Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of Hyundai Santa Fe - part 1

My fiancée’s Hyundai Santa Fe has been taken in for service multiple times due to a serious and recurring safety issue. The vehicle suddenly begins malfunctioning while being driven: all of the lights on the dashboard start flashing, multiple warning lights come on, the vehicle shuts off, and both the steering and accelerator become disabled until the vehicle can be restarted. This has occurred twice while driving on the interstate at speeds of 70+ mph, creating an extremely dangerous situation. Unfortunately, the issue occurred again today and resulted in my fiancée driving into a ditch when the steering locked up while she was making a right turn. Thankfully, she was not injured and was able to restart the vehicle and safely get out of the ditch. The vehicle has been brought in for service multiple times by different Hyundai dealerships in an attempt to identify and repair the issue. However, each time, the dealership has stated that they cannot replicate the problem and that they cannot find anything wrong with the vehicle. We have video evidence documenting the vehicle malfunctioning and have provided the vehicle for inspection after these incidents. The battery was also recently replaced as a possible solution to the problem, but the exact same issue occurred again today despite the replacement. At this point, we do not feel that this vehicle is safe to drive. The fact that the vehicle has repeatedly lost steering and acceleration while being driven at highway speeds, and has now caused my fiancée to leave the roadway, makes this an extremely serious safety concern. We are requesting that this issue be thoroughly investigated and resolved before the vehicle is considered safe to operate again.

See all problems of the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

Valve cover leaking oil onto my alternator causing my original and one I bought to replace to both stop working.

See all problems of the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

While driving over the pass the car suddenly lost power and was running very rough. Luckily there was an exit close by that we took and the engine died on the exit. We were able to get it started and get to a parking lot where it died and would not start again. While trying to start it in the parking lot the check engine light came on. So, after a $375 tow to the nearest town the mechanic discovered a damaged spark plug and the compression test showed 0 psi. The scope showed a hole in the piston. The car also leaks and burns oil. The mechanic recommended scrapping the vehicle since it would not be cost effective to repair it. The mechanic said ours is the 6th Santa Fe in their shop with a blown engine in the past month. It has not been inspected by anyone else.

See all problems of the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

I do not know what caused this. Here is what happened. While parking the car suddenly accelerated, over the curb, on the sidewalk narrowly missing the building because I turned hard right to avoid the building and I was able to brake to a stop glancing off a concrete pillar. We could have been hurt crashing into the wall/windows, anyone on the walk would have been hurt & anyone in the store could have been hurt. The car was towed to hatchette Hyundai-east waiting to be looked at. There is no police report because it was private property and no damages except to my car. No warning lamps or messages. I remember 2 previous incidents that happened recently. While driving in normal city traffic, my passenger asked if I had speeded up? it was morning traffic, so I didn’t really think about it. Later that day while returning home there was a weird thing that happened. Again, in traffic, the car engine did something weird, but I thought it was the car reacting to the car beside me being too close. It was like it downshifted, slowed down and then resumed normally. The only other time I had any problem was on may 9th near lawrence, KS. The car began vibrating and felt like it was going on rumble strips when I accelerated and did not get up to speed. If I let off the gas it quit. I had the car taken to mccarthy Hyundai-lawrence, KS. They diagnosed an issue from the computer codes and completed repairs having the car from Monday until Wednesday.

See all problems of the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

Was driving down road car went into limp mode about caused a big wreck, check engine was flashing and heard a loud noise as I was trying to get to safety. Had the car scanned and was for code p1326 and looking at all the recalls nothing is for the 2. 4l but y'all have been having a lot of issues with these theta 2 engines.

See all problems of the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

The vehicle suddenly stopped and suddenly smoke appear in the front part of vehicle. Firemen appeared and when the front of the car was opened the flames of the fire were all over the engine of the car. The front glass broke and the hood has visible signs of the fire. Police were everywhere while firemen worked to stop the fire in the car. The car was towed to our home.

