2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Powertrain & Transmission Problems

Please see attached document for detailed description of a Hyundai dealership refusing to fix a hazardous to drive 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe.

Dealership verified several months ago that vehicle engine is burning oil (was initially informed of this issue about 6 months prior from a quick oil change business). In spite of documented evidence of oil changes every 3,000--5,000 miles since purchasing the new vehicle, claim filed with Hyundai for a new engine was denied (engine is 1 year past warranty). On 11/11/23, engine catastrophically failed traveling 70 mph on the interstate (loud "bang" from engine compartment followed by inability to accelerate; created hazard due to density of traffic and vehicle location in the passing lane). Was able to get vehicle to shoulder without incident. Check engine light was blinking. Had vehicle towed to Hyundai of Cookeville, TN. Since then, have struggled to get dealership to determine precise cause of engine failure. (Engine is available for inspection upon request.)

While driving on the interstate the vehicle suddenly shuddered and immediately died, dash lights were still on but all power was cut off. Cars around me were swerving to avoid hitting me from behind as well as avoiding cars in the inside lane. Thankfully able to coast to the narrow edge of the road without a grave incident. Restarted the car with a terrible metallic screetching noise and limp along the side of the interstate to the nearest off ramp.

I was driving down the highway when the car suddenly just jolted stalled and misfired. I put on my hazards and jerked to get a read since the engine light came on. After 4 diagnostic tests and 3 different mechanics the codes read misfire in cylinder 2. Spark plugs were installed new, but after further inspection and 3 pressure tests the problem was scoring to the cylinder wall, not the cylinder coil itself. The final test was by a Hyundai dealer, but he did not tear down the engine further to find exact cause. He initially suggested an oil change, but I have been getting oil changes every month before service is due as oil is burning off and not lubricating essential mechanical parts. I have records of monthly changes. I also had several issues with brake fluid leaks regardless of tube installation per another recall for ABS system. I visited dealer under the advise of Hyundai customer service telling me I was under an extended warranty up to 150,000. After visiting dealer I was told the warranty does not cover my power train issue but only pertaining to rods and bearings. However, according to best practice guide 162 and class action I am still eligible for free inspection as a returning customer which was denied. I had no notice or knowledge of a bad engine when purchasing vehicle. I was told of ABS system recall and a no cost inspection. The previous owner serviced the recall 162 so it’s showing as closed, but as a returning customer I believe it to still be active and deserves further review. A tow would be required to inspect the vehicle at any dealership or repair shop.

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 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 .

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.

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.

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 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.

My 2013 Santa Fe Sport 2.0t seized. After getting multiple inputs from Licensed Mechanics I was informed about a known recall for my vehicle with symptoms that aligned with the symptoms of my vehicle. That is also listed on the NHTSA re-call list. I contacted Hyundai shortly after that to make them aware of the issue; I got an appointment for an inspection on 04/05. I was informed that my vehicle would not be fixed under the recall because my car was out of warranty. They also stated that I was at fault for a lack of "service"; I am requesting that Hyundai replaces any and all parts necessary + labor considering the fact that this recall is known to cause pre-mature engine wear, engine friction and engine seizure. In addition to this, the dealership marked my vehicle engine re-call as "completed" on 04/05/22 per Hyundai website through running my vehicle in # see attached documents.

Car is consuming oil extensively between oil changes. Car was not accelerating properly and check engine went on. Car had very little oil and was not scheduled for an oil change for another 1k miles.

Motor blown rods are knocking and will seize up

FIRST WE HEARD WHAT WE THOUGHT WAS MAKING A BELT LOOSE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD IN OUR LOCAL AREA OF DENVER, THEN SUDDENLY ACCELERATION WAS NOT HAPPENING. GIVING IT GAS AND NOTHING. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. MADE IT HOME, THANK GOODNESS AS ACCELERATION WAS INTERMITTENT( AND NOTHING OVER 25MPH) BUT IMMEDIATELY HAD IT TOWED TO MECHANIC. MECHANIC FIXED ONE SENSOR AND MORE PROBLEMS AROSE. HE FELT IT SHOULD BE A WARRANTY ITEM BUT SURPRISINGLY ITS NOT. NOW HE THINKS THE RESOLVE WILL BE IN THE FORM OF REPLACING THE ENGINE AS HE'S RUN EVERY OTHER DIAGNOSTIC TEST HE COULD.

