Engine. Review the 151 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 21 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 11 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

6 crash reports2 fire reports5 injury reports

Engine complaints

151 reports

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Mileage unknown · Nov 10, 2023

Electrical SystemEngine

EXCESSIVE ENGINE OIL CONSOMPTION AND THE BRAKE LIGHTBULL KEEP BURNING FREQUENTLY.

NHTSA ODI #11554543

Mileage unknown · Nov 10, 2023

EnginePower Train

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The engine has been reported as failed. It is available for inspection. The safety of the persons in the vehicle and on the road around us were at risk, specifically with the loss of acceleration and power while driving in traffic and merging. Vehicle became unsafe for use for our family to use so we towed it to be evaluated at odometer reading of 97,181. What happened: Vehicle suddenly started making knocking noise. While driving the vehicle a sudden loss of acceleration and inability to accelerate. Engine started to shut off when it had been in park and then placed into gear. Towed vehicle to be assessed by a mechanic. When assessed at a mechanic, the problem was confirmed and it was also noted that oil had been consumed and noted to be loosing oil internally and has burn on dipstick. No oil spots noted in area where car had been parked or leaking oil on engine. Mechanic assessed that there was engine failure and the engine would need to be replaced. Mechanic also ran diagnostic testing and noted to only have active codes for the tire pressure monitor system of C1212 VSS. Diagnostic health report noted to have no issues. Readiness monitors completed with no issues. Diagnostic health report available. Transported vehicle to dealership, where it was inspected and engine issue was confirmed as well as identical health diagnostic report. It was reported that this model was not part of the recall and warranty extension because it is a V6 engine and not a 4 cylinder so manufacturer would not be replacing engine. Due to being the second owners of this vehicle, we do not meet criteria to utilize the 100k mile warranty. All of this has occurred with out an engine warning light turning on the dash or service code being found when computer was interrogated.

NHTSA ODI #11554526

116,000 miles · Nov 8, 2023

Engine

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The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The failure had reoccurred several times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.

NHTSA ODI #11554204

Mileage unknown · Oct 26, 2023

Engine

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The engine in my vehicle seized, prompting an inspection that unequivocally attributed the failure to a well-documented and acknowledged issue with the engine. This incident occurred while I was navigating on highway, placing my family and fellow road users in a precarious situation. The dealership's assessment reaffirmed that this recurring engine problem afflicts my vehicle model and had been thoroughly scrutinized by their experts. Remarkably, there were no warning signals such as the engine light or oil light to forewarn me of the impending engine failure. Despite having undergone a recent oil change, no apparent symptoms signaled that my engine was running perilously low on oil. Regrettably, Hyundai has chosen to decline any responsibility for replacing my engine or extending assistance. Their reasoning is grounded in my failure to procure a software update that, unbeknownst to me, was an essential requirement. Furthermore, I had received no prior communication via mail, email, or phone alerting me to the necessity of this update. It is crucial to note that this software update, while designed to enhance warning mechanisms, does not offer any guarantees against engine failure but merely serves to provide advanced notice of potential issues.

NHTSA ODI #11552144

Mileage unknown · Oct 23, 2023

Engine

Engine threw a rod and damaged the whole engine. No warnings. Same exact issue my friends 2015 did. Her engine was replaced.

NHTSA ODI #11551294

Mileage unknown · Oct 17, 2023

EngineUnknown Or Other

After crossing 90,000 miles the vehicle started to consume too much oil too quickly. After a professional analysis the mechanics found no problem. Going on 112,000 miles now and the vehicle is going through and/or burning oil much more rapidly than what one would expect

NHTSA ODI #11550323

140,000 miles · Oct 11, 2023

Engine

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The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the low oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The contact’s wife then drove back to the residence, and the contact added oil to the vehicle. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software needed to be updated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Hyundai Campaign Number: 966; however, the dealer informed the contact that the campaign had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA ODI #11549443

Mileage unknown · Oct 11, 2023

Engine

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The vehicle will not accelerate over 30mph. I was entering the interstate on ramp and am not able to accelerate to the speed limit. The cars approaching had to slow down significantly to avoid a rear end collision. This happens every time whether I am at a stop light on a normal roadway or entering the interstate. There are never any warning lights or sensors indicating that there is a problem. I have completed all of the recalls and system updates required by the manufacturer. I have completed the oil consumption and engine cleaning multiple times and it has not helped the issue.

