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2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 179.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

45 reports with mileage · 37 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 41 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 16 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 9 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

1 crash reports6 fire reports0 injury reports

What owners actually said

82 reports
114,080 miles · Apr 2, 2026
Engine

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a blown engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the warranty service was declined because the oil mainten…

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The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a blown engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the warranty service was declined because the oil maintenance records were not available. The failure mileage was approximately 114,080.

NHTSA ODI #11728707

Mileage unknown · Mar 2, 2026
Exterior Lighting

My 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe with approximately 101,000 miles has experienced gradual deterioration of both low beam headlights. The light output is extremely dim and unsafe for night driving. Visibility is significantly reduced, making it difficult to see lane markings, pedestrians, and road hazards. The issue developed gradually o…

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My 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe with approximately 101,000 miles has experienced gradual deterioration of both low beam headlights. The light output is extremely dim and unsafe for night driving. Visibility is significantly reduced, making it difficult to see lane markings, pedestrians, and road hazards. The issue developed gradually over time and affects both headlights equally, suggesting an internal projector or reflector failure rather than a bulb issue. Bulbs have been checked/replaced, but brightness remains poor. This condition creates a serious safety hazard when driving at night. I am requesting investigation into potential headlight projector or reflector defects.

NHTSA ODI #11721517

Mileage unknown · Jan 29, 2026
Unknown Or Other

SUBJECT: Sabotage of Safety-Related Engine Test via Unauthorized Modification DESCRIPTION: While my vehicle was undergoing an official manufacturer oil consumption test for a potential engine replacement warranty claim, a dealership in Lincolnwood, IL damaged the oil pan threads. Instead of a proper OEM repair, they installed a…

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SUBJECT: Sabotage of Safety-Related Engine Test via Unauthorized Modification DESCRIPTION: While my vehicle was undergoing an official manufacturer oil consumption test for a potential engine replacement warranty claim, a dealership in Lincolnwood, IL damaged the oil pan threads. Instead of a proper OEM repair, they installed a non-standard, oversized self-tapping "KKB" bolt without my knowledge or consent to conceal the damage. SAFETY RISK: Two independent certified mechanics have verified this as a hazardous "quick-fix." This non-OEM bolt relies on compromised aluminum threads and poses a severe risk of sudden, catastrophic oil loss, which could lead to engine seizure and fire while driving. MANUFACTURER NEGLIGENCE: The manufacturer has been presented with photographic and independent expert evidence confirming this unauthorized modification. Despite the clear safety hazard, the manufacturer has repeatedly delayed resolution through multiple follow-up postponements. CONSEQUENCES: This unauthorized modification has halted the engine safety test, leaving the vehicle with both a failing engine and an unsafe oil pan. The manufacturer has refused to provide safe alternative transportation while the vehicle is in this hazardous state during extreme winter conditions. I am seeking immediate intervention to ensure the vehicle is restored to factory safety standards and the engine safety test is completed.

NHTSA ODI #11714372

Mileage unknown · Dec 22, 2025
Engine

Dealer failure to to remedy engine replacement under settlement. I am entitled under the March 1, 2022, Settlement Agreement (the “E2 Settlement”) due to recurring Theta II engine failures caused by the oil-starvation/connecting-rod bearing defect. Vehicle stalling on highways and heavy traffic, Repeated codes and failures of MA…