See all problems of the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

I am reporting an intermittent transmission/shifting issue that has not been resolved despite multiple visits to the dealership. On several occasions, when shifting my vehicle from park into drive or reverse, the vehicle will not engage the selected gear and remains in park. When this happens, the vehicle is not drivable until I place it back in park, shut the engine off, and restart it. After restarting, the transmission will usually engage normally. I have reported this issue to the dealership multiple times. The dealership has connected diagnostic equipment to the vehicle; however, no diagnostic trouble codes have been stored, and they have been unable to identify the cause. Despite the lack of codes, the problem continues to occur intermittently. My concern is that this issue could create a safety hazard if the vehicle fails to engage a gear when needed, such as when entering traffic, leaving a parking area, or attempting to move the vehicle out of a dangerous situation. The fact that the vehicle only operates properly after being shut off and restarted suggests a possible defect within the shifting, transmission, or electronic control system. I am requesting that this complaint be documented and investigated, as the issue remains unresolved and may affect other vehicles of the same make and model.

See all problems of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

While driving, the vehicle developed a strong odor of engine oil, followed within minutes by illumination of the red oil pressure warning light. Inspection determined that a bolt had exited the engine's timing assembly, broken the timing chain, and punctured the timing cover, discharging engine oil throughout the engine compartment while the vehicle was in operation. Engine oil was sprayed onto hot engine and exhaust components while the vehicle was being driven on public roads. This presents a fire hazard. The same failure also risks sudden loss of engine oil pressure and seizure without warning, which would cause an abrupt loss of motive power in traffic. Approximately twelve days before this failure, the check engine light illuminated. The vehicle was taken for service within two days. The technician was unable to clear the code or identify the cause and advised a dealer inspection. No warning of imminent catastrophic engine failure was provided by the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a Hyundai dealership, which quoted $6,932. 28 plus tax and characterized the work as a "timing repair. " this vehicle is equipped with the 3. 3l lambda ii gdi v6. I am aware that this engine is the subject of Hyundai warranty extension txx8 covering engine damage on 2013–2019 Santa Fe vehicles, and of a federal class action alleging premature failure of internal rotating components in this engine. The dealership's estimate made no reference to that extension, and Hyundai's public VIN lookup tool returns no campaigns for this vehicle. The vehicle remains at the dealership and the failed components are intact and available for inspection upon request. The failure was confirmed by both an independent service facility and the Hyundai dealership.

Codes p0172 and p016b. Oil has fuel in it due to high pressure fuel pump leaking. Possible premature engine failure or fire. This is a 2020 Santa Fe limited 2. 0t.

My son was driving the vehicle normally. There were no issues, warning lights, abnormal feel to the drive, and no odd noises. Suddenly, all of the warning lights on the dashboard lit up, acceleration dropped and he could no longer accelerate. He pulled off the main road and there was a burning smell and the vehicle was inoperable.

2019 Santa Fe with 80,000 miles showed signs of excessive oil consumption. Service was scheduled with licensed Hyundai franchise service center. Known oil consumption issues on theta ii engines for that year. Testing requires 3 steps. First step is to change the oil and document levels. Engine is tested for 1000 miles then returned to service center. After 1000 miles, service center reports 2. 5 qts of oil per 1000 miles. Hyundai corporate was contacted where they approved warranty work for the vehicle. Step two requires combustion chamber cleaning. During this portion of the work, service center calls about fire that took place immediately after a test drive. Dealership states engine and components destroyed.

See all problems of the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

The contact owned a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 50 mph, the vehicle unexpectedly caught on fire. The contact's wife became aware that the radio was inoperable before the failure. Additionally, the contact’s wife’s eyes were irritated, and there was a hot, harsh odor which grew stronger very quickly. The odor was inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the smoke was black, and flames started shooting out from under the hood to consume the vehicle. The vehicle was a total loss. The fire was extinguished by the murphysboro fire department. The fire department was unable to determine where the fire had started. There was a police report filed. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.

See all problems of the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

My car has the 2. 0 t gdi theta 2 motor and it went into limp mode and after scanning the codes it’s the p1326 code. The VIN doesn’t show to be apart of the class action lawsuit but it’s the same motor.

