NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
21 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Aug 1, 2022
EnginePower Train
One of the cam shafts failed, also the actuator. We had purchased an extended warranty so the repair is supposed to be covered. However when the dealership submitted a pre-authorization they were asked to remove the oil plan and check for metal. They did find metal in the oil pan so they required that the engine short block b…
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One of the cam shafts failed, also the actuator. We had purchased an extended warranty so the repair is supposed to be covered. However when the dealership submitted a pre-authorization they were asked to remove the oil plan and check for metal. They did find metal in the oil pan so they required that the engine short block be replaced in order to cover the cost. That part- the short block - is back ordered and we have been told to expect a delay of at least 3-4 months. The warranty company will only cover a rental car for 10 days so we are stuck. We have spoken to multiple mechanics and dealerships who are telling us that they are seeing this all over - V6 CVT engines failing after 65-70k miles. Obviously the Hyunday Certified Pre-Owned warranty folks also know there is a problem since they made the mechanic check for metal. This is clearly problem and we will be without a car for months. We made were up to date on all regular maintenance. HYUNDAI Case# 19971861
NHTSA ODI #11476943
Mileage unknown · Jun 30, 2022
EnginePower Train
1) My mechanic inspected my vehicle after a rattling noise began sounding from the engine bay while accelerating and increasing RPM - The noise began shortly before the flashing check engine light turned on. My mechanic inspected the car and ran the code for the check engine light and determined that an engine connecting rod had…
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1) My mechanic inspected my vehicle after a rattling noise began sounding from the engine bay while accelerating and increasing RPM - The noise began shortly before the flashing check engine light turned on. My mechanic inspected the car and ran the code for the check engine light and determined that an engine connecting rod had broken and ruined the engine. Yes, it is available for inspection upon request. 2) The car experienced a loss of power and moderate vibration while driving to the mechanic after the issue. In hindsight I felt it was unsafe to have driven the car in that condition and if the mechanical issue first presented while driving at higher speeds I feel that it likely could have caused an accident or vehicle-vehicle collision 3) No. I am currently waiting for Hyundai to respond to my warranty claim. 4) No. The vehicle so far has only been inspected by my mechanic. 5) No. I began hearing the noise while running errands and within 5 minutes the check engine light came on and was flashing. I then took it to the mechanic a few days later and did not drive it between events.
NHTSA ODI #11471760
Mileage unknown · Sep 23, 2021
Power Train
I own a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe,. Back in May of 2021, my children and I were driving home from the beach. The engine in the car began making a strange knocking sound halfway through the trip, but the engine light did not illuminate. We thankfully made it home safely. I had my local mechanic take a look at the car and he said that…
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I own a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe,. Back in May of 2021, my children and I were driving home from the beach. The engine in the car began making a strange knocking sound halfway through the trip, but the engine light did not illuminate. We thankfully made it home safely. I had my local mechanic take a look at the car and he said that the knocking sound is considered the death knell of any engine. I was shocked. How could a well-maintained 5 year old car's engine need to be replaced? I called Hyundai and they advised me to bring the car to a dealership for a service manager to diagnose and call them after three days to submit a claim. For our own safety I had the car towed to the local dealership, they serviced and diagnosed as a knocking sound coming from the bearings. The engine failed during examination. I have been submitting, resubmitting, and escalating claims since. The claims manager in corporate rejected my claim because the test they perform to diagnose the engine as defective requires that the engine be running. This is obviously a circular argument created to reject claims. I have since read court documents for the class actions suits describing the issues that Hyundai so far refuses to acknowledge and address (other than through updates and recalls that don't resolve the root of the problem) regarding their manufacturing and design defects that lead to premature engine wear and damage. The manufacturing process leaves metal debris (also known as swarf) in the engines and/or poorly machined engine components resulting in metal on metal contact in the rotating assembly of the engine leading to catastrophic engine failure. Hyundai is with full knowledge of the issues (all of these problems have been reported to the NHTSA for many years now) marketing, selling and distributing under false and fraudulent pretenses their cars to the general public. This is unjust, unsafe, unlawful and fraudulent. This is not right and can no longer go on. Something must be done.