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Dealer failure to to remedy engine replacement under settlement. I am entitled under the March 1, 2022, Settlement Agreement (the “E2 Settlement”) due to recurring Theta II engine failures caused by the oil-starvation/connecting-rod bearing defect. Vehicle stalling on highways and heavy traffic, Repeated codes and failures of MAP sensors, VVT solenoids, camshaft position sensors, starters (×3), batteries (×2), turbo wastegate, fuel pump, EVAP canister, thermostats/housings, etc. — all downstream symptoms of oil starvation and bearing failure Hyundai dealers (Hyundai of Palm Springs and others) have continued to misdiagnose and charge me for unrelated repairs while refusing to acknowledge the covered defect in the replacement engine. Relief Demanded Under the E2 Settlement Pursuant to Settlement ¶¶ 4.1, 4.2, 5.1, 5.2, and 6, I demand the following within fourteen (14) days: Full replacement of the failed engine with a new or remanufactured long-block assembly at $0 out-of-pocket cost to me, including all related gaskets, hoses, sensors, turbocharger, and PCM reflash: Full reimbursement of all out-of-pocket repair expenses incurred since the 2022 replacement (approximately $8,178.50+ $150 for two maxed out Triple A cards, and a new rental car for this week at $1500.00 total to date $10,148.50— Reimbursement of all towing and rental-car expenses (receipts enclosed); Compensation for diminished value of the vehicle. Confirmation that the Lifetime Warranty remains in full force on any future engine. In the alternative, a cash buyback of $25,000 in full satisfaction of all claims. This vehicle has suffered two qualifying Theta II engine failures, the second occurring in a warranty replacement engine. Hyundai of Palm Springs continued refusal to properly honor the settlement has caused extreme hardship, safety risks (multiple freeway/intersection stalls), and thousands of dollars in unnecessary expense

NHTSA ODI #11706574

Mileage unknown · Oct 31, 2025
Engine

GDFI MODOR IS BURNING GAS AND OIL TOO QUICKLY Randomly shutting off Burning too much oil

NHTSA ODI #11696760

Mileage unknown · Oct 7, 2025
Electrical SystemService BrakesUnknown Or OtherCrash

Put in reverse to move backwards 5 feet or so the vehicle kept going and moving faster I applied the brake and hitting the brakes as well I didn't wonna hit the parked cars behind me so I put in park thinking that will also help stop the vehicle nothing worked it only stopped after hitting my other car that was parked on the str…

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Put in reverse to move backwards 5 feet or so the vehicle kept going and moving faster I applied the brake and hitting the brakes as well I didn't wonna hit the parked cars behind me so I put in park thinking that will also help stop the vehicle nothing worked it only stopped after hitting my other car that was parked on the street I tried everything to stop it it just took off I came out a beautiful morning to change the radiator it was dripping from the bottom I purchased a new one I put the car front wheels on ramps to look underneath to see what sockets I needed I got in vehicle just to lower off ramps backing down slow foot covering brake once the car touch ground it accelerated not fast but wouldn't stop it happened so fast but I applied the emergency brake its moving faster applying the brake as well im looking in the mirror at wants behind me as well I put in park thinking that would stop the vehicle but it was accelerating didnt stop until it hit the car parked on the street that's also mine it was dangerous and scary and im thankful it wasnt a tragedy normally my grandkids would be playing out there i could killed them I cant stop thinking about the what could been driving 42 years I consider myself a good driver defensive driving course never had a chargeable accident drove professional also for 32 years I did all I could think of in that little bit of time it just accelerated again backing tapping brakes 2 or 3 times coming down off ramps front maybe 4 or 5 inches off ground lowering to ground it take off something worth looking into thank you last thing my wife was coming to bring me a flashlight the fence hit her 30 more seconds she probably would been hit or killed so this is really affecting me

NHTSA ODI #11691791

Mileage unknown · Sep 26, 2025
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

I am writing to express my concern regarding an ongoing and persistent issue with excessive engine oil consumption in my 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe, Subject: Severe Oil Consumption Issue - 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe - VIN: [XXX] The vehicle consumes an alarming amount of oil, approximately 1 quart every 300 miles. This rate of consumpti…

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I am writing to express my concern regarding an ongoing and persistent issue with excessive engine oil consumption in my 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe, Subject: Severe Oil Consumption Issue - 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe - VIN: [XXX] The vehicle consumes an alarming amount of oil, approximately 1 quart every 300 miles. This rate of consumption is far beyond what is considered normal and strongly suggests a serious mechanical or manufacturing defect. I have already taken the vehicle to a mechanic to diagnose and attempt to resolve this problem. Based on their professional advice, the following parts were recently replaced: 1.Engine Valve Cover Gasket 2.Turbo Charger Oil Line 3.Spark Plugs Unfortunately, despite these repairs, the issue of excessive oil consumption remains unresolved. The rate of oil loss remains consistent and dangerously high. This was first informed by a service center when I took the car for a random check. Then, after traveling 1,000 miles, the engine oil level dropped again. After that, I am keeping an eye on that. This level of oil consumption poses a significant risk to the engine's long-term health and reliability, and it is a major inconvenience and expense for me as the owner. I am deeply concerned that a major engine component may be failing. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11689911

Mileage unknown · Aug 3, 2025
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemService BrakesFire

Driving on freeway and noticed smoke. Realized I needed to pull over and brakes weren’t working. Off ramp was at an incline so car came to a stop just in time to get toddler and myself out of vehicle. Car was on fire.

