NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
After reading through many complaints on this site for the engines seizing up and burning excessive oil, I decided to add my complaint in hopes that Hyundai will issue a recall and fix the problem. My problem: 1. My car is burning excessive oil. 2. Low oil warning lights are not displaying on dash. I'm sure the lack of oil is the root cause of the engine seizures other Santa Fe owners reported. Oil does not register on my dipstick less than 3000 miles after an oil change and the oil pressure warning light does not illuminate. There is no visible leak on my garage floor where the car is parked overnight. I've started adding oil between oil changes. I added 2 quarts this month and still registered low on the dip stick.
The engine is failing due to a broken bearing inside the engine. This caused oil to leak inside the engine and burn out through the exhaust. There were no warning lights such as a check engine or low oil. The reason we took it to the shop is because the car started making raddling and knocking noise when pressing the gas pedal. The mechanic shop informed us there was no oil in the vehicle when we just got a synthetic oil change in December. They diagnosed that significant engine damage was done and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle is almost 10 years old and has 108,000 miles. There were no warning signs of this happening it just happened. There were no major issues with this vehicle. We consistently maintained the vehicle maintenance and oil changes and kept all records.
I was driving down the highway on my way out of town with my son was going 60 miles down the highway in my engine field in the middle of the highway. My car just shut off and I had to cut through traffic to get on the side of the road. Praying that me and my son were safe. Then my car started smoking.
It all started on Thursday, February 16 when I went into my garage and noticed a strange chemical smell and my car battery was dead. My husband replaced the battery that night, but we noticed the break lights stayed on. When took it to a Firestone Department on Friday, February 17, they replaced the battery terminal and ran diagnostics. We finally called and got an answer on Monday, February 20. The mechanic said it was the ABS Control Module and wiring harness. We transported the car that Monday afternoon to the local Hyundai dealership, which we really didn’t want to deal with since we haven’t had nice experiences with them in the past. They never called us and when we finally got ahold of the service department on Wednesday, February 22, they stated that they believe that it is the ABS Control Module, but they are unable to fix it locally. We would have to send it to another Hyundai dealership which is about 100 miles away. After speaking to the Hyundai Corporate Office, they suggested with previous recalls to place an incident report. The recall for the ABS Systems for Hyundai came out on May 16, 2018 and the recall number 218. The recall includes cars with the cruise control systems.
On February 14, 2023 while driving Steering wheel broke (steering component failed) and had to stop at nearest repair station and was told not safe to drive. It was making clicking noise when turning wheel and backing out of a parking space. Next day had it towed to Hyundai and said the steering component in dashboard fell and metal crash bar was completely broken. They suggested I go through my insurance company because they didn’t know how it happened and said it was from a road hazard or pot hole I hit, but that was not the case and the insurance investigator did not see any signs of a collision and said it was probably a faulty part. What concerns me most is that if I was driving at high speeds on a highway it could have been very dangerous to loose my steering and cause a bad accident. I’m not sure how long my steering wheel was broken because I did hear noises but just thought it was the steering adjustment bar wasn’t in the lock position. It’s very disturbing to think I could have gotten killed. Hyundai doesn’t seem to want to acknowledge that it could be a manufacturer default and a safety issue on there part because the car is out of warranty. They don’t what to tell me what caused the problem of the steering column to fall and the metal bar to break. I’m the original owner and the car is kept in excellent condition with no neglect for this safety issue to happen for no apparent reason is very concerning. The repair fix the problem will cost $5,000. I did research the issue and found that there was a safety recall for faulty steering columns on 2017 Santa fe models and could cause a bad accident. I would like to report this issue and find out if anyone else reported the issue with their 2013 model. I would like to know if the following recall on the 2017 Hyundai Santafe could be somehow connected to my steering column issue: Recall 173. NHTSA campaign number: 18V11800
I bought this car brand new and have never had any problems with it until the engine seized. The car has been driven 64,691 miles. On 2/11 the car was started in a shopping center parking lot and the engine began ticking. There were no lights present. We drove it home (1 mile) and I called Piazza Hyundai. Their next diagnostic opening was for March 3rd. I made the appointment, left the car in the driveway, and called my own mechanic on Monday, hoping for a quicker repair. On 2/13 the engine still ticked and ultimately shut down on a major road a mile from my home en route to my mechanic. I had it towed to Mighty Muffler and it was declared seized on Tuesday, 2/14. I then had it towed to Piazza Hyundai where it is waiting for it's appointment. There were no lights illuminated until it shut down. After the car stopped working, the engine, oil and battery lights appeared.
