Engine. Review the 643 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 161 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 67 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

14 crash reports23 fire reports11 injury reports

Engine complaints

643 reports

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Mileage unknown · Mar 13, 2025

Engine

Vehicle has been excessively consuming oil. I have been doing regular oil changes every 3k miles and topping off when it gets low. I was driving on the highway and experienced total engine failure with no warning signs. Engine completely locked up and is at the dealership waiting to be inspected.

NHTSA ODI #11648049

Mileage unknown · Mar 6, 2025

Engine

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My 2017 Hyundai SanteFe (76,000 miles) stoped running late night, dark highway. Manged to pull off onto the shoulder. The engine wouldn't even turn over. After about a 2 hour wait I had the vehicle towed to my residence, eventually having it towed to the dealer from which it was purchased. After a few days the service advisor called to tell me that the entire engine needs to be replaced. That, he said, will take 3+ months because it's a manufacturer"s defect. I explained to him that I depend on my SUV for personal and professional reasons so I asked if a loaner car could be provided. The dealer, Heritage Hyundai of Towson, and Hyundai corporate (I called) both refused. Also: Aproximate Blue Book value is $15k. Hyundai's cost to replace the engine is $30k according to the service writer at Heritage.

NHTSA ODI #11646805

Mileage unknown · Mar 3, 2025

Engine

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I am writing to express my serious concerns regarding the vehicle we purchased in October 2022. Initially, the vehicle performed adequately with only the usual repairs. However, in August 2024, we began to hear a rattling noise coming from the engine. Regrettably, the situation has since worsened significantly. At any given moment, the vehicle can stop working entirely while driving, posing a severe safety risk. We have found ourselves having to pull over to the side of the road and attempt to restart it. To avoid being stranded, especially during the winter months, we limited our driving to within a five-mile radius of our home. By January 2025, the engine had completely failed, rendering the vehicle immobile. Upon contacting the Hyundai dealership, we were informed that there are no recalls associated with our vehicle's VIN number. It was at this point that we discovered our vehicle had already undergone an engine replacement before our purchase, a fact that was never disclosed to us. Additionally, we learned about a class action lawsuit against Hyundai for issues with smaller engines. Our vehicle, which is equipped with a V6 engine, is experiencing the exact same problems as those smaller engines. We are now left with an unusable vehicle that we still need and pay for every month. I am bringing this matter to your attention in the hope of receiving guidance or assistance. Thank you for your time and understanding.

NHTSA ODI #11645983

Mileage unknown · Feb 11, 2025

Engine

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In October I took my car to dealership for an oil consumption test and I was going through 10-15 quarts of oils between oil changes. In 322 miles I used 2 quarts of oil.Replace the engine is what I was told and manufacturer denied all goodwill. I ride around with a 5qt jug of oil and funnel in my car at all times. 10 days I was driving down the highway with my husband and child with the cruise control on, when I noticed that my tactometer was continuing to increase and the engine reving for no reason. I shut the cruise control off and the car speed slowed immediately, and when apply my foot to the gas I was not gaining any speed only slowing down. I pulled over into the break down lane and put the car in park. Once I put the car into park, it started to idle very loud and hard with the check engine, oil pressure and battery lights coming on and stalled, would not start. Had towed to personal mechanic he recommended taking it to the dealership as he was coming up with no pressure in the 4th cylinder and the 3rd at about 50%, checked with boarscope for faulty valves and saw nothing. Towed to dealership they say valve was consumed thru the engine it runs fine but not because engine needs to be replaced.

NHTSA ODI #11642049

Mileage unknown · Jan 31, 2025

Engine

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I am [XXX] old and live in Denver, Colorado. In August of 2021, I bought a Hyundai as a graduation gift for myself. This has easily been the worst mistake I have ever made, a decision that haunts me every second of every day. With the car chip shortage and the pandemic, car prices were at an all-time high, so it took longer than expected to find my dream car. I eventually focused on finding a car online rather than in person. My car was delivered from Vroom with the check engine light on. I had a three month warranty with Hyundai. I took the car to Schomp Hyundai, located at 100 Havana St for a diagnostic test. They said nothing was showing up, so they reset it. A month later, the check engine light came back on, so I returned, and the same thing happened. This occurred a third time before my warranty ended. There have been a total of 3 recalls on my car. In the summer of 2023, I received a letter about the "Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module" recall. I made an appointment and was able to get it serviced almost three months later receiving a warning that "an engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury" should have been taken more seriously. Until this was fixed, I did not drive my car and instead spent hundreds on Ubers, Lyfts, and public transportation, all while paying my monthly nearly $400 car note and insurance payments. The check engine light was still on, and I thought it was related to the fuse (recall). After the fuse was replaced, I learned that the check engine light was due to a leak, not the recall. Now I am being told that it is an engine issue and Hyundai Consumer Affairs (Tasha) made it seem like this would be part of the Goodwill program, they are not sure if they can fix it because I don't have warranty on the engine after they told me to take the car in and promised to fix it for me to find out I do have a warranty on the engine. & car break ins INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF IN