I was driving the hybrid vehicle uphill on a highway and there was traffic so we were driving under 5 mph for about 20 minutes. When speed picked up I went to accelerate and the vehicle, it never accelerated when I depressed the gas pedal, and stayed in electrical mode rather than switching over to gas. The vehicle then shut off in traffic and I could not pull over safely on congested two lane interstate 17 and I was afraid as vehicles were swerving and driving past and we could not get out safely. The "check hybrid system, stop safely" warning came on the dash. This vehicle at the time only had 8,808 miles on it and is relatively new. I brought the vehicle in to the dealership but they said "tech scanned for codes. No dtc present. No warnings on cluster at this time. Tech checked for ecm sw upgrades. None available. Tech road tested vehicle without any issue. No repair performed at this time. " when I picked up my vehicle they only put that only the check hybrid warning light came on and left off their report that my vehicle completely stopped working.

Component/system failed: engine assembly (theta ii 2. 4l gdi) and exhaust/catalytic converter. Description: the vehicle suffered a failure associated with the known theta ii engine defects. Engine oil consumption and internal engine wear directly led to unburned fuel and debris entering the exhaust stream, resulting in severe catalytic converter restriction/failure. Safety risk: the combined failure caused sudden loss of power while driving, engine stalling, and significant driveability hazards, creating an immediate risk of a rear-end collision on public roads. Confirmation & inspection: the failure was confirmed and diagnosed by a certified service facility. Replaced components and diagnostic documentation remain available for inspection upon request.

The vehicle repeatedly loses motive power while being driven at highway speed. It slows even with the accelerator pressed to the floor, does not shift into higher gears, and drops to 40 to 50 mph. On [xxx], the vehicle lost power at highway speed while I was driving. I had to stop on the shoulder of the hwy. The vehicle could not be driven and was towed to the dealer. The dealer opened r. O. No. [xxx] on 9-3, recording mileage in of 23,595. It inspected the vehicle and confirmed the concern. It replaced the fuel rail pressure sensor (part no. 35342-2m400) under warranty, confirmed a good idle with no codes, and performed a test drive of about three miles. The dealer reported the vehicle ready on 9-15-26; mileage out 23,596. On [xxx], within a few miles of picking up the vehicle after the first repair, the malfunction indicator lamp illuminated. We returned the vehicle to the dealer the same day; the dealer recorded the mileage in as 23,602. The myhyundai app shows active diagnostic trouble code p00bd00 (mass or volume air flow "a" circuit range/performance — air flow too high), powertrain system, recorded at 23,600 miles, with a listed date of [xxx]. The dealer returned the vehicle on [xxx]. On [xxx], four days after the 2nd repair, we brought the vehicle back to the dealer. We reported that it was idling high, at about 1,200 to 1,900 rpm while stopped, and that we had heard a low clicking sound since the repair. The dealer did not keep the vehicle. The next morning, [xxx], about 7 miles from home, the vehicle lost power on a bridge on [xxx]. It slowed to about 50 miles per hour and did not appear to shift. I stopped on the bridge with my [xxx] daughter in the car. Vdot responded. My husband and I switched cars. [xxx] then drove the vehicle. After about two miles it again lost power, and he had to leave the highway and use secondary roads at low speed to get to the dealer. The car is currently at the dealership. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

While driving on a highway at approximately 60 mph, the vehicle abruptly suffered a catastrophic loss of power and entered "limp mode," creating a severe safety hazard on the roadway. The vehicle was safely maneuvered and pulled over to the side of the road. Upon shutting the vehicle down and attempting to restart it after a few minutes, the powertrain completely failed to engage, refusing to shift into either drive or reverse. The vehicle became entirely disabled and required a flatbed tow to the dealership. ?dashboard warning messages: - ?"transmission control system" - ?"check hybrid system" ?diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs): - ?p177700 (transmission / hybrid powertrain control malfunction) - ?p178400 (transmission control system / electric oil pump or actuator circuit fault).