MY VEHICLE WAS IN THE SHOP REPAIRING A BLOWN ENGINE, WHICH FELL UNDER RECALL 162. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR REPAIR, THE ONLY INOPERABLE AND/OR PROBABLE ISSUE WAS THE ENGINE. WHILE BEING REPAIRED, THE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT RUST ON THE INPUT SPLINES BECAME LOOSE AND UPON RETURN TO ME, THE VEHICLE WOULD NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. IF THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT REPLACED, THE VEHICLE WILL NO LONGER HAVE AWD. RESEARCH ON YOUR WEBSITE SHOWS THAT RECALLS 112 (RELATED TO POWER TRAIN | CAMPAIGN #13V355000) AND 102 (RELATED TO SPLINES | NHTSA #11V261000), AS WELL AS CAMPAIGN #947 (RELATED TO RUST) ARE ALL RELATED TO THIS ISSUE. HOWEVER, ACCORDING TO MY VIN, THESE CAMPAIGNS/RECALLS ARE NOT INCLUDED. I AM SUBMITTING THIS REQUEST TO ASK THAT MY VEHICLE CONSIDER BEING INCLUDED IN THESE RECALLS/CAMPAIGNS.

FEELS LIKE THE ACCELERATION SLIPS & CAN QUIT SUPPLYING GAS TO ENGINE FOR FEW SECONDS, ENGINE IS KNOCKING, AND TURBO REVS BUT DOESN'T ENGAGE. CAR CAN LOSE POWER AT FULL SPEED RANDOMLY. BROUGHT TO MECHANIC AND THEY READ KNOCK SENSOR ISSUE, ECT NEEDS REPROGRAMMING, & ADD'L ISSUES SO RECOMMENDED I TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP SINCE IT MAY FALL UNDER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. NO RECALLS ON VIN. NEXT MORNING MECHANIC SAW FLASHING ENGINE LIGHT. I HAD IT TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. THEY TOLD ME IT NEEDED A CPU UPDATE / RESET & BATTERY (WHICH WAS RECENTLY TESTED AT MECHANICS TO SHOW GOOD). I PICKED IT UP & IT WAS STILL IN THE BAY. I DROVE IT ABOUT A QUARTER OF A MILE & HEARD RATTLING. ROADS AREN'T GREAT IN THE AREA SO THOUGHT I SHOULD GET IT ON THE MAIN ROAD. IMMEDIATE HAD SLIPPING WHEN ACCELERATING ONTO THE HIGHWAY. DROVE ABOUT HALF A MILE & IMMEDIATELY KNEW THE ENGINE WAS IN DISTRESS SO TURNED AROUND. GOT BACK TO DEALERSHIP, TURNED IT OFF. STAFF GOT IN THE CAR AT MY REQUEST OF A TEST DRIVE & CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON FLASHING. NO REPORT SINCE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON SERVICING HIS VEHICLE, HE DISCOVERED GREASE LEAKING FROM A STUB LOCATED BETWEEN THE RIGHT AXLE AND THE TRANSMISSION. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V355000 (POWER TRAIN) WHICH WAS LINKED TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT PERFORMED A VIN SEARCH WHICH SHOWED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED. THE CONTACT REACHED OUT TO THE MANUFACTURER WHO FIRST INFORMED HIM THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT THEN STATED THAT AFTER HE GAVE THE MANUFACTURER ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO COUGHLIN HYUNDAI (2300 HEBRON RD, HEATH, OH 43056) WHERE THE CONTACT PROVIDED THE DEALER WITH A CASE NUMBER FROM THE MANUFACTURER WHICH STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V355000 (POWER TRAIN). THE DEALER DISPUTED THE CLAIM AND CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER WHO THEN DENIED THE REPAIR FOR THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND REMAINED IN THE POSSESSION OF THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 103,000.

TRANSMISSION FAILURE WITH NO WARNING. NO PREVIOUS ISSUES. GOING UP HILL AT 40MPH TRANSMISSION SLIPPED AND JAMMED INTO GEAR SO HARD IT FELT LIKE I WAS REAR ENDED. I HAD IT TOWED TO A GARAGE. TRANSMISSION NEEDS REPLACED. *TR

AIR AND DEFROSTERS QUIT TURN ENGINE OFF RESTART AND IT WORKED.5 TIMES .THE ENGINE IS A 2013 2.0 TURBO SANTA FE USING OIL 2 QUARTS A WEEK, ENGINE IS MAKING A NOISE. ALSO, DEALER SAID THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING UNTIL IT GETS BAD? YOU MUST CHECK THE OIL ALL THE TIME..

MY CAR KEEPS TURNING ON AND OFF. AS OF RECENTLY THE LIGHTS CAME ON AND OFF INSIDE THE CAR( RADIO, LIGHTS, ) THEN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP BUT THE GAS WAS STILL ABLE TO BE USED. THE ABS , STEERING WHEEL , AND SUV INDICATORS WERE RED ON THE DASHBOARD