2015 Hyundai Santa Fe

No warning lights. Had started making a small noise that morning but nothing of concern, sounded like a rock in my tire. Was driving up hill, started struggling, then lost all power, had no brakes, Parts went flying out from under car. Smoke came out from hood. Had no brakes or power. Cars behind me could have been hit by flying parts, left a trail of parts on road. I had my kids in car and if we would have been going down hill I wouldn’t have been able to stop. Had entire engine replaced. Hole in engine block. Piston and and valve pieces on road

The navigation/backup camera screen gets stuck on the loading page. This problem began right after the warranty period ended, which appears to be a common complaint on the message boards. When it first became a problem, it eventually would load, but would take approximately 15 minutes. Now, it fails to load at all (just continuously displays "loading"), which renders the backup camera, navigation system, maps, radio, satellite, clock and all associated controls useless. A backup camera is essential for me--I will not drive a car without one, since it a safety concern due to kyphosis. Having the navigation on a large screen (versus my phone or a printed map) is another reason I chose this car. So, not repairing it is not an option. It is a safety issue. When trying to find a solution, I found hundreds upon hundreds of complaints for the same issue with the same model as my car. The dealership also was aware of it. So, I figured I would report it since it is so common, hoping to save others from the $1000+ bill I received to repair it.

My car shut down while traveling at a normal speed on a freeway and I had to pull over as it slowed down. This was unsafe on a busy highway while I waited 3 hours to be towed. The car dealer service center stated a faulty connecting rod bearing failure caused the problem and requires a new engine to be installed. There were no warning lights or sounds prior to the problem. Regular maintenance was done including an oil change and filter within the 6month recommendation. The dealership said there was no oil and the engine seized.

Per the Theta Engine Recall Settlement, I had the recall work performed on my 2015 Hyundai Sante Fe on August 23, 2021. Roughly in October, the oil light faded on and off on the dashboard. I pulled into the Autozone and purchased 1 Quart of engine oil. I checked the dipstick in the parking lot and added the quart to the proper fill line of the engine dipstick. On 11/11/2021, while driving my vehicle, without any warning, the engine stopped and shut the car off in traffic. The oil light, check engine light, and service light came on then went off. I attempted 5 times to restart the engine before it would run. I took it to a Midas Auto shop where the diagnostic advised the engine failed and was damaged. I had the vehicle towed to Larry H. Miller Hyundai in Peoria, AZ 85382. The diagnostics indicated that the engine failed as was due to the fact of the Theta Class Engine Recall. The mechanic, service manager, and service advisor took notes and photographs of the valve train on the engine block. They advised the vehicle engine was damaged and needed replacement. They advised they did not find any indications of lack of maintenance. The engine was low on oil as it is apparent that the engine was more likely running hot. Hyundai Motors has denied the extended warranty claim (even though the recall updates have been completed prior to the engine failure). I have appealed within the company for the replacement of the engine but Hyundai is continuing to deny the claims. The dealership has advised other customers are being denied for the same reason just due to gaps in service records even though there are no indications of wear of the engine. Hyundai has since tried to settle the claim with me for $500.00 to release the company from any liability that the HMA failed to conform the vehicle to warranty in connection fo my concerns and history repair.

On or about October 16th 2021. After leaving a resturant I was unable to restart my car. It just would not turn over. I called a tow truck thinking It was possibly the starter. The vehicle was towed to Kia, where it was purchased. Upon inspection they(mechanics) also thought it was the starter. Being that the car is under an extended warranty, they contacted the appropriate company for the coverage. However the starter was or isn't the problem, they now believe it's the engine. Mind you I have less than 100,000 miles. I was told I would possiblly incounter a cost of 900.00 for them to determine what's wrong with the vehicle? At the time of me submitting this complaint, my car has been in the repair shop for 3 months. Can you imagine my rental expenses? I"ve read through several complaints of people expressing their concerns and complaints for this same or similar problem, It appears to me that Hyundai has a problem. I"m still without a vehicle.

Shortly after getting on the freeway the car suddenly decelerated and came to a complete stop. I was able to pull onto the shoulder just in time. The engine died and would not restart. My daughter and I were in a very dangerous situation that could have been tragic. The car was towed to a mechanic that confirmed the engine had seized and a whole new motor is needed.

On September 4, 2021 at approximately 11:30pm, my vehicle suffered a catastrophic engine failure while driving on a busy freeway in Southern California. There was no warning, only an immediate power lost and inability to accelerate, followed by a flashing check engine light and a chiming alert bell. My husband was driving and he was able to make it across 3 busy traffic lanes to the emergency lane. The sudden lost of power and the inability to accelerate created a significant danger on this busy freeway, California State Route 91. I believe we could have caused a significant accident on that freeway if we had not been able to pull over to the emergency lane in time. Since this incident, I learned through my own online research, that my vehicle was included in a class-action lawsuit which was settled on June 10, 2021. I purchased my vehicle used in late January 2021, and I was never informed of the danger the Theta II GDI engine in my vehicle posed. My engine was replaced under the Lifetime Warranty provided by the Settlement Agreement, however, I am very concerned that the hazards that this vehicle posed to my family was never revealed by the dealer I purchased it from or by Hyundai in the months following my purchase. I hope something can be done to warn other used car buyers at the time they purchase a vehicle involved in this this Class-Action Settlement of the dangers the engine poses.

While driving my car on the highway, the entire electrical system shut-down including my cruise control, GPS, radio etc. Also on this same trip, the engine completely stopped (also while on the highway). Luckily I was just turning off an exit ramp and was able to barely steer it to the side of the road. The starter light was still on, but the vehicle was completely dead. Had to punch the starter light again to turn it off and then back on again. A second incident occurred while my husband was driving my car in the city just this past week. Driving on streets (not highway driving) and the car shut down unexpectedly 4 different times: once climbing a hill; once trying to pass another driver; twice for no reason. I've taken this to the dealer since it's still covered under extended warranty but since they can't find any issues, the next time I take this in it will cost me money. Of course, since the engine completely stops, nothing is recorded with sensors or computers. Help please.

At around 55,000 miles, my family vehicle displayed signs of concern by rattling and shaking- especially when I would turn the vehicle. When bringing it for regularly oil maintenance my mechanic had me listen to clear signs of distress within the engine. Knowing I drive my two children with me regularly in this vehicle, he asked me to bring it to Hyundai’s local dealership. On 3/12/2020, I waited approximately an hour and a half to be seen for my scheduled appointment only to be shooed away and told there is no issue. Nobody bothered to run testing or evaluate the issue besides a quick walk by. 7 months later, the problem has worsened and continues to leave me worried that my children and I will be left stranded due to an unreliable engine. The shaking has worsened and the car has produced concerning smells of burning. Hyundai finally admitted that I do need a new engine, but since I am not the original owner, they are not providing replacement. Hyundai engines appear to be a problem in many instances, and I fear this is another situation. Engine failure at 55,000 miles on a 5 year old car is unacceptable and proves safety is not on the forefront of Hyundai’s mission. I appreciate any assistance recalling Santa Fe engines on the 2015 model so the many families who drive this vehicle can do so safely.