NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
161 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Jan 31, 2024
Power Train
I was driving down the road to get dog food when all the electrical went black on the car and it started down shifting, it quickly came back on It put my safety and others around me at risk as I was on [XXX] in Eustis a high traffic area in the middle lane and close to nowhere to get on the side. The next day it had started knoc…
Read full complaint
I was driving down the road to get dog food when all the electrical went black on the car and it started down shifting, it quickly came back on It put my safety and others around me at risk as I was on [XXX] in Eustis a high traffic area in the middle lane and close to nowhere to get on the side. The next day it had started knocking - the rod bearings, I turned it off quickly and that was the last time I had turned it on. I had taken it to the shop and they said the engine will have to be replaced. We have had this (2nd owner) car a little over a year. Owe 24k on it and they are telling me it will be 14k to replace the engine. Towed it to our local Hyundai where they are saying the same and there is no recall on it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11568958
Mileage unknown · Jan 28, 2024
EnginePower Train
On [XXX], I was driving southbound on the highway near Elizabeth City, NC when all of a sudden, my vehicle decelerated from 65 mph to 20 mph (limp mode) with no warning except for the sudden onset of a knocking noise in the engine compartment and the check engine light coming on immediately before entering limp mode. I was in th…
Read full complaint
On [XXX], I was driving southbound on the highway near Elizabeth City, NC when all of a sudden, my vehicle decelerated from 65 mph to 20 mph (limp mode) with no warning except for the sudden onset of a knocking noise in the engine compartment and the check engine light coming on immediately before entering limp mode. I was in the passing lane and thankfully was able to safely make it to the shoulder of the road. I had the vehicle towed to an independent engine and transmission shop where I was informed that the timing chain had caused severe damage to the engine, including metal shavings in the fluids. I had just had an oil change 3 days prior and am the second owner of the vehicle. It only has approximately 78,500 miles on it and I have only owned it for three months. I have insured that all maintenance was up to date and verified with the dealer that it had been maintained per the maintenance schedule prior to me purchasing it. The engine seems to be a constant and known problem for 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe’s with the 3.3L engines, and it truly needs to be addressed before someone is seriously injured or, worse yet, killed from not being able to safely make it to the shoulder of a road. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11568316
Mileage unknown · Jan 8, 2024
EnginePower Train
On 11/6/ 2023, while drive on the turnpike my check engine light went on and vehicle went in limp mode. I was scared and felt unsafe as I did not know what was happening. Got vehicle to dealer and P1326 was the code. Vehicle needs new engine. BCT test failed. Hyundai not helpful even when documentation provided.
NHTSA ODI #11564096
Mileage unknown · Oct 23, 2023
Power Train
Driving down rd at 35 mph felt a sudden jolt and loud noise, car lost power and all lights came on. Coasted to a safe driveway and shut it down. Tried to re- start and it was a loud racket so immediately turned back off. Crazy thing is the oil was just changed , no leaks in garage or warning lights. Now I’m stuck trying to repla…
Read full complaint
Driving down rd at 35 mph felt a sudden jolt and loud noise, car lost power and all lights came on. Coasted to a safe driveway and shut it down. Tried to re- start and it was a loud racket so immediately turned back off. Crazy thing is the oil was just changed , no leaks in garage or warning lights. Now I’m stuck trying to replace an engine that should’ve lasted more than 5 years!
NHTSA ODI #11551319
Mileage unknown · Oct 19, 2023
EnginePower Train
Morning of October 16th, wife said engine "clicked" at start and then stopped at idle. I checked oil as it had been changed week prior and all levels were normal, then performed diagnostic with Carista tool and app, no codes. That evening while on the way to my 4 year olds practice, the car stopped in a lane of travel on a mai…
Read full complaint
Morning of October 16th, wife said engine "clicked" at start and then stopped at idle. I checked oil as it had been changed week prior and all levels were normal, then performed diagnostic with Carista tool and app, no codes. That evening while on the way to my 4 year olds practice, the car stopped in a lane of travel on a main cross town thoroughfare in Charlotte NC in rush hour, my wife, 4 year old, and 1 year old in the car. No light or indicators AT ALL ever came on NOTHING, no check engine light, nothing. Had it towed to local shop and he said this is the 10th or 11th Santa Fe we have seen with the V6, it most likely is the motor. So he does prelim diagnostic and suspects a thrown bearing and recommended we tow to Hyundai dealership, just at 70k, how is this possible? We are second owners and our VIN does not qualify for campaign 168. Shocking to now realize this appears to be an ongoing issues with this engine
NHTSA ODI #11550768
Mileage unknown · Oct 9, 2023
EnginePower Train
The engine of my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe started making a loud knocking sound on 9/29/2023. I took the car to a certified mechanic who said that the engine had “thrown a rod.” I researched the NHTSA website and found NHTSA Part 573 Safety Recall Report No. 17V-578 dated Sep 20, 2017. While I never received this notice, the Descri…
Read full complaint
The engine of my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe started making a loud knocking sound on 9/29/2023. I took the car to a certified mechanic who said that the engine had “thrown a rod.” I researched the NHTSA website and found NHTSA Part 573 Safety Recall Report No. 17V-578 dated Sep 20, 2017. While I never received this notice, the Descriptive Information and Description Defect mirror the problem with my car exactly. The recall was for 3.3L “Lambda” engines produced at the Asan Plant (Korea) between January 26, 2017 and February 13, 2017. My car was produced February 7, 2017.
