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

I was driving on a main road at 55-60 mph with my daughter and grandchildren in the car and had a sudden loss of power. I was almost hit from behind. The check engine light started blinking. And the car went into limp mode. I had to limp it to the nearest place to safely get off the road so as not to put my family in any other danger. There is not enough shoulder on the road to pull over safely. It was very stressful. Was able to get it in someone's driveway and then eventually towed to auburn,NY Hyundai/Chevrolet where it is currently. It would not turn over to start again. It does have battery power. I am waiting to hear from the service techs as to what they think is wrong. They advised me that there is a $199 per hour diagnostic fee. I also told them that we noticed metal flakes in the oil when we checked it. I feel I should mention that the vehicle went into limp mode a few weeks ago also and the dealership told me the knock sensor was bad. I had that replaced at that time.

See all problems of the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

The contact owns a 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 mph, the vehicle unexpectedly decelerated to 25 mph with a “vehicle will shut down” warning message displayed. The contact stated that the engine then began to shut down, and although the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to accelerate and stalled. The failure occurred on multiple occasions, requiring the vehicle to be towed each time. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired and the contact was informed that the failure could not be duplicated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and multiple cases were opened, the failure mileage was approximately 3,300.

See all problems of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

Engine is burning a tremendous amount of motor oil. Dealer does acknowledge engine is burning oil. No warning lights on. Told burning motor oil is normal for a Hyundai engine. Engine can seize during driving with no warning and is a safety issue. Front struts are also failing. No warning and is a safety issue: currently trying to get dealer to cover defective components under warranty. Nothing has been repaired or resolved as of yet.

See all problems of the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

Component failed: theta ii 2. 4l gdi engine connecting rod bearings. Vehicle has 95,000 miles. Engine available for inspection in [xxx] . Safety risk: engine knock + limp mode at 1500 rpm caused sudden loss of power on highway. Oil consumption 1l/700km risks catastrophic engine seizure while driving. Confirmed by dealer: independent service center confirmed dtc p0010 from metal debris. Hyundai motor America case #42623761 confirmed recall coverage but refuses remedy. Inspection: manufacturer aware via case #42623761. Local Hyundai dealers non-responsive. No police/insurance inspection. Warning symptoms: engine knock started at ~94,000 miles. Check engine light with dtc p0010. Progressive oil consumption. Limp mode activated at 95,000 miles. Hyundai violation: Hyundai confirmed via email they refuse to honor safety recall 162 / service campaign 966 lifetime warranty for VIN [xxx] despite all symptoms matching recall description. Request NHTSA compel Hyundai to authorize bearing clearance test and engine replacement. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

2015 Hyundai Santa Fe limited, 3. 3l lambda ii gdi v6, ~102,000 miles. In December 2022, an authorized Hyundai dealer replaced three specific parts under a Hyundai recall/campaign (records requested). On Sunday [date] at approximately [time] pm, I was driving on [freeway], [state], at 55–70 mph at night. With no prior warning — no warning lights, no chimes, no loss of power buildup, no knocking, no engine protection mode — the engine suddenly and completely died. The failure was instantaneous. There was no limp-home mode and no opportunity to reach the shoulder under engine power. The vehicle lost forward momentum and rolled backward in a live highway travel lane, where it remained stranded until a tow truck recovered it. No injuries. The 12v battery and electrical system remained fully active throughout. The instrument cluster was operational and capable of displaying warnings before the failure. None were displayed. Dashboard warning lights illuminated only seconds after the engine had already died — a post-failure consequence of engine shutdown, not a pre-failure warning. An independent mechanic diagnosed a seized engine due to loss of oil flow. No oil pressure or low-oil light had ever illuminated. The vehicle was then transported to the Hyundai dealer that performed the 2022 service; they promised a diagnostic call and have not provided one or any written diagnostic. This failure mode matches Hyundai TSB 24-em-003h (15yr/150k extended warranty for 3. 3l lambda ii engines in 2013–2019 Santa Fe), NHTSA recall 21v-727 (acknowledging stall risk at highway speed), and the active class action burns v. Hyundai motor company (c. D. Cal. 2025). Hyundai's ksds is documented to trigger a blinking mil, audible chime, and reduced-power engine protection mode upon bearing wear. None of these protective behaviors occurred.

