10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
6 / 11
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 0
Average Mileage:
66,455 miles

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« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #78

Jul 262017

Santa Fe

  • 80,000 miles
Clicking from engine but does not start crankshaft failed/broken upper oil pan broken due to crankshaft failure while driving there was a clicking sound then it froze up the steering wheel locked and had to pull over on side of road. Tried to restart the radio came on but the engine never started

- Antelope, CA, USA

problem #77

Jul 172017

Santa Fe

  • 103,000 miles
July 17, 2017 - while travelling from angier, nc to fayetteville, nc; I started hearing a noise coming from my engine, had car towed to aaa car care center. Informed of recall on engine by aaa representative. Called johnson Hyundai of cary located in cary, nc to confirm car can go there. July 18, 2017 ' car towed to johnson Hyundai of cary located in cary, nc. Talked to car maintenance consultant: Matthew (matt) browning. Informed my car was of 5 cars there with engine failure. Informed of recall problem with engines. August 09, 2017 ' went to johnson Hyundai. Informed I was #5 and informed by matt the process of sending the engines to be diagnosed. August 11, 2017 ' matt called me to inform me that my car did not meet the recall specifications but an engine could be installed for the cost of $4400 and I okayed it. August 14, 2017 ' I called for a loaner. August 15, 2017 ' matt call me and informed me that the engine they had did not check out and my only good option was for them to rebuild my engine for $7000 to $8000, they put in a high mileage engine that they would not guarantee or come pick up my car. Informed the other cars there with engine failure had warranties or extended warranties. I asked if I could find an engine and matt said okay. Later, texted matt back that I found an engine online from swengines.com. He called me and told me he need the VIN number of the engine. August 16, 2017 ' matt called and said he need to see the engine before he could say he could install it or give me a price for installation. August 17, 2017 ' I went to johnson Hyundai to retrieved my car, matt told me that he was looking out for me and told me the car was stored at another lot. The aaa tow truck retrieved my car.

- Angier, NC, USA

problem #76

Jul 292017

Santa Fe

  • 74,000 miles
I was driving down the highway when the car cut off. After coasting to a stop, the engine wouldn't restart. Towed it to the Hyundai dealership in spartanburg, SC. They charged me $110 for diagnostics after which they told me it was my battery. I was driving home (nc) when it started making a horrible noise. I drove it to the closest Hyundai dealership where they told me the motor was blown.

- Brevard, NC, USA

problem #75

Aug 032017

Santa Fe

  • 77,000 miles
Engine started making a popping sound clow to fast contingent on throttle. Engine threw a rod. Needs new engine at 77,000

- Beaverton, OR, USA

problem #74

Jun 192017

Santa Fe 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 43,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. While driving 45 mph, there was an abnormal noise coming from the engine. The contact stated that the vehicle lost momentum but never stalled. The vehicle was taken to rockland Hyundai (located at 140 New York route 59, nanuet, NY 10954, tel: 845-402-8623) where it was diagnosed that the engine seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 43,000. Updated 08/09/17****updated 08/23/17 the consumer stated that the vehicle had an oil filter defect. Updated 8/25/2017

- West Haverstraw, NY, USA

problem #73

Jun 062017

Santa Fe

  • 129,000 miles
The car turns off while driving. It has happened randomly. The engine dies. I almost got hit by a big rig cause my car stalled while driving on the freeway.

- Palmdale, CA, USA

problem #72

May 282017

Santa Fe

  • 16,000 miles
We have had 3 separate instances when our SUV stalled and the engine shut down when proceeding to drive once a stop signal changed. The most recent occurred yesterday when we made a right turn onto us 101 from steiner street in sf. The power steering went out, the brakes failed and the engine shut down. The car restarted once I got it back into park. It was a harrowing experience on this busy street

- San Francisco, CA, USA

problem #71

Apr 052017

Santa Fe

  • 104,000 miles
After 104,000 miles, my Santa Fe 2012 engine died on the road. Heard a knocking sound, and then the gears locked, and I was stuck in the middle of a busy street. The Santa Fe was towed to the dealership, and told there was a huge hole in the engine. Told I would need a new engine. Price $8,000 for the repair. Went to my local mechanic, and paid $5,000 for a new engine. I need to know where I can file with Hyundai, for I heard of a possible recall on 2012 Santa Fe's in the near future. Any suggestions?

