10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
20,864 miles

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« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #99

Aug 142023

Santa Fe

  • 116,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The failure had reoccurred several times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.

- Glen Cove, NY, USA

problem #98

Jul 242022

Santa Fe

  • miles
The engine in my vehicle seized, prompting an inspection that unequivocally attributed the failure to a well-documented and acknowledged issue with the engine. This incident occurred while I was navigating on highway, placing my family and fellow road users in a precarious situation. The dealership's assessment reaffirmed that this recurring engine problem afflicts my vehicle model and had been thoroughly scrutinized by their experts. Remarkably, there were no warning signals such as the engine light or oil light to forewarn me of the impending engine failure. Despite having undergone a recent oil change, no apparent symptoms signaled that my engine was running perilously low on oil. Regrettably, Hyundai has chosen to decline any responsibility for replacing my engine or extending assistance. Their reasoning is grounded in my failure to procure a software update that, unbeknownst to me, was an essential requirement. Furthermore, I had received no prior communication via mail, email, or phone alerting me to the necessity of this update. It is crucial to note that this software update, while designed to enhance warning mechanisms, does not offer any guarantees against engine failure but merely serves to provide advanced notice of potential issues.

- Winchester, MA, USA

problem #97

Oct 222023

Santa Fe

  • miles
Engine threw a rod and damaged the whole engine. No warnings. Same exact issue my friends 2015 did. Her engine was replaced.

- Watertown , TN, USA

problem #96

Nov 012021

Santa Fe

  • miles
After crossing 90,000 miles the vehicle started to consume too much oil too quickly. After a professional analysis the mechanics found no problem. Going on 112,000 miles now and the vehicle is going through and/or burning oil much more rapidly than what one would expect

- Woodlake, CA, USA

problem #95

Jul 252023

Santa Fe

  • 140,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the low oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The contact-??s wife then drove back to the residence, and the contact added oil to the vehicle. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software needed to be updated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Hyundai Campaign Number: 966; however, the dealer informed the contact that the campaign had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

- Dallas, GA, USA

problem #94

Sep 292023

Santa Fe

  • miles
The vehicle will not accelerate over 30mph. I was entering the interstate on ramp and am not able to accelerate to the speed limit. The cars approaching had to slow down significantly to avoid a rear end collision. This happens every time whether I am at a stop light on a normal roadway or entering the interstate. There are never any warning lights or sensors indicating that there is a problem. I have completed all of the recalls and system updates required by the manufacturer. I have completed the oil consumption and engine cleaning multiple times and it has not helped the issue.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

problem #93

Jul 032023

Santa Fe

  • miles
-my engine seized. It has been inspected and they agreed it was due to the known faulty engine. -my engine failed in the middle of the highway endangering my family and anyone else on the road. -the dealership confirmed that this is a recurring problem in my vehicle and has been inspected. -the engine light nor the oil light came on to alert me that was engine was out of oil. Yes I did have an up to date oil change. No other symptoms were present to indicate I had no oil left. Hyundai has refused to replace my engine or help me at all as I did not get a software update. I was never aware of this update nor had any correspondence via mail, email, or phone to tell me that I needed to get it. This update also does not stop your car from engine failure it just helps alert you that it will fail soon.

- Ankeny, IA, USA

problem #92

Sep 212023

Santa Fe

  • miles
This is to update case 11541562, submitted electronically to NHTSA on 8/29/2023, 10:48:33 PM and 11537141, submitted electronically to NHTSA on 8/8/2023, 12:54:24 PM Napleton Hyundai of West Palm Beach and Hyundai Motor Services have repaired the Sanata Fe vehicle and replaced the engine along with some other repairs. At this time, we withdraw any complaints we had against Hyundai and Napleton Hyundai of West Palm Beach. The Service manager, Mike Clancy went above and beyond our expectations and we have no issues currently with the dealership. Mr. Clancy's service in the end turned out to be outstanding. The vehicle was returned to us and is currently in working condition, please close out these cases. Thank you for your time attention, and help with this matter.

- Osteen, FL, USA

problem #91

Sep 172021

Santa Fe

  • miles
Seat belt on drivers side does not retract without assistance. I took it to Hyundai and they refused to fix it while the car was under warranty. The engine started burning excessive amounts of oil around 60K miles. We changed the spark plugs and found them to be covered in oil and corroded. We changed them again and they are worse. (Recommended every 100K miles.) The engine stalled once in traffic and continues to nearly stall when driven. The car has been burning in excess of 1 quart every 1000 miles since turning 75K miles. We were never notified of the engine failure issues with our SUV. At 96K mile it became so bad we took it in to Hyundai in Perrysburg OH Taylor Hyundai. We were informed about the engine issue and they began an oil consumption test. However the technicians when instructed to add 2 1/2 quarts of oil they added 5 ruining the testing. Then they claimed that the engine was only consuming 1/2 quart however we took a picture of the dip stick prior to brining it in and the oil was as always below the "L". We were then told we had to pay for an $800 engine flushing followed by 3 more consumption tests. Even if the tests show more than 1 quart of oil burning Hyundai may still refuse to replace the failing engine under warranty.