See all problems of the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

Driving down the highway. Vehicle random alerts that there is a transmission error.

Hair line creak in oil pan. Creak has caused excessive oil consumption and leaks on pavement. Issue was confirmed by antwerpen Hyundai and oil pan was replaced on 4/28/2026 at a cost of $520. 00. As above reported to dealer. Problem started, 1st. Noticed about 9 to 12 months.

My car only has 93,000 miles on it. I was driving home from work and all of a sudden the check engine light came on while I’m on the freeway. I made it home and went to research then all of a suddenly the check engine light would just start flashing. I got it checked by a mechanic. They said that there was metal shavings in the oil which I have no clue how that would happen and that there was a code for knocking.

See all problems of the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

While driving home on the highway from our sons hockey game at about 8:30 pm we were going about 60 mph when the car made a noise and began smoking and as we were trying to pull over on the side of the highway noticed by the reflection of a passing car that the engine on our vehicle was on fire under the vehicle. We had to evacuate the vehicle quickly and get our children out on the side of a busy highway with fire showing under the front end of the car.

The engine seized up and Hyundai refused to approve my claim al though I had the extended warranty. Reason for the denial because a recall in 2019 was not performed. I had purchased the vehicle in 2023 used from rick case Honda.

When the car is off and in park and you go to turn on the car on by pressing the brake and power button button, the electrical system doesn't register and wont turn the ignition on and the brake gets stuck and you cant start the car. The same thing happens when the cars auto ignition is turned off at a red light then you press the gas to go but it doesnt show the gear is in drive and the ignition turns off and wont turn back on. The major safety concern is when this happens at a red light or in traffic and my car stalls and I am at risk of getting rear ended. I have taken the car to the dealership twice now for the same issue. The first time they claimed it was fixed but it wasnt and now it is at the dealership again for the same issue and I have not received any remedy yet. There is no warning to this issue it happens out of know where and is extremely dangerous. The issue has been going on for several months.

See all problems of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

On 4/17/26 mcdonalds Hyundai of [xxx] , dealership performed an ecu update for theta ii emissions logic improvement (Hyundai campaign number 9c2). Ever since that time the vehicle has been lurching during acceleration. This happens particularly when the vehicle has been sitting for several hours. I reported this to the dealership on 4/28/26 (scott, service manager) and to Hyundai on 4/29/26 (Hyundai case management #: 42610495). I noted to Hyundai that this same/similar problem has been reported by other owners ( see [xxx] ) information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Seem like there was a recall on the 3. 3l engines on the Hyundai Santa Fe starting January 26, 2017, for engine related knocking noise. My VIN is [xxx] according to the manufacturing plate it was made in korea released on January 04, 2017. I realize it is a 22-day window on the recall but after an oil change the motor has started knocking the oil is the right viscosity, full to capacity, and oil filter changed. I drove 200 miles after an oil change then the motor started knocking. Is there a certain stamp on the cam shafts to verify which of the 420 vehicles are affected by this recall? information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I was driving out of the parking garage at work and happened to catch the oil light flicker on and then go off. I immediately drove it to an auto shop where I told them what happened. They looked at the dipstick and there was no oil showing on the dipstick. If I had just written the light off as an oddity I would have driven the car home from work (around 20 miles) and the engine could have stalled at 60mph creating a safety hazard. I have the oil changed regularly (about every 5,000 miles) and have my receipts. My car has around 80,000 miles in it and I’m the original owner. The auto shop said that I would need to take it to the dealership for an oil consumption test. I called and scheduled the appointment immediately and am in the process of having the test completed. The dealership noted a TSB for the issue on the write up and based on my research online this is not an unusual problem. Why have owners not been made aware of this issue? I don’t feel safe driving my car and am frustrated that this seems to be a known issue. There was no oil on the dipstick, no indicator that stayed on indicating an issue.

