Total engine failure

- Berryville, VA, USA

On Monday, October 23rd at 5:30 pm my 2014 Santa Fe engine stalled without any warning. I was driving home during rush hour traffic when it slowed down and seized in the middle of five lanes. As cars flew beside me, I quickly realized that there was no where for me to safely get out of my vehicle. Where I was located on the freeway is one of the busiest and most dangerous areas to drive. Unfortunately, I was located on a slight bend of the freeway where oncoming traffic could not see me until the very last minute. This barely left enough time for them to safely move over. Many cars had to quickly swerve to either lane beside me to avoid crashing in to me. This was happening at very rapid speeds. While drivers were swerving to not hit me at the very last minute, there was barely enough time to for them to check for other cars in those lanes. This resulted in many nearly missed hits for other drivers on the road. I was sure a car was going to crash into me, so I dialed 911 to help me. Shortly after a sheriff showed up and pushed my car with his squad car to a crash site off of the freeway. There I sat for a few hours waiting for a tow truck in my car which was not the safest area for a woman to be waiting in her car in the dark all alone. The whole experience was terrifying and should not have happened. My Santa Fe has now been sitting at my local repair shop dead. They said the engine is shot and that I need to replace the engine which will cost $10k+. I purchased the car for $15k three years ago with nothing wrong with it, at least so I thought. After doing some research, it turns out Hyundai engines have had MANY issues and failures. It seems they've had many complaints about this issue. There are recalls and even lawsuits on them, but unfortunately they exclude my car even thought I had the exact same issue as others that were remedied. These cars should all be recalled and taken off of the road immediately. They pose a huge danger to anyone on the road.

- Mequon, WI, USA

I am writing to provide you with detailed information regarding the engine failure incident that occurred on November 15, 2023, involving my 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The component that failed was the engine itself, which resulted in a sudden and complete loss of power while I was driving at highway speeds. This incident posed a significant safety risk to both myself and others on the road, as it left the vehicle without any operational systems, including power steering. Fortunately, I was able to maintain control of the vehicle and avoid a potentially catastrophic accident. I feel incredibly fortunate that I was alone during this dangerous situation, as it could have been far more perilous had my three children, aged 3, 5, and 10, or my wife, been in the vehicle with me. The problem has been confirmed by a dealer who conducted an inspection and determined that the engine had seized. However, it is important to note that the dealer has refused and denied any repair or assistance in resolving the issue. As of now, the police have not conducted an inspection of the vehicle or its components, and I have not reported this incident to my insurance. Surprisingly, there were no warning lamps, messages, or any other symptoms indicating a problem prior to the engine failure. The failure occurred suddenly and without any prior warning while I was driving in heavy traffic. I consider myself extremely lucky that the engine was not at operating temperatures at the time of the failure. There was visible smoke coming from under the hood with oil spray, but thankfully, there was no fire. I am deeply concerned about the safety implications of this incident and would appreciate any guidance or support you can provide in resolving this matter.

- El Pasd, TX, USA

While driving at 60 mph on the interstate, the engine shut down completely and lost all gas. We were able to coast to an exit, and with our two young children in tow, get a tow truck. Upon taking it to the repair shop, they stated the engine seized and needs an entire engine replacement. We are at 101,000 miles, just past the 100,000 mile warranty. Still waiting for paper documentation from repair shop.

- Roswell, GA, USA

On 11/17/23, my engine failed with 167,818 miles on the odometer. Luckily, I was not in danger other than blocking a city street during Friday rush hour. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. It was towed to a professional car care facility that did a diagnostics on it. The only warning lamps that were on was the ABS, which are on because the failed rear hub sensors have yet to be replaced (The dealership determined this and was ordering the parts). This 2014 Santa Fe XLE has the 3.3L GDI V6 engine and with all the lawsuits going on over the 2.4L engine (in the Sport model), I find it hard to believe that this engine would not have the same or similar problem. The report (attached) by the mechanic said it had lost 4-5 quarts of oil before it stopped running. I change the oil regularly and have all the records indicating oil changes at 5-7.5k intervals. The contact is being sold for spare parts.