- Monroe , MI, USA

problem #90

Aug 302023

Santa Fe

  • miles
We recently had the car to the local dealership for engine problems. It took over 3 months, but they finally determined that the camshaft was "bent" and they had to remove the engine to replace it, costing almost $5000. We had it back for about 3 months but didn't drive it much since my wife works remotely from home now. My son was driving it on the interstate and the engine threw a rod, spilling oil onto the exhaust, which caught on fire. He managed to pull over and get out of the car and by then another motorist had called 911. There was a firetruck at the exit he had just passed who showed up in just a few minutes and put the fire out before the fuel system caught on fire, thankfully. While I'm glad my son was uninjured, I'm still very upset by this, especially since they just worked on the engine. After some searching on the internet, I have found that this is a very common occurance for this vehicle (and other Hyundais) yet the company is not doing anything about it. I also read that there is a separate class action lawsuit for this particular engine (in addition to the one for the smaller 4 cylinder engines), but I'm afraid it will be settled too late to help us out.

- Crawley, WV, USA

problem #89

Aug 262023

Santa Fe

  • miles
On August 11, the car suddenly lost power/acceleration & the dashboard lit up with engine, battery, and oil lights. I coasted down the hill to our home without any power. On Monday, it started again without lights, but we called the dealer & were told it would be 4.5 weeks before they could see us & there was nothing they could do without lights on the dash. So we took it to a nearby service center. They performed an oil change & compression check & deemed everything fine. The car drove mostly fine, with an intermittent pause/hiccup at stoplights. August 26, at highway speed, the car shuddered loudly, & the engine light flashed. As I coasted to the shoulder, there was a POP sound. I parked, turned off the car, & inspected the tires. The rear passenger tire had a 3-in gash but didn't deflate. I tried turning on the car again & it just ground & jerked with the flashing engine light. I called AAA & towed it to the dealership, where it's waiting to be inspected. This is a Theta II engine & received the KSDS software recall update in 2019. My child was in the car with me. I wonder if the KSDS gave the first warning on Aug. 11 but failed to stay on to pass on the data to the service center.

- Omaha, NE, USA

problem #88

Aug 292023

Santa Fe

  • miles
Already reported Engine Failure on August 5, 2023. After 3 weeks, Dealer informs us the engine seized and is defective and was provided oil change records. Engine is approved for replacement under warranty, instead of getting a repaired car back, dealer calls and now informs the car rides "rough" after the engine replacement, and the Knock Sensor is faulty, MAP Sensor is faulty, and Fuel Pump needs to be replaced. We question why none of this showed up on the original inspection and diagnostic, no answer to that. Knock Sensor obviously never worked because the engine seized without any warning, and despite having warranty on the knock sensor we are told none of these items are under warranty. The car never exhibited any symptoms related to fuel pump issues, or knock or MAP sensor issues. When we were driving on August 5th, the car lost power and engine died without any prior warnings that anything was wrong. We never had any rough "ride", never had any problem with fuel or starting the car, the check engine light never came on to warn of any issues at all. If the parts are all bad, either it is related to the engine failure or they are defective. No Sensors worked or gave us any warning. We fear the car will fail again, and it is unknown if Hyundai will cover repairs. We asked for written statement for repairs and received nothing from the dealer, we asked that repairs be submitted to Hyundai to have cost covered and we have had no confirmation if it has been submitted. The car broke down 3+ hours from our home, we can't even go to the dealer to discuss in person. Limited to unanswered calls, voicemail, and emails - no responses insufficient communication. All we want is the car to be repaired properly and Hyundai should cover cost of repairs considering the massive failure we experienced without warning while driving with our children in the car, we could have all died and no well maintained car should fail in every aspect after only 8 years.

- Osteen, FL, USA

problem #87

Nov 032022

Santa Fe

  • miles
MPM Automotive in Port Charlotte, FL sold me this vehicle with a cracked head gasket after leading us to believe that it was fixed before we signed all documents for ownership.

- North Port, FL, USA

problem #86

Aug 152023

Santa Fe

  • miles
On Tuesday, August15, 2023 while driving my daughter to graduate school in Tallahassee Florida from Buffalo New York, my 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport with approximately 84,000 miles abruptly lost accelleration on Interstate 20 in Augusta Georgia. I was fortunate that I was able to safely exit the highway without being struck by other vehicles driving at high speeds during the morning rush hour. I was able to locate and drive my vehicle to the Taylor Hyundai dealership a mile up the road at 3233 Washington Road in Augusta. Upon my arrival the service advisor asked if my car has ever has a bearing clearance test, it had not. I am thankful that they were able to squeeze me into their schedule and they were able to perform said test which my vehicle failed. I was then advised that my car would need a new engine and that the request would be sent to the Hyundai corporate office for approval. Hyundai would not provide a rental vehicle until the process is approved which I was told could take up to 12 days. I was then advised that Hyundai would reimburse me for a rental that I would have to arrange on my own. One week later, I reached out to the advisor and she has not heard anything from Hyundia corporate. I am hoping that I will not be stuck with a massive rental bill and that my car will be fixed and delivered to my daughter in Florida.

