general problems of the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe - part 2

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.

Engine stopped abruptly without warning while driving vehicle.

I recently purchased this used vehicle in June(2025) and after a couple of months of owning the vehicle, I started noticing the car oil level when I checked, started being lower than normal pretty frequently. And it has gotten to the point where I would have to top the oil off every week only after driving a few 100 miles. When I went for my oil change this October, I did informed Hyundai about the issue and they told me to drive the vehicle for 900 miles, do not top it off. And I am following what they're saying, and right now, I just checked my oil, and I have only driven it for 468 miles since I had gotten it changed on October 22nd of this year, and it's showing about a 1/2 quart low at the dipstick already. But if it gets too low before the 900 miles, I would take it to Hyundai so as not to cause any damage to the engine driving it with the oil too low if it gets to that point. The service tech did state that the first step in correcting the issue was to do a combustion flush. And I hope that Hyundai is taking care of the issue for us consumers. I appreciate your prompt response regarding this matter. Thank you. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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).

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.

While I was dropping on the highway my vehicle suddenly slowed down when and the engine started shaking when I approached around 40mph and the check engine light started flashing. After checking I’m getting the error codes p1326 and p0014. I’m not unable to go past 40mph and the vehicle starts stalling when I approach that speed which is incredibly dangerous depending on what road I’m on. I’ve had zero issues with this vehicle previously and have always had regular maintenance. After researching other Santa Fe sport have had identical issues and there are recalls for other years but my year 2018 was skipped for some reason even though it’s clearly affected.

I am writing to formally request your review and potential intervention regarding a serious and potentially widespread mechanical issue involving Hyundai vehicles, along with the manufacturer’s refusal to honor their well-advertised 100,000-mile powertrain warranty for subsequent (non-original) owners. I am the current owner of a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe (VIN: [xxx] ) that is experiencing a continuous variable valve timing (cvvt) system failure, which has led to a critical engine malfunction. The estimated cost of repairs exceeds $7,000, an unexpected and significant financial burden. Despite the vehicle being well within the 100,000-mile threshold, Hyundai has denied warranty coverage solely on the grounds that I am not the original owner. This policy effectively strips coverage from second-hand buyers and, in my view, is misleading given Hyundai’s extensive advertising of the 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. It creates a false sense of long-term reliability and warranty protection. This is not an isolated case. Numerous complaints have surfaced from Hyundai owners experiencing similar catastrophic engine and powertrain failures—including cvvt malfunctions, rod bearing issues, and engine seizure—raising serious questions about: the safety and reliability of Hyundai's engine systems; the fairness and transparency of Hyundai’s warranty terms and advertising; potentially systemic manufacturing or design flaws impacting thousands of vehicles on u. S. Roads. I respectfully urge the ntsb to review whether such defects present broader safety implications and to assess whether Hyundai’s current warranty practices reflect responsible corporate and consumer protection standards. Please let me know if additional information is required, including repair estimates, maintenance records, or correspondence with Hyundai representatives. I appreciate your time and attention to this matter that is affecting many vehicle owners beyond my individual case. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (fo.

The oil pressure switch has a faulty seal causing oil to leak out onto the engine block. This causes oil on the underbody and ground, smoke amd smell from oil on got surfaces, knocking noises from the engine, reduced power or hesitation, illumination or the check engine light and oil pressure light, high speed stall, and will also cause fire in the engine compartment resulting in death or sever injury. I have taken my car to the red mccombs Hyundai dealership in san antonio TX for repair and they have confirmed that it is the oil pressure switch seal that failed. The oil leak has also damaged electrical components causing a malfunction in the dash cluster and steering wheel control.

Over 3 years ago I went in for a normal oil change at brookshire hyindai dealership where I was told my engine was consuming an alarming amount of oil. In order for Hyundai to do anything I was told o need to complete an engine oil consumption test which requires me to go back to the dealership every 1000 miles for 3k miles for them to check the oil. After completing this it was proven that there was a engine oil consumption issue. They submitted it to Hyundai and I was denied. They said I needed to pay for an engine combustion cleaning which cost me about 400$, then I would have to repeat the test to see if the issue was resolved. After doing all of that, I still had an engine oil consumption problem according to the second test. Hyundai denied me again and told me I had to wait until my engine light came on. So when it came on I brought it back, they said it wasn’t my engine according to the computer. I have spent thousands of dollars on oil over the past several years and Hyundai has done nothing. I do not feel safe in my vehicle. Hyundai has failed me. I then called Hyundai consumer care to open up a case and still nothing. All of that for them to tell me my extended warranty for my engine will not cover the issue. They have done nothing to resolve my issue only cost me time and money with no resolution. This is a known issue for my cars make and model and they are just turning their head the other way. Hyundai consumer care in fact does not care about consumers at all.