My car is consuming an immense amount of oil, the manufacturer recommends oil changes every 7,500 miles, I get an oil change less than 3,000 miles and on my last oil change I was told that there are oil shavings in my oil filter. I just got the sc9c2 update and now my engine is knocking. Car drives super rough and has signs of rod bearing failure. My engine is the theta ii 2. 4gdi, a class action lawsuit was filed against Hyundai but my car wasn't included. I don't understand how Hyundai can know about this issue with this engine and not cover replacement. A car should at the very least last for the life of the loan, I am going to end up with no car and still making payments.

My vehicle recently received the Hyundai 9c2 emissions upgrade they required and since then the vehicle has had predictable acceleration issues for the first several minutes after the vehicle. While trying to slowly accelerate the vehicle with unpredictably lurch forward. Many people have been reporting this.

My truck began emitting a strong oil odor on xxx. I took it to amato in [xxx], where I was told the oil pan was leaking. They replaced the oil pan, and I paid for the inspection as well. About an hour after picking up my truck, the check?engine light came on. I returned to the dealership, and they then said additional repairs were needed, even though I had already paid $2,211. 57 for the work they claimed was necessary. At that time, my truck had 145,776 miles on it. Because the manager at [xxx] refused to address my concerns, I was told to go to another amato location, and I was effectively blacklisted from the first dealership. I went to amato glendale, where I experienced the same issues. They fixed only one of the problems, and that was only after I contacted Hyundai corporate. My truck continued to have oil?consumption issues. Amato required me to complete a three?month, 1,000?mile oil consumption test before they would consider providing assistance. I completed the test as instructed. Now, however, they are saying that due to the age and mileage of my truck, they will not cover the engine replacement — even though the problems began at 145,000 miles, not 156,000. Other drivers have reported that Hyundai delays necessary repairs until major engine damage occurs, and I believe that is exactly what has happened in my case. There was also a suspension recall that applied to the 2018 model but not the 2017. Amato Hyundai covered part of that repair only because I contacted corporate again. My current complaint is about the failing engine and amato Hyundai’s lack of responsibility in properly diagnosing and repairing my truck. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Bought this as a used vehicle with around 77k miles. The SUV was running fine for a little while until I drove onto the highway. It eventually began to bog down and there was hesitation and jumping instead of acceleration. This continued my entire trip home with the check engine light on. The car was only driven for about 300-400 miles in the time I had it. When I brought it to have an oil change, they found metal shavings in the oil. From what I’ve been reading, this has been a common problem for this vehicle. It has been sitting in a Hyundai service center for at least a month now with no real responses from Hyundai themselves. They told me they would not fix the problem due to lack of maintenance from prior owners and that they were marking my title (doesn’t make sense since I bought this with a clean title). According to what Hyundai told me, this issue was brought up by a previous owner in January 2026 with no repairs. How can you change the status of my title while refusing to repair a problem caused by a manufacturers defect?.

Symptoms are those described in Hyundai recall 236 (delayed shifting,hesitation, stalling). Vehicle has had multiple tsp services at Hyundai but symptoms persist intermittently. Software updates do not fix issue. Hyundai dealer has no other remedies.

While operating the vehicle, the vehicle suddenly began severely hesitating and stalling. During the incident, engine rpm surged to approximately 6,000 rpm and accelerator pedal response became abnormal. The vehicle was not responding normally to accelerator input, which significantly affected the ability to operate the vehicle safely. The vehicle subsequently recorded diagnostic trouble code p0304 – cylinder 4 misfire detected. The abnormal operation of the vehicle during the incident was also captured on video. The vehicle was taken to an authorized Hyundai dealership for diagnosis. The dealership has advised that because the condition is not currently occurring and they have been unable to duplicate the problem, they may be unable to diagnose or repair the vehicle. The safety concern is not simply an illuminated check-engine light or a stored p0304 code. The concern is the combination of severe hesitation/stalling, abnormal accelerator response, and the engine surging to approximately 6,000 rpm while the vehicle was being driven. The cause of the condition has not been identified and, at the time of this complaint, the vehicle has not been repaired for the underlying problem. I am concerned that this condition could recur without warning while accelerating, entering or crossing traffic, or traveling at highway speeds. A recurrence could result in an inability to accelerate normally, unexpected vehicle behavior, loss of normal vehicle operation, or a collision. Hyundai has been notified of the issue and I have requested further technical investigation of the engine misfire as well as the transmission/tcu and electronic throttle/accelerator systems due to the high-rpm event and abnormal accelerator response. I am submitting this complaint because this appears to be a potentially serious safety-related defect and I want NHTSA to have a record of the incident and determine whether similar stalling, high-rpm, acceleration, transmission, or engine-misfire.

