10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 0 / 10
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 0 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 49,936 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
Owner: [XXX] VIN: [XXX] Vehicle: 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport My daughter purchased this vehicle in April 2025 from a licensed Chrysler dealership. On [XXX], the engine suddenly seized while driving, without warning, and would not restart. This VIN was part of Recall 17V-226 (Hyundai Campaign 162). Dealer records show the recall was closed with inspection only (-??engine inspection, oil, dipstick-??), not an engine replacement. The failure matches the defect description of the recall (bearing wear from restricted oil flow). Hyundai is refusing to repair it, claiming sludge and -??maintenance neglect, -?? despite my daughter only owning it for 5 months and having an oil change at Hyundai in May 2025. This engine failure proves the prior -??inspection-?? remedy was ineffective. Hyundai is also denying coverage under the lifetime warranty extension (TXXI), which explicitly applies to subsequent owners for bearing failures. This is a serious safety issue. My daughter lost power in traffic, and the vehicle is still unrepaired. This complaint is being submitted on behalf of the registered owner, [XXX], by her mother [XXX], who is the primary contact. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Findlay, OH, USA
While driving on a steep, narrow grade with no safe shoulder, my 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport suddenly lost all forward power. The engine would rev but the vehicle would not accelerate. I was left stranded in traffic, with cars behind me and nowhere safe to pull off, creating an immediate risk of being rear-ended or rolling back into other vehicles. I had to call for a tow to avoid a serious crash. The vehicle was marked as having all recall campaigns completed, including the rod bearing inspection and knock sensor update, which were supposed to protect against catastrophic engine failure. Clearly, those campaigns were not sufficient to prevent the failure I experienced. At the time of failure, the vehicle displayed the check engine light and drivability symptoms consistent with abnormal combustion and potential bearing damage. Hyundai denied lifetime warranty coverage under the Theta II engine settlement without performing the required inspection. Instead, I was left with an estimate for engine-related repairs that exceeded the value of the vehicle, effectively rendering it a total loss. This failure is exactly what Hyundai-??s recall notices describe as a risk: sudden engine failure, loss of motive power, and increased risk of crash. The fact that this happened to my vehicle despite -??completed-?? recall campaigns raises serious concerns about whether the defect remains unresolved and whether Hyundai is adequately honoring its recall and settlement obligations. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether Hyundai is improperly denying warranty coverage without inspection and whether vehicles that were marked as repaired under these recalls are still at risk of catastrophic engine failure, stalling, and loss of motive power on public roads. The settlement administrator also works for Hyundai is just referring customers back to Hyundai Customer Care. They are not honoring this CLASS ACTION lawsuit and acting in BAD faith and putting lives at risk.
- Redlands, CA, USA
Loud knocking sound. Vehicle in Limp Mode. Blinking CEL - Error code P1326 VIN - [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Irving, TX, USA
My 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport suffered a blown head gasket that required me to pay $9,000 for a full engine replacement. Hyundai is aware of ongoing problems with their 2.0 turbo motors, but the recall only covers the rod bearing failure/knock sensor issue. Many owners, including myself, are experiencing blown head gaskets, and several believe this failure is directly related to the same underlying engine defect. This is not an isolated case-?"numerous complaints online and in owner forums describe the same problem. Despite the high repair cost and known engine vulnerabilities, Hyundai refuses assistance because my vehicle is outside the mileage limit, even though the defect is widely reported and appears to be a design/manufacturing issue, not normal wear and tear. I believe NHTSA should investigate whether the head gasket failures in these 2.0 turbo engines are linked to the same defect that prompted Hyundai-??s engine recalls, as it presents significant safety risks (engine overheating, sudden power loss, potential for fire). In 2018, the Center for Auto Safety formally petitioned the NHTSA to investigate 2011-?"2014 Hyundai Santa Fe models (among others) due to a high number of non-collision fire complaints, including reports of melted wires, smoke, and burning odors in the engine bay ?. While this isn-??t directly about head gasket failures, it underscores a pattern of serious safety-related issues affecting that generation of Santa Fe vehicles.
- Pile Road, AL, USA
Vehicle is only 10 years old and barely has 120k miles on it. Consistent maintenance and oil changes are done. My son was driving on the highway and the vehicle died suddenly and coasted to the side of the road. We had it towed to a repair shop and after some testing they said the engine has seized up. Most likely related to the common rod bearing issue with these motors, but this is not on the recall for some reason. This should not happen on a car with so low miles and use! Luckily my son was safe and not in an accident when this happened.