NHTSA ODI #11434053
Mileage unknown · Jun 23, 2021
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train
Drive The car on the Highway and seemed like I was losing power and a few minutes later I heard a knocking on the engine
NHTSA ODI #11421946
82,000 miles · Sep 13, 2020
Electronic Stability Control (esc)EnginePower Train
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 65 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS (ENGINE, OIL, ETC...) CAME ON AT THE SAME TIME AND THE CAR JUST SHUT DOWN AND LOST POWER STEERING. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS. THE VEHICLE WOULDNT START. IT JUST MAD A CLICK WHEN TURNING THE KEY. ALL OF THE LIGHTS WORK IN THE VEHICLE. T…
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WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 65 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS (ENGINE, OIL, ETC...) CAME ON AT THE SAME TIME AND THE CAR JUST SHUT DOWN AND LOST POWER STEERING. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS. THE VEHICLE WOULDNT START. IT JUST MAD A CLICK WHEN TURNING THE KEY. ALL OF THE LIGHTS WORK IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS ABOUT 82,000 MILES
NHTSA ODI #11354811
6,600 miles · Aug 8, 2020
EnginePower Train
WHEN I STOP AT TRAFFIC LIGHT THE CAR HAS VIBRATION I CAN FELL IT WHILE I STEP ON THE BREAK I TOOK IT 2 HYUNDAI THEY ADVISE ME IS NORMAL.
NHTSA ODI #11344087
46,000 miles · Oct 17, 2019
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, A LOUD SNAPPING NOISE WAS HEARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO UNIVERSAL HYUNDAI (321-418-6386, LOCATED AT 12801 S ORANGE BLOSSOM TRL, ORLANDO, FL 32837) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, A LOUD SNAPPING NOISE WAS HEARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO UNIVERSAL HYUNDAI (321-418-6386, LOCATED AT 12801 S ORANGE BLOSSOM TRL, ORLANDO, FL 32837) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE REMAINED AT THE DEALER'S FOR THE PAST MONTH. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OVER TWO YEARS OLD AND WOULD NOT BE ENTITLED TO THE LEMON LAW CONSIDERATION; THEREFORE, THEY COULD NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 46,000.
NHTSA ODI #11269221
60,000 miles · Aug 14, 2019
Power Train
TRANSFER CASE IS FAILING AT 61,000 MILE, A LOT OF NOSE AND VIBRATION. TRANSFER CASE CAN COME LOOSE OR CAUSE FAILURE TO THE DRIVE SHAFT AND MAYBE EVEN POSSIBLE COMPONENTS TO COME OFF WHILE DRIVING.
NHTSA ODI #11244040
70,000 miles · May 3, 2019
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND JERKED. ALSO, WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP SIGN, THE VEHICLE FELT AS IF IT DOWNSHIFTED. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NORMAL.…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND JERKED. ALSO, WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP SIGN, THE VEHICLE FELT AS IF IT DOWNSHIFTED. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NORMAL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER. THE DEALER WAS NOT CALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.
NHTSA ODI #11205497
50,109 miles · Mar 15, 2019
Power TrainUnknown Or OtherInjury
THE CAR WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP IN A DRIVEWAY. THE CAR WAS STILL RUNNING BECAUSE I WAS GETTING OUT OF THE CAR TO GET THE MAIL. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND WENT TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE. AS I GOT OUT THE VEHICLE STARTED GOING IN REVERSE AND PULLED ME UNDERNEATH THE CAR AND THE VEHICLE RAN OVER ME. I'M NOT SURE IF THE TRANSMISSION …
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THE CAR WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP IN A DRIVEWAY. THE CAR WAS STILL RUNNING BECAUSE I WAS GETTING OUT OF THE CAR TO GET THE MAIL. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND WENT TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE. AS I GOT OUT THE VEHICLE STARTED GOING IN REVERSE AND PULLED ME UNDERNEATH THE CAR AND THE VEHICLE RAN OVER ME. I'M NOT SURE IF THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED OUT OF PARK TO REVERSE ON ITS OWN OR IF THE SHIFTER WASN'T ACTUALLY PLACED IN PARK. I THOUGHT THE VEHICLE COULD SENSE IF NO ONE WAS IN THE DRIVERS SEAT AND AUTOMATICALLY PUT THE CAR INTO PARK OR NEUTRAL. THE HEATED SEATS AND AIRBAG WON'T TURN ON UNLESS IT SENSE WEIGHT IN THE SEAT.
NHTSA ODI #11186984
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.
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
3AQ23002 · 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.
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