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

What owners actually said

962 reports

Mileage unknown · Dec 28, 2021

Unknown Or Other

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The engine had a catastrophic failure due to bearing failure with no advanced warning lights. The issue occurred while accelerating to merge into highway traffic. The engine had an immediate drop in power and produced a searing grinding noise. The drop in power forced my speed from 55 to 35 mph in a matter of secondS. I had to negotiate across 3 lanes of traffic in order to exit the highway to find a safe stop to contact roadside assistance. Some smoke was coming from the engine but no fire. Prior to the incident, the vehicle had been driven <3 miles in local stop/go traffic from a cold start. Roadside assistance towed to local Grayson Hyundai Dealer who inspected the engine and determined the bearing failure within two days. The check engine light came on at the same instance as the engine failure. There was no advanced warning even though Hyundai performed a recall that updated software to specifically detect and alert to potential failure. Car is still awaiting warranty repairs by dealer. Dealer will not provide any written details to me or provide any cost or timeline estimates for the repair. While the failure occurred within the manufacturer’s 5 year/60K mile warranty, the warranty has now expired in the 5 months it has been waiting to be repaired.

NHTSA ODI #11445362

Mileage unknown · Dec 8, 2021

Fuel/propulsion System

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We consistently had issues with losing power on turns. My wife questioned Hyundai many times. They took it for a test drive and said they could not duplicate the issue and that they did not receive any complaints from anyone. We believed them until I saw many complaints on various websites including this site. Then the major issue occurred. I was merging onto an interstate making a big right hand loop and while I was in the middle of the right turn loop, the car lost power and then it did not come back. I had multiple cars behind me and many on the highway with nowhere to pull over. Top speed was 45 mph. It turned out to be a blown Turbo. The car is under warranty. That was in July of 2021. It is now December 2021 and I still do not have my car with no idea of when it will be fixed. After telling us they would have the part in August (which didn't happen) then September (which didn't happen) then November (which again did not happen) they said they didn't even show a ship order any longer for the part. We were told to call customer affairs. I called them on 11/22 and again on 12/8 - still no one is calling back. I'm stuck driving a small car while I'm paying for an SUV that no one will give any feedback. There were many cars at the dealer lot which appeared to be the same issue - same model. This has to qualify for the lemon law. The loss of power suddenly is extremely dangerous so if you have one, be careful.

NHTSA ODI #11443074

Mileage unknown · Nov 27, 2021

EngineFire

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The owner had just left the driveway and was driving up the neighborhood block at low speed in the vehicle when another driver motioned that there was a problem with the car, pointing at the driver's side wheel well. The owner immediately pulled to the curb, exited the vehicle, and saw smoke pouring from the vehicle. Grabbed purse and moved a safe distance away. Spontaneously the car caught fire under the engine before the fire truck arrived 8 minutes later. Huge flames shooting from under the hood were captured on both video and photos. The car is a total loss. Had been well maintained.

NHTSA ODI #11441826

Mileage unknown · Nov 23, 2021

Unknown Or Other

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Car loses power when taking off and turning either direction, like when you are getting out into traffic. Very dangerous. Just when you need to accelerate it looses power for a few seconds. Traction control light comes on each time, very briefly. Happens at random times, so it is hard to duplicate and trouble shoot. Service Dept says even if it is a known problem, Hyundai will not fix (still in warranty) unless they can duplicate problem ON MY CAR! And they will charge $150 if it doesn't happen for them.

NHTSA ODI #11441498

Mileage unknown · Nov 9, 2021

Unknown Or Other

When making a sharp right turn and accelerating the car hesitates then catches and accelerates suddenly. It can be very scary when trying to turn onto a busy road. The issue is repeatable.

NHTSA ODI #11439929

Mileage unknown · Oct 29, 2021

Engine

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Dealership suspects "Rod Bearing Failure" due to knocking, loss of power and metal flakes in oil. Just 400 miles before oil was changed at dealership with no mention of issue. Technician claimed it just didn't happen, its been going on for some time. There is no mention in any service history of 4 years between the 2 dealers that it was happening. Total engine failure will happen (engine will seize). It matches the recall done in November 2017, #168 by Hyundai on a "certain" Santa Fe with the 3.3L engines. If the engine seized while driving, it could have caused an accident. Hyundai Corporate said I was the 2nd owner, warranty ended at 60,000 miles... I am owed nothing. No warning light or knocking happened until the afternoon of 8/9/21. Then the dealership took possession at 1st available date 2 days later and inspected it.

NHTSA ODI #11438711

Mileage unknown · Oct 29, 2021

Engine

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While driving the vehicle on a major city street at approximately 40 mph the stopped running not allowing me to move out of the roadway and almost rear ended by another vehicle. The vehicle was moved out of the road way and towed to my residence. It was found that the check engine light showed code P0014 and P0024 crank shaft issues which caused the vehicle engine to lose power. Vehicle was taken to dealer ship and manufacture was contacted. Note that there had been a prior recall for engine and crank shaft issues. Manufacture advised that the vehicle was out of warranty and that the VIN number was not part of the recall. Manufacture was not willing to take any other action to resolve the problem with the engine issues.

NHTSA ODI #11438666

1,000 miles · Oct 26, 2021

Unknown Or Other

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The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that upon turning the steering wheel in either direction, the steering wheel would remain seized in the turning position without warning. The contact stated that he manually adjusted the steering wheel to prevent the steering wheel from remaining seized in the turned position. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer and an independent mechanic where the steering wheel was realigned; however, the failure returned after each repair. Brown-Daub Hyundai (3901 Hecktown Rd, Easton, PA 18045) was also notified of the failure but was unable to schedule an appointment. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.

NHTSA ODI #11438179

Mileage unknown · Oct 5, 2021

Engine

Had oil changed on June30 2021 and on July 3 2021 the engine seized without oil in it. Had it towed to St. Augustine Hyundai and put a claim for replacement engine and Hyundai denied fixing it 3 months later with no explanation. Anyone I talked to in Hyundai Corporate they couldn't tell me why it was denied. This is the only veh…

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NHTSA ODI #11435553

Mileage unknown · Sep 27, 2021

Engine

This is a Santa Fe Ultimate AWD with the 3.3 l engine. We were driving home and in our neighborhood when the car suddenly stopped with no warning. We had it towed to a local shop and were told the engine had completely seized and needs to be replaced. It was not low on oil and has been regularly maintained. Only 60,000 miles.

NHTSA ODI #11434505

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.