ABS was repaired 6 months ago. Now light comes back on today.
On January 20, 2023 I was on my way home from work and was stopped at a traffic light. The light turned green. As I tried to accelerate forward the engine light started blinking and the vehicle moved slow and lost a lot of power and a knocking sound began. As I tried to accelerate more the knocking sound became louder. I found an engine issue after entering my vin# on the Hyundai site. It was found that for the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport there was an engine issue. I have attached this issue pertaining to my vin#. I printed this information and took these to my nearest Hyundai dealer, who stated to me that these were not official recall papers and they can't use them. I am the 3rd owner of this vehicle so I never would have received an official recall paper. I proceeded to email consumer affairs at Hyundai and sent these same attachments showing the vehicle issue with my vin#. Hyundai has emailed me back stating and I quote "We have determined your vehicle is not currently affected by any campaigns." I do not see how they determined there isn't a campaign that affects my vehicle when I have proof on paper there is an issue with these engines. My vehicle is a 2013 and under 10 years old. I found a local independent auto garage to look at my Hyundai and they have stated I need a new engine. I am at this time stuck paying out of pocket for a new engine that has clearly an issue Hyundai has had with this particular engine. Thank you for you time. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
I was driving to work January 12th and I turned on my left blinker and touched my breaks to slow down and make a stop at a red light in a turning lane. After touching my break my car stalled for the first time since I owned the vehicle in the middle of the road. I put it in park and tried to turn it over twice. The hood of my vehicle started smoking and my engine seized up. I dropped my vehicle off at Horne Hyundai on January 18th after Pep Boys did an engine diagnostics confirming it fell under a recall I was never notified about. There were no engine lights on previous to my car breaking down and I have not heard back from Horne Hyundai since I dropped off my vehicle. Prior to the breakdown, there were not engine malfunctions. Ever since I got the car it didn't accelerate well, but thought it was the specific model of the vehicle.
The component is the differential. Yes it is available The differential is leaking oil from the coupling assembly and makes noise while driving like a skip and when you turn to the left and in reverse. Because it helps with the braking time and lessened the risk of things such as vehicle rolling over on curves. I've had my car in for this problem since Jan. 2023 with the dealership telling me and repairing everything but this problem. Took it to two other mechanics that both agree its the coupling . Call the dealership again because Hyundai states they must see the problem are they are 1-3 months out. I have the pictures from mechanic and their sister company did have a recall on the 2013-2020 Sorento that uses the coupling but never a recall on Hyundai. I received a new engine in 2022 and after this noise started, put my car in the shop from Jan2023-May2023 and they never found the problem but said it was the tie rods and a axle that was replaced and still did not rectify the problem. Car has been sitting .
Brake failure. Our 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T is having serious brake issues. On pressing brake pedal, it'll travel all the way down, and only pumping the brake might get vehicle to stop. My wife almost hit a vehicle at a traffic light. We've had both front and rear brakes replaced, and master cylinder has been replaced by a certified mechanic, but to no avail. Our mechanic suggested contacting Hyundai dealership, as next option would be ABS. I made an appointment with our local Hyundai Dealer in Odessa, Texas, but said they can only get me in on February 9th, and this vehicle is needed for work. The vehicle is a serious hazard to drive. I've since noticed several ABS recalls, but none for this year model. Something is seriously wrong. My wife almost rear ended a vehicle on the first incident.
Not sure if it had anything but Hyundai replaced the rod bearing due to a notice we received to bring it in. A month after this, and just after getting an oil change the check engine light turned on. Upon arriving home, my husband found the car basically on empty for oil. I took it and our mechanic confirmed this. I then took to Hyundai in Cornelius, NC and after many tests they confirmed the car was burning oil, but could not determine the reason. There were no visible leaks etc. Nothing was provided as a solution, we continued to have to due monitor the oil, add when necessary, and take it in for an oil change once a month. As of January 1st, 2023 the car lost power while my 19 yr. old son was driving it with his younger brother and the engine light started flashing. The car is now has no viable engine. I feel this is very poor handling by Hyundai and more attention should have been giving by them for their product which we paid and ended up with a bad apple. Based on what I have researched this seems to be more of a common problem.
