general problems of the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe - part 1

Engine seized while driving. Recall-covered failure mode. Hyundai denial despite recall. Screenshots showed recall with VIN for engine recall and suddenly removed by Hyundai next day.

The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated and blinked intermittently. The contact stopped at a gas station. The contact filled up the fuel tank and checked the coolant reservoir. When the contact restarted the vehicle, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle failed to exceed 30 mph without shaking or vibrating. The check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The engine coils or the starter sensor and the O2 sensors were replaced before the independent mechanic informed the contact that the engine had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was confirmed that the engine had failed. The contact was informed that the vehicle was under a service warranty and the vehicle would be repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. However, the manufacturer refused to replace the engine and offered the contact monetary compensation. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 167,000.

What happened: while driving in montana on September 21, 2025, the cabin suddenly filled with gasoline fumes and the accelerator pedal stopped responding. After pulling over, flames erupted from under the hood and the vehicle was completely destroyed within minutes. The passenger-side door could not be opened from the inside at first, delaying escape and creating a serious safety risk. No warning lights or messages appeared before or during the fire. (1) while driving, gasoline suddenly filled the cabin and the accelerator pedal stopped responding. Within seconds, the vehicle caught fire. The cause appears related to the fuel system, and possibly the abs module. The vehicle was completely destroyed but remains available for inspection in a private tow lot. (2) the fire spread extremely quickly. Both occupants were nearly trapped inside when the passenger-side door would not open from the inside, delaying escape. The vehicle burned on the shoulder of a busy highway in montana, posing danger to us and to surrounding motorists. (3) not after this fire, but a similar problem occurred in 2023 when gasoline filled the cabin and caused the engine to stall. At that time, Hyundai replaced the engine under warranty. (4) no. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance. It is secured in a private tow lot and is available for inspection. (5) no. There were no warnings at all before or during the failure. Even as gasoline filled the cabin and the vehicle caught fire, the check engine light stayed off and no alerts appeared.

My daughter owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS, which is currently experiencing internal engine failure and abnormal engine noise. These issues directly align with Hyundai’s notification regarding the extended warranty coverage for vehicles equipped with the 3. 3l lambda ii gdi engine, which may experience abnormal engine noise or damage. Hyundai has acknowledged these concerns and extended warranty protection for engine repairs or replacement. The Hyundai holler dealership in winter park florida. Recently inspected the vehicle and reported a critical failure requiring immediate attention. The recommended service included: timing job (all cvvts, intake, camshaft, chains, guides, tensioners) both valve cover gaskets and rtv replacement ( this is the internal parts of the engine) the estimated repair cost was $6,723. 92. This recommendation reflects the exact type of engine-related failure covered under Hyundai’s extended warranty for this VIN. It is both unreasonable and disappointing that my daughter was presented with such a significant repair estimate for a condition Hyundai has already committed to covering. For context, my husband is a certified technician, and we have carefully reviewed the inspection details. The diagnosis provided by holler Hyundais service department is consistent with the warranty-covered issue. Therefore, this repair should rightfully be processed under Hyundai’s extended warranty program. I must also share that my daughter a single disabled mother of three with limited resources and income. The dealership’s approach in presenting her with an astronomical repair bill—without recognizing the warranty coverage—causes unnecessary stress and financial hardship mr jesse cappiello service consultant. Refuses to accept this as warranty, by stating the warranty is only for rod bearing failure. When the warranty clearly states engine failure I have attached the warranty info for your review.

The engine has been running rough for awhile and emissions light came on. My car was having problems accelerating, 2 years ago the light came on but didn’t stay on so the dealer couldn’t diagnose problem.

Owner: [xxx] VIN: [xxx] vehicle: 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe sport my daughter purchased this vehicle in April 2025 from a licensed Chrysler dealership. On [xxx], the engine suddenly seized while driving, without warning, and would not restart. This VIN was part of recall 17v-226 (Hyundai campaign 162). Dealer records show the recall was closed with inspection only (“engine inspection, oil, dipstick”), not an engine replacement. The failure matches the defect description of the recall (bearing wear from restricted oil flow). Hyundai is refusing to repair it, claiming sludge and “maintenance neglect,” despite my daughter only owning it for 5 months and having an oil change at Hyundai in may 2025. This engine failure proves the prior “inspection” remedy was ineffective. Hyundai is also denying coverage under the lifetime warranty extension (txxi), which explicitly applies to subsequent owners for bearing failures. This is a serious safety issue. My daughter lost power in traffic, and the vehicle is still unrepaired. This complaint is being submitted on behalf of the registered owner, [xxx] , by her mother [xxx] , who is the primary contact. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

In relation to this incident, approximately 3,00 miles after an oil change, the engine oil drain plug fell out and caused all oil to leak and cause engine damage. Engine oil change was at approximately 125,000 miles. Drain plug fell out at approximately 128,000 miles. No warning lights or symptoms were present prior to vehicle shutting off and dying while driving. Vehicle was then towed to shop who previously did oil change. Shop confirmed drain plug was missing and oil level was empty. I am the manager of this shop submitting this on behalf of the customer with this vehicle. We are aware of the ongoing concerns in relation to case dp22-003 and would like to submit this information as further evidence for this case.

