Power Train Problems of Hyundai Santa Fe - part 1

I was about to turn into a 2 lane road and a warning came on my dash, "shifter system malfunction service immediately " my vehicle was in drive I was unable to move my vehicle, unable to shift into any other gear. It was sudden with no warning or loss of power prior to the warning and loss of movement.

See all problems of the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

After turning off the radio with the push button control the instrument cluster and navigation display panel went completely dead black. After pushing multiple buttons several times the panel came back to life. This has not yet been reported to the dealer. On 12/12/2025 this same vehicle also experienced faulty engine / power train components which required replacement @1199 miles. Throttle body assembly and torque converter assembly which caused loss of power when accelerating onto a high speed parkway attempting to reach @55mph along with excessive vibration when brakes were off. Took dealer 22 days to fix the problem.

Vehicle experienced sudden loss of power while driving. Transmission warning and abs warning lights appeared at the same time. The vehicle would not shift properly and began skipping and dropping gears. Smoke was visibly coming from the center underside of the vehicle near the transmission area. There was a strong burning oil or rubber smell inside and outside the vehicle. This created a serious safety risk due to loss of acceleration and potential fire hazard from smoke and burning odor. The issue has been intermittent since early ownership, including jerky shifting and hard engagement. The dealer documented dual clutch transmission communication faults and abs faults but returned the vehicle the same day stating it was a loose ground. The problem has continued after repair. Vehicle is available for inspection. The defect involves the powertrain and related electrical systems.

See all problems of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

After making right turn after being stopped at traffic light, when I attempted to accelerate the vehicle would not shift from low gear to higher gear(s). This caused very high engine rpms for the time it took to pull the vehicle off to the side of the road and stop and turn of the vehicle . I looked at dash board for any indicator lights but didn’t see any. Restarted the vehicle accelerated back on to the road and the vehicle did change gears ok. Again looking for any dashboard indicator to be on but didn’t see any. The date of this incident was [xxx]. Made appointment on 2/10/26 for service to diagnose why this incident happened on 2/17/26 and to provide any necessary repairs at columbia Hyundai, cincinnati, ohio. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Car stuttered and would not rev past 2k rpm. Blinking check engine light appeared code was for known connecting rod failure for all theta engines for our 2018 sante fe. Hyundai is trying to get out of covering the cost of repair or replacement even though this is a very well known issue and is covered under warranty.

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I tried to drive my 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe hybrid; the vehicle displayed a gear selection error message stating something like "gear already selected". The vehicle would not shift properly and would not power off or restart. I attempted multiple shutdown and restart attempts using the start/stop button with no success. The vehicle remained in this condition for about 30 minutes and would not allow normal operation or shutdown. Due to safety concerns, Hyundai roadside assistance was contacted and a tow truck was dispatched. Before the tow arrived, the vehicle spontaneously allowed shutdown without any intervention. This was a safety related failure involving the shift-by-wire system and vehicle power-down logic. The issue occurred without warning and left the vehicle inoperable. The vehicle had app 7150 miles at the time of the incident.

I was driving on the road and all of the sudden my car went limp and would only move 45 miles per hour. I took it to the dealer which I have lifetime powertran on my car. It has been there for over a month at the dealer. They asked me to provide all oil changes,services, and registrations. I did that and then fidelity asked them to tear down the engine again to see if I had carbon build up. Then after the dealer did that they ask the dealer to tear the motor down even further to see if the exhaust valve was bad and if it was bad they would not replace my motor. My car consumed so much oil that I was changing my oil so often. I have been renting a car just to get back and forth to work. In my contract it says that the exhaust valve is covered under my lifetime powertran. I feel like Hyundai and fidelity are giving me the run around. I took very good care of my car and I have shown that. Hyundai has had alot of problem with there motors with the oil consumption and motors just going limp. I feel I will never buy a Hyundai again. I am losing money everyday because of the dealer and fidelity. I need the motor replaced and it was no abuse on my part I took care of my car. I want fidelity to tell me how I abuse the exhaust valve. I did my oil changes and took care of my car. I am still paying on my Hyundai and can't afford another car. I have alot of medical bills that I pay. Any help would be great. Sincerely [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

Vehicle has now had several incidences of completing losing all acceleration power while driving at both high and low speeds, resulting in need to turn on hazards and abruptly pull to side of road. Pushing on gas pedal does nothing and vehicle will even roll backwards if I pull over on a hill and take my foot off the brake. I have to put vehicle in park and turn off. Sometimes I have to restart the vehicle a few times before it will drive forward after putting it back into drive. The vehicle does not lose electrical power and will sometimes display the master warning light on dashboard and other times have no dashboard indicator of a problem. This is an extremely dangerous situation and my VIN is not listed under safety recall 22v-746 despite exhibiting the same behavior. I have contacted my local Hyundai dealership service in past and they recommended a transmission flush which did nothing to alleviate the issue. It is now happening frequently so we are reaching out to the local Hyundai dealer service center again.