NHTSA ODI #11639954

Mileage unknown · Jan 31, 2025

Engine

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I purchased a used 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport with 77,500 miles from Auto Boutique in Columbus, Ohio, on [XXX]. On November 8, 2024, I had the oil changed and a new oil filter installed. However, on [XXX], I experienced catastrophic engine failure with only 85,000 miles on the vehicle, just months after my purchase. I was not informed by Auto Boutique that a Hyundai Engine II Class Action lawsuit had been filed against Hyundai regarding certain models, including the one I purchased. This lawsuit pertains to engine defects that could cause stalling, seizure, failure, and even fire. I have also been denied warranty repairs by Hyundai. Auto Boutique informed me that I purchased the vehicle "as is," but I was not made aware of two recalls on my vehicle related to excessive oil consumption, which can lead to a defective engine that uses too much oil, stalls, and ultimately fails. I am seeking assistance in understanding my rights and would appreciate any help in resolving this issue with either Auto Boutique or Hyundai. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11639901

Mileage unknown · Jan 30, 2025

Engine

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When driving, my vehicle had a loss of power. The check engine light came on. My mechanic informed me that I needed a new engine. I had it towed to a Hyundai dealership. They also confirmed the engine needs to be replaced. According to the vin number my vehicle's engine is not one recalled, and yet the engine has failed. It is currently back at my original mechanic. I've been told a bolt came loose and cracked the valve cover. There was no oil it it when I got it to the mechanic and there were metal shavings in the oil filter. The last oil change was Nov 2023

NHTSA ODI #11639621

Mileage unknown · Jan 28, 2025

Engine

My santa fe stalled on me while I was driving had it brought to a garage. I was told that there was metal shavings in my oil and that the crank shaft was bad and I needed to get a new engine. I was told that there was a recall for this and I called the manufacturer and was told that it was not covered under the recall.

NHTSA ODI #11639230

Mileage unknown · Jan 27, 2025

Engine

The engine of my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe failed at 126,000 miles. Upon a prior oil change maintenance, metal shavings were found in the filter and discarded oil. Couple days after the oil change, the car stalled on the road. The car was thawed to a Hyundai dealership. The dealership identified that there were loose metallic parts …

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NHTSA ODI #11638945

Mileage unknown · Jan 25, 2025

Engine

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My vehicle has 84,000 miles and has regular maintenance done. On 1/20/24 my wife was driving the car when suddenly it started to make a terrible knocking sound, the oil light flashed for just a second and the check engine light came on. She was near an auto store and they checked the code, which said "replace engine block." I came with a trailer to tow it home and by then the check engine light is flashing when the car is turned on. I have done some research and calling to mechanics to find out that these vehicles have a major "oil consumption problem" that causes them to do this at relatively low miles and it has affected thousands of people. I also learned that as a second owner I am not within any warranty from Hyundai since I bought it 4 years ago, and I still owe $10k on the car. The estimated cost for a new engine is $10-12,000 and I can't afford to double what I owe on a car, especially when I have little faith in a new version of the same problematic engine. We are a family of 5 with small kids and jobs and are down to one vehicle. I don't understand why a recall hasn't been issued or why Hyundai isn't being held accountable for this. Thank you.

NHTSA ODI #11638556

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.

17V578000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

Sep 20, 2017

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Santa Fe vehicles equipped with 3.3L engines. The crankshaft assemblies may have been produced with surface irregularities in the crankshaft pin, causing engine bearing wear.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: The engine bearing wear may cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify all owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the engine, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 168.

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.

17V142000 · Tires:pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems

Mar 6, 2017

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The affected vehicles have a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that may not have been set in the correct mode during vehicle assembly, and therefore will not provide an appropriate warning in the event of an underinflated tire. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An underinflated inflated tire can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the TPMS sensors, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for the recall is 159.

16V842000 · Electrical System:wiring; Trailer Hitches

Nov 21, 2016

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 19, 2015, to November 14, 2016, and 2017 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured November 28, 2015, to November 14, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result, in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected accessory trailer hitch wiring harnesses, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 13, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 153.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Trailer Hitches

Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected accessory trailer hitch wiring harnesses, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 13, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 153.

Electrical System:wiring

Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.

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

DP24001 · 3.3L Engine Loss Of Motive Power (lomp)

Opened Feb 8, 2024 · Closed May 16, 2024

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a petition on February 2, 2024, requesting a defect investigation into an alleged defect of the "engine" on the following vehicle model: 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles equipped with the 3.3L V-Shaped GDI Lambda-II engines. The petition cites allegations of a loss of motive power, often resulting in an engine seizure. The stall is preceded by a knocking sound, decreased performance and no warning lights. An analysis of the subject vehicle population was undertaken using complaints submitted to ODI along with manufacturer data. It was determined that the frequency of events is low for the subject population, while those that specifically report a loss of motive power event have a high mileage at the time of incident. The 2017 Santa Fe is equipped with a service interval reminder for the consumer that must be set by the consumer themselves or at a dealership. A Technical Service Bulletin (19-EM-002H) instructs the dealership to set the maintenance reminder at the completion of routine maintenance service or anytime a repair is performed that requires new engine oil. This maintenance reminder will help reinforce the need for proper oil maintenance intervals. Additionally, the Santa Fe vehicles with 3.3L V-shaped Lambda-II engines will be added to Hyundai’s existing Technical Service Bulletin (23-EM-007H) related to combustion chamber cleaning. These actions will help limit negative consumer incidents related to loss of motive power. Lastly, Hyundai has extended the limited engine warranty for MY 2013-2019 Santa Fe vehicles equipped with 3.3L V-shaped Lambda-II engines included in the Petition. The updated coverage is 15 years, or 150,000 miles and details are contained in Technical Service Bulletin 24-EM-003H. In view of the service interval reminder, combustion chamber cleaning, and extended warranty actions being taken by Hyundai, ODI is denying this Defect Petition. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the report cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

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.