My 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is consuming a quart of oil and more within a 7-10 day time period. I took it to my local Hyundai dealership but it's not covered by a recall for this and there are No open recalls.
Brake failure. Our 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T is having serious brake issues. On pressing brake pedal, it'll travel all the way down, and only pumping the brake might get vehicle to stop. My wife almost hit a vehicle at a traffic light. We've had both front and rear brakes replaced, and master cylinder has been replaced by a certified mechanic, but no avail. Our mechanic mentioned possibility of an ABS issue, and suggested we contact Hyundai first. I made an appointment with our local Hyundai Dealer in Odessa, Texas, but said they can only get me in on February 9th, and this vehicle is needed for work. The vehicle is a serious hazard to drive.
The paint on my vehicle is pealing off
2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited FWD bought 6/1/22. We bought the car used at 89,000 miles and drove it to 100,000 miles. On 12/19/22 this incident occurred. On the freeway, at speed, I experienced a sudden engine failure/loss. No warning lights prior to this loss and the car had no previous mechanical issues. Acceleration was lost with no warning, no light or indication that something was (going) wrong. I was able to coast to a stop on the side of the road. Once safely off the road I inspected the vehicle for damage, found none and opened the hood. I found no oil on the dipstick, Oil changed 3000 miles before, no interior dash warning about low/no oil. Luckily this was not during rush hour traffic or bumper to bumper where it could have completely died on me in a traveling lane and been a hazard to other drivers. Waited 3 hours for a tow and it is currently sitting at the repair shop where they provided a confirmation that the engine is seized and will need to be completely replaced. Insurance Appraiser was out Friday (12/23) at the Repair shop to look at the vehicle. Repair cost is more than the car is worth and Hyundai Warranty/Recalls are not applicable to the 3.3L V6 Engines which is what our model car has.
The car started to make a clicking sound coming from the steering wheel whether straight or turning. The wheel was shaking and there was some wiggle with steering. I was hours from home and did not feel safe driving the vehicle. Left it at a non-Hyundai repair shop. Was told the next day it was an issue with the plastic coupler in the steering column and Hyundai had a recall on it. Drove it home and brought it to my local dealer where we have all our repairs done. Was told there's no recall. After reading the exact same complaint by so many people on here and other online places I was shocked there was no recall for this issue. Others have stated Hyundai did recalls on some of their other vehicles for just this part/problem.
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. An unknown dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000. The VIN was unavailable.
I was driving my Santa Fe into my garage and there was a misfire in the engine. And then it stopped running, I have had it parked there now for 1 month because I don’t have the money to put a engine in it ,
I purchased a Hyundai Santa Fe V6 3.3 L what's 67,000 miles on it from an owner that kept it maintained at the dealership and we have records. I kept it maintained I have records to support. The complaint is the engine started failing without notice while driving which was very dangerous because of the loss of speed while in traffic. The engine would rev up to redline which would force me to let off the gas call losing all power. My four year old daughter and I almost got plowed over from behind on the interstate by a semi truck because our engine would suddenly rev way up to redline without any notice. I contacted Hyundai about it, the engine has now died and we lost $15,000 vehicle because of it. Hyundai has ignored us regarding the dead car and the safety component. They should not be allowed to conduct a business in the United States. The amount of lawsuit stacked up against them for ripping off we Americans, is absolutely absurd. Get off [XXX] and do something about it. I'm a tax paying Citizen and you're allowed me to get [XXX] in my own backyard with regards to a [XXX] car for my family. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) a
Hernstine Hyundai of chillicothe Ohio refused to replace my engine after it failed the inspection when I took it to have the recalls repaired and a week later my engine blew up going 65 on the highway on my way home almost causing me to get into an accident