Cold-start hesitation & rough shifting: following the 9c2 ecu update, my vehicle is experiencing a brief period of throttle hesitation, rough shifting, or jerky transmission behavior specifically during cold-start operations.

Update odi complaint number: 11759237 subsequent actions and manufacturer refusal to remediate safety defect: ?following the [xxx], acute safety incident—where the vehicle lost motive power and entered severe limp mode on [xxx] immediately upon release from sheehy Hyundai of chantilly—the vehicle remained in dealer custody for 11 days (August 20–August 31, 2026). ?failure to diagnose core defect: despite recurring total power loss, active diagnostic trouble code p00af00 (turbocharger boost control module performance), and four consecutive turbocharger destructions within 20,000 miles, the authorized dealership refused to conduct internal engine diagnostics, drop the oil pan, inspect the oil filter, or perform borescope checks. ?physical contamination documented: on August 29, 2026, an on-site physical inspection confirmed sparkling metallic particulate suspended in the engine oil on the dipstick and substantial oil blow-by/intrusion into the turbocharger air intake line. ?formal denial of safety/warranty coverage: on August 31, 2026, dealership management and Hyundai motor America (consumer affairs case #[xxx]) formally denied warranty assistance and refused engine teardown under the theta ii lifetime engine warranty settlement. Coverage was declined citing "outside influence" due to an aftermarket turbocharger assembly, while Hyundai refused to investigate the underlying engine failure contaminating and destroying the forced-induction system. ?evidence preservation: on August 31, 2026, the vehicle was towed to an independent facility to mitigate road hazards, conduct teardown diagnostics, and preserve the engine oil/filter for iso-accredited spectrographic laboratory analysis. ?the manufacturer released an unsafe vehicle into traffic on August 20, 2026, and subsequently refused to investigate or remedy a documented internal engine failure that creates sudden, recurring loss of motive power. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The vehicle suffers from recurring, sudden loss of motive power and transitions into engine "limp mode" while driving in active, heavy traffic. This severe drivability defect has occurred on four separate occasions under diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p00af00 (turbocharger/supercharger boost control "a" module performance) and related boost/map faults (p0234). During these episodes, the vehicle abruptly loses acceleration capability without warning, creating an acute collision risk when navigating highway traffic and intersections. The turbocharger assembly has required replacement three separate times due to recurring oil contamination from the engine crankcase. Despite meticulous maintenance (documented synthetic oil changes every 3,000–5,000 miles since new), the manufacturer and dealership have repeatedly blamed peripheral turbo components rather than diagnosing or repairing the root cause (I suspect excessive engine crankcase pressure/piston ring blow-by based on the significant oil deposition on the turbo, map sensor, and pooling in the intake line).

Vehicle was brought to an authorized dealership for service, and while there campaign 9c2 (ecu software update for theta ii emissions improvement) was performed. Immediately following this software update, the vehicle developed drivability degradation, specifically engine stutter/hesitation and rough transmission shifting during cold starts. When attempting to accelerate in the first few minutes of driving, the vehicle delays engagement and then suddenly surges or lurches forward unpredictably. This creates a safety hazard, as the unpredictable power delivery and lag prevent the vehicle from accelerating safely when merging into traffic or turning across oncoming lanes, placing occupants at an immediate risk of a collision. The software logic error is fully reproducible every time the vehicle has sat long enough to cool down. The dealership confirmed the update was applied. There were no warning lamps or symptoms prior to the 9c2 update; the failure was caused directly by the manufacturer's campaign software modification to the engine control unit (ecu). The vehicle and its ecu are available for inspection upon request.

