NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
41 reportsClear category filter115,000 miles · Aug 31, 2022
Engine
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. After replacing the battery and starter, the vehicle remained inoperable and would not start. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine was …
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The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. After replacing the battery and starter, the vehicle remained inoperable and would not start. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,000.
NHTSA ODI #11482159
71,000 miles · Aug 18, 2022
EngineService Brakes, Hydraulic
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated he took the vehicle to the dealer to be serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V303000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while his daughter was driving 45 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate with the check engine warning light illuminated. T…
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The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated he took the vehicle to the dealer to be serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V303000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while his daughter was driving 45 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was informed that the knock sensor detected a failure and shifted the vehicle into SAFE mode. The manufacturer was contacted by the dealer. The dealer was asked to continue performing tests on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 71,000.
NHTSA ODI #11479954
90,088 miles · Feb 17, 2022
Engine
The contact's mother owns a 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while her mother was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The contact's mother was able to drive to her residence; however, the vehicle was not able to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with e…
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The contact's mother owns a 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while her mother was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The contact's mother was able to drive to her residence; however, the vehicle was not able to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced and that there was a Service Campaign Number: 953 (ECM & Cluster Update - Engine Monitoring Logic Product Improvement) associated with the VIN that was unrepaired. The contact's mother did not receive notification of the Service Campaign. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was 90,088.
NHTSA ODI #11452470
71,000 miles · Oct 20, 2021
EnginePower Train
The contact's sister owns a 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while his sister was driving and following him on the highway at 60 MPH, the vehicle shut off without warning. His sister managed to pull the vehicle off to the side of the road and had the vehicle towed to the residence. Prior to the failure, the c…
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The contact's sister owns a 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while his sister was driving and following him on the highway at 60 MPH, the vehicle shut off without warning. His sister managed to pull the vehicle off to the side of the road and had the vehicle towed to the residence. Prior to the failure, the contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where she had the vehicle serviced under an unknown recall. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.
NHTSA ODI #11437546
147,000 miles · Aug 12, 2021
Engine
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving 60 mph, the accelerator pedal was depressed however, the vehicle would not exceed 60 mph. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Pepboys who diagnosed that the engine had failed due to vibrations caused by the damag…
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The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving 60 mph, the accelerator pedal was depressed however, the vehicle would not exceed 60 mph. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Pepboys who diagnosed that the engine had failed due to vibrations caused by the damaged connecting rod bearing. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 147,000.
NHTSA ODI #11428836
38,496 miles · Feb 24, 2021
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OIL WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER WIN HYUNDAI CARSON (2205 E. 223RD ST, CARSON, CA 90810, (310) 971-2114) WHERE IT WAS DIAG…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OIL WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER WIN HYUNDAI CARSON (2205 E. 223RD ST, CARSON, CA 90810, (310) 971-2114) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH SLUDGE IN THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS STILL AWAITING A RESPONSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 38,496.
NHTSA ODI #11397725
91,588 miles · Jul 4, 2019
Engine
WHILE ACCELERATING THE ENGINE STARTED TO MAKE NOISE. THE NOISE ALMOST SOUNDED LIKE METAL STUCK SPINNING AROUND IN A METAL FAN. IT STOPPED WHEN I LET OFF THE GAS AND WAS FINE FOR ANOTHER MILE. IT THEN STARTED SOUNDING AGAIN BUT DID NOT STOP WHEN I LET OFF THE GAS. I BARELY MADE IT INTO A PARKING LOT THEN HAD TO CALL TO HAVE IT TO…
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WHILE ACCELERATING THE ENGINE STARTED TO MAKE NOISE. THE NOISE ALMOST SOUNDED LIKE METAL STUCK SPINNING AROUND IN A METAL FAN. IT STOPPED WHEN I LET OFF THE GAS AND WAS FINE FOR ANOTHER MILE. IT THEN STARTED SOUNDING AGAIN BUT DID NOT STOP WHEN I LET OFF THE GAS. I BARELY MADE IT INTO A PARKING LOT THEN HAD TO CALL TO HAVE IT TOWED. YOU CAN HEAR THE NOISE WHEN THE CAR IS TURNED ON AND ESPECIALLY WHEN IT IS ACCELERATING. THE VEHICLE MOVES VERY SLOWLY AND THE NOISE BECOMES VERY LOUD WHEN ACCELERATING. I HAVE A VIDEO OF THE SOUND BUT CANNOT ATTACH TO THIS. IT KIND OF SOUNDS LIKE THE MARBLE IN A SPRAY PAINT CAN WHEN SHAKING IT. I WAS DRIVING UP A HILL ON A RURAL 1 LANE HYWAY.