Hello, I'm not sure if this is something that you would handle or not. My husband and I have a Hyundai Santa Fe (husband-2015, Mine - 2013). We both bought the vehicles used and haven't had any major problems until about a year ago when both of our vehicles started drinking motor oil like people drink water. We don't have any signs of a leak anywhere. We had taken it to the Hyundai Dealerships and other mechanics and both say that Hyundai has been known to have this problem. Many years ago, I had a Hyundai Sonata which I bought brand new around 2003 and had it for many years. I never had this problem. After doing my research, I have seen where other people have had this problem with their Hyundai vehicles. I emailed several people about our situation, one being [XXX] , and received a response from Hailey, Customer Service Specialist with Hyundai Motor America and her response was for us to have Oil Consumption Testing done. She said that it would be our responsibility to pay for the testing and any repairs that need to be done since we're past the warranty and the years of our vehicles. From what the dealership and other mechanics keep saying, I feel it should be a recall for this problem due to Hyundai being aware that this has been a problem with their vehicles for years. I've known people to have cars much older than ours that never had an oil consumption problem such as this. Also, from what I read, this Oil Consumption Testing is a process that is done in stages which can be costly. Plus this Oil Consumption problem can lead to our engine dying without us knowing when it will die. With this problem, we don't have any warning that our motor oil is low or empty for our oil light will either blink or don't come on at all. I have seen mine blink, but by then the oil was already gone. My husband's oil stick had burnt and he purchased another one from Hyundai. The new one is now burnt and mine is burnt as well. This is a safety hazard. I feel that Hyundai should INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
While driving the vehicle, power was lost several times, the engine redlined because it could not switch gears. All of the oil was used by engine 40 days after oil change. Hyundai has repeatedly ignored our request for a new engine.
I had lightly let off my gas pedal since I was driving down a slight decline/hill. Upon reaching the bottom of the decline, I pressed the gas pedal to maintain my speed, when I heard a loud noise from my engine; all the lights on the dash lit up; and my car lost all power. These items happened simultaneously and it was very sudden and unexpected as there were no prior warnings, indications, noises, or lights. The steering wheel locked up and I was unable to control the direction of my car. The brakes locked up and were unresponsive despite depressing them with both feet. I had no control of my car and I was completely at the mercy of my car and the road. The electrical system also failed. When my vehicle came to rest, nothing in the car worked. If a child, another vehicle, or animal was stopped in front of me or had pulled out in front of me, my car would have ran right into them. If I was on the hill and this happened, my car could have verved into the ditch and I could have been ejected. My car was towed to a local auto repair shop. The repair shop owner told me that Hyundai/Kai had issued a recall and he felt my engine failed for the same reason. I had my car towed to my Hyundai dealership where it sat for 4 months before they were able to assess it. I bought this car brand new in 2013 and maintained it for 9 years without a prior incident, problem or concern. It was a great vehicle that I was planning on giving to my daughter. My neighbor bought a Santa Fe because I raved about mine all the time. The vehicle is available for inspection, along with the auto shop repair owner.
Driving at approx. 55 mph on busy 2-way road when the engine stopped completely. There were vehicles all around me when I lost power brakes, power steering and nearly lost control. There was no prior warning. I managed to get off the road into a field. Towed to service station. They thought engine had failed but it was too big a job for them. Then had it towed to the nearest Hyundai dealer in Augusta, ME. They checked it and agreed the engine had simply frozen. According to the dealer 2 days later, Hyundai agreed that the engine had to be replaced and was covered under warranty. They have offered a rental car until the car is repaired. Dealer estimated to be 10/14/22. The dealer has been a pleasure to deal with but my problem is that this seems to be a very common issue with 2013 Hyundai Sports vehicles. After checking several websites there seem to be dozens of these incidents reported and probably many more unreported. We were very fortunate to not be in a severe accident. It seems just a matter of time before someone is killed because of this vehicle malfunction. Hyundai should have a complete recall.
Engine light blinking and engine knocking
Engine consumes oil significantly. After 3 month of oil change, most no oil is shown on the dip stick. I noticed that there is a recall for 4 cylinder engines but no recall for V6 engines. However, same issue is happening to my V6 engine. I am refilling oils every month.
