10.0

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
102,950 miles
Total Complaints:
3 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. replace the engine (2 reports)
  2. replace cam phasers (1 reports)
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problem #3

Feb 032021

Santa Fe Limited 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 124,274 miles

click to see larger images

engine seized engine seized

Purchased our 2011 Santa Fe in April of 2018 from a used car dealership. In July of 2018 took it to our nearest Hyundai dealer as it was strange as the engine was making a funny noise. At this time the dealership ran all kinds of diagnostic test and end result, total invoice was just shy of $10,000.00 to replace Cam Phasers. We thought okay, we're good to go... WRONG!!!

- chicrdr61, Alberta Beach, AB, Canada

problem #2

Jun 092018

Santa Fe 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 98,000 miles

Hyundai has recalled their cars with the "theta 2" engine for the years 2013-2015 (* only after a law suit). They then expanded it to the KIA models that use the "Theta 2" engine, years 2012-2015 (* again...only after a law suit). this can be verified on this website: http://www.hyundaiproblems.com/trends/theta-ii-engine/

Apparently Hyundai will NOT do the right and ethical thing, unless presented by a law suit. There are hundreds of seizure complaints for the 2012, Santa Fe on the NHTSA website, I’m hoping someone has already filed a class action, Since this will be the only way to get Hyundai to add my year and model added to the recall.

** I love making payments on a car, broken on the side of the house. Unless Hyundai, has the courage to set-up and make it right, then me nor anyone I EVER talk to will buy a Hyundai again!!

- Michael M., Lehi, UT, US

problem #1

Dec 292015

Santa Fe SE 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,540 miles

Hyundai says it's engine neglect by the owner and engine sludge caused the problem but on 9/21 they recommended an engine flush and on the receipt it says "Removes deposits and sludge from engine" Below is an explanation of the issues. On 6/9/15 I had an oil leak that turned out I need to have numerous parts replaced from oil pressure assembly to gaskets.at my expense. Vehicle had 78,693 miles at this time. 9/21/15 the issues continue. Under warranty they replaced more oil related products. oil valves to gaskets again. A this time they recommended an engine oil flush to remove engine sludge and debris. I paid extra to have this performed. Vehicle had 83,222 miles at this time. On 9/29/15 the vehicle was still leaking oil. Now they replaced more gaskets, the oil seal, gasket water pumps and numerous other oil related parts. All still done under warranty. Vehicle had 83,480 miles at this time. 10/1/15 I brought the vehicle in for check engine light. They replaced timing cover and oil control valve. Still covered under warranty. The vehicle had 83,522 miles at this time. 12/20/15 the car seized up and would not start or run. Vehicle had approximately 86,000miles at this time. I had the car towed to Loren Hyundai in Glenview. At this time they told me the engine would need to be replaced. I was at 86,000 miles which is well within the 100,000 power train warranty. They claimed engine sludge was the problem from owner neglect. Although I had the old sludge and debris flushed from the engine on 9/21/15. I provided them a year and a half of oil change receipts and they still denied fixing my vehicle.

- pgarvey, Glenview, IL, US