While driving on a steep, narrow grade with no safe shoulder, my 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe sport suddenly lost all forward power. The engine would rev but the vehicle would not accelerate. I was left stranded in traffic, with cars behind me and nowhere safe to pull off, creating an immediate risk of being rear-ended or rolling back into other vehicles. I had to call for a tow to avoid a serious crash. The vehicle was marked as having all recall campaigns completed, including the rod bearing inspection and knock sensor update, which were supposed to protect against catastrophic engine failure. Clearly, those campaigns were not sufficient to prevent the failure I experienced. At the time of failure, the vehicle displayed the check engine light and drivability symptoms consistent with abnormal combustion and potential bearing damage. Hyundai denied lifetime warranty coverage under the theta ii engine settlement without performing the required inspection. Instead, I was left with an estimate for engine-related repairs that exceeded the value of the vehicle, effectively rendering it a total loss. This failure is exactly what Hyundai’s recall notices describe as a risk: sudden engine failure, loss of motive power, and increased risk of crash. The fact that this happened to my vehicle despite “completed” recall campaigns raises serious concerns about whether the defect remains unresolved and whether Hyundai is adequately honoring its recall and settlement obligations. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether Hyundai is improperly denying warranty coverage without inspection and whether vehicles that were marked as repaired under these recalls are still at risk of catastrophic engine failure, stalling, and loss of motive power on public roads. The settlement administrator also works for Hyundai is just referring customers back to Hyundai customer care. They are not honoring this class action lawsuit and acting in bad faith and putting lives at risk.

Engine suddenly failed as I was sitting at a stop light and now is making a rattling/knocking noise.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Bien,mi auto tuvo varios problemas al mismo tiempo: 1-falla en todo el sistema eléctrico,aire acondicionado,control DE tráfico ambas partes, power steering,abs,pérdida DE potencia en el motor,problemas con el receptor DE la llave remoto,tiene un problema eléctrico sin precedente todo ocurrió DE la nada,todo ocurrió un mismo día cuando íbamos camino a una excursión mi familia y yo estuvimos en un gran riesgo,todos los componentes han sido inspeccionados y no he podido aún arreglarlos porque se necesita el consecionario DE este automóvil para descubrirle las grandes fallas que presenta,aún tiene 3 señales en el tablero, check engine, power string, abs, todo prendió después del problema.

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.

Engine seized.

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.

I was driving my daughters to school and the vehicle made a loud squeal and a subsequently a continuous clicking noise. I did not have any warning of the vehicle malfunctioning. There was no check engine light, no loss of power, or anything related to an impending failure. Upon this happening I was able to quickly get the vehicle moved as I was in the middle of the road with people around and lucking was not hit as I immediately stopped. I was close to home and was able to get the vehicle back to our home. Upon speaking with a Hyundai dealership they made me aware of a “silent recall” on many motors within the Hyundai failure due to internal failures. The vehicle was towed to the dealership and inspected and confirmed to have been linked to the engine failure. Hyundai is now stating that due to me being the second owner of the vehicle I am not apt to the extended warranty and there is no notice on any of the public facing knowledge to any of this information. I have gone through almost 2. 5 months of back and forth with Hyundai case managers & the attorney general.

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).

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.

Loss of acceleration and stuttering when I was trying to get up to speed on the interstate going up a hill. Instantly blinking check engine light. Won't go above 2000rpm or 60mph. P1326 code read glow relay short circuit.

While driving we notice an engine knock, particular when the car reached 2000 rpm or more. The car suddenly lost power and would not exceed 40 mph. We took the vehicle to a mechanic and were informed that it needed the engine replaced.

My steering would work while I was driving with my kids in the car, my breaks were barely working, the hood started smoking and something under the hood in the engine caught on fire, there was a horrible smell when I was breaking and the breaks would jolt. The engine and cooling was not turning off even with my key taken out, the fan engine was running nonstop no matter what, smoking etc.

Engine failed mixing oil and coolant.

Crack was found in oil pan during regular maintenance. The engine was replaced by Hyundai and now has around 60,000 miles on it. At my expense, the oil plan was replaced.

Check engine light came on and acceleration failed. Hyundai dealership indicated there are no valves in the intake and exhaust ports.

The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormal knocking sound. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle sputtered and hesitated to respond. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 63,547.

