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

What owners actually said

236 reports

Mileage unknown · Oct 25, 2021

Engine

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Check engine light went on in 4/2021. Brought to local mechanic and states that it is an evaporator issue. Claims I didn't close gas cap tight enough. He reset code, closes gas cap and no check engine light. I bring it back after filling up my tank again tells me that it is because I don't close it tight enough. I oil change in 4/2021 and ask to check the code again. He claims may be a small leak and that I can drive it. I bring it back in late June early July for another oil change and light is on again. He claims small leak and it is fine to drive. I pick it up and he has car for a week to do oil change in Sept and to double check the check engine light and he says he fixed it with a new sensor for the evaporator. Light goes back on two days later. Take it to another mechanic who replaces his work and claims not good electric work. Another day of driving and check engine light is on. Bring it back to mechanic states no oil and that he puts 4.5 cans of oil into car and that the engine needs to be replaced. I am meticulous with cars. I ALWAYS get my oil changed every 3-5K miles. There is no way that I drove this car too hard or didn't have an oil leak. I park in the same spot at home and work every day - no leaks. It did not blow oil either. Please advise.

NHTSA ODI #11438071

Mileage unknown · Oct 21, 2021

Engine

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vehicle went in for state inspection repairs 10/20/21 w/dtc code p0453 included.vehicle was returned 10/21/21 after inspection and engine seized down the road from dealership.no loaner car recieved had to take shuttle. seized at 86000 miles. car prior was burning up engine oil abnormally & would hesitate when trying to take off from a stop or regular driving. small knocking noise heard as well at times .regularly maintenced and had ecm #953 update 05/22/2019 waiting to hear back from irwin hyundai in nh

NHTSA ODI #11437689

Mileage unknown · Oct 20, 2021

Engine

My son was on the expressway and vehicle started to slow down and would not accelerate. The check engine light came on. He pulled over and the engine died and would not restart. I had the car towed to a vehicle repair place and they found that the engine had thrown a rod and needs to be replaced. Vehicle has been well maintained…

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NHTSA ODI #11437479

Mileage unknown · Sep 23, 2021

Power Train

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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 · Sep 20, 2021

Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other

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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

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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 · Aug 5, 2021

Engine

UPON START UP ENGINE IS VERY LOUD, CONTINUES TO BE LOUD AND DEALER SAYS IT IS JUST ENGINE NORMAL ENGINE NOISE

NHTSA ODI #11427914

Mileage unknown · Aug 1, 2021

Structure

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Rear driver-side passenger door will not open from inside or outside of vehicle. Automatic locks on door clicks from lock/unlock but it will not open. I have two small children in car seats in the back and is a major safety risk since the door will not open. The vehicle was not inspected by anyone since I just discovered this issue trying to get my daughter out of the car. There were no issues, warnings, or messages prior to failure. Issue became aware to me when trying to get my daughter out of the vehicle on Sunday 8/1/21. I googled my issue and discovered others (Hyundai owners) with same issue.

NHTSA ODI #11427330

Mileage unknown · Jul 31, 2021

Engine

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3 systems have failed within my two years of ownership. The biggest fault ....and this is what you guys need to know!!!!!!! ATTENTION NEEDED. DECEMBER 2020, I was put in total danger and others ⚠️. After months of telling the dealer that the engine was idling really rough - like a shaking - and revving weirdly at times of acceleration. They continued to tell me there was nothing wrong with it and made me seem like I was the crazy one. Fast-forwarding to December 2020, I started to now hear this metal clacking noise from the engine. Made a 3rd appointment at the dealer that was a week out - but never MADE IT. Because few days before it, I was going out to a friend's and clacking started to get even louder - as LOUD could hear in the cabin. THEN as about to get onto highway on-ramp WITH NO WARNING- no check engine light - no notice whatsoever - engine rpm spiked loudly and a very loud pop followed - and engine totally ceased. Lost total engine propulsion - vehicle rolled to a stop and then all lights and sounds started going off with check engine light NOW FLASHING. HAD TO have HYUNDAI towed to the dealer - in which "there was an engine rod bearing failure - which caused the engine to cease. Dealer took days to even get it seen and wouldn't give a loaner till deemed a fault under "warranty" which clearly was with there 10 yr - 100,000 mile warranty - which makes sense because there poorly made/crafted engine designs that involve the GDI ENGINES_ which have been known to fail prematurely - CAUSE FIRES _ and has even killed people. They aren't fixing the engine design they simply are putting the same KIND IN>>> and putting a system that detects engine knocking. THAT DOESNT FIX THE PROBLEM - and they KNOW THAT. There was no recall on my car or got anything in mail regarding engine dangers. Further Hyundai would not give me any paperwork regarding the repair besides an engine assembly - a replacement that all. I readily asked for more info and they wouldn't give it.

NHTSA ODI #11427315

75,622 miles · Jul 1, 2021

Engine

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The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving 45 mph, the vehicle began to stall and then ceased. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated she was able to restart the vehicle but continued to experience the failure. The contact stated she was able to drive at a slow speed to her residence but started to smell fumes. The contact stated the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic and who was unable to service the vehicle due to a fuel leak. The contact called and notified the local dealer of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,622.

NHTSA ODI #11423049

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.