- Buffalo, NY, USA

problem #85

Jul 102023

Santa Fe

  • miles
I was driving my 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport and first noticed that when I stepped on the gas pedal, the car hesitated and then finally kicked in and would accelerate. I was approximately 60 miles from home when the engine totally failed. Luckily I was not on an interstate or I could have been in a severe accident and injured or died. I had the car towed to a Hyundai dealership, who determined it was a complete engine failure and the car needed a new engine. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms to indicate a problem.

- Lawrenceville, GA, USA

problem #84

Aug 132023

Santa Fe

  • miles
I was driving home from work, no warning lights flashed. My car abruptly stopped and my engine started misfiring and making loud noises. After the experience the engine light started to illuminate.

- Boston, MA, USA

problem #83

Aug 122023

Santa Fe

  • miles
Vehicle is at 106,000 miles. Coming to a stoplight the vehicle completely shut down. Upon inspection seeing the drive belt was missing. Vehicle will not turn over, battery is fully charged no other issues. Check engine light is now flashing AFTER it shut down NOT before like NHTSA recommends..

- Downers Grove, IL, USA

problem #82

Aug 052023

Santa Fe

  • miles
please merge this additional information with Complaint Number: 11537141, submitted electronically to NHTSA on 8/8/2023, 12:54:24 PM earlier today. Napleton Hyundai of West Palm Beach finally confirmed moments ago that the engine on the 2016 Santa Fe is defective and did seize causing us to lose control of the vehicle, resulting in the engine shutting down and fail while we were driving with our family on the turnpike on 8/5/2023. We already submitted the requested documentation to the service department to show that we have maintained the vehicle and completed regular oil charges. We are now awaiting approval from Hyundai corporate to allow the dealer to repair the defective engine under warranty/per the class action. It is shocking to us that we have now had this experience with two separate Hyundai vehicles. We purchased the Santa Fe brand new and expect it to last. Our lives, the lives of our children were completely put at risk - and it is a miracle that there was no accident, no injuries, and no one died. We suffered stranded on the side of the road waiting for a tow for two hours while the vehicle reached 100 degrees with no safe place to seek refuge while tractor trailers and other cars passed us at high rates of speed; hoping that no one would hit our car and that we would survive. We hope that Hyundai will approve and complete the repairs quickly. At this time we are without a vehicle and were informed that Hyundai also has to approve a loaner or rental while the repairs are completed, we ask that Hyundai does so immediately. It is hard to believe that we had to have a near death experience for the defective engine to be addressed. At this point, we just ask that Hyundai please make the repairs quickly and grant us a loaner vehicle in the meantime.

- Osteen, FL, USA

problem #81

Aug 052023

Santa Fe

  • miles
8/5/23 was driving on turnpike when 2016 Santa Fe lost complete power without warning. Was barely able to pull over to the side of the road and the car completely died. Was in the car with 3 small children all under the age of 7 and stuck for over 2 hours waiting for a tow no air conditioning and no safe place to wait on the side of the turnpike with barely enough shoulder space for the car. Had car towed to Napleton Hyundai in West Palm Beach. We have unfortunately had this happen before on our Hyundai Sonata, similar circumstances car lost all power while driving and would not restart. The Sonata turned out to have defective engine and was replaced at a different dealership under the class action, but we have had zero communication from Napleton Hyundai regarding the Santa Fe. We have provided everything that the dealer has requested, and not received any response from Napleton. We were told if the engine seized, engine is covered up to 150K miles and they are aware of the Santa Fe defect. But, we are stranded hours from home without a car and no one at the service department has called us back or informed us what are the next steps despite repeated requests from us to find out what is going on with the Santa Fe.

- Osteen, FL, USA

problem #80

Jul 202023

Santa Fe

  • miles
After a recent oil change and while driving from Utah to Wyoming, the engine began sputtering and seemed to be on the verge of seizing. Fortunately, we could make it to a gas station and check the oil. The oil was so low it did not measure on the dipstick. This occurred less than 1,000 miles since the last oil change. I subsequently learned that my sister, who also owns a 2016 Santa Fe, had a similar problem, but her engine completely seized while on the freeway. The local dealership acknowledged this was a problem and managed to replace her engine at no charge. We have been unable to get our local dealership in Colorado to make such an acknowledgment. My son uses the car now for college. His local dealership in Grand Junction told him that all we can do is have them perform an oil change, drive the car, and come and see them when the engine seizes before it's due for another oil change. The implication was that they were aware of the problem, but couldn't apply for an engine replacement unless the engine had seized. This seems wrong and unsafe. My son is currently having to add oil every three weeks.

- Erie, CO, USA

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