1. Component/system failure & availability: the failed component is the engine's internal camshaft variable valve timing (cvvt) phaser backing bolt within the 3. 3l v6 engine assembly. An internal factory bolt unthreaded, backed out, and physically pierced directly through the upper valve cover. The vehicle and intact failed engine are currently located at an authorized Hyundai dealership service center in [xxx], and remain fully available for immediate physical inspection by federal investigators upon request. 2. Safety risk: an internal engine bolt unthreading and puncturing through the valve cover creates an extreme safety hazard. A high-velocity metal bolt piercing the engine casing causes immediate engine seizure, sudden loss of motive power at highway speeds, loss of power steering/braking assistance, and massive pressurized oil discharge directly onto red-hot exhaust manifolds, posing a severe risk of sudden catastrophic vehicle fire and multi-vehicle highway collisions. 3. Dealer/independent confirmation: yes. The failure was formally inspected, reproduced, and confirmed by an authorized Hyundai dealership service department. Dealership technicians logged official diagnostic findings under prior authorization case #xxx. 4. Inspection by manufacturer/others: yes. The defect was inspected and escalated directly to Hyundai motor America (hma) corporate engineering. Corporate engineering officially verified the defect and issued techline case #xxx, confirming that an internal factory cvvt backing bolt unthreaded and pierced the valve cover, recommending a full engine replacement. 5. Warning lights & prior symptoms: there were no prior warning lamps, check engine lights, unusual sounds, or advance warning symptoms prior to the failure. The internal hardware failure occurred suddenly and without warning while operating the vehicle at standard operating parameters. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 mph, the vehicle went into limp mode and failed to properly accelerate, with the check engine warning light illuminated and flashing. The vehicle was later towed to the local mechanic, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure; however, engine oil was added to the engine. After retrieving the vehicle, the contact discovered that the engine oil level was low shortly after the engine oil was added. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil and the vehicle was taken back to the local mechanic. The mechanic confirmed that the engine oil level was low, and metal shavings were found in the engine oil. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and the contact was informed that an oil consumption test was needed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The failure mileage was 137,000.

At approximately 122,000 miles, my 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe experienced a serious engine malfunction while I was driving on the highway. The check engine light suddenly illuminated and the vehicle began thrusting/jerking forward unexpectedly. We immediately took action to exit the highway and were able to get off the highway, but the engine died before we could fully stop the vehicle. This created a serious safety risk because the unexpected jerking and subsequent loss of engine power occurred while traveling at highway speeds and could have resulted in loss of control or a collision. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic. After inspecting it, the mechanic stated that the engine needed to be replaced and recommended taking it to a Hyundai dealership because of the continuing issues associated with the theta ii engine. The vehicle was then towed to the Hyundai dealership. The Hyundai dealership inspected the vehicle and determined that cylinders 2 and 4 were not firing and recommended replacing the valve shaft. We requested a complete engine replacement. Hyundai initially offered a 50/50 split of the repair cost, but after we requested an engine replacement, Hyundai declined and instead offered a 70/30 cost split. There was also a previous documented concern regarding increased oil consumption, as noted in an earlier oil-consumption report. The vehicle has been inspected by both an independent mechanic and a Hyundai dealership. The vehicle and engine components are available for inspection upon request. No police or insurance inspection was performed, to my knowledge.

I was driving down a highway and was slowing down as motorcycle in front of me was turning. I than proceeded to drive, I heard a loud noise which everyone in the vehicle thought it was the motorcycle (it wasn't) we pulled over into the nearest gas station and saw that my oil light was barely blinking (it was barely noticeable) was fading in and out) we got out checked the dipstick and it was low. Was not due for an oil change for another 1500miles. We put oil in and waited checked the dip stick it was then reading between the two lines of l and f. We waited another 5-10 minutes before leaving. We pulled out and the vehicle acted as if it had no power. I pushed on the gas to get up to speed and the car died out; I got pulled over to the side of the road. The car gave me no indication of anything. No oil light. I drove the days before with no issues I was 38miles from home.

