2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport: sudden loss of power

Filed Jul 13, 2026 · Engine · TX

Vehicle is a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport with the 2.4L Theta II GDI engine. A Hyundai dealer documented excessive oil consumption in December 2025 (3 quarts consumed over 1,703 miles during a dealer-administered oil consumption test; repair orders on file and available for inspection). On April 19, 2026, at 160,913 miles, following a highway drive, the engine developed a pronounced knock and vibration at low RPM and began stalling within seconds of idling in Park, with check engine and charging warning lamps illuminated. An engine that stalls at idle presents a safety hazard in traffic due to loss of power braking and steering assist. The vehicle was removed from service the same day, has not been driven since, and remains available for inspection. Knock Sensor Detection System software (Campaign 953) was installed and did not prevent the failure. Manufacturer has been notified in writing and consumer affairs cases are on file.

Filed Jun 29, 2026 · Engine · GA

Issue was first identified in September 2024 when a rattling noise prompted inspection, and the engine was found to be significantly low on oil. Excessive engine oil consumption was confirmed with failure during manufacturer testing. Vehicle emits occasional burning oil smell when idling after 10 miles+ driving. Vehicle failed a 1,000-mile oil consumption test following a “Dynamic Engine Clean” performed by a certified independent mechanic, with documented oil loss of approximately 2 quarts. Vehicle subsequently failed a dealer-administered oil consumption test, with documented oil loss of approximately 2.3 quarts within 1,000 miles. Engine