NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Unknown Or Other complaints
25 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Feb 8, 2022
Unknown Or Other
2016 Santa Fe - While driving on interstate all warning lights came on - antilock brake, check engine, electronic power steering, vehicle grade, outside temp blinking blank. Took to reliable shop and they said it was right front speed sensor, had that replaced still all warning lights on. Engine code that caused the lights was P…
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2016 Santa Fe - While driving on interstate all warning lights came on - antilock brake, check engine, electronic power steering, vehicle grade, outside temp blinking blank. Took to reliable shop and they said it was right front speed sensor, had that replaced still all warning lights on. Engine code that caused the lights was P2159 (Vehicle Speed Sensor B range performance) I took the car to Jim Click dealership in Green Valley they had the car for 7 days said they finally figured out that it had wires that were shorted that fed back to modules and they would have to do an overlay of these wires, so they would run new wires in the area that was bad, we got the car back after repairs and it is all working now, the car only has 86 k miles and has never been in an accident all wiring in the vehicle look still brand new. I read online of this same year of car has problems due to engine fires and suggest to park car away from anything in case it does catch fire, the article also talks about it starts with the antilock brake control module that can cause an electrical short. I am wandering if this is going to happen again because they repaired shorted wiring but did nothing to replace any bad control modules that may be causing fires in these vehicles. These repairs cost me over 700 dollars in which I think should be under warranty, But the real scary thing is I don't want to be driving down the road and have this car go up in flames. The article on the internet I read was written by Tom Krisher AP Auto Writer he also states that Kia is also also included with this problem.
NHTSA ODI #11451027
Mileage unknown · Nov 16, 2021
Unknown Or Other
I was driving and all of a sudden heard a rough rattling sound coming from the engine. Hyundai didn’t have time for me, so I had it towed to a local mechanic. Diagnostic: timing chain done but also knocking of the engine. Oil consumption causing this and new engine required. Had it towed to Hyundai a couple weeks later. Same dia…
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I was driving and all of a sudden heard a rough rattling sound coming from the engine. Hyundai didn’t have time for me, so I had it towed to a local mechanic. Diagnostic: timing chain done but also knocking of the engine. Oil consumption causing this and new engine required. Had it towed to Hyundai a couple weeks later. Same diagnoses- new engine required for engine knocking and failure of internal timing components. Hyundai confirmed the engine oil consumption is bad.
NHTSA ODI #11440671
Mileage unknown · Sep 20, 2021
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other
The problem with my purchased Hyundai is that it's not giving a warning message for the oil or over heating. The engine continues to gather a lot of gunk. Also, there is a recall on these specific models and I was notified by a class action law suit. HyundaiThetaEngineSettlement.com. The car has a chance of exploding. I did no…
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The problem with my purchased Hyundai is that it's not giving a warning message for the oil or over heating. The engine continues to gather a lot of gunk. Also, there is a recall on these specific models and I was notified by a class action law suit. HyundaiThetaEngineSettlement.com. The car has a chance of exploding. I did not agree with the terms of the class action suit. It was only offering compensation if I was already injured, or having to commit conspiracy with a crime of lemon law and consumer rights, and possible murder. These SUV's were built in 2016 and had enough time to be taken off the market. I purchased my vehicle last year 2020.