NHTSA ODI #11549017
Mileage unknown · Aug 21, 2023
EnginePower Train
My ‘17 Santa Fe has been well taken care of with regular oil changes and we have kept up with the recommended maintenance. While driving on 8/17/2023 the car started to struggle to accelerate and I heard a knocking sound. Within moments there was total engine and power failure and I had to quickly get the vehicle off the road to…
Read full complaint
My ‘17 Santa Fe has been well taken care of with regular oil changes and we have kept up with the recommended maintenance. While driving on 8/17/2023 the car started to struggle to accelerate and I heard a knocking sound. Within moments there was total engine and power failure and I had to quickly get the vehicle off the road to avoid being rear ended. There were no warning lights on until the moment it was dying. The battery light, check engine light, and oil light came on, but then the vehicle had quickly lost all power immediately after. Once it was towed to Meineke and looked over by the mechanics there it was determined that it needs a new engine and that it had very, very little oil in it.
NHTSA ODI #11539804
Mileage unknown · Aug 15, 2023
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
Upon approaching stop sign, the vehicle stalled and after restart, the vehicle ceased acceleration at intervals. This caused the vehicle to impede/slow traffic during journey. Again, at stop light, the vehicle stalled and “all” warning lights appeared. The engine failed to restart and the vehicle was towed from traffic due to en…
Read full complaint
Upon approaching stop sign, the vehicle stalled and after restart, the vehicle ceased acceleration at intervals. This caused the vehicle to impede/slow traffic during journey. Again, at stop light, the vehicle stalled and “all” warning lights appeared. The engine failed to restart and the vehicle was towed from traffic due to engine failure. The vehicle is a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.4 with 116,000 miles. An Engine Class Settlement has been established for the model years 2010-2012 with this same issue. The vehicle will be towed to a dealership for inspection, confirmation and repair. I felt the need to make an incident report thinking maybe other reports have been filed, also, and the manufacturer reusing to admit to problem issues.
NHTSA ODI #11538673
Mileage unknown · Aug 10, 2023
Fuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
The car is 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe with a defective crankshaft. The car is leaking oil. I called Hyundai and they noted that although they have recall 168 the VIN for my car doesn't match a recall that is on their website. I spoke to a Hyundai case manager today who said that even though my car has the defective crankshaft they w…
Read full complaint
The car is 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe with a defective crankshaft. The car is leaking oil. I called Hyundai and they noted that although they have recall 168 the VIN for my car doesn't match a recall that is on their website. I spoke to a Hyundai case manager today who said that even though my car has the defective crankshaft they will not repair the vehicle because it beyond 100,000 and the recall is expired. I am seeking help from the NHTSA as my car should be covered under this recall. I took it to an independent shop that noted that my car should be covered. I have photo and documents to prove that my car should be covered under this recall. My VIN just doesn't match their records and they are denying my claim.
NHTSA ODI #11537803
Mileage unknown · Jul 18, 2023
Power Train
Not really an incident but my car has the same issue as the class action lawsuit from Hyundai for issues with the connector rods going out. I can’t get it fixed because of this issue. Hyundai says they can’t do anything about it and sent me your info! Can someone please help me? I still owe $23,000.00 on this car! Is there a way…
Read full complaint
Not really an incident but my car has the same issue as the class action lawsuit from Hyundai for issues with the connector rods going out. I can’t get it fixed because of this issue. Hyundai says they can’t do anything about it and sent me your info! Can someone please help me? I still owe $23,000.00 on this car! Is there a way to add the recall to my car? It is an almost $14,000.00 repair! It started knocking out of nowhere and isn’t drivable because of the issue.
NHTSA ODI #11532946
Official recalls
6Feb 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.
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.
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 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.
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
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: 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
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: 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.
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
3DP24001 · 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.
Illustration