On [xxx] I was driving down a busy 4-lane in los angeles and my engine suddenly died. There were no warning signs like indicator lights or warning noises. It was traumatic and frightening and I thought I was going to be struck by a car or truck. I had little control over the car-it would not accelerate to get out of the road lane. I was coasting, stopped half toward the side of the road but still sticking out in the road lane and was terrified I'd get hit by another vehicle from my back driver's corner. Cars and trucks that were traveling at normal speed were trying to avoid a collision with me and swerving around me, putting myself and others at risk for serious injury or death. I had had all the systems updated 2 years ago at a hma, Hyundai dealership as I was directed, which included the ksds (knock sensor detection system). Dealer said it was to warn me of possible engine noise and issues. I never got any warning. I was never told by anyone including Hyundai or any regulatory agency that the engine could suddenly fail as I'm driving the car or I would not have been driving it! there were never any warnings at that time or any time that anything was wrong with the vehicle. The car was towed to a Hyundai dealership and they diagnosed the problem on 8/28/2024 as a failed engine bearings clearance test at 63kmiles. I kept all maintenance records, all done timely and properly with full synthetic oil. The components were assessed by the Hyundai dealership in communication and with guidance through hma, Hyundai technical /techline confirmed failed engine bearings clearance test. My engine was not making any noises beforehand at all, and no engine warning light or sounds gave any warnings to be cautious or do anything other than drive normally. I was told I need an engine replacement. A prior approval for the engine replacement was started on 8/28/24 and sent to hma, Hyundai. 9/17/2024, I still don't have engine replacement, dealer refuses to give records. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of inform.

I have been notified that I am in need of a new engine due to possible complete engine failure which is on the near horizon. I have the lambda ii v6 3. 3l engine. It is knocking, making noises, hesitates to go, feels like it will stall out at all speeds, and is scaring me terribly. My certified local mechanic replaced a part for failed emissions, which cost almost $900. However the check engine light came back on. They stated I must go to Hyundai because they did not believe they could fix the car as it required a new engine. I took it to my Hyundai dealer, where my contact stated yes it should be covered as it was having the issues as have been identified with this engine. He later came back and stated his managers would not let him put through the claim, and said my estimate was now a whole new timing system at a cost of $4600. My car has less than 83,000 miles on it. My previous Hyundai is still running at 200,000 miles, so yes, I take good care of my vehicles. This is an early equipment failure on the part of Hyundai and kia that they are now owning up to. I drive on busy 4 lane local roads, and I am afraid of this engine failure. Also, when I did take my Hyundai into the dealership, they did not have the abs part needed for the recall. I was told it would be in within a couple of days. I have not been contacted back by them if it is in and to schedule me an appt. This is a huge failure in itself! I did make a claim to Hyundai customer care, that stated it was out of warranty. Today, I have my car at a 3rd automotive mechanic in the area to get a 3rd opinion. He has a minor timing issue code p0018 that emissions still kicked out once I finally got it passed. I am waiting to hear what he has to say regarding my engine with no beforehand knowledge of what I know so far. If my car catches fire or breaks down or seizes up on a busy road, I don't think that will go safely at all. I am very concerned for my safety and that of others.

This past Tuesday, July 23, 2024, I started to drive out of my driveway and I heard a very loud knocking noise coming from under the hood. Upon driving the car less than 100 feet the car lost power. It was extremely difficult to get the car back to my driveway. The car was completely impossible to drive and control of my Santa Fe limited was lost. I had a tow company tow my Santa Fe to the place where I got normal routine service done. Both the tow truck driver and the owner of the auto service business stated the failure was a broken connecting rod or something very similar in the engine. The result was the engine is not able to be repaired and would need to be replaced by a new engine. I purchased the Santa Fe limited new on may 17, 2024 and I am the only owner. It currently has 72,600 miles on it. I performed all service requirements and changed oil and filter every 5000 miles. Also had my tires rotated and balanced every 5000 miles.

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.

Vehicle was driving then all of a sudden there was an excessive amount of white smoke coming out of exhaust engine was making a clicking sound before like a card in spokes on a bike and has been excessively consuming oil recently auto shop discovered that a piston came loose and was rattling around the engine until it eventually shot through the engine.

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.

Engine was replaced in Feb. 2020 as part of the 162 engine recall. Car engine completely shuts down while driving and cannot be restarted for 20 or so minutes. This leaves me stuck in traffic with no ability to move the car. The new engine only has 40,000 miles on it. Dealership first said it was an issue with the engine and valves but when I wanted them to pay, they said the car is fine and passes all inspections. The check oil light and engine light come on when the engine stops, but they are not on prior to the engine stalling. I have made three visits regarding this - 1 to my personal mechanic and two to the Hyundai dealership. I filmed a video of the stall but it is too long to upload.