The engine won’t start. The car just shut down. While drive there was a sluggish feel in the car engine. The battery in the car is good. There power everywhere in car except for the engine. The engine shutdown with no warning lights or signals at all. Had the car towed back to Family Hyundai Dealer in Tinley Park Illinois on Friday 9/19/22. Received no results as of yet from the service department. Still waiting on results of why the engine shutdown suddenly.
RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER DOOR LATCH BROKE. PIN HOLDING TWO COMPONENTS OF LATCH FAILED RESULTING IN INABILITY TO CLOSE DOOR COMPLETELY. BLACK PLASTIC OR OTHER PROTECTIVE MATERIAL COVERING LATCH ASSEMBLY DISINTEGRATED WITH APPARENT WEAR, EXPOSING PIN WHICH HOLDS TWO COMPONENTS OF LATCHING/LOCKING MECHANISM AS SHOWN IN ATTACHED PHOTOS. REPLACED PART WHICH REQUIRED REMOVAL OF INNER DOOR PANEL. NOW DRIVER'S DOOR BEGINNING TO MAKE SAME ABNORMAL SOUND AT CLOSING AS WELL AS RIGHT REAR PASSENGER DOOR.
My abs, traction control lights came on meaning the abs system is rendered inoperable. Hyundai has a campaign (949) for the same make and model as my SUV but my VIN isn’t included in that campaign. The SUV has 70,000 miles on it.
August 2020 , dealership repairs under under warranty 'Steering coupler' . Wheeling when engine on making 'Clunky' sound, and vibrations . Hyundai has current Recalls on other makes and models of their line, but not 2013's , or my year AND model This is a Safety issue. Please advise Hyundai to extend and issue a Recall The dealerships wants hundreds of dollars to repair.
While driving vehicle on freeway car stalled and would not accelerate. Car was then pulled over to side of road .Turned vehicle off now it will not turn back on . This almost cause accident on freeway .
My car shut completely off while turning at the traffic light.
The light will indicate that the driver door is opened when it is closed. Which is causing the alarm to go off randomly and it’s draining my battery completely. I just bought a new battery in June 2022 and when I went to start my car today it wouldn’t start. Something is not connected properly but I don’t know what it is.
While driving for approximately 4 hours I heard a loud pop and the car shut off with no warning. Smoke began to come from under the hood and as I opened the hood you can see a small fire coming from underneath the engine. Luckily I was able to put out the fire and had the car towed to a mechanic who informed me that I had a hole in my engine block. Had vehicle towed to dealership and contacted Hyundai about issue. I’m told their was a recall but I never received notice. There’s a case being investigated by Hyundai but as of now no details. Vehicle remains at dealership until further notice.
* Vehicle started blowing smoke out of the tailpipe, was losing power and began to stall out, the vehicle is available for inspection and is located at my local dealership * Vehicle began to lose power and started stalling out as I was driving which could have caused an accident * The problem was reproduced by both an independent service center and the Hyundai dealership; both indicated the engine needs to be replaced * Vehicle has been inspected and tested by an independent service center and the Hyundai dealership; both indicated the engine needs to be replaced * There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the problem occurring * There is a safety recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V-226) for this very issue * The dealership claims they ran the diagnostics and the vehicle is considered to be operating at a functional level and is outside of the parameters set by Hyundai for an engine replacement even though they agreed the vehicle can not be driven in its current condition and that the engine needs to be replaced * Hyundai is refusing to replace the engine * It is questionable as to whether or not the dealership conducted a proper inspection according to Hyundai's "Recall 162 Dealer Best Practices Guide" (which required testing to be conducted and results to be uploaded to HMA via utilization of the GDS mobile tablet) and Technical Service Bulleting (TSB) #17-01-047 for this recall which was published on 6/23/17 as they are is unwilling or unable to supply any testing results or parameters and did not replace the dipstick, oil or oil filter as the recall service requires *Vehicle has been at the dealership since it was towed there on 8/11/22 and we have not had use of it since 7/18/22
This car has 81K miles on it and the engine started knocking, no engine light nor oil light came on. The car stalled a couple of times at a red light. I dropped the car off at my local repair shop and they said it had very little oil in it and advised me to take it to a Hyundai dealer. I have video of the dash showing no lights ever came on. The dealership confirmed it had very little oil in it and no dash lights were on and advised me to call Hyundai to see about getting a replacement motor. I had the oil changed at the dealership and drove the car home. The engine was still knocking very badly and the engine ended up seizing up and the car shut down and isn't working now. I'm waiting on Hyundai to call me back. This is evidently a known problem with these cars/engines and they've had numerous class action lawsuits but haven't done an official recall. This is unacceptable. I realize the government has fined them as well but more needs to be done.
