NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Vehicle Speed Control complaints
10 reportsClear category filter144,000 miles · Oct 23, 2024
EngineVehicle Speed Control
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the contact stated that while driving at speeds above 30 MPH, the vehicle shook and vibrated abnormally. In addition, t…
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The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the contact stated that while driving at speeds above 30 MPH, the vehicle shook and vibrated abnormally. In addition, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the intended destination. The contact stated that when the failure occurred, there were three small children inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with an oil leak and that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact was informed that several unknown repairs were needed to prior to requesting an engine replacement by the manufacturer. The contact was informed that the unknown repairs were at the vehicle owner’s expense. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.
NHTSA ODI #11621615
Mileage unknown · Apr 25, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control
While driving my 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport in freeway traffic, I felt the vehicle begin to heavily vibrate and the engine was jerking severely. The speed began to slowly descend. I was unable to control this. I was in a one-lane overpass, with no safe place, room, or lane to pull over. I felt hopeless and fearful for my life. …
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While driving my 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport in freeway traffic, I felt the vehicle begin to heavily vibrate and the engine was jerking severely. The speed began to slowly descend. I was unable to control this. I was in a one-lane overpass, with no safe place, room, or lane to pull over. I felt hopeless and fearful for my life. I was literally drifting, praying the vehicle would be able to handle the descent upward. As the speed declined, the vibrations became more pronounced. No dash lights were illuminated. Other drivers behind me were approaching rapidly at the speed limit and slamming on their brakes and hazard lights in an attempt to notify drivers further back. I managed to maneuver over to approximately 24 inches of a faux shoulder on the right of [XXX] . Cars hurled past mine within inches of my vehicle. I knew I needed to get out of the car and crawled over to the passenger side. Again, I was trapped. Several HPD units were dispatched to literally shut down the freeway to enable a tow truck driver to safely hook up my SUV. I had it towed to my mechanic and he did a diagnostic indicating a compression issue. He ordered new spark plus and 4 new coils. Upon further investigation he discovered that Cylinder 4 was not holding compression and he informed me that the engine had failed. I then had it towed to the local Hyundai dealer. At check in, I was informed that there would be a $700 diagnostic/tear apart fee to discover what repairs were needed. I informed them exactly what was needed and I expected a new engine. The Hyundai mechanic dismantled the engine and took pictures, ran a few tests. He submitted the results to Hyundai for approval. The engineer at Hyundai denied a new engine claiming "the head coil is not part of the recall". I was told for $2500, Hyundai would "refab" my damaged head to control the leaks. If that repair didn't address the issue, I was sure to get a new engine. A financial and physical risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6
NHTSA ODI #11585306
Mileage unknown · Mar 25, 2023
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control
The acceleration of the vehicle from a stop. Whether from a stop sign, stop light, even sometimes after slowing down after a turn. It hesitates while the gas pedal is still being applied. Causing the vehicle to slow and other vehicles are forced to brake. The engine does not rev and the tachometer does not move. There are no war…
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The acceleration of the vehicle from a stop. Whether from a stop sign, stop light, even sometimes after slowing down after a turn. It hesitates while the gas pedal is still being applied. Causing the vehicle to slow and other vehicles are forced to brake. The engine does not rev and the tachometer does not move. There are no warnings lights or vehicle notifications. After several attempts to bring it to the dealership, they are never able to replicate the issue. The OBD scans show no issues. It has never been a constant problem, however it remains as a "hit or miss" issue. Could be days of no problems and then popping back up every stop.
NHTSA ODI #11513762
Mileage unknown · Mar 18, 2023
Electrical SystemEngineVehicle Speed Control
Within the last few weeks my 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport SUV has been experiencing few noticeable issues. 1st my vehicle doesn’t want to start when I turn the key, I have to open the door close it then try again and it will turn over to start. 2nd recently driving on the highway my vehicle slowed all the way down and started jer…
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Within the last few weeks my 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport SUV has been experiencing few noticeable issues. 1st my vehicle doesn’t want to start when I turn the key, I have to open the door close it then try again and it will turn over to start. 2nd recently driving on the highway my vehicle slowed all the way down and started jerking like it wanted to cut off. I would push my accelerator down as far as possible and it will still go slow and not speed up.3rd my vehicle is making a throttle/knocking noise and a blinking check engine light is on as well.