In may while driving on the highway my car suddenly wouldnt accelerate and started jerking. It would go past 60-65 and the engine light was on. Took it to get repaired and they stated the whole engine needed to be replaced. Never once had an issue with my car until then. Of course we got the runaround went it came to the warranty. After repairs I notice my car does not run the same and that its slow to accelerate. Fast forward about a month later the starter goes bad in the car and now its completely unoperable.

Q: what component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? a: two fuel injectors on bank 2 are failing intermittently causing the engine light to flash and stay on (p0300 errors) and the car loses power.   q: how was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? a: driving to newark airport on [xxx] the car suddenly lost power and was quickly coming to a halt. Luckily I was was in the middle lane and was able to get to the shoulder without incident. This also happened to my daughter when she was in wa state, driving to work on the highway (the car was serviced but the fuel injectors were not replaced - see attached receipt). Q: has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? a: yes. An independent service center performed a injector value load test which determines the amount of blocked pressure the injector is performing under load. The values and the math show that more than 1 injector on bank 2 are failing. Q: has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? a: I had the vehicle in the Hyundai dealer but they did not do the injector load test and only wanted to replace all the coil packs and plugs. I had two other independent service facilities confirm the issue is with fault fuel injectors. Hyundai has the parts on hold and is not releasing any due to this issue. I do not understand how this is not a recall circumstance. I am fortunate that in both instances an accident did not occur. Q: were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? a: yes, the engine light comes on - at first blinking, then steady. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

In under 5,000 miles, my vehicle consumed over 5qt of oil. No indication of leaking. Took to an auto shop with ase-certified technicians who verified that the vehicle is over-consuming oil. They explained that the rings around the pistons are no longer sealing properly, allowing combustion to escape. This explains the char marks on my dry dip-stick, which I checked immediately when my engine light turned on, which was my first indication of a problem. I had the vehicle checked out and oil changed immediately upon the engine light turning on. The light turned on as I was parking at the parking lot where I work. I added oil in order to make it to the auto shop, so as not to drive on zero oil. This is a risk of the engine failing while driving and potential to cause a fire.

Constantly losing oil and there is no oil leak. Had numerous oil consumption test done. Paid for other unnecessary testing as well. Thousand of complaints on line of other Santa Fe sports also having the same issue. Hyundai denied a new engine even though dealership recommended it. Also Hyundai consumer also denied, since corporate told dealership no. Losing 4 quarts of oil, going less than 1000 miles. Let it sit for over a month, then took it back. Now they said I was 2 quarts over. It has the dealership tamper seals on it. Only dealership has been adding oil. Customer service representative, accused me of adding oil. I asked how do you think I did that? your seals are on my car that your dealership out on there. Said it needed an oil change since it was over. Told him that's fine, but I was not paying for it, since they were the only one who out the oil in. So now I am having to do yet another oil consumption test. This was on 2. 3. 26.

Vehicle failed an oil consumption test. Dealership acknowledges that the vehicle burns 1. 5 quarts per 1 thousand miles. The dealership initially told me that Hyundai would cover a combustion cleaning. However after acknowledging my mileage, they are now refusing to provide any assistance. This is a known issue and they are not acknowledging it. The dealership instructs me to drive until the problem progresses, but according to their data there is already a problem outside of the manufacturers specifications.

Followed all the steps for the theta ii engine issue included replacing the knock sensor and spark plugs. The engine lost power when driving to chicago and had to get the vehicle towed and now the dealer is saying that I have to pay for the engine replacement at my own expense in Hyundai is not covering.