- Austin, TX, USA

problem #70

Apr 062017

Santa Fe

  • 115,000 miles
I was driving on a city street, heard a loud noise and then the engine completely shut off. I have done research and found similar issues in other Hyundai vehicles with the same engine which is why this is a huge safety concern

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #69

Apr 162017

Santa Fe

  • 96,000 miles
I have a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe I purchased used 2 months ago. Yesterday on easter half way back from family gathering all the sudden the motor starts making very loud ticking sound. I was terrified as was my 3 children. I slow to a coast andcontact dealer. The office was closed I tried many numbers. Then while coasting on side of road within only minutes my car makesvery loud N julting pop sound starts smoking N metal flies from under the vehicle. The vehicle stops completely N has to be towed. I pick up pieces after they cool. They was smoking hot but no engine light warning or overheat warning what so ever. At dealers today I was able to look under my car and a chunk of the bottom.of motor had completely blown out putting my 3 babies my boyfriend N I in serious danger. I just found out there was a recall for some of these motors and I think its clear that this was a huge defect as well. Cars don't run fine then blow holes in bottom of motors in minutes out of the blue. Pls contact me. I have less than 100,000 on this car and everything in it. Pls help my family. I was simply turning off a city street on hh hwy only got up to 20 to 25 when ticking began. (I have video so you can hear noise but wouldntlet me send)

- Joplin, MO, USA

problem #68

Mar 312017

Santa Fe 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,155 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. Without warning, the engine seized. The dealer and manufacturer indicated that the vehicle was excluded from NHTSA campaign number: 17V226000 (engine and engine cooling), although the vehicle was exhibiting the same condition in the recall. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the engine assembly was replaced. The contact was uncertain if the oem part would fail again. The approximate failure mileage was 85,155. Updated 06/21/17

- Walpole, MA, USA

problem #67

Apr 062017

Santa Fe

  • 90,000 miles
Began making loud knocking sound. And engine died. Oil came out of the bottom of the car. The car was traveling at approximately 55 miles per hour when it broke down. It was on a busy highway traveling straight.

- Los Banos, CA, USA

problem #66

Jul 042016

Santa Fe

  • 63,017 miles
Was driving on I 5 in California when engine began to knock loudly. Pulled over and had the car towed to the dealer. Dealer could not visually find any reason for engine malfunction & said Hyundai should cover it due to it only had 63,000 miles. They submitted my claim and it was denied. I tried to appeal but was told their decision was finale. The dealership was astonished as was I. I was told at the dealer it was an oil issue and was told it was not a lack of oil but clearly a manufacturer defect, and yet Hyundai refused to help.

- Costa Mesa, CA, USA

problem #65

Jan 172017

Santa Fe

  • 86,700 miles
Takata recall I brought my car 1 year ago I've been doing maintenance oil change, tune up on my car, however it started making some type of ticking noise when I brought it back to the dealership I was told I could pay for a new engine or drive the car until it breaks down. I don't have any money for a new engine. I put 5000 dollars on the car for a down payment. Im also financin it at this time. Also the breaks making a squeaky sound in I know my breals are good.

- Bayonne, NJ, USA

problem #64

Apr 022017

Santa Fe

  • 72,000 miles
My wife was driving at highway speeds on the beltway around DC when the engine seized and the car shut down. She was able to coast to shoulder where aaa then came and towed her to a shop. Shop said it was the engine and we had to take it to a Hyundai dealer. Dealer said it was a battery issues, replaced the battery and charged us for it. Four days later at highway speeds on I-95 North the engine locked up again. The dealer is telling us it is now an engine issue, which was somehow not the problem the first time. The check engine and warning lights did not come on before the failure and all of the fluids are full to standard levels. The dealer is saying they have to replace the engine and Hyundai corporate is saying there is nothing they will do for us. Vehicle was built only 5 years ago, and only has 72,000 miles on it. Because we are the second owner, the original 75,000 mile warranty now only goes to 62,000. She or anybody else around her could have been killed.