NHTSA ODI #11678091

Mileage unknown · Jul 26, 2025
Electrical SystemEngineService Brakes

I bought the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe yesterday evening. Upon leaving the dealership I promptly broke for a car in front of me. Immediately the vehicle turned off completely. I put the vehicle in the park and attempted to start the vehicle back up. The vehicle would not start up and begin leaking a prominent scent. Following this, …

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I bought the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe yesterday evening. Upon leaving the dealership I promptly broke for a car in front of me. Immediately the vehicle turned off completely. I put the vehicle in the park and attempted to start the vehicle back up. The vehicle would not start up and begin leaking a prominent scent. Following this, white smoke with the same pungent smell was coming from the engine. I propped the hood and saw the smoke continue to release. I then motioned away from the vehicle and called for a tow truck. The car is now being inspected by the dealership I purchased it from the same day. I believe this is related to the NHTSA recall on 2010-2015 Hyundai Santa Fe, recall date 09/22/2023, recall number 21V303000, and Hyundai Safety Recall 251s Anti-Lock Braking System Fuse Replace. This issue is not listed under my vehicle VIN number but it’s apparent to be the case and issue and is being inspected further by the dealership.

NHTSA ODI #11676337

Mileage unknown · Jul 11, 2025
SteeringFire

While PARKED IN FRONT OF 7-11 WITH ENGINE NOT RUNNING, THE POWER STEERING ATTACHMENT IN THE WHEEL WELL BROKE AND RELEASED FLUID ON THE HOT ENGINE. PATRONS IN SORE ALERTED ME THAT THE CAR WAS SMOKING OUT THE HOOD. I RACED BACK TO MY SANTA FE AND NOTICED FIRE. THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL HAD TURNED RADICALLY AFTER I PARKED IT. FIRE EXTIN…

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While PARKED IN FRONT OF 7-11 WITH ENGINE NOT RUNNING, THE POWER STEERING ATTACHMENT IN THE WHEEL WELL BROKE AND RELEASED FLUID ON THE HOT ENGINE. PATRONS IN SORE ALERTED ME THAT THE CAR WAS SMOKING OUT THE HOOD. I RACED BACK TO MY SANTA FE AND NOTICED FIRE. THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL HAD TURNED RADICALLY AFTER I PARKED IT. FIRE EXTINGUISHERS WERE BROUGHT FROM THE STORE. I RETRIEVED AS MUCH AS I COULD. MY SANTA FE BURST INTO FLAMES AND WAS TOTALLY CONSUMED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND PUT OUT THE FIRE. OBVIOUSLY, MY VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. 7-11 HAS THE EVENT ON TAPE. I RECEIVED NO COMPENSATION FROM ANYONE. I HAD TO CLEAN UP THE CHARRED REMAINS. WHY WAS THIS VIN NOT RECALLED/

NHTSA ODI #11672687

Official recalls

3

21V303000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

Apr 28, 2021

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module, possibly resulting in an electrical short.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An electrical short in the ABS module can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS multi-fuse, and inspect and replace the ABS module, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 25, 2021. Note: This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under NHTSA recall number 20V-520. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 205.

20V520000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

Aug 27, 2020

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module, possibly resulting in an electrical short.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the ABS module short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ABS module and replace it if necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. The recall began December 22, 2020. Note: This recall has been superseded by NHTSA Recall 21V-303 and all affected vehicles will now be repaired under 21V-303. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 194.

17V358000 · Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch

Jun 5, 2017

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the secondary hood latch actuating cable may corrode and bind, causing the secondary hood latch to remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the hood is not securely closed or the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary latch cable, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owner's may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for the recall is 163.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

2

AQ23002 · 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.