2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport: engine failure

Filed Nov 1, 2026 · Engine · WA

While driving my engine seized up and my car completely stopped. I was luckily able to coast it to the side of the highway without getting into an accident. I had it towed to Go Hyundai in [XXX]. The did the diagnostic, found it was covered by the recall and allegedly ordered the engine. The engine is apparently on back order and has to come from [XXX]. They are dragging their feet in providing me with alternative transportation. Because I don't have a credit card I'm not able to use their loaner vehicles or rent a car myself from a car rental company. I am having to pay every day to go to and from work in Ubers. I can't continue to afford this and Go Hyundai is acting like it's MY problem the engine failed. Hyundai has been contacted directly but there doesn't seem to be much they can or will do either. I'm running out of money and without a vehicle I can't get to work. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 10, 2026 · Engine · 136,434 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that after a routine oil change, while driving back to the residence, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there were metal shavings inside the engine. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the vehicle was not eligible for a recall repair because the engine software update was not performed. The failure mileage was approximately 136,434.

Filed Jul 30, 2026 · Engine · WV

My 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is subject to Hyundai Recall 162 / the federal safety agency Recall 17V‑226, concerning premature connecting-rod-bearing wear that can cause engine knocking, engine failure, and loss of motive power. My vehicle developed engine knocking and a flashing check-engine light while I was driving. The vehicle is now at an authorized Hyundai dealership. Hyundai initially denied an engine replacement based on mileage. I escalated the matter to Hyundai Motor America Corporate Consumer Affairs. Hyundai has now confirmed in writing that, because my vehicle is more than eight years old and has more than 150,000 miles, Hyundai is applying the high-mileage provision of the Theta II settlement and will not replace the engine. Instead, Hyundai is offering either a repurchase or $2,000 in lieu of engine replacement. I understand that Hyundai is relying on the court-approved settlement. My concern is specifically whether Hyundai’s application of that settlement to my vehicle is consistent with the administration of Recall 162 and the federal safety-recall remedy, given that my vehicle is experiencing the engine failure that Recall 162 was designed to address. I am requesting the federal safety agency’s review of Hyundai’s handling of this safety-related recall matter.

Filed May 28, 2026 · Engine · NY

I noticed a Check Engine Light flashing on my dashboard while driving on May 27, 2026. The vehicle suddenly losing power is extremely unsafe for me and my family, and also others on the road. This is a repeated P1326 code which happened before in 2021 and 2024. Based on the receipts I have from the previous inspections from the dealer, the Bearing Clearance Test (BCT) was not done in 2024, but was performed in 2021. The knock sensor was replaced in 2024 and I was denied engine replacement. This is a repeat failure of the same condition under Hyundai Motors TSB T3G Theta II. Once again, my safety was at extreme risk as the engine lost its power suddenly. It could have easily lead to a crash. In 2024, Hyundai and the dealer declined an engine replacement despite me showing the safety concerns and my possible eligibility for an engine replacement for the underlying condition.

Filed Apr 29, 2026 · Engine · CA

I am reporting a serious safety defect involving my 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport equipped with a Theta II engine While driving and exiting the freeway with my wife as a passenger, the engine suddenly failed after knocking symptoms and completely seized/locked while the vehicle was still in motion. The vehicle immediately lost motive power and came to a stop, creating an immediate and dangerous traffic safety hazard. Had this engine seizure occurred moments earlier while traveling at freeway speed, it could have caused a catastrophic accident involving serious injury or death. The Hyundai dealership diagnosed the vehicle with rod bearing failure, which is the known defect associated with Hyundai Theta II engine failures. My VIN falls under the Theta II extended engine warranty program, and the dealership confirmed eligibility and accepted the vehicle for inspection under that coverage. Despite this, Hyundai denied the repair claim, first alleging maintenance-related issues and later stating the vehicle was out of warranty. I maintain that the vehicle was properly maintained with oil changes performed approximately every 6,000/8,000 miles. Some calendar-time gaps occurred because the vehicle was stored and driven very little during my recovery from a personal injury surgery and recovery, but the vehicle was maintained on mileage intervals. This engine defect resulted in sudden engine seizure and total loss of motive power while driving, creating a serious safety risk to vehicle occupants and surrounding motorists. I am reporting this defect so it can be documented and investigated.