NHTSA ODI #11549310

Mileage unknown · Oct 5, 2023

Engine

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-my engine seized. It has been inspected and they agreed it was due to the known faulty engine. -my engine failed in the middle of the highway endangering my family and anyone else on the road. -the dealership confirmed that this is a recurring problem in my vehicle and has been inspected. -the engine light nor the oil light came on to alert me that was engine was out of oil. Yes I did have an up to date oil change. No other symptoms were present to indicate I had no oil left. Hyundai has refused to replace my engine or help me at all as I did not get a software update. I was never aware of this update nor had any correspondence via mail, email, or phone to tell me that I needed to get it. This update also does not stop your car from engine failure it just helps alert you that it will fail soon.

NHTSA ODI #11548349

Mileage unknown · Sep 22, 2023

Engine

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This is to update case 11541562, submitted electronically to NHTSA on 8/29/2023, 10:48:33 PM and 11537141, submitted electronically to NHTSA on 8/8/2023, 12:54:24 PM Napleton Hyundai of West Palm Beach and Hyundai Motor Services have repaired the Sanata Fe vehicle and replaced the engine along with some other repairs. At this time, we withdraw any complaints we had against Hyundai and Napleton Hyundai of West Palm Beach. The Service manager, Mike Clancy went above and beyond our expectations and we have no issues currently with the dealership. Mr. Clancy's service in the end turned out to be outstanding. The vehicle was returned to us and is currently in working condition, please close out these cases. Thank you for your time attention, and help with this matter.

NHTSA ODI #11545961

Official recalls

22V056000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

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.

17V358000 · Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch

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.

16V145000 · Seat Belts:front:warning Light/devices

Mar 10, 2016

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured September 1, 2015 to February 12, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the wires in the front seat belt buckle harnesses may be damaged by the seat's height adjuster mechanism, resulting in a failure to provide an audible warning when front seat occupants do not fasten their seat belts. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Without a warning to remind the front seat occupants that their seat belts are not buckled, they may forget to buckle their seat belt, increasing their risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and reroute the wires in the front seat belt buckle harnesses to their proper locations, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 27, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 141.

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

AQ23002 · 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.

DP21003 · Throttle Control System Vulnerabilities

Opened Nov 12, 2021 · Closed Jun 20, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:throttle

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003. Accordingly, Model Year (MY) 2005-2016 Kia Optima/K5, MY 2006-2015 Kia Sorento, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Santa Fe, MY 2006-2015 Hyundai Sonatas are all part of the subject population. The petition was originally filed as a Vehicle Owner Questionnaire that can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under reference (ODI) number 11439675.On November 12, 2021, ODI opened Defect Petition DP21-003 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. ODI performed trend analyses of the VOQs related to vehicle speed control issues for all the subject vehicles and found that none of the 52 Model/Model Year Hyundai/Kia vehicles demonstrated any actionable trend that warranted an investigation.Petitioners submitted 1119 VOQs and non-VOQ cases in which sudden uncommanded acceleration (SUA) or loss of motive power (LOMP) incidents were alleged.For the 1119 reports, 220 were incidents involving crashes, from which 69 subject Hyundai-Kia vehicles were inspected by Hyundai/Kia dealer technicians, Hyundai/Kia engineers, and/or third-party representatives.ODI found the inspections identified no vehicle defects related to the ETC system.Of the 220 crash-involved reports, 13 Event Data Recorder (EDR) records were downloaded successfully and 11 of those indicated driver error: (i.e.) pedal misapplication.A condition where the accelerator pedal is mistakenly applied instead of the brake pedal when the driver wants to stop the vehicle.In addition, ODI reviewed a scientific journal paper published in Forensic Science International in 2016 by Mr. Park et al ., as well as related test videos. ODI does not believe there is any evidence of uncontrollable SUA occurrences in any of the tests reviewed. NHTSA's Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) reviewed the allegations regarding the potential noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 124.Based on the information provided, the Agency concludes there is insufficient information for us to determine if a possible non-compliance exists.Finally, both Hyundai and Kia informed ODI that all their vehicles manufactured after 2012 were equipped with an ETC management system, in which the engine speed will go to idle when the system sees signals from both the brake pedal and accelerator pedal at the same time; this is commonly known as the brake-throttle override system.After thoroughly assessing the material submitted by the petitioner, information already in NHTSA's possession, information submitted by Hyundai and Kia in response to an Information Request letter, and the potential risks to safety implicated by the petitioner's allegation, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. After full consideration of appropriate factors, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA?s reasons for denial of the petition will be published.