NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
200 reportsClear category filter94,432 miles · May 16, 2024
Engine
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while at a stop sign, the oil pressure warning light illuminated and was flashing on and off. The contact stated that while stopped at the next stop sign, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was notified t…
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The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while at a stop sign, the oil pressure warning light illuminated and was flashing on and off. The contact stated that while stopped at the next stop sign, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was notified that there was half a quart of oil in the engine. The oil level was topped off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer approximately 3 days later where it was diagnosed with a fractured ball joint, no transmission oil, and 1 quart of engine oil was depleted. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle at undisclosed speeds, blue smoke came from the exhaust pipes. The vehicle was taken to a different dealer where a fuel consumption test was scheduled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,432.
NHTSA ODI #11589187
139,000 miles · Apr 29, 2024
Electrical SystemEngine
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was hesitating while accelerating. Additionally, there were exhaust fumes entering the cabin of the vehicle with white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but no failure …
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The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was hesitating while accelerating. Additionally, there were exhaust fumes entering the cabin of the vehicle with white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but no failure was found. The contact retrieved the vehicle, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who later diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. No further information was available. The vehicle was not yet repaired. Also, after turning the vehicle off, the radio remained activated causing the battery to drain and the vehicle could not be restarted. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 139,000.
NHTSA ODI #11585731
66,000 miles · Mar 5, 2024
Engine
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard a loud abnormal popping sound. The accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate. In addition, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact drove the vehicle to a safe locati…
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The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard a loud abnormal popping sound. The accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate. In addition, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact drove the vehicle to a safe location. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with engine knock and that the engine needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was taken to a second independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with engine failure and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.
NHTSA ODI #11575544
Mileage unknown · Jan 30, 2024
EnginePower Train
Driving down a 4 lane highway my car refused to accelerate and started shaking vigorously. My vehicles check engine light began to flask on and off. Had to pull off the high way and take the back roads the rest of the way home in fear that it would stop in the middle of the street. As we drove home, every time we would slow dow…
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Driving down a 4 lane highway my car refused to accelerate and started shaking vigorously. My vehicles check engine light began to flask on and off. Had to pull off the high way and take the back roads the rest of the way home in fear that it would stop in the middle of the street. As we drove home, every time we would slow down or had to come to a stop the car would continue to shake and rattle with the check engine going and and off the rest of the way home. Took this to the dealership and they stated that I have a burnt exhaust valve on cylinder #2 along with needing a new catalytic converter and told me I should just replace the entire engine. I have 67k miles on a 2017 hyundai Santa Fe.
NHTSA ODI #11568913
89,000 miles · Jan 23, 2024
Engine
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that an oil change was performed on the vehicle; however, after driving less than 1,200 miles, the low oil pressure warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Firestone, and the contact was informed that the engine was experiencing abnormal oil consumpti…
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The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that an oil change was performed on the vehicle; however, after driving less than 1,200 miles, the low oil pressure warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Firestone, and the contact was informed that the engine was experiencing abnormal oil consumption. The mechanic added oil to the vehicle. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked two weeks later, she noticed that oil had leaked underneath the vehicle onto the ground. Additionally, the contact stated that while the vehicle was turned on and parked, she smelled an abnormal burning oil odor. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for an oil consumption test; however, the dealer performed a complete inspection of the vehicle and informed the contact that they could not perform the oil consumption test unless she paid a repair fee for the sparks plugs, the air filter, and two tires replacements. The contact declined to pay for the repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
NHTSA ODI #11567340
Mileage unknown · Jan 9, 2024
EngineSeat Belts
Engine died at 48k miles. Using a lot of oil. Driver seat belt not working properly. Waiting time for diagnostic 3-12 weeks.
NHTSA ODI #11564342
Mileage unknown · Jan 6, 2024
Engine
Engine is consuming so much oil. I have to fill up ever 4-5 days. Vehicle only has 80k miles.
NHTSA ODI #11563923
146,000 miles · Dec 26, 2023
Engine
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving 80 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure, and determined that the engine n…
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The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving 80 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure, and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 146,000.
NHTSA ODI #11561826
Mileage unknown · Dec 8, 2023
Engine
Upon checking my oil, I realized it was consuming at a high rate. The car dealership said there was no problem with the car. A couple months later I took it to a Hyundai dealership and they said the same thing. Now I am 6 months into owning this vehicle. Same issue. I am putting 4 qt of oil in my vehicle a month. Google said the…
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Upon checking my oil, I realized it was consuming at a high rate. The car dealership said there was no problem with the car. A couple months later I took it to a Hyundai dealership and they said the same thing. Now I am 6 months into owning this vehicle. Same issue. I am putting 4 qt of oil in my vehicle a month. Google said there was recalls on my year for a bad crankshaft that was causing this issue. I called the Hyundai dealership again. They said there is no recall for my vin number. I am having the same problem described. Oil consumption at a high rate. Which is wearing down the bearings in the crankshaft, causing the over consumption. I was told because my SUV wasn't on the recall list, there was nothing they could do until it is put on the list.
NHTSA ODI #11559126
Mileage unknown · Nov 29, 2023
Engine
My 2017 Santa Fe Sport is consuming about 1.5 quarts of oil every 2 days, and because of this, it's clogging up my fuel injectors, spark plugs, and exhaust manifold which I've all had to replace.
NHTSA ODI #11557388
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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