I bought the vehicle 2 months ago, and 2 weeks ago, I noticed the car was shaking when I applied the brakes. The engine light came on and I took it to the shop, and was told I needed a new engine.
A knocking noise from the engine that increases in frequency as the engine rpm increases. Reduced power and/or hesitation and vibration. Illumination of the “check engine” light in the instrument cluster. Illumination of the “engine oil pressure” warning lamp.
The engine light came on, a loud sound is coming from the engine. I took my car to the mechanic and they mentioned there are metal shaving in the oil from the engine. I know of one other person who has the same issue and numerous others on google with the problem.
my car is burning oil i change the oil often and after a oil change it burns about 1 to 2 quarts every 2000 miles. at 108,000 mile i had a tune up plugs coil packs and fuel injectors my car was putting a code for misfire in 3 and it was cleared after the tune up. then 4 weeks later #4 was misfiring the car is burning more oil and smoking and the knocking and ticking nosie is coming from the car the car doesnt want to start and it vibrates. if you goto drive it feels terrible and unsafe the engine light is on steady i called the hyundai dealer they said there was a engine recall on certian motels my car is in that recall. i have no use of my car and the engine needs to be replaced and the dealer said they have to try to appove it. im out the use of my only car and still have payments to make on it and insurence i have no public transportation in the poconos and im stuck no help from the 3 dealers no loaner car avaible even after the manufacture said they should supply a loaner car. no one is helpng me expidite this issue they are selling cars with dangours engines risking being stuck and blowing up the motor. numoruos people have been gong to the local news channels for help and some are waiting months to get approved for new engines i need my car im spending 400.00 per month for a car i can't use.
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power, with the check engine warning light illuminated. As the contact continued driving, he began to hear an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. The contact pulled over and discovered that there was no oil in the engine. The contact added oil to the engine however, the knocking sound persisted. The contact towed the vehicle to his home where his brother inspected the vehicle and diagnosed the vehicle with a defective timing chain. The contact then had the vehicle towed to a dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective rod bearing. The contact was then given an estimate for the replacement of the engine. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a complaint was filed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 141,000.
While driving abs light, stability control light, and hill decent light came on. ABS and stability control are important safety features to prevent loss off control and potential collisions. Seems to be a common problem for hyundai.
2013 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO ENGINE ISSUES. THE CONSUMER STATED THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AFTER HAVING BEEN REPLACED UNDER RECALL. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY, BUT THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE ENGINE SHOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED.
Every time u start my car if knocks don’t matter if the engine is hot or cold and even after u change the oil
When driving on a main highway at about 65 MPH, my engine started to make a weird ticking sound and my car was slowing down. I was able to cross 3 lanes of traffic to an exit and stop at a gas station. There were no warning lights on initially but after a few minutes, a solid engine light came on and stayed on. Prior to this incident, there were no warning lights for my engine, oil, battery, etc. When getting to a repair shop, they told me the engine had seized and my battery was dead. They said there may be a recall but after calling Hyundai, they said there was no recall on my specific car, although it seems like many people with my type of engine have had the exact problem.
The vehicle is equipped with a Theta II engine. After several months of oil consumption tests Colonial Hyundai in Downingtown PA changed the motor but not the spark plugs. Vehicle became disabled while driving with a clogged catalytic converter which an independent mechanic said was clogged with burnt oil. Hyundai dealership contends excessive oil consumption has negative impact on catalytic converter. This seems to be a performance and possible safety issue for vehicles which were subjected to running while consuming excessive oil.
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the rear driver’s side door would not open from inside or outside the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 118,000.
The vehicle started to stall and smoke started to come from the engine compartment. People started yelling the vehicle was fire. Vehicle stopped in the road and burst into flames. Fire department and police were called to scene. Vehicle was a total loss.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026