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe sport. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that there was coolant in the engine and that the knock sensor detection system needed to be replaced. The dealer made the contact aware of manufacturer campaign number: 953 and stated that the vehicle was not previously serviced under the campaign, so the vehicle could not be repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.

My 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe, purchased new from lynnes Hyundai in February 2017, has approximately 93,000 miles. The vehicle previously developed a significant oil-consumption/engine problem that was diagnosed by Hyundai, and Hyundai replaced the engine with a remanufactured engine. Approximately two weeks after the engine replacement, the check-engine light illuminated and dtc p1326 was identified. The dealership replaced the knock sensor. Approximately two weeks later, the check-engine light illuminated again with a recurring p1326 condition. The vehicle is currently at lynnes Hyundai and has been there approximately three weeks while they attempt to determine the cause. Hyundai techline is involved. Prior to the current repair visit, while traveling approximately 60 mph, the vehicle experienced a very forceful hesitation that jerked the vehicle. I immediately slowed down and pulled onto the shoulder. The vehicle continued to hesitate intermittently while I drove slowly to safety. I was concerned that the vehicle could lose power or shut down while I was driving at highway speed, creating a risk of a crash. The recurring p1326 condition has been confirmed by the Hyundai dealership. The vehicle and engine have been inspected by Hyundai/lynnes Hyundai multiple times, including after the engine replacement. The current recurring condition has not been resolved. The check-engine light is the warning lamp associated with the current condition. I do not know the underlying cause of the recurring p1326 condition; Hyundai is currently attempting to diagnose it. The vehicle is currently available for inspection at lynnes Hyundai.

There is a class action lawsuit for the theta engine in some kia and Hyundai vehicles and my type of vehicle falls into this lawsuit category. I drive a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe sport and what the lawsuit described what happened to my vehicle, it seized up and you’re supposed to have a lifetime warranty for this problem. I submitted all the paperwork and norman Hyundai sent videos it was seized up but denied my claim so I have a car that no longer drives with a car loan still so can’t buy a new vehicle. I was told they didn’t see oil additive anytime but their own business this in March ‘26 and may ‘26. It states on the lawsuit if anyone’s in the class action lawsuit they are covered if this happens to your vehicle. Also, part of the lawsuit is the oil consumption and how much it’s eating gas and then it seizes possibly or catch fire and my car was barely getting a 1,000 miles and it would be empty so couldn’t keep up always checking it and the car seized up due to what’s supposed to be covered.

The vehicle suffered a severe engine overheating failure that created an immediate fire risk and electrical safety signaling failure. A brand-new replacement engine was installed by an authorized dealership in April 2026 under a goodwill warranty and had only been driven ~ 3,100 miles since installation. While operating the vehicle, the air conditioning suddenly stopped functioning. Upon restarting, the check engine light illuminated; however, there was never any dashboard temperature warning indicator, notification, or chime to alert the driver to an active overheating situation. Shortly after, the engine completely disabled itself and died while in transit in a parking lot. Aaa was contacted to tow the vehicle. Smoke was visible coming out of the engine's oil dipstick and oil intake spout before being towed. After being towed home, an overwhelming chemical burning odor was noted and continued to get worse. A physical check revealed that the oil level on the dipstick was critically overfilled a full inch above the maximum fill line. The local fire department responded to the scene to mitigate the thermal risk, ordered the battery disconnected due to safety hazards, and deemed the vehicle entirely unsafe to operate or connect to power. This represents a catastrophic failure of critical safety equipment and onboard driver warning networks on a newly installed engine assembly, presenting an active safety and fire hazard to passengers. An official corporate safety case has been opened with Hyundai motor America under case number: 43112676.

See all problems of the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.