NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
320 reportsMileage unknown · May 29, 2025
EngineFuel/propulsion System
Vehicle failed an oil consumption test. Dealership acknowledges that the vehicle burns 1.5 quarts per 1 thousand miles. The dealership initially told me that Hyundai would cover a combustion cleaning. However after acknowledging my mileage, they are now refusing to provide any assistance. This is a known issue and they are not a…
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Vehicle failed an oil consumption test. Dealership acknowledges that the vehicle burns 1.5 quarts per 1 thousand miles. The dealership initially told me that Hyundai would cover a combustion cleaning. However after acknowledging my mileage, they are now refusing to provide any assistance. This is a known issue and they are not acknowledging it. The dealership instructs me to drive until the problem progresses, but according to their data there is already a problem outside of the manufacturers specifications.
NHTSA ODI #11663612
Mileage unknown · May 27, 2025
Engine
The car stopped on a local road. The car was moved to a local mechanic shop, and the mechanic there diagnosed that the engine was locked up. It was towed to the dealership where the car was serviced last. If it had happened in on a highway, it would have caused very dangerous situation. There was no warning sign - no check engin…
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The car stopped on a local road. The car was moved to a local mechanic shop, and the mechanic there diagnosed that the engine was locked up. It was towed to the dealership where the car was serviced last. If it had happened in on a highway, it would have caused very dangerous situation. There was no warning sign - no check engine light, no low engine oil light. Everything appeared to be working normally.
NHTSA ODI #11663158
Mileage unknown · May 23, 2025
Engine
Followed all the steps for the theta II engine issue included replacing the knock sensor and spark plugs. The engine lost power when driving to Chicago and had to get the vehicle towed and now the dealer is saying that I have to pay for the engine replacement at my own expense in Hyundai is not covering.
NHTSA ODI #11662779
105,000 miles · May 16, 2025
Engine
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced excessive oil consumption, causing the engine oil level to be low, with a misfire coming from the engine. The cause of the oil consumption failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local de…
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The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced excessive oil consumption, causing the engine oil level to be low, with a misfire coming from the engine. The cause of the oil consumption failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 105,000.
NHTSA ODI #11661408
99,501 miles · May 12, 2025
Engine
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 50 MPH, the vehicle jerked and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact'…
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The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 50 MPH, the vehicle jerked and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact's husband was able to pull over to the side of the road and ended up inside a ditch before the vehicle came to a stop. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had failed. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer, who confirmed that the engine had failed; and there was gasoline intrusion into the engine, causing engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that a manager would contact her. The vehicle remained at the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 99,501.
NHTSA ODI #11660462
Mileage unknown · May 6, 2025
Engine
I’ve got a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport with a Theta II engine that’s failing—burning oil way too fast, coolant mixing in the cylinders, and throwing a P0304 misfire code. It’s been undrivable since late April 2025, and I’m worried about safety because the misfire and engine failure risk could cause it to stall on the highway, pu…
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I’ve got a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport with a Theta II engine that’s failing—burning oil way too fast, coolant mixing in the cylinders, and throwing a P0304 misfire code. It’s been undrivable since late April 2025, and I’m worried about safety because the misfire and engine failure risk could cause it to stall on the highway, putting me and others in danger. It shakes when I try to drive, which feels unsafe. A Hyundai dealer confirmed the issue, finding coolant in the cylinders and the misfire, with no visible oil leak. Oil change receipts show the oil disappearing over a few weeks. The manufacturer reviewed my case but denied the warranty claim, saying it’s not covered since I’m a second owner and it’s not a rod bearing issue, even though the 2021 Theta II settlement should apply to this. The seller didn’t disclose the engine’s defect history when I bought it in 2023. The check engine light came on in early April 2025 with the misfire code, and I noticed the oil issue then. It’ll be out of service over 30 days by mid May 2025, so I’m taking legal action.
NHTSA ODI #11659336
Mileage unknown · Apr 22, 2025
Back Over PreventionUnknown Or Other
Back up camara is shorting out due to the location it is getting wet and corroding. Without the camara it can be a safety Hazzard. In doing research this seems to be a common problem due to the location of the camara. Poor design and could cause an accident. Failed after only 69k miles.
NHTSA ODI #11656028
Mileage unknown · Apr 13, 2025
EngineFuel/propulsion System
Vehicle has an excessive oil intake and it is constantly blowing out the spark plugs and coil packs causing poor performance on the vehicle overall. My vehicle's VIN number was listed as a qualifier in a class action lawsuit, but the manufacturer says it is not making the noise it needs to make in order to have it checked. Was a…
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Vehicle has an excessive oil intake and it is constantly blowing out the spark plugs and coil packs causing poor performance on the vehicle overall. My vehicle's VIN number was listed as a qualifier in a class action lawsuit, but the manufacturer says it is not making the noise it needs to make in order to have it checked. Was also informed I need to pull out my spark plugs and clean them regularly because of the oil buildup. This problem has caused other problems with the performance of the car the excessive oil intake has caused countless problems terrible performance of the vehicle and is attributing to other poor performance issues. This has been an ongoing problem and have only recently been told by the dealership of this instance. Even though my vehicle is one of the ones in the extended recall because it's not making the noise they like they won't do anything about it. This vehicle is still being financed and I am refusing to pay for anything until the matter is resolved. I have a case filed with the dealership I am speaking to an attorney Monday I am processing an email to my state's attorney of Missouri and have completed the better Business bureau complaints. After phone calls service dates and emails I feel that Hyundai is not doing anything to resolve this situation whatsoever and could use any assistance from you possible.
NHTSA ODI #11654340
Mileage unknown · Apr 10, 2025
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System
1. Abs module stopped working. Car no longer has abs. Will not cover under warranty due to computer component. 2. Engine burns oil. 3 quarts in 1k miles. Combustion cleaning done. Now Engine light is one, oil light comes on, car smells of gas & oil.
NHTSA ODI #11653943
Mileage unknown · Apr 6, 2025
EngineUnknown Or Other
My vehicle is burning through oil. I am getting the oil change for the highest amount of mileage, usually driving sparingly throughout the week, and still having to get oil added in between oil changes. I have been told by the company completing oil changes that because of the gdi motor I will need to routinely check my oil, eve…
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My vehicle is burning through oil. I am getting the oil change for the highest amount of mileage, usually driving sparingly throughout the week, and still having to get oil added in between oil changes. I have been told by the company completing oil changes that because of the gdi motor I will need to routinely check my oil, even if there is no oil light on.
NHTSA ODI #11652988
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.
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