Component/system failure: the electronic throttle control system malfunctioned. The vehicle is reporting powertrain diagnostic trouble codes p2118 and p2101 through the Hyundai manufacturer mobile application (bluelink), indicating an electronic throttle actuator / throttle control motor issue. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Safety risk: this malfunction poses a safety risk because it can cause sudden loss of throttle response, reduced engine power (limp mode), or stalling while driving. Loss of throttle control increases the risk of a crash, especially in traffic or at intersections. Reproduction / confirmation: the issue is ongoing. The check engine light remains illuminated and the fault codes continue to be displayed in the Hyundai mobile application. The problem has not yet been diagnosed by a dealership due to lack of immediate service availability. Inspections performed: the vehicle has not yet been inspected by a Hyundai dealership or the manufacturer due to delayed service appointments. No inspections have been performed by police or insurance representatives. Warning indicators / symptoms: the check engine light illuminated and remains on. Diagnostic trouble codes p2118 and p2101 are displayed in the Hyundai mobile application. The warning light first appeared in late January 2026. Current vehicle condition: the vehicle is considered unsafe to drive due to the active electronic throttle control fault and risk of sudden loss of power.

See all problems of the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

My 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe hybrid has recurring powertrain communication failures starting at only 67 miles and continuing at 5,300 and 6,200 miles. Diagnostic trouble codes include u010100 (lost communication with engine control module) and multiple u100xxx codes related to transmission and can bus communication failures. These indicate loss of communication between critical control modules. The issue has happened multiple times and remains unresolved. I am concerned this could cause drivability problems, warning lights, or sudden loss of power. This appears to be a system-level defect in the vehicle’s communication network.

The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph, the vehicle experienced hard shifting while attempting to change gears, and the vehicle hesitated, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired; however, dtc: p1c2d03 was retrieved. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer, where the same diagnostic trouble code was confirmed. The dealer diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 99,700.

Component: engine (theta ii 2. 4l gdi) / connecting rod bearing-related failure risk with abnormal internal oil loss. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request (engine, oil level condition, diagnostic history, and dealer records). Safety risk: while driving on the highway (approx. 70 mph), the vehicle displayed a low oil warning, and I experienced concern for potential engine seizure/stalling and sudden loss of power, which could cause a crash. I reduced speed and sought service. This condition presents an ongoing safety risk because sudden engine failure can occur without adequate warning. Dealer confirmation: the problem was confirmed by a Hyundai dealer. After a routine oil change, the low oil warning appeared within ~1,700 miles. A Hyundai service center inspected the vehicle and documented the engine was approximately 3 quarts low with no external leaks, indicating internal loss/engine deterioration rather than a leak. Hyundai then required additional steps (combustion chamber cleaning and monitored mileage), and the abnormal internal oil loss condition persisted. Manufacturer inspection: the vehicle has been inspected by Hyundai dealerships, and Hyundai performed campaign-related actions, including ksds/ecm update (t3g) and later knock sensor replacement. No police or insurance inspection. No crash or injury occurred. Warning lamps/symptoms prior to failure: prior symptoms included a check engine lamp with dtc p1326 (ksds-related) documented by Hyundai service in 2025, followed by continued abnormal internal engine condition. The low oil warning occurred while the vehicle was in motion (highway speed). The issue remains unresolved, and I do not feel the vehicle is safe to operate due to seizure/stall risk. Additional: I reported this as a safety defect because similar theta ii engine issues are widely reported and can result in stalling, seizure, or engine fire. Hyundai denied engine replacement assistance despite the documented condition.

See all problems of the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

On 6/7/2023 with the original owner, the vehicle displayed code p1c2d03, according to carfax history the transmission was replaced 7/12/2023. I purchased the vehicle in may, 2025. In December, 2025, while driving to work I experienced intermittent loss of ability to accelerate, followed by the vehicle again displaying code p1c2d03 in the bluelink app. The dealership performed a software update and told me to come get my car. On Monday, February 16, 2026, I started the vehicle and the dash displayed "transmission error. Check transmission fluid immediately!", I again had it towed to the dealership where it has remained for the past three weeks. Now I have been called again to pick up the vehicle as the dealership cannot duplicate the error. At this time I am unsure if the service center actually checked the transmission fluid as the warning indicated should be done.