Filed Apr 10, 2026 · Engine · IL

On [XXX] while entering the parking lot of my office, I noticed a blinking check engine light on the car's dashboard. I've never experienced this before so I called my husband. He asked me to use a diagnositic tool he kept in the car. I did and there was a code "P1326" when I pressed the key for more information it said something about the manufacturer. My husband told me to call the nearest dealer. I called Castle Hyundai in Downers Grove. I was instructed not to drive the care and have it towed to the dealership as soon as possible which I did. Castle Hyundai verified the P1326 code and fixed the knock sensor, changed the oil. I picked the car up on March 13. On [XXX], the flashing check engine light returned while driving home from work. Again, we used the diagnostic tool and again the code P1326 appeared. The car was towed back to Castle Hyundai. On Monday, I spoke with Christain Jones the service director because I hadn't heard anything about the car. He called later in the day and said that the car needed a new engine. He asked for records of my oil changes since purchasing the car in 2021. I emailed him three from 2022, 2023 and 2024, the four change was done by Castle on March 12 2026. I was told that he would send the the information to Hyundai regarding a new engine. However, he stated that he was not confident the company would approve the claim. This after, I received an email from Eric Marcum with Castle. The email stated that Hyundai denied the engine replacement due to "lack of maintenance". He wanted to know if we wanted an estimate on replacement of the engine. I responsed that I needed Hyundai's rejection in writing and I also wanted an estimate of the replacement. I attempted to contact Hyundai's Customer Care, however, their offices were closed until Monday. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 28, 2026 · Engine · 200,000 miles · KY

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was then 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 and a case was filed. The contact stated that the repair coverage was denied because of the maintenance record of the previous owner of the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Filed Jan 2, 2026 · Engine · LA

The knock sensor recall was done. Currently engine started knocking and became undrivable. This vehicle qualifies for the Hyundai engine replacement recall, but they denied my claim

Filed Nov 24, 2025 · Engine · OH

The engine in my 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.0T shut off suddenly while driving and would not restart. The dealership confirmed the engine is seized, has bottom-end knocking, and FAILED the BCT (bearing clearance test). Hyundai denied assistance claiming ‘maintenance neglect,’ but the mechanical failure is consistent with known Hyundai GDI engine defects. This presents a serious safety hazard because the vehicle lost power unexpectedly while in motion and could have caused a crash.

Filed Sep 18, 2025 · Engine · KS

The engine shut down into Limp mode. I was on the interstate and this caused me to slow down and cause traffic problems. Yes, I have taken my car to McCarthy Olathe Hyundai and was told there was a recall for Knocking and would not be fixed because I needed a new engine. My engine light came on and the car slowed down. As soon as this happened I took the car to the dealership to be fixed. I did not drive the car anymore.

Filed Sep 5, 2025 · Engine · CA

Check engine light came on at 100,400 mile while on the freeway and car went into limp mode. Mechanic found P1326 code and the engine knocking. Tried to drive it to the dealership and the engine seized up. Towed it to the dealership and waiting to hear if Hyundai will pay for a new engine under their extended warranty campaign.

Filed Aug 18, 2025 · Engine · NY

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.4L GDI engine failure due to known Theta II defect. Engine developed severe knocking and is unsafe to operate. The vehicle has experienced engine failure consistent with Hyundai’s recalled Theta II GDI defect (metal debris and bearing wear). Hyundai has refused to replace the engine, citing incomplete oil change records from a prior owner. This denial is unreasonable, as the defect is a manufacturer issue, not ordinary wear or maintenance neglect. The vehicle is unsafe to drive and at risk of stalling/fire. I request the federal safety agency investigate Hyundai’s refusal to honor its recall and extended warranty obligations.