The car stopped on a local road. The car was moved to a local mechanic shop, and the mechanic there diagnosed that the engine was locked up. It was towed to the dealership where the car was serviced last. If it had happened in on a highway, it would have caused very dangerous situation. There was no warning sign - no check engine light, no low engine oil light. Everything appeared to be working normally.

I was driving on the highway in April when my engine jolted and my car would not accelerate over 65mph. The engine light came on, and I was afraid that my car would seize and cause harm to myself and to other drivers. The flow of traffic was much higher, and I could not keep up with other vehicles. I feared that faster cars would crash into me or cause an accident trying to pass me. I pulled over ASAP and had to wait for roadside assistance. The dealer confirmed it was the knock code sensor p1326 that kicked in. I have maintained proper oil maintenance and have had a fuel induction service, prior to this event. An independent service center told me about the service recall on the engine, but the dealership will not acknowledge it nor my car's warranty.

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe sport. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 50 mph, the vehicle jerked and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact's husband was able to pull over to the side of the road and ended up inside a ditch before the vehicle came to a stop. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had failed. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer, who confirmed that the engine had failed; and there was gasoline intrusion into the engine, causing engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that a manager would contact her. The vehicle remained at the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 99,501.

I’ve got a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe sport with a theta ii engine that’s failing—burning oil way too fast, coolant mixing in the cylinders, and throwing a p0304 misfire code. It’s been undrivable since late April 2025, and I’m worried about safety because the misfire and engine failure risk could cause it to stall on the highway, putting me and others in danger. It shakes when I try to drive, which feels unsafe. A Hyundai dealer confirmed the issue, finding coolant in the cylinders and the misfire, with no visible oil leak. Oil change receipts show the oil disappearing over a few weeks. The manufacturer reviewed my case but denied the warranty claim, saying it’s not covered since I’m a second owner and it’s not a rod bearing issue, even though the 2021 theta ii settlement should apply to this. The seller didn’t disclose the engine’s defect history when I bought it in 2023. The check engine light came on in early April 2025 with the misfire code, and I noticed the oil issue then. It’ll be out of service over 30 days by mid may 2025, so I’m taking legal action.

•year/make/model: 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe •mileage: ~91,502 •date purchased: April 2023 description of problem / safety concern: I am reporting a safety-related engine defect in my 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe. The vehicle has developed engine knocking, metal shavings in the oil, and potential timing chain/bearing failure, all of which create a serious risk of engine failure while driving. The vehicle was purchased at 50,855 miles and currently has 91,502 miles, demonstrating that these serious engine defects developed at relatively low mileage. I have attempted to have the issue addressed under Hyundai’s extended warranty, referencing the txx8 service bulletin which provides specific instructions for inspecting, diagnosing, and submitting claims for this type of engine defect. Despite this, two Hyundai dealers have refused to inspect the vehicle or submit a warranty claim: •Hyundai of trenton refused to inspect or submit any claim. •a second Hyundai dealer demanded nearly $2,000 in fees ($195 diagnostic, $550 additional, $1,200 bearing test) and then denied coverage citing “no codes,” even after acknowledging metal flakes in the oil filter and noisy valve train. I have also contacted Hyundai corporate three times (two online complaints, one phone call), but the company continues to direct me back to the dealers without resolving the issue. Safety risk: the ongoing engine defects jeopardize vehicle safety and could result in catastrophic engine failure while driving. Based on research and reports from other owners, these issues may affect other 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles with similar theta ii engines.

The motor is gone in the vehicle. Oil light would blink and valves rattling right after having the oil changed. I have had the car checked by numerous mechanics and no oil leaks were found but oil levels would be low a week after the oil change. I ride around with oil in the car and have to make sure to check the oil before every trip even if it’s right around the block. I’ve had the car for a year in February and the motor went out a weeks ago. I have checked for engine recalls and have not found any but have found multiple forums of people having the same issue. A new motor for this vehicle is over $3000.

Engine-excessive oil consumption. Other-backup camera does not work and hasn’t for some time is 2028 sant fe sport included in recall.