- Arlington, VA, USA

problem #63

Feb 062017

Santa Fe 4-cyl

  • miles
2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. Consumer writes in regards to engine problems. The consumer stated that the vehicle stalled with no warning. The vehicle would not start and the shift lock froze. The engine needed to be replaced.

- Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA

problem #62

Apr 012016

Santa Fe 4-cyl

  • 75,800 miles
4/1/2016: Driving on interstate I-40 westbound in las cruces in a construction zone, the car engine died, but I was able to get to shoulder. Car towed to auto repair shop, but problem could not be diagnosed; car eventually restarted. 2nd attempt to diagnose on 4/11/16; none could be found. Car started to make occasional loud engine noise over ensuing months. I contacted Hyundai, and in October 2016 was told to bring car 100 miles back to las cruces, nm (borman autoplex) for further diagnosis. Borman diagnosed metal shavings in engine (similar or identical to problem for the 470,000 sonatas with metal shavings in the engine). A full engine failure and engine replacement was recommended. I contended that the engine should be replaced free of charge, as it was a manufacturing defect and the vehicle dying without notice while being driven could prove dangerous or fatal to the driver/passengers. The engine failed fully, and the vehicle is not drivable. Again, issue began 4/1/2016; engine failed completely 12/28/2016.

- Silver City, NM, USA

problem #61

Apr 182016

Santa Fe

  • 70,000 miles
The contact owned a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. While driving approximately 20 mph, the contact was alerted of flames under the vehicle as black smoke poured from the engine. The contact crashed into a pole. The air bags deployed. The contact received bruises on the face and chest and experienced trouble breathing. Medical attention was received. A police report was filed. The fire department extinguished the fire. The manufacturer was notified. The vehicle was towed and destroyed. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

- Shelton, CT, USA

problem #60

Apr 152016

Santa Fe

  • 128,000 miles
Well maintained engine with 128,000 miles failed catastrophically without warning at highway speed. Oil pressure, RPM and temperature gauges did not indicate a problem. Piston apparently shattered and blew through the bottom of the engine.

- Crescent, PA, USA

problem #59

Jan 212016

Santa Fe

  • 71,348 miles
All events occurred while vehicle was stationary.began to have a intermittent no start condition around the third week of January 2016. Theta 2.4 engine #165130 would not turn over. A jump start with 2nd vehicle battery supply and jumper cables were needed for engine to run.tested the battery voltage output on Santa Fe with engine cold $12.65 and engine running $13.96 to $14.02 range all starting and charging components were operating in normal conditions and no check engine or battery indicators illuminating. No signs of engine malfunction was evident. On 01/29/2016 after having two more no starts went ahead and replaced the battery with brand new one. Engine would crank but not start.tested voltage on battery, alternator, starter, ignition and fuel pump relays. Had spark on all coils and fuel. Air filter was new. Felt confident there was no need to check compression as there were no mechanical signs present. At certain times some engine components due wear out so I had a mechanic inspect the engine and asked him to replace the crankshaft sensor. Engine would not turnover after several attempts and he could not determine the cause. On 01/30/2016 connected my obd2 and got a total of 11 codes, P0445,261,267,270,264,448. Five out of first eleven were displayed twice except P0448.I had the car towed to a Hyundai authorized service dept on 02/02/2016 the service adviser at frank Hyundai advised me his mechanic performed a compression and leak down test and informed me engine had low compression in 3 out of 4 cylinders with active codes P0223 P0445 and P2106.one cylinders was said to be blowing air up towards valve cover.I was told they suspected piston rings or cylinder head was cause of engine failure.had car towed home. After finding blown fuse I was able to start car but shut it down immediately from loud noise coming from valve train rotating assembly.unknown symptoms.

- Imperial Beach, CA, USA

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