Car had an unintended acceleration. I had been stopped prior to entering my garage. I had started to slowly accelerate when the car accelerated hard. It took a lot of effort to stop the car.

Complaint: safety defect - engine failure risk (stalling/fire) my 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe has the defective theta ii 2. 0l turbo engine (g4kh), subject of class action in Hyundai and kia engine litigation and multiple tsbs. The engine has a known manufacturing defect causing premature connecting rod bearing failure, leading to catastrophic engine seizure. Safety consequence: this defect presents a clear, unreasonable safety risk: sudden stalling: engine can seize without warning while driving, causing loss of propulsion and power steering/brakes, leading to a crash. Engine fire: failed engines can leak oil onto hot components, causing fires. Manufacturer's inadequate remedy: Hyundai's "knock sensor detection system" software update (campaign 966) only attempts to detect failure moments before it happens. It does not fix the underlying mechanical defect. The engine remains a ticking time bomb. Personal experience: my vehicle has suffered multiple related failures (turbocharger, fuel injectors) costing over $5,700, confirming the powertrain's deterioration. I fear driving it, especially with my teenage daughter. The defect is well-known, yet Hyundai's settlements fail to protect subsequent owners like myself, leaving unsafe vehicles on the road. Request: I urge NHTSA to investigate the ongoing safety risk these engines pose to all owners, compel Hyundai to issue a true safety recall for a permanent repair (e. G. , engine long-block replacement), and mandate clear disclosure of this defect to all used car buyers.

See all problems of the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

Started car, reading paperwork and suddenly my car went into neutral bycitself and rolled backwards in a parking lot. Thank goodness no one was walking behind my car. This is the 2nd time it has happened. Additionally, twice previously, my car screen blacked off. 1 other time while sitting at a traffic light, the car shut off. I have been patient but now I'm afraid ti drive this car with only 2,650 miles on it.

I have maintained my car regularly. I use lofsynblend oil at 7500 mile intervals per car and oil manufacturer. At 70000 mile oil change the tech showed me that less than a quart of oil came out of the crankcase during the oil change. There were no visible leaks, no visible smoke coming out of the exhaust when I drove the car, and no warning light. This was the first time that this issue was present to my knowledge. I am taking the vehicle to the dealer for an official oil consumption test.

I have a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe with ~88,000 miles. I noticed on 12/18/2025 that the oil lamp light came on briefly then turned off. So, I decided to take my car in to get serviced on 12/19/2025. I was told that there is an oil consumption issue with the engine and that Hyundai would need to do a combustion cleaning, and worst case scenario a full engine replacement. Hyundai refuses to cover us under warranty because we transferred the car from my mother-in-law's name to my wife's name. I want to file this as a complaint to the NHTSA because a car that isn't even 10-years old and has less than 90,000 miles should not be needing an engine replacement. Hyundai appears to be aware of the issue as my service advisor at the dealership has mentioned that several of their cars with this engine have the exact same issue. To me, this sounds like a defect and should have a recall.

While driving my 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe, the vehicle experienced a complete dashboard and system blackout, as if the vehicle shut off and rebooted. This has occurred on two separate occasions. On one occasion, while stopped at a traffic light, the dashboard went completely black and restarted. After the system rebooted, the vehicle would not accelerate or move when the accelerator was pressed. I had to turn the vehicle off, restart it, and wait before it would drive again. The suspected malfunction involves the vehicle’s electrical/infotainment and related vehicle control systems. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of others were put at risk because the vehicle lost critical dashboard information and temporarily lost the ability to accelerate while in traffic, creating the risk of being struck by other vehicles. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized Hyundai dealership (world Hyundai of matteson). On December 23, 2025, I was informed by the dealer that a system/infotainment “glitch” had been identified and that a replacement part would be ordered. However, the part was never replaced. The dealer later stated that because the issue could not be duplicated during test drives (approximately 85 miles driven), the repair was not authorized. The dealer acknowledged the issue could not be reproduced on demand. The manufacturer (Hyundai) has not yet physically inspected the vehicle beyond dealership involvement. No police or insurance inspections occurred, as there was no crash. There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the failure. The failure occurred suddenly with a complete dashboard blackout and system restart. The first occurrence happened prior to December 23, 2025; the second occurred afterward. The issue is intermittent and unresolved. I am concerned that the defect must reoccur while driving in order to be repaired, posing an ongoing safety risk.