See all problems of the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

Fuel injector failed the entire engine on my 2022 Santa Fe had to be completely replaced. The dealership put in a new engine. Santa fe is only four years old. That is highly unusual.

See all problems of the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

My engine just died wont start has 121099 and Hyundai wont fix it.

Check engine light came on and then vehicle stalled took to shop and said the engine was needing to be replaced. Looked into issue and seen multiple issues with this engine and happening to a lot of Hyundai engines where vehicles need to get complete new engines.

My abs lights the triangle with the ! in the middle goes in and off the down hill control light and the sweet control light all go on when the abs light goes on my oil was completely dry had to add two quarts while the engine was ticking when started and when accelerating it was making a clicking noise I still had 3000 miles before needed an oil change but like I said it was bone dry and then the drivers seat was going back and not wanting to come back up I’ve only had the car 42 days and it’s having all kinds of problems.

My wife was driving the vehicle by the left lane on route 9a northbound on elmsford at a speed around 35 mph. The vehicle suddenly came to stop completely while driving. My wife tried to start it but it didn't start. We called the police to come help us due to the ongoing traffic while the towing was on its way. Our mechanic told us the engine was seized and needs a replacement. The vehicle is a 2018 and has only 118000 miles. We do oil changes periodically every 3000 miles.

See all problems of the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

Vehicle exhibits delayed deceleration after releasing accelerator. Engine rpm remains elevated for several seconds, causing the vehicle to continue applying power unexpectedly. Issue began after recent repair and was not present before. Condition is intermittent but reproducible and affects drivability.

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe xl. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road, and the contact listened for the abnormal sound. The abnormal sound was persistent. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated, and the engine seized. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that a year prior, an unknown recall notification was received for a special engine warranty program. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a timing chain failure. The contact was informed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

I was told by a mechanic that something electrical is wrong with the vehicle it causes the engine to misfire. Different issue than before.

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe sport. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle hesitated, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven back to the residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 141,654.

Engine seized up on the interstate. Vehicle has ~97,000 miles. Towed to dealership. Dealership wanted $8,000+ to replace engine. Hyundai refused to honor their warranty of 15 years/150,000 miles. Remains at the dealership, unrepaired.

During on driving, engine stopped 3 or 4times since Jan/2025 last time engine stopped yesterday around 6:30pm on 3/30/2026 at [xxx] between [xxx] and [xxx] in los angeles information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

Traveling in a 55 zone on rt 27 and my vehicle lost power and said pull over and charge vehicle with engine on. I did this once and the battery went up to half way charge then I could start to drive again. Less than a half a mile up the road climbing a good size hill by the town’s salt shed—the same issue occurred. I had to pull over again and allow battery to recharge. This is not a complete hybrid, it has a gas engine not sure why the hybrid and gas are not syncing up. Many users on the internet have reported the same issue that I have experienced. Someone needs to investigate this before major injury occurs.

I own a 2018 Honda Santa Fe it is using oil so fast. I know that there is other people complaining about the oil consumption so my engine just blew up because I had it changed on March 13 brand new oil change and on Monday night the engine blew up. . The people who changed my oil said that there have been a complaint that they have been using so much oil and I have talked to Hyundai about this and they refuse to do anything now I have a Hyundai Santa Fe that is no good to me because I personally can’t afford a new engine/motor.