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe sport. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and while accelerating, or while the engine was idling, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that the vehicle jumped, vibrated, and stalled while driving at various speeds or while reversing. The check engine warning light was illuminated. While the vehicle was idling at a stop light, the failure reoccurred; however, the vehicle was emitting a choking sound and shaking aggressively. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who informed the contact that the third valve had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while her son was driving 60 mph in the far-left lane with the contact seated in the front passenger's seat, the contact and the driver noticed a burning odor. The driver was able to pull into the median. The driver and the contact exited the vehicle. The fire department was contacted and arrived on the scene and confirmed that there was no fire. Additionally, the contact stated that there was no smoke. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being towed to the residence, she noticed that there was oil leaking onto the flatbed of the tow truck, and there were metal shavings in the oil. The contact stated that after the vehicle was towed to the residence, a mobile mechanic inspected underneath the vehicle and noticed that there was a hole in the engine. The contact took photos of the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 142,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe sport. The contact stated while driving 65 mph and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to a dealer by a friend. The vehicle was diagnosed with a misfire in the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,700.

1. Abs module stopped working. Car no longer has abs. Will not cover under warranty due to computer component. 2. Engine burns oil. 3 quarts in 1k miles. Combustion cleaning done. Now engine light is one, oil light comes on, car smells of gas & oil.

Engine burns prodigious amounts of oil. Uses one quart in about 400 miles. Hyundai verified this with their 1000 mile oil consumption test. The only reason that this engine did not spin the crankshaft bearings from running dry on oil is because I was so diligent in filling the crankcase. A service writer at happy Hyundai said that I needed a new long block, but the dealership refused because I had 103,000 miles on the engine. They knew about the problems with oil burning on theta engines, but were happy to send me on my way knowing that I would be putting oil in my car often. This is not acceptable. Can you help me?.

For the past 1. 5 months my oil light has come on intermittently. This is odd because the vehicle has regular oil changes still not due for almost 2000 miles. 4 bottle of oil was added recently. Today the car stopped working while on the NJ turnpike when checked there was no oil in the engine.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? the engine with the 2. 0t had a valve train malfunction possibly related to a bearing or other issues. Hyundai dealership did not determine the root cause and is denying engine replacement under the rod bearing warranty. Also as a 2nd owner they won't reimburse for any repairs. This vehicle was well maintained. 2018 with 90k miles. The engine is last known to be at the dealership but probably not available. I was not offered to get a 2nd opinion and the technician notes are vague in my opinion. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? while traveling on the interstate at 65 mph the vehicle began to make a knocking noise and had a loss of power. The steering and breaking system also became difficult to use. I was able to get off an exit after only crawling along at a unsafe low mph for the interstate. The vehicle stalled and lost all power while on the off ramp. I was able to glide to a stop and was ready to use the emergency brake. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Hyundai's response is that it was in there opinion that the breakdown was not due to rod bearing failure however there is not a good diagnostics of a root cause. The failure was not due to poor maintenance. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? just the dealership. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? no warning lights. Sudden loss of power following by warning lights. Loss of power steering and brakes by the time the engine stalled.

Engine light came on while on highway got off highway to get to safe place vehicle being hesitation dealer says need engine.

Driving on highway, when accelerator failed to maintain, the car started to jerk. After blocking traffic behind me, I was able to pull car over on the side of the busy highway, with smoke coming from hood. This was well after dark, and it was towed to a local and dependable mechanic. He had told me the engine was cracked. I am in the process of finding out if I am eligible for the extended warranty, for I meet all requirements.

I was on the highway and pressed the gas and the car started shaking. Wouldn’t go up in speed so I pulled off the highway and parked it. Checked the oil and it was almost empty even though I had an oil change about a month ago. Service center says it need a whole new engine at 108k miles. How is this possible? they say there were pieces of the valve in the fourth cylinder which also had lots of oil in it. I bought this car used and am only the second owner. Surely there is something Hyundai can do if they know about this issue.

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at 30 mph, the was a burning oil smell permeating the interior of the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the piston rings in cylinders one and three. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 21v301000 (engine), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 7,000.

The engine is sucking oil faster than it normally would and could put me at danger. If it sucks up too much oil too soon I could lose control of my car in the winter and be the cause of an accident.

My engine failed on 11/21/24. I brought it to dealership to confirm the failure on 11/22/2024. I was driving on the highway when the car started to violently shake and then shut off. The dealership sent pictures of the engine and other components to Hyundai to confirm the engine failure. No lights came on prior to the failure.