NHTSA ODI #11433642
Mileage unknown · Aug 29, 2021
Unknown Or Other
Recently I Viewed a low oil light on the dash board, turned motor off waited 30 min checked oil the level it was correct, called the local Hyundai dealer (Miami lakes Hyundai) they told me since I was the 2nd owner my vehicle has 60 months factory warranty and my car has 70 months since purchased, I asked if there was an engin…
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Recently I Viewed a low oil light on the dash board, turned motor off waited 30 min checked oil the level it was correct, called the local Hyundai dealer (Miami lakes Hyundai) they told me since I was the 2nd owner my vehicle has 60 months factory warranty and my car has 70 months since purchased, I asked if there was an engine recall they said no for that model year, SORRY. I took my vehicle to an independent auto shop they concluded that at 180 degrees Fahrenheit engine running temperature I had between 8 to 9 Lbs. of oil pressure at idle and that it should be a least 25 Lbs. The Auto shop informed me that the cause was excessive bearing wear that was causing my low oil pressure light. I found that to be very implausible because of the low mileage 42000 miles with oil services done every (3000) miles not 4000 or 5000 miles as recommended by the factory specs, The shop also told me that 2.4 Ltr. had that defect so did a little searching and found Hyundai 2.4 ltr. Theta engine with a massive recall except my model year. hoping someone in NHTSA can point me in the right direction.
NHTSA ODI #11430945
Mileage unknown · May 26, 2021
Service BrakesUnknown Or Other
The ABS, traction control, and another light are illuminated. Upon investigating online this is a known issue with these cars. No recall has been issued. My car is available for inspection.
NHTSA ODI #11418573
51,000 miles · Sep 11, 2020
Unknown Or Other
WHEN COMING TO A STOP WITH THE BRAKES APPLIED, THE RPMS JUMP TO 4,000 AND THE VEHICLE SURGES FORWARD. THE VEHICLE STOPPED AFTER PUTTING IT IN NEUTRAL. THIS HAPPENED ON 8/23/20 AND OTHER TIMES. DEALER COULD NOT REPLICATE AND DENIED ANY KNOWLEDGE OF THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI #11354449
Mileage unknown · Nov 13, 2019
Unknown Or Other
ENGINE GONE BAD AND NEEDS REPLACED. WHILE DRIVING LOST POWER, LATER TO FIND FROM DEALERSHIP THAT ENGINE WAS NO LONGER GOOD. THIS THOUGH VEHICLE IS 3 YEARS OLD. WAS LATER TOLD THAT ENGINE HAD RECALL WHICH I WAS NEVER MADE AWARE.
NHTSA ODI #11279932
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
35,000 miles · Sep 14, 2018
Unknown Or Other
THE AIR CONDITIONING CONDENSOR ON MY HYUNDAI 2016 SANTA FE WAS DAMAGED BY ROAD DEBRIS THAT APPARENTLY CAME THROUGH THE FRONT GRILL OF MY CAR AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. HOW CAN ROAD DEBRIS DAMAGED MY AIR CONDENSOR? SHOULDN'T ALL INTERNAL ENGINE COMPONENTS OF A CAR BE PROTECTED FROM THIS TYPE OF DAMAGE? THIS CONCERNS ME BECAUSE WHAT …
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THE AIR CONDITIONING CONDENSOR ON MY HYUNDAI 2016 SANTA FE WAS DAMAGED BY ROAD DEBRIS THAT APPARENTLY CAME THROUGH THE FRONT GRILL OF MY CAR AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. HOW CAN ROAD DEBRIS DAMAGED MY AIR CONDENSOR? SHOULDN'T ALL INTERNAL ENGINE COMPONENTS OF A CAR BE PROTECTED FROM THIS TYPE OF DAMAGE? THIS CONCERNS ME BECAUSE WHAT OTHER ENGINE COMPONENTS COULD BE DAMAGED BY THE GRILL NOT PROPERLY COVERING THE OTHER VITAL ENGINE PARTS. I HAVE HEARD THAT THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW WITH MY VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI #11129562
Mileage unknown · Aug 8, 2018
Air BagsElectrical SystemUnknown Or Other
TAKATA RECALL AIRBAG LIGHT ON AND MY SUV HAS BEEN IN 0 ACIDDENTS, THE AC AIR STATES IT'S ON BUT DOESN'T BLOW ANY AIR AT ALL! IT ONLY HAS 69640K MILES, KNOCKING SOUND WHEN I AM ON PARK OR HAVE THE BRAKE ON WHILE AT RED LIGHT OR STOP SIGN!
NHTSA ODI #11118629
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.