NHTSA ODI #11512567
Mileage unknown · Nov 14, 2022
Electrical SystemEngineVehicle Speed Control
My car Engine stopped working while I was driving to work. Middle of traffic was not safe and the safety of others was effected because my car was unable to move, it was a high risk dangerous situation. Problem was reported to mechanic as well as insurance company (geico) car was pushed by strangers into a nearby parking lot, w…
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My car Engine stopped working while I was driving to work. Middle of traffic was not safe and the safety of others was effected because my car was unable to move, it was a high risk dangerous situation. Problem was reported to mechanic as well as insurance company (geico) car was pushed by strangers into a nearby parking lot, which then I waited for a towing truck. The car was inspected by a mechanic who then told me to have it inspected by Hyundai and Hyundai has told me due to lack of maintenance my car stopped working and there is nothing they can do. I am insulted by the lack of concern Hyundai has had for what they have put me and my livelihood through. I am aware of the recall on these vehicles. Engine :2.4L I4 DGI DOHC 16V. The Engine light came on I had it diagnosed immediately…I was told my cam shaft and knock sensors needed replacement, they were replaced. Engine light goes off for 24 hours until it comes back on and once it came back on my car couldn’t go over a certain speed , and it died in the middle of traffic.
NHTSA ODI #11493426
300 miles · Oct 1, 2020
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control
I HAVE BEEN STOPPED AT A SINGLE LIGHT (ON A STATE HIGHWAY) AND WAITING TO TURN LEFT BUT WHEN I ACCELERATED THE VEHICLE DID NOT GO. BUT IN A SECOND IT TOOK OFF BUT I BRAKED BECAUSE BY NOW IT WAS NOT SAFE/CLEAR TO GO. ALSO, WHEN I USE CRUSE IT GOES DOWN HILL WHILE RAISING THE RPMS (ALWAYS), THIS IS MY THIRD HYUNDAI VEHICLE THEREFO…
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I HAVE BEEN STOPPED AT A SINGLE LIGHT (ON A STATE HIGHWAY) AND WAITING TO TURN LEFT BUT WHEN I ACCELERATED THE VEHICLE DID NOT GO. BUT IN A SECOND IT TOOK OFF BUT I BRAKED BECAUSE BY NOW IT WAS NOT SAFE/CLEAR TO GO. ALSO, WHEN I USE CRUSE IT GOES DOWN HILL WHILE RAISING THE RPMS (ALWAYS), THIS IS MY THIRD HYUNDAI VEHICLE THEREFORE I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS HAPPEN BEFORE.
NHTSA ODI #11362263
14,000 miles · Oct 10, 2018
Vehicle Speed Control
WHILE DRIVING TO WORK, THE CAR MAINTAINED THE SPEED DESPITE THE FACT THAT THE GAS PEDAL WAS NOT PRESSED. THE ODOMETER STAYED AT 4 FOR NO REASONS. IT WAS A VERY SCARY EXPERIENCE.
