2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport

Dear NHTSA, My 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport (VIN: [XXX] , 2.0L Theta II, 64,000 miles) suffered engine failure with knocking and power loss, matching NHTSA Recall #20V-746 (Hyundai #198). This defect risks stalling or fire, threatening my safety and others’. Hyundai Motor America and Hyundai of Tacoma (Tacoma, WA) refused repair, citing the rebuilt title, despite the factory defect. Recall #20V-746 addresses Theta II bearing wear. My vehicle’s symptoms align, yet the dealer denied service, claiming the title voids eligibility. Hyundai’s April 2025 email noted three unrelated recalls (turbo oil pipe, ECM update, hood latch) were completed but ignored #20V-746, redirecting me to the dealer without addressing the engine or title issue. I’ve called Hyundai (1-800-633-5151) and emailed multiple times since March 2025, receiving only generic responses. The dealer’s refusal and Hyundai’s inaction leave the vehicle inoperable, posing a ongoing safety hazard on the road. The rebuilt title should not exempt a factory defect tied to a safety recall. The low mileage (64,000) supports my claim. I haven’t obtained a diagnostic report but am willing to pay for one (~$100–$200) if required. Hyundai’s refusal to honor #20V-746 violates safety obligations. Please investigate Hyundai’s denial, confirm if the Knock Sensor Detection System was installed, and clarify if a rebuilt title excludes eligibility. I seek engine replacement per the recall or a clear explanation. This issue has caused significant financial and safety concerns, and I urge swift action. Contact me at [XXX]or [XXX] Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while attempting to make a left turn after the vehicle was idling, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power and became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer decided not to deny the claim for assistance with the engine replacement. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while her husband driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was unable to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle failed to restart. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving, the vehicle failed to exceed 60 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the knock sensor was defective. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where the engine was replaced; however, the failure recurred, and the vehicle failed to exceed 50 MPH. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the knock sensor was replaced; however, the failure recurred while driving. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond and was sluggish. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the knock sensor was replaced; however, the failure persisted, and the vehicle remained at the dealer for 3 months. The contact followed up with the dealer, and the dealer informed the contact that additional diagnostic tests was needed to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who advised that the vehicle be taken to the dealer. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, who determined that premature bearing wear had resulted in damage to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 141,000.

The contact's mother owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the RPM’s decreased and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated there was a clicking sound coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was steered to the side of the roadway. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Engine caught fire while driving. Vehicle is a total loss as fire department did not arrive for 20 min. Currently at a Copart yard in Gainesville, ga. Lucky I was on a rural road and my dog and I were able to get out of car. Only injury is cough that has not gone away after 4 weeks. No warning lights, but did smell what seemed like burning brake fluid prior to fire. Both Hyundai and Farmers insurance have inspected the car. Of note is that Hyundai replaced the engine at around 60k miles due to engine oiling issues.

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving at a slow speed, the engine seized. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.