- Tybee Island, GA, USA

On June2 2023 I was driving on I75 north to Wesley chapel, Pasco exit ramp 273 I and granddaughter were left on highway no Emergency lights nothing. My SUV just shut down just no warning no lights no noise huge smell of chemical burn when my daughter and the road ranger arrived they notice the bad smell at engine like chemical very bad. There was ni emergency lights, rpms were not working i notice ut dropped down, a tractor trailer wad seconds inches on my suv. I did a sudden sharp turn steering column so I can get the SUV to glide into the triangular Divider with the exit was for me to get off so we were stuck I 75 north in between pasco exit to 73 that's where my SUV broke down. No Warning nothing now which is November 2023 my car still not running I had a recall dates but I became ill now ill Now I have to find out I can get my car fixed. When I purchase the car several months later I noticed the Abs lights were on but ABS breaks the slope and the traction all those lights go on emergency break light goes on while i drive but that did not happen during the time that I was driving on the i75 north highway. I had my granddaughter who was 9 years old at the time. We could have been hit. Suv was locked down And said goodbye it was like someone controlling my suv. SUV was zzz like gliding I have a full tank of gas. I had to tow it after waiting 8 hours no lights on suv but I also tried to have the battery tested or started it'll start but the key fob will not work. Its confused. I'm very very upset I paid off my suv, had one recall after I bought and now again. This time SUV died no warning nothing I feel courtesy Hyundai should tow my suv, recall check, courtesy check and my two key fobs. This I should not have to feel UNSAFE in my suv always wondering will this happen again and will I be a fatal driver hoping I don't have any of my grandchildren nor my adult kids or any human being.

- Brandon, FL, USA

My Santa fe was having 3 times Engine light on in 3 different scenarios 1. It was on June 23rd 2023 and vehicle was left in Murdock Service center Service: Firmware was updated and vehicle was returned under warranty TXXI T3G #TSB 21-01-066H 2. Next the Vehicle was again had engine lights on on July 7th, again left on service center Service: NOC sensor was changed and returned the car on July 12th. 3. Again 3rd time Engine light goes on and left the car on July 24th 2023 and ever since the car was never given until November 4th. - So many tech line investigation and check and follow ups, however inspite of all the follow ups, again the vehicle turned off.!Need help and support.

- South Salt Lake, UT, USA

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request" ENGINE FAILED How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? CAR CUT OFF ON BUSY HIGHWAY WITH MY KIDS IN THE CAR AND WE WERE ALMOST HIT SEVERAL TIMES TRYING TO MAKE IT TO THE RIGHT LANE TO PULL OVER!!! Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? THE DEALERSHIP STATED THE ENGINE HAS SEIZED AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? NO! Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear" NO LIGHTS APPEARED UNTIL THE ENGINE SEIZED-??I STILL HAD PLENTY DAYS AND MILES TO GO BEFORE OIL CHANGED!!!! CAR BROKE DOWN OUT OF NO WHERE & THIS IS MY 3RD TIME POSTING ON HERE ABOUT THIS ISSUE. I TRIED OPENING AN INVESTIGATION AND NO ONE RESPONDS. AN INVESTIGATION NEEDS TO BE OPEN FOR THR HYUNDAI SANTA FE 3.3L ENGINES!!!!

- Charlotte, NC, USA

Engine crank rod bearing is failing just bought this and within a month it starting failing on me. Have a loud knocking sound and no check engine light ever went on. Just woke up one morning turned it on and the noise was there

- Woodbury, MN, USA

On 9/16/23 in Pierpont, OH, my 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport's engine seized driving 55 mph. No warning as engine lost power. Drifted to side road into parking lot. Engine smelled of electric burning (diagnosed at dealer with burned out battery as well as burned out starter as well as catastrophic engine failure). I have always carried an auto fire extinguisher in this car as they have been known to catch fire when engines seized and I had researched the problems with these engines since being notified of the engineering defects they have. At the time of the engine failure, I had my husband and my dog in the car, as we were on vacation leaving us stuck on the side of a road in 80 degree heat and we were 100 miles away from home. My vehicle was towed to Victory Hyundai in Jefferson, OH, about 11 miles from where I broke down. It has been there since awaiting diagnosing as well as submission to Hyundai for engine replacement under current powertrain warranty. I promptly had all recalls & services (oil changes) done throughout my ownership of car, as part of lifetime engine warranty program due to known engine issues with Hyundai and Kia GDI Theta engines. Engine replacement was granted on 10/13/23 by Hyundai. Will be approx 3-6 months to wait for engine to be received and replacement to be installed. Prior to engine failure, engine went into limp mode in May of 2019 with P1326 code and was towed to dealership where I purchased my vehicle (Preston Hyundai in Boardman, OH). Second software update was completed and engine checked for any defects and was cleared to drive. Had no issues with engine until it seized in September.

- Ellwood City, PA, USA

I bought my car, drove it for 2 whole weeks before the engine started knocking. The oil was dry. It had been serviced and oil changed, no prior problems. Until the oil light came on, it was dry, it had a burning smell inside the oil cap. It couldn't pick up speed, thankfully my kids weren't in the car, even though that is supposed to be a family car of 6, 2 adults and 4 kids. This needs to be addressed.