NHTSA ODI #11139483
12,000 miles · Jul 12, 2018
Vehicle Speed Control
SEVERAL INCIDENTS OF STALLING WHEN MAKING TURNS FROM STOPS OR YIELDS WITH SLOW ACCELERATION. INTERMITTENT INCIDENTS, THOUGH SEEM TO BE MORE NOTICEABLE WITH A/C RUNNING. MY HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT, 2018, AWD, DOES HAVE APPROXIMATELY 12,000 MILES ON IT. WHEN PULLING ONTO THE BUSY HIGHWAY NEAR WHERE WE LIVE, A LEFT TURN WITH PR…
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SEVERAL INCIDENTS OF STALLING WHEN MAKING TURNS FROM STOPS OR YIELDS WITH SLOW ACCELERATION. INTERMITTENT INCIDENTS, THOUGH SEEM TO BE MORE NOTICEABLE WITH A/C RUNNING. MY HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT, 2018, AWD, DOES HAVE APPROXIMATELY 12,000 MILES ON IT. WHEN PULLING ONTO THE BUSY HIGHWAY NEAR WHERE WE LIVE, A LEFT TURN WITH PROMPT ACCELERATION IS CRITICAL. ON ABOUT 6 INCIDENTS, INCLUDING 2 IN THE LAST WEEK, I HAVE STARTED THE TURN, THEN LOST ACCELERATION, PUT THE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR THEN IT WOULD HESITATE FOR ANOTHER 1-2 SECONDS, THEN JERK UP TO 7000RPM AND THE TRACTION CONTROL WOULD KICK IN (LIGHT ON DASH COMES ON), THEN TAKES OFF QUICKLY. THUS FAR, NO ONE HAS BEEN IN HARMS WAY, HOWEVER, I FEAR IT WILL HAPPEN. ON 7/12/2018 I DID TAKE TO KC SUMMERS HYUNDAI IN MATTOON, IL. THEY PERFORMED A FULL INSPECTION, TOOK IT FOR TEST DRIVE, RAN DIAGNOSTICS AND FOUND NOTHING. I WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING SHOWING ON THE COMPUTER EITHER. NO TSB'S. THEY ENCOURAGED ME TO BRING IT IN EACH TIME IT OCCURS IN THE FUTURE. NO COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SERVICE. I DID PROVIDE THEM WITH THE OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THIS SITE FROM MANY OTHERS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND ASKED THEM TO KEEP IT IN MY FILE.
NHTSA ODI #11111000
1,000 miles · Apr 13, 2018
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE AND WENT INTO IDLE MODE. THE CONTACT HAD TO PUMP THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE VEHICLE TO MOVE. THERE WERE N…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE AND WENT INTO IDLE MODE. THE CONTACT HAD TO PUMP THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE VEHICLE TO MOVE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER (FITZGERALD'S COUNTRYSIDE HYUNDAI, 27419 U S HIGHWAY 19 N, CLEARWATER, FL 33761, (727) 799-1800) WHERE A SERVICE APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000. *TT *TR
NHTSA ODI #11084937
50 miles · Nov 13, 2017
Vehicle Speed Control
VEHICLE HAS NO ACCELERATION AFTER A STOP. WHEN TAKING OFF FROM A STOP SIGN OR STOP LIGHT THE VEHICLE DOES NOT RESPOND WHEN STEPPING ON THE GAS PEDAL PUTTING OUR LIVES IN DANGER OF A COLLISION. SEEMS TO HAPPEN WHEN SWITCHING FROM ECO TO NORMAL MODE. IT HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES IN THE SHORT MONTH I HAVE OWNED IT. NO INDICATOR L…
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VEHICLE HAS NO ACCELERATION AFTER A STOP. WHEN TAKING OFF FROM A STOP SIGN OR STOP LIGHT THE VEHICLE DOES NOT RESPOND WHEN STEPPING ON THE GAS PEDAL PUTTING OUR LIVES IN DANGER OF A COLLISION. SEEMS TO HAPPEN WHEN SWITCHING FROM ECO TO NORMAL MODE. IT HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES IN THE SHORT MONTH I HAVE OWNED IT. NO INDICATOR LIGHTS OR VISUAL ITEMS TO PROVE IT. IT JUST DOES NOT ACCELERATE. I HAVE TO TURN CAR OFF AND BACK ON TO GET IT TO KICK IN.
NHTSA ODI #11045542
Official recalls
4Oct 27, 2022
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2018 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
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, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 16, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 237. This recall is an expansion of recall 22V-056.
Feb 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.
Dec 13, 2017
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2018 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The side curtain air bags on these vehicles have a component that may detach during deployment of the inflatable curtain air bag.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the component detaches during deployment, the curtain air bag may not inflate properly during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, if the detached component were to enter the vehicle occupant compartment, there could be an increased risk of occupant injury.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver and passenger side curtain air bags, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 171.
Sep 20, 2017
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2018 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The front coil springs may have been improperly manufactured and, as a result, may fracture under certain loads while driving.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the coil spring fractures, it can puncture the tire, causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: All of the affected vehicles are currently unsold on dealer lots. Dealers will replace both front coil springs, free of charge prior to the vehicle's sale. The recall began November 6, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 167.
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.