NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
200 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Sep 25, 2021
Engine
I put regular gas in my car Tuesday, Saturday it started making a vibration like I had a flat tire and malfunction light comes on. I notice when I put reg gas engine makes rattling sound but dealership says it’s fine put premium to resolve this. So is this normal? Also my engine consumes oil, I took car in for oil consumption te…
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I put regular gas in my car Tuesday, Saturday it started making a vibration like I had a flat tire and malfunction light comes on. I notice when I put reg gas engine makes rattling sound but dealership says it’s fine put premium to resolve this. So is this normal? Also my engine consumes oil, I took car in for oil consumption test and they say it burns 1 quart per 1000 miles which is ok. Really???
NHTSA ODI #11434350
14,000 miles · Apr 12, 2021
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE HESITATED WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAD EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE WHILE TURNING LEFT. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER NOR AN INDEPE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE HESITATED WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAD EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE WHILE TURNING LEFT. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER NOR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 14,000.
NHTSA ODI #11407568
133,000 miles · Feb 19, 2021
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control
MY CAR HAS STARTED JERKING WHEN UP SHIFTING AND SEEMS TO ONLY BE HAPPENING WHEN THE CAR HAS NOT WARMED UP. THEN TODAY WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT 78MPH MY CAR LOST POWER. NOT COMPLETELY. ALMOST LIKE SOMETHING "GAVE OUT" AND I LOST THE FORWARD FORCE I WAS GOING. IT ALSO BECAME LOUDER, ALMOST LIKE A LID HUM. WHEN YOU ACCEL…
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MY CAR HAS STARTED JERKING WHEN UP SHIFTING AND SEEMS TO ONLY BE HAPPENING WHEN THE CAR HAS NOT WARMED UP. THEN TODAY WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT 78MPH MY CAR LOST POWER. NOT COMPLETELY. ALMOST LIKE SOMETHING "GAVE OUT" AND I LOST THE FORWARD FORCE I WAS GOING. IT ALSO BECAME LOUDER, ALMOST LIKE A LID HUM. WHEN YOU ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE DOES NOT WANT TO GO
NHTSA ODI #11397054
92,000 miles · Dec 3, 2020
EngineFuel/propulsion System
THERE HAS BEEN A KNOCK SINCE THE CAR WAS BOUGHT 3 YRS AGO. IT BURNS THREW AT ABOUT1-2 QUART OF OIL EVERY 2000 MILES TRIGGERING THE OIL LIGHT TO COME ON. OIL CHANGES ARE DONE EVERY 3000 MILES WITH FULL SYNTHETIC ALWAYS. IT'S ALSO BEEN TAKEN INTO HYUNDAI OF OLYMPIA FOR ACCELERATION ISSUE WHILE DRIVING (DOESN'T SHIFT UP/DOWN, SHIFT…
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THERE HAS BEEN A KNOCK SINCE THE CAR WAS BOUGHT 3 YRS AGO. IT BURNS THREW AT ABOUT1-2 QUART OF OIL EVERY 2000 MILES TRIGGERING THE OIL LIGHT TO COME ON. OIL CHANGES ARE DONE EVERY 3000 MILES WITH FULL SYNTHETIC ALWAYS. IT'S ALSO BEEN TAKEN INTO HYUNDAI OF OLYMPIA FOR ACCELERATION ISSUE WHILE DRIVING (DOESN'T SHIFT UP/DOWN, SHIFT VERY HARD, STUTTERS WHEN SHIFTING) ALSO ASKED ABOUT OIL CONSUMPTION WHEN TAKEN IN FOR RECALL AND WAS TOLD THE OIL CONSUMPTION WAS NORMAL.
NHTSA ODI #11377694
22,000 miles · Sep 8, 2020
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AND ASCENDING A HILL, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE AND THE SPEED WOULD BE REDUCED. ALSO DURING THE FAILURE, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT YET DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER HADDAD HYUNDAI LOCATED …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AND ASCENDING A HILL, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE AND THE SPEED WOULD BE REDUCED. ALSO DURING THE FAILURE, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT YET DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER HADDAD HYUNDAI LOCATED AT 689 EAST ST, PITTSFIELD, MA 01202, AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000.*DT*JB
NHTSA ODI #11353627
20,000 miles · Aug 26, 2020
Engine
THIS CAR HAS HAD A LOWER ENGINE KNOCK AT START UP FROM DAY ONE. THEY TOOK CARE OF KNOCK SENSOR SYSTEM BUT IT STILL KNOCKS AT START UP ALL THE TIME AND THEY REFUSE TO TAKE CARE OF IT AT THE DEALERSHIP. I AM A RETIRED AUTOMOTIVE RESTORATION SHOP OWNER OF 40 YEARS AND HAVE HAD ARTICLES WRITTEN ABOUT MY SHOP SO I KNOW FOR A FACT THA…
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THIS CAR HAS HAD A LOWER ENGINE KNOCK AT START UP FROM DAY ONE. THEY TOOK CARE OF KNOCK SENSOR SYSTEM BUT IT STILL KNOCKS AT START UP ALL THE TIME AND THEY REFUSE TO TAKE CARE OF IT AT THE DEALERSHIP. I AM A RETIRED AUTOMOTIVE RESTORATION SHOP OWNER OF 40 YEARS AND HAVE HAD ARTICLES WRITTEN ABOUT MY SHOP SO I KNOW FOR A FACT THAT THE KNOCK IS COMING FROM THE ROD BEARINGS! IT SEEMS AS THOUGH HYUNDAI DEALERSHIPS THINKS AND ACTS LIKE EVERYONE THEY ENCOUNTER WITH THIS ISSUE DOES NOT KNOW WHAT THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT. I AM AT THE POINT OF HIRING AN ATTORNEY BEFORE SOMETHING BAD HAPPENS WITH MY WIFE AND DAUGHTER WHILE IN THE CAR.