- Buckland, AK, USA

Loss of power and then lower engine rod knock. Engine is a total loss and needs to be replaced.

- Parrish, FL, USA

The engine burns oil at an alarming rate. It also frequently stalls when driving on the highway, trying to accelerate, or when driving up hill. The gas pedal will shake when accelerating and the car sometimes feels like it-??s jerking. I have done an oil consumption test and tried to work with a local dealership that told me there are recalls on all of the other engines in this make and model but not my liter. He said that a recall should be issued because this is a common problem but it has not been done yet. When the car displays these engine issues the Check engine light comes on, most of the time if you stop the car and wait 10ish minutes then restart the light will be gone.

- Winston Salem , NC, USA

Lost power on the highway while driving. No engine lights or warnings came on. Took to dealership and they said it was due to rod bearing failure.

- Oklahoma City, OK, USA

2014 Santa Fe 3.3L with 108,000 miles. Sudden total loss of power on the highway. Check engine light came on, was able to pull onto shoulder and shut off vehicle. Towed to dealership, engine code ended up being P0304 and engine was completely seized - would not rotate. Safety of my family and others on the highway was compromised when the vehicle lost all power and had to immediately veer off the road onto a narrow shoulder. Problem was confirmed by a Hyundai dealership. Vehicle has not been inspected by the other listed parties. No warning whatsoever was seen, felt or heard. Check engine light came on after the engine had seized.

- Waupaca, WI, USA

While traveling 70mph on the expressway with my husband and 2 small children in the car, we experienced catastrophic engine failure in our 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe, which nearly resulted in an accident because of the sudden deceleration. There were no warnings indicating a problem beforehand (no lights illuminated on the dashboard or any other indications of a problem) until the car suddenly made a large knocking sound and stopped running. After being stranded on the side of a dangerous highway with our children for over 2 hours, we had to have the car towed to the nearest mechanic, 60 miles from our house, who diagnosed the problem as a failed engine due to a rod bearing failure. The rod was thrown through the engine, and the mechanic informed us it would be a minimum of $10,000 to replace the failed engine with a used one. We contacted Hyundai who told us our car was not part of the extended warranty or recalls that resulted from a previous lawsuit, and they offered us no assistance or solution. They also quoted us $8,000-$20,000 to replace the engine. In our research we have found that many other Hyundai's with a 3.3L engine have experienced this same catastrophic engine failure. We have maintained the car accordingly and even brought the car in to be serviced just weeks before we took this trip. There was absolutely no indication of a problem before this happened.

- Orland Park, IL, USA

On July 29, 2023, while driving in McAllen, Texas, our 2014 Hyundai engine failed, to wit: head gasket. Typically, this would not be a national issue and on first blush, seems related to a singular, isolated incident. However, this does not appear to be the case. Last summer, Hyundai settlement included a new engine for this car. (See class action settlement). The engine was replaced, however, it has come to light that Hyundai has set aside defective replacement motors. Indeed, there are consumers nationwide, complaining of the same. On July 29th, the unit began to catch fire, in that the wiring harnesses, and other wiring which are adjacent to and connected to the block, and its appendages, experienced extreme heat, melting, and burning. If not for my quick and necessary reaction, it is possible and likely that a catastrophic fire would have ensued. Hyundai has not corrected the original problem and has intentionally or by gross negligence, put into motion a series of events, if left unchecked, will, with little doubt, cause the loss of property and life. The engine has about 35,000 miles on it since replacement. The total mileage is approximately 129k. Case #21799766 (reported to Hyundai) initial case # 18911395 (Prior to engine replacement.

- Encino, TX, USA

The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, she smelled a strong gasoline odor. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact's daughter veered to the side of the road and noticed that gasoline was leaking from the fuel pump location. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump hose was leaking, and the fuel pump and hose needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V934000 (Engine, Fuel System, Gasoline). The failure mileage was approximately 110,000. The VIN was unavailable.

- Milwaukee, WI, USA

Engine burned two quarts of oil between scheduled oil changes. Vehicle has 88,200 miles on it. Engine could sieze up on the highway and cause an accident.

- Coppell, TX, USA

The engine failed and yes it-??s available for inspection upon request. The safety of myself and my children were put at risk because I was driving on the highway and my car shut all the way down. I had to safely get to the shoulder to pull over while maneuvering through high highway traffic. The problem has been identified by the dealership and it has been in their possession for over a month now. Prior to the car completely shutting down there was literally no lights coming on.

- Charlotte, NC, USA