- Sioux Falls, SD, USA
January 2024, my 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe entered limp mode and displayed code P1326-?"known to indicate engine bearing failure under Hyundai Recall 162. I took it to Terry Reid Hyundai (Cartersville, GA), paid $175 for diagnostics, and was told the vehicle -??passed.-?? However, I was never given a bearing clearance test (BCT) result, and no VIN-tied data was submitted to Hyundai-??s internal WebDCS system, as required by TSB 23-EM-001H. Later communication with Hyundai confirmed that all BCT results-?"pass or fail-?"must be submitted and tied to the VIN in WebDCS, yet Terry Reid produced no record. Instead, they provided a blank Multi-Point Inspection (MPI) sheet and handwritten notes-?"none of which constitute a BCT or fulfill Hyundai protocol. In April 2025, the engine failed catastrophically. Shottenkirk Hyundai performed a proper BCT, revealing cylinder #2 at 1.13mm (well beyond failure limit), and submitted both the test and an oil sample to the lab. The oil analysis showed no sludge, fuel, or coolant contamination, contradicting Veritas Global Protection-??s and Hyundai-??s claim of owner neglect. Despite clear lab evidence, Veritas denied my claim, falsely asserting: The sludge existed before contract purchase (no proof), No rod bearing clearance documentation was submitted (Shottenkirk did), A prior P0420 code related to the catalytic converter caused sludge (mechanically inaccurate). Hyundai-??s consumer affairs rep later claimed internal records can-??t be shared, that even more evidence wouldn-??t matter, and that Hyundai branded the engine based on -??exceptional neglect-?? solely due to one missing oil change receipt-?"despite a clean oil report and lack of dealership testing. She also confirmed Hyundai does not notify consumers when engines are branded.This pattern shows coordinated misrepresentation between Hyundai, Veritas, and Terry Reid Hyundai. They failed to follow protocol, withheld required data, falsely blamed the consumer, and denied a legitimate claim despite lab evidence
- Calhoun, GA, USA
Engine failure and metal debris and timing belt slipped time. Loss of power and we parked it flashing engine light. Massey Hyundai said it-??s not a recall but when I research there-??s a lot of engine failure recalls so I-??m not quite understanding what the situation is and we still owe money on the vehicle. They basically told us to junk it. This has been the worst situation I have ever went through with a vehicle. I-??ve never owned a Hyundai and I probably never will ever buy another Hyundai. I just wanna know why my engine failed and nobody can tell me why Massey hundai cannot tell me why. they just want me to remove it from their service center or they-??re gonna charge me $500 to dispose of it. I-??ve never heard of such stuff in my life. This is too overwhelming, especially when it happened. My daughter just had reconstructive foot ankle surgery and has pins in her foot. We were stranded an hour and a half away from home at a doctors appointment for a check up for her foot. Our Insurance towed it, but left us standing and hundred degree weather which was a complete nightmare, especially when you have someone that can-??t walk and just had surgery not that that-??s any of your fault. I just want to know why my engine failed why there was metal debris why can-??t no one tell me. $10,000 for a new motor or charge you $500 to remove it from our lot. I can-??t even lie about this stuff. It-??s insane. I still owe money on the vehicle. I had to refinance it during Covid. If you could just like, give me some sort of information I don-??t even know where to turn to at this point and if I can-??t turn to the dealership, who do I turn to.
- Williamsport, MD, USA
On June 22 2025 while driving on Interstate 17, the vehicle engine started to lose power and the engine light started to flash on and off. Pulled over and the vehicle stalled and was not able to turn on again. The vehicle is available for inspection. Safety was a concern as we had to change over 3 lanes as we were losing power. The problem has been confirm that the engine has failed and they are numerous TSBs out for engine failure on the Theta II engines, vehicle also qualifies for 15yr/150K engine warranty. The vehicle engine is branded which is a manufacturer defect and never was replaced. The vehicle was towed by AAA to a AAA repair shop and said diagnosis was given thereafter vehicle was towed to dealership which it currently sit at. However Hyundai denied claim because service record was not provided (I was not the owner of vehicle on the years they are requesting) I do have my records from when I owned the vehicle however service advisor stated I did not need to provide my records since they dated back to where I didn't owned vehicle. I purchase vehicle from a dealership. If any more information is needed please advis. I would just like my engine replaced.
- Gilbert, AZ, USA
My 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0 Turbo suffered a complete engine seizure while driving due to a blown head gasket, which caused all coolant to leak out. The engine locked up suddenly while my daughter was operating the vehicle, creating a serious safety hazard. She was fortunate to pull over safely, but this type of failure could have resulted in a crash. I was forced to pay over $9,000 for a full engine replacement. This engine is the Theta II 2.0L Turbo GDI, which is part of multiple class action lawsuits and safety recalls due to engine seizure, bearing failure, and fire risk. Hyundai Customer Care has refused to assist or reimburse me. This failure involved no prior warning signs, and the gasket failure appears to be consistent with design flaws already documented in these engines. I am submitting this complaint as I believe this is a defect that poses a safety risk, especially given how suddenly the engine failed during normal driving.