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Since December my car has been burning oil at a fast rate. My husband has already had to add an additional 4 quarts since my last service 3000 miles ago. I have read and heard from others with a Santa Fe that they are having to replace their engines because of this. They are under warranty. Unfortunately I am not. I’ve already dealt with a white paint issue with Hyundai. I called couple weeks ago and was told someone would email me and they have not. I’m not sure where to turn now.

The vehicle cannot pick up speed, and it is displaying the dtc- p1c2d03. This is similar to the issues that led to "safety recall 236 to repair a condition involving the 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (dct) system" in earlier model years (till 2022) for certain Hyundai and kia vehicles. Nhtsa should issue a recall for 2023 model years also as Hyundai has not addressed this issue to the fullest extent in 2023 model years.

Code p1c2d03 is popping up on my 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe after the dealership "fixed" the recall in 2023. My car is going into limp mode, failing while driving, and unsafe. Dealership and corporate won't help me. The transmission was never replaced with the recall and they are claiming they aren't relatable and can't do anything unless a recall is reopened.

I had been driving about 1. 5 hours when I exited the interstate and the car engine shut off at a traffic light. When I shifted the car into park and tried to restart the car, smoke filled the cabin. Unbeknownst to me, an oil leak occurred while driving. No warning lights or other indicators that anything was awry. I had the vehicle towed to the nearest Hyundai dealer. Though the SUV is under warranty, they say the oil leak was caused by improper oil plug installation at the last oil change. The oil leak caused the motor to seize and the resulting damage is in excess of $10,000. Hyundai says the warranty won't cover this as it is a service issue. Jiffy lube says their technician did nothing incorrect and they won't take responsibility for the repairs.

The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate, as if the transmission was stuck in high gear. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact believed that the failure was associated with manufacturer recall: 236. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 98,300.

See all problems of the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

Transmission issues with dtc light coming on, dealership did software update which did not resolve the problem. Transmission has rough shift and shuddering. Dealership is recommending complete transmission replacement.

The engine seized up on the highway with no warning signs or alerts and lost all power to the vehicle putting family at risk on the highway speed. Mechanic confirmed engine seized and metal debris after draining oil. Oil changes are done on timely basis within 5000 miles. Most recent where synthetic oil used and was just at 5000 mark. There was no oil warning at all and regular oil change was scheduled for next day prior to event. Car purchased in 2017 used and this happened before shortly after purchase and engine replaced by Hyundai at that time.

See all problems of the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

On November 18, 2025, at 24,370 miles, the vehicle suffered a catastrophic powertrain failure, triggering a dashboard warning: "transmission system error! check transmission oil immediately. " the vehicle suffered a loss of reliable motive power. This sudden failure is a severe safety hazard that presents a high risk of stalling or stranding in active traffic, which is especially dangerous as this vehicle is used for a 40-mile round-trip school commute four days a week on local highways. The dealership replaced the transmission, keeping the vehicle out of service for 27 days. However, the exact same critical failure occurred a second time on December 24, 2025, at 24,878 miles. The vehicle was once again completely incapacitated and required a second transmission replacement as well as a new tcu, resulting in an additional 50 days out of service. Two catastrophic transmission failures within a 500-mile span on a brand new vehicle demonstrate a highly dangerous defect that puts the driver, passengers, and other motorists at unreasonable risk of a crash due to sudden loss of power.

After a maintenance service was performed at 16500 miles, we began to notice a high pitched whistling sound when pressing gas pedal doing highway driving above 75mph. The car was brought back to the dealer who couldn’t duplicate the complaint. We drove cross country, sound consistent until it began to make the sound at lower and lower speeds. We arrived at our destination and I took the car to the dealer we bought the car from. Their tech claimed it was normal coil whine. Since it was progressing I had the manager test drive the vehicle who agreed it was not normal. After a week we switched service advisors who immediately determined it was a failing transmission that needed replacement now waiting for parts to arrive. I am requesting a buyback per California lemon law.

My transmission failed, even after the #236 recall in 2022. My car was recalled for recall #236 in 2022. My car was updated and "fixed" and now in 2025 is showing the p1c2d03 code and requiring a new transmission. The same recall, without the fix. The car is in great health and never had issues until I was going 60 miles per hour on a busy highway and it reduced to 26 miles per hour during busy traffic. Causing me to almost get rear-ended multiple times and people swerving off the highway to miss me. My car was not going, even with the gas pedal down. I had no warnings, it happened out of nowhere.

