa Fe engine just stopped in the middle of an intersection , was able to coast to the side of the road. Vehicle has fuel, showed no issues prior. Tow truck driver attempted to jumpstart the vehicle with no avail, was towed to the local Hyundai dealer ship who had it for one week to finally tell me that the motor was blown and needs a new long motor for $15,399.00 USD. Had a second automotive shop check out the vehicle and was told the same diagnosis, motor was blown needs to be replaced, and that Hyundai no longer is manufacturing the long engine the this Santa Fe takes. I was also informed that this wasn't the first Satna Fe that they have diagnosed with this problem, both the Sport model and the same model I currently have. Neither the Hyundai dealership or the dealership where I purchased this vehicle one year ago, will help me. I am aware that Hyundai has recalled the Sport model for engine problems, but the model I own.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11445576December 30, 2021POWER TRAIN
Motor blown rods are knocking and will seize up
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11445629December 30, 2021ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
One day Im driving to work and out of the blue, my car stereo stopped working, it turns on but no sound comes out of it. Tried replacing amplifier, speakers etc, nothing worked. After that, my car wouldn't start several times a month, had to jump start it frequently for about 4-5 months. Eventually it became if I didn't turn on my car atleast once a day, it would die and need to be jumped. So Ive been jumping my car almost every 2-3 days for the past month & 1/2.. Changed the battery multiple times. Took it to different mechanics and dealers, NOBODY knew what the issue was. Apparently something is draining my battery and no one knows how to figure it out!
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11445546December 30, 2021ENGINE
The back of the engine is smoking and has a burning smell
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11445375December 29, 2021ENGINE
Excessive build up of sludge, even with proper maintenance.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11445526December 29, 2021ENGINE
On or about October 16th 2021. After leaving a resturant I was unable to restart my car. It just would not turn over. I called a tow truck thinking It was possibly the starter. The vehicle was towed to Kia, where it was purchased. Upon inspection they(mechanics) also thought it was the starter. Being that the car is under an extended warranty, they contacted the appropriate company for the coverage. However the starter was or isn't the problem, they now believe it's the engine. Mind you I have less than 100,000 miles. I was told I would possiblly incounter a cost of 900.00 for them to determine what's wrong with the vehicle? At the time of me submitting this complaint, my car has been in the repair shop for 3 months. Can you imagine my rental expenses? I"ve read through several complaints of people expressing their concerns and complaints for this same or similar problem, It appears to me that Hyundai has a problem. I"m still without a vehicle.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11445234December 28, 2021ENGINE
We purchased the vehicle in December 2017 with 30,753 miles and the engine seized in July 2021 with 79,896 miles. When we purchased the vehicle, we were told that Hyundai's warrantee would only be 50% of the original owner warrantee which means it would expire at 60,000 miles. We submitted a claim with Hyundai in July 2021 (Case#: 18480584) but Hyundai refused to stand behind the vehicle and we decided not to spend the estimated $12,000 to repair the engine. We sold the vehicle to a junk yard for $1,500 in August 2021. My personal opinion is that Hyundai should stand behind every vehicle they manufacture throughout the life of the vehicle. The full warrantee should transfer from owner to owner and not be shortened.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11445296December 28, 2021UNKNOWN OR OTHER
We drove the vehicle to the mountains and home around three thousand miles into an oil change and began experiencing our transmission slipping and shifting rough. My wife drove the car to work after returning from the trip and on the way home, the check oil light came on. When I checked it, there was no oil showing on the dip stick and a small burnt but at the very end. It took 5 quarts of oil to get it back to full. After doing the oil consumption test through Hyundai, they are telling me the transmission is not covered. We are waiting for the response from Hyundai in an engine replacement but I’m very concerned about the drivability with the transmission issues.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11445312December 28, 2021ENGINE
We were told by a mechanic that the engine needs to be replaced because the rod bearings wore out and are now inside the engine. This is similar to a current recall by Hyundai except our VIN is not included. Hyundai is unwilling to help us and the cost of an engine is more than the car. The car is not driveable and could have cause serious injury if the engine had blown up. It is currently being stored and is available to inspect. The check engine light came on initially which is when we brought it to the mechanic.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11445362December 28, 2021UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The engine had a catastrophic failure due to bearing failure with no advanced warning lights. The issue occurred while accelerating to merge into highway traffic. The engine had an immediate drop in power and produced a searing grinding noise. The drop in power forced my speed from 55 to 35 mph in a matter of secondS. I had to negotiate across 3 lanes of traffic in order to exit the highway to find a safe stop to contact roadside assistance. Some smoke was coming from the engine but no fire. Prior to the incident, the vehicle had been driven <3 miles in local stop/go traffic from a cold start. Roadside assistance towed to local Grayson Hyundai Dealer who inspected the engine and determined the bearing failure within two days. The check engine light came on at the same instance as the engine failure. There was no advanced warning even though Hyundai performed a recall that updated software to specifically detect and alert to potential failure. Car is still awaiting warranty repairs by dealer. Dealer will not provide any written details to me or provide any cost or timeline estimates for the repair. While the failure occurred within the manufacturer’s 5 year/60K mile warranty, the warranty has now expired in the 5 months it has been waiting to be repaired.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0