- Pile Road, AL, USA
I was on an expressway with 70 mph speeds and could only drive at 55 mph. A flashing motor light came on and then a thunking/clicking sound. It would not accelerate and also lunging. Towed to an independent mechanic close to where I was who confirmed blown engine. Having towed to Hyundai dealership.
- Cleveland, GA, USA
Engine seized
- Westland, MI, USA
Engine is burning oil at a rapid rate. Completed oil change on 12/6/2024 at 94380 miles. On [XXX] check engine light came on at 96684 miles. Dipstix Oil Change checked oil level and level was at least 2 quarts low. Dipstix Oil Change filled oil reservoir. On [XXX], check engine light came back on. SUV was taken to AutoZone and computer said light was due to bad oxygen sensor. Deal's Auto changed oxygen sensor for $557 on 2/24/2025 at 96708 miles. On [XXX], check engine light came back on and engine had a knocking noise. Vehicle was towed to Hyundai in Batesville, MS on 4/17/2025 for $498. Engine was checked by Hyundai on 5/23/2025. Oil level was at least 2 quarts low and dealership recommended an oil change (paid by me) to see if there is oil consumption. I live 8 hours from dealership and already know there is oil consumption. Dealership wants to simply get the vehicle off their hands and is placing consumer at risk with lazy diagnosis. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Crestwood, KY, USA
I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious engine defect in my 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe, which suffered rod bearing failure and now requires a full engine replacement at a cost of approximately $8,600. This failure occurred on April 13, 2025, despite regular oil changes and proper maintenance throughout my 1 year and 7 months of ownership. According to my certified mechanic, the vehicle was evaluated using Hyundai-??s own rod bearing clearance test protocol, which it failed. The results were submitted to Hyundai by the repair shop, but the manufacturer denied the claim-?"despite their own diagnostic test confirming the issue. I later discovered that my vehicle may fall under NHTSA Campaign Number 17V226000 (Recall 162), which addresses machining errors in the Theta II GDI engine that can cause premature bearing wear. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether my vehicle should be formally included in this recall or covered under Hyundai-??s extended warranty program for rod bearing failures. This issue represents a serious safety risk. The engine began knocking suddenly, without any warning lights or codes, and still had another month or 1,419 miles left till next service and oil level was normal. Vehicle had to be towed to a service facility. A failure while driving could have resulted in a complete engine seizure, placing my family and others at risk. I respectfully request that NHTSA review this issue and investigate Hyundai-??s handling of such claims, especially where their own testing confirms a known defect.
- Calhoun, GA, USA
The engine was replaced under a recall related to an engine knock code. About two weeks later, the vehicle lost all power while driving. The dealership confirmed a failure in the high-pressure fuel line and that the turbo had failed at the same time. The same visit revealed oil leaks, and shortly after, the vehicle began emitting white and black smoke. Their technician stated the failures were due to -??consequential damage from engine failure.-?? The problems have continued to return, and I-??ve been told the vehicle is unsafe to drive. Hyundai is now refusing to fully cover the cost of repair, offering only 15% off, despite all of the damage being directly linked to the replacement engine. I transport children in this vehicle. My safety and theirs have been at risk multiple times because of these unresolved and ongoing failures.
- South Charleston, WV, USA
Car hesitates, lagging at stop lights/slow traffic has completely shutdown while moving in traffic. Several episodes include complete shut down unable to crank following a stop multiple times in last 7 months. 2 Hyundai Dealerships have not been able to duplicate or repair specific issues or stop from occurring. Other repairs were attempted by Dealerships in efforts to correct problems. Car has been towed 5 times under extended warranty.75K- 83K miles. Battery discharge warning still appears even after new battery, plus other engine parts were replaced. Anxiety PTSD is my status.
- Lumberton, NC, USA
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. While the contact's son was driving 70 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road and the vehicle was turned off. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
- Warrington, PA, USA
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled, and the RPMs dropped. There was no warning light illuminated. A Police Officer responded and there was an abnormally strong chemical odor present. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
- Brandon, FL, USA
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while his wife and daughter were driving, the vehicle unexpectedly decelerated to approximately 25 MPH. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact's wife was able to pull the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the local dealer was in contact with the manufacturer. The contact related to the failure with the Technical Service Bulletin: 19-01-002H-1 (Engine Monitoring Logic Product Improvement). The failure mileage was approximately 185,000.
- Gig Harbor, WA, USA
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, and while driving below 10 MPH, the vehicle stalled inadvertently. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
- Ridgefield Park, NJ, USA
- Madison, WI, USA