While driving on the highway at normal speed, the vehicle suddenly lost power with no prior warning lamps or messages, placing me and other road users at immediate risk. The engine rapidly began knocking, lost acceleration, then stalled completely. I had to coast to the shoulder, which was extremely dangerous in high-speed traffic. The failure appears consistent with bearing wear and debris circulation described in Hyundai recall 168 and TSB 17-01-071, which warn that certain Hyundai 3. 3l engines can suffer internal metallic debris contamination during manufacturing. This can restrict oil flow, damage the bearings, and lead to sudden engine seizure without warning — exactly what happened in this incident. After the failure, the engine was inspected by a Hyundai dealership, but no oil sample, no debris test, and no photo documentation were provided, even though the recall procedure requires these steps when symptoms match knock/no-start failure patterns. The cause was not reproduced or confirmed by any independent mechanical test; the vehicle simply failed suddenly and has remained inoperable since. The incident created a major safety risk because the sudden loss of power happened at highway speed with no safe way to maintain vehicle control or speed. Based on known recall documentation, the symptoms match the described safety-related engine defect. The vehicle remains available for inspection. There were no injuries or police reports, but the situation definitely could have resulted in a crash. In my assessment, this is a critical safety defect related to internal engine debris and bearing failure, consistent with the known Hyundai recall pattern for this engine family.

# **NHTSA complaint answers** ### **1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request?** the **engine** failed due to **sudden and extreme oil consumption** that resulted in the engine being completely dry of oil despite regular maintenance. This caused internal damage including **cvvt (continuous variable valve timing) system failure**, bearing damage, and a complete engine seizure. Yes, the failed engine is fully available for inspection upon request. The vehicle is currently located at dick smith Hyundai in greenville, south carolina, where the dealership diagnosed the failure and recommended a full engine long block replacement. ### **2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?** the engine failure occurred **suddenly and without warning**, causing the vehicle to lose power while operating. The loss of engine function created the risk * sudden deceleration in traffic, * inability to accelerate or maneuver, * potential rear-end collision, * complete engine stall in unsafe conditions. The vehicle had * oil warning light** prior to the failure, meaning I had no indication that the engine was at risk until the failure occurred. ### **3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center?** yes. The engine failure was confirmed • **schwab’s automotive** in fayetteville, nc – determined the engine suffered catastrophic internal damage and was not repairable. • **dick smith Hyundai** dealership – confirmed **high oil consumption and cvvt damage**, and recommended a full **engine long block replacement** (estimate: $8,160. 60). The problem has been fully verified by both an independent mechanic and an authorized Hyundai dealership. ## **4. Yes. The vehicle was formally inspected by Hyundai motor America through the dealership’s diagnostic report. Hyundai reviewed the case (case #xxx) after receiving the dealership findings. The engine remains intact avai. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of in.

The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that intermittently, the gear shifter was inoperable, and the message "gear shift malfunction" was displayed. The contact stated that the failure required that the vehicle be turned, which automatically engaged the parking brake. The contact stated that upon pressing the start button, and then depressing the brake pedal, the contact was able to move the gear shifter to park(p) and to the other gears. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the wiring was open between the transaxle, the rain switch, and the shift control unit. The dealer replaced the wiring. Upon test-driving the vehicle, the dealer noticed that the vehicle was still experiencing abnormal vibrations. The dealer recommended that the transmission be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

Two bolts flew out of the ccvt system, blowing a hole in the valve cover and destroying all the timing components. Because of the issue, all oil spilled from the car. The other two bolts in the system were bent as well. I was driving the vehicle when this happened and could’ve been seriously hurt. I now need a new engine.

Went by lee Hyundai of fayetteville my 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe [xxx] my vehicle gave a warning check transmission oil immediately vehicle was sluggish. I was told to bring it back Monday October 6th they kept it for a week pick it up today October 10th, 2025 they worked on it I had to bring it right back. Went to sam's club up the street got ready to leave message pops up check your transmission oil immediately call dealer had me to bring it back light stayed on driving there rpm wouldn't get over 2. 5 I thought I was going to get run into stopping and going back made there dealership working on it again just purchased it [xxx] little over 3,6004miles I was scared to death information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Excessive oil burning even after replacing the motor once before.