NHTSA ODI #11351350
37,000 miles · Apr 30, 2020
EngineInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUDDERED AND DECELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEPRESSED. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHAN…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUDDERED AND DECELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEPRESSED. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FORT MILL HYUNDAI (805 GOLD HILL RD, FORT MILL, SC 29708 (855) 548-9524) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT AN UNKNOWN SOFTWARE UPDATE NEEDED TO BE PERFORMED. THE SOFTWARE WAS UPDATED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,000. THE VIN WAS INVALID. *DT*JB
NHTSA ODI #11322792
31,614 miles · Nov 1, 2019
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT LEASES A 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE STALLED NUMEROUS TIMES WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO MOVE THE VEHICLE OUT OF TRAFFIC. THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WHILE THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO RT 2 HYUNDAI (743 NORTH MAIN STREET, LEOMINSTE…
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TL* THE CONTACT LEASES A 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE STALLED NUMEROUS TIMES WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO MOVE THE VEHICLE OUT OF TRAFFIC. THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WHILE THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO RT 2 HYUNDAI (743 NORTH MAIN STREET, LEOMINSTER, MA 01453, (978)-534-9999). SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE ENGINE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THE REPAIRS DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT HAD TO PULL OVER AND RESUME DRIVING NO MORE THAN 40 MPH TO AVOID THE ENGINE STALLING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND FAILURE CODE: P1326. THE DEALER ALSO TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 16313165. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,614.
NHTSA ODI #11277560
500 miles · Jun 22, 2019
EnginePower Train
THERE'S ALWAYS A 2-3 SECONDS HESITATION IN SITUATIONS WHERE ACCELERATION IS NECESSARY. AFTER 2-3 SECONDS OF HESITATION AFTER STEPPING ON THE PEDAL FOR ACCELERATION, THE CAR REVS AND PRODUCES HIGH PITCHED AND LOUD SOUND WITH NO ACCELERATION OR ACCELERATES ABRUPTLY. QUICKLY MERGING INTO HIGHWAY, MAKING TURNS, CHANGING LANES FROM A…
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THERE'S ALWAYS A 2-3 SECONDS HESITATION IN SITUATIONS WHERE ACCELERATION IS NECESSARY. AFTER 2-3 SECONDS OF HESITATION AFTER STEPPING ON THE PEDAL FOR ACCELERATION, THE CAR REVS AND PRODUCES HIGH PITCHED AND LOUD SOUND WITH NO ACCELERATION OR ACCELERATES ABRUPTLY. QUICKLY MERGING INTO HIGHWAY, MAKING TURNS, CHANGING LANES FROM A FULL STOP AND SLOW MOVEMENT FEEL LIKE PLAYING RUSSIAN ROULETTE. HYUNDAI SERVICE CENTER ALWAYS CLAIMS THEY CANNOT REPLICATE MY COMPLAINT AND MY CONCERN IS IGNORED.
NHTSA ODI #11221894
10,000 miles · May 21, 2019
EngineSeats
ENGINE PERFORMANCE IS UNDER NORMAL SPECIFICATIONS 22 - 24 MPG, CAR IS GIVING 20 MPG ON HWY. BOTH FRONT SEAT ARE UNCONFORTABLES, THEY ARE TOO DEEP THA NEED TO BE FILLED UP WITH A LARGE CUSHION OR PILLOW IN ORDER TO KEEP THE BODY IN GOOD POSITION, OTHER WISE NECK HAS TO BE BENT FORWARD ALL TIMES CAUSING UNCONFORTABLE NECK PAIN.
NHTSA ODI #11208988
Official recalls
3Feb 3, 2022
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Santa Fe, 2017-2018 Santa Fe Sport, 2019 Santa Fe XL, and 2014-2015 Tucson vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS multi-fuse, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 31, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 218.
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.
Jun 5, 2017
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolt for the driver's seat belt anchor might not have been sufficiently tightened during assembly.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the bolt was not sufficiently tightened, driver's seat belt may come unanchored in a collision, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners and dealers will verify that the driver's seatbelt anchor is properly secured, free of charge. The recall began July 7, 2017. Owner's may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for the recall is 165.
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
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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