NHTSA ODI #11229436
62,000 miles · May 1, 2019
Engine
MAJOR ENGINE FAILURE. DEALER IS REPLACING THE ENGINE PER POWERTRAIN WARRANTY.
NHTSA ODI #11205067
133,000 miles · Apr 17, 2019
Engine
ON TUESDAY APRIL 9, 2019 MY WIFE CALLED ME DURING HER DRIVE TO WORK AND TOLD ME HER CAR WAS RUNNING VERY ROUGH WHILE TRAVELING TO WORK ON A LOCAL NY PARKWAY. SHE SAID THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALSO CAME ON. WHEN SHE CAME HOME I TESTED THE OBD AND SAW THAT THE READER SAID THE CODE WAS P0302 WHICH SIGNIFIES A #2 CYLINDER FAILURE. I W…
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ON TUESDAY APRIL 9, 2019 MY WIFE CALLED ME DURING HER DRIVE TO WORK AND TOLD ME HER CAR WAS RUNNING VERY ROUGH WHILE TRAVELING TO WORK ON A LOCAL NY PARKWAY. SHE SAID THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALSO CAME ON. WHEN SHE CAME HOME I TESTED THE OBD AND SAW THAT THE READER SAID THE CODE WAS P0302 WHICH SIGNIFIES A #2 CYLINDER FAILURE. I WAS ABLE TO BRING THE CAR TO A REPAIR SHOP YESTERDAY. THE REPAIR SHOP JUST CALLED AND SAID THE #2 CYLINDER HAS NO COMPRESSION. AFTER READING NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FILED HERE AND ON OTHER FORUMS, I BELIEVE MY CAR HAS EXPERIENCED THE TYPE OF ENGINE FAILURE OCCURRING AT AN ALARMING LEVEL.
NHTSA ODI #11196999
51,000 miles · Apr 5, 2019
Electrical SystemEngine
WE WERE ON A TRIP FROM NEBRASKA TO MICHIGAN AND RETURN. WHEN TRAVELING ALONG THE TOLL ROAD EXPRESS SOUTH OF CHICAGO AT ABOUT 65MPH 02/1WE BOTH SMELLED "SOMETHING BURNING". DETERMINING THAT IT WAS NOT ANYTHING ON THE INTERIOR, WE CLOSED THE OUTSIDE AIR VENT CONTROL AND FELT THAT IT WAS KIND OF A HOT ELECTRICAL WIRE BURNING SMEL…
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WE WERE ON A TRIP FROM NEBRASKA TO MICHIGAN AND RETURN. WHEN TRAVELING ALONG THE TOLL ROAD EXPRESS SOUTH OF CHICAGO AT ABOUT 65MPH 02/1WE BOTH SMELLED "SOMETHING BURNING". DETERMINING THAT IT WAS NOT ANYTHING ON THE INTERIOR, WE CLOSED THE OUTSIDE AIR VENT CONTROL AND FELT THAT IT WAS KIND OF A HOT ELECTRICAL WIRE BURNING SMELL COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. WHEN WE COULD FINALLY EXIT THE EXPRESSWAY WE TRIED TO SMELL AROUND THE FRONT WHEEL WELLS AND THE ODOR SEEMED TO HAVE GONE AWAY. WE ATE LUNCH, LET THE CAR SIT FOR 45 MINUTES AND DROVE ON, NOT SMELLING THAT AGAIN. THE "BURNING ODOR" WAS PRESENT FOR 5-8 MINUTES.
NHTSA ODI #11194233
NHTSA investigations
2AQ23002 · Hyundai And Kia Abs Module Fires
Opened Nov 17, 2023 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.
DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power
Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
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