July 8, I’m driving on the interstate, and I felt a slight “clunk.” Engine light starts flashing and I lost acceleration. It would maintain 70mph, but acted like a governor above that. I was an hour from home, and since I heard no noises, I figured it was some stupid electronic issue and kept driving. 15 miles down the interstate, I hear what sounds like something flapping in the wind, then vehicle starts slowly decelerating. Luckily, I was half mile from an exit. I pull off, limp into gas station parking lot. Now, as it’s idling, I can hear knock knock knock. I called a wrecker, and $300 later, It’s towed to the local Hyundai. Just heard the outcome today. “Failed rod bearing test”, which I already figured. It’s already approved for a free warranty replacement.

But get this. SIX MONTHS. The dealer said they are replacing 2-3 of these POS engines a week, and I’m in line. Evidently, a LOOOOOONG line. Hyundai evidently has a rental reimbursement program for warranty work. I’m just now looking into that, but I’ll be surprised if they pay for a rental for that long. When I get the thing back, as much as I love my Santa Fe, I’m driving it for awhile, and ditching the damn thing. I’ll never trust another Hyundai. My 2001 z71 has 325,000, and it’s still humming down the road. One damn recall (tailgate cable), in 21 years. To hell with all this electronic clap trap. Causes nothing but increased vehicle cost, and increased repair bill, and lots of f’ing headaches and stress.

In 2020, I got the recall notice for the knock sensor on my 2017 Santa Fe sport, 2.0T. I took it to dealer, and they did whatever they do. On July 6 2022, while turning into a restaurant, the motor just died. It would start, then die. Finally I got it started and limped the .5 mile to the Hyundai dealer. They diagnosed a blown brake system fuse (that kills the engine?) Okay...

I pick it up July 8, drive about 50 miles, and I feel a slight “clunk”. Then I notice the motor won’t accelerate. I pulled off I40 and it seems to be running fine. I get back on interstate and try to limp the next 60 miles home. 15 miles later, it sounds like something has come loose and is flapping. Then the vehicle starts slowly decelerating. I immediately took the next exit and pulled into the gas station. Now I can hear a knocking sound, like a rod bearing. $300 tow bill for Hyundai’s POS motor. Now it’s sitting at the Cookeville Hyundai, waiting for a diagnosis, but I think we know what it is. I was just telling people how much I love Hyundai products. Pretty sure this will be the last one I ever have.

Hyundai has had my car in the service department for more than 2 months waiting to be diagnosed and then have the engine replaced. They have no idea when my car will be ready. The dealership can’t provide me with a loaner or rental, and Hyundai Corporate is refusing to step up and provide me with a car while they have my car with a blown engine. Per the lawsuit, if the dealership can’t provide me with a car, Hyundai is responsible. Rental cars cost $75+ per day and the most they’ll offer to possibly reimburse me is $30 (and that’s only if it’s a Hyundai!)! And they can’t promise I’ll be reimbursed.