The vehicle (2020 Hyundai Santa Fe, 2. 0t, ~88,500 miles) experienced a sudden engine failure with no warning signs—no oil light, knocking, or overheating. After sitting overnight, the vehicle would not start and was later diagnosed by an independent repair facility as having a seized engine requiring replacement. The failure was unexpected and creates a potential safety risk, as it could have resulted in a loss of power while driving. The manufacturer has been notified but denied warranty assistance due to lack of maintenance documentation. The vehicle is currently available for inspection.

I bought a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe from a dealership in may of 2023. Ever since then I have paid around $8,000 in repairs for this car. These repairs have been so expensive and time consuming that last year I wasn’t able to drive it for 6 months because it was in the shop for most of the year. I had to fix the fuel pump, the battery, timing chain valve twice, O2 sensor , catalytic converter, engine valve, cylinder 1 & 3 and now I have to fix cylinder 2 & 4 & that cost again around $2,000 to fix. I am constantly stressed out, crying and becoming broke because I have to keep on repairing this car. I use up all of my tows every year because my car always shuts off on me while I am driving. I am at the point where I want a refund on the car and I want to get rid of this vehicle. I do not feel safe driving on the highway or driving with my two kids and I am currently pregnant again and this car isn’t safe for a family. I am constantly feeling broken down and worthless because I can’t even keep this car a float.

The engine valves and cylinders keep failing every 6 months. I have to spend another $1,800 to get it fixed. I doe this two times last year. My car has the theta 2 engine.

We purchased a used 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe with approximately 105,000 miles. The vehicle has had regular routine maintenance and oil changes. Around 107,000 miles, the check engine light came on and the vehicle simultaneously started running rough. It was diagnosed with a failed valve on the #3 cylinder and now needs a total engine replacement. This issue also coincided with excess oil consumption. Despite having an oil change fewer than 2000 miles earlier, the oil was almost completely gone from the engine despite not having any leaks present. This goes well beyond normal wear and tear and is indicative of a defect/design flaw.

Oil pan leak.

Engine. It happened while I was driving. No it wasnt reproduced or confirmed by a dealer, but have been told by a couple and also me seeing that the engine wasnt able to manually be cranked at all. No inspection was done by manufacturr, police, or insurance, because it didnt cause a accident. Just engine light which have been reported to the dealership and was toled they couldnt fix it, but that was just staying on all the time for quite some time. No finally I would like to see if this can be investigated on to be a recall since the original miles are only about 68000 and shouldnt have these problem at this low mileage.

Rod bearing failure while driving, engine made a clanking noise. Engine made a loud bang and shut off. It was difficult for the driver to get control of the vehicle and get it to the side of the road. Engine threw the rod and piston through the oil pan causing catastrophic internal damage. The oil had been changed the day prior. The company that changed the oil sent an inspector to evaluate car at the scene. He stated this is a known problem with this engine. He pulled up pictures of other cars that had the same problem, also took pictures of the car oil pan and compared the pictures, they were exactly the same. Car was towed to Hyundai dealership that is refusing to replace the engine.

I purchase the 2017 Santa Fe sport in October of 2023 with just short of 80k miles. It was in great condition and had no issues. I have maintained it according to Hyundai specification and regular on schedule oil changes with recommended 5w-20 full synthetic. At approximately 100k miles, I experienced an oil pressure light on the dash, when checked, the engine was approximately 2 quarts low. From this point on, the engine started consuming oil at an increasing rate all while I maintained regular maintenance. First, 1 quart a month, or about 1200 to 1500 miles, then to 1 quart every 2 weeks or 800 miles. I maintained weekly checks on the oil level and on the evening of 3/24/2026, I had added a quart, bringing the level to the midway point between the high and low dipstick markings. On the afternoon of 3/24/26 while driving on the highway in heavy, but at speed limit, traffic on the highway, I experienced a loss of power and a check engine light. I was able to exit the highway but the car started to run very rough and unable to idle. Luckily, there was no traffic approaching when I turned off the exit and made a left into parking lot to shut off the vehicle. I will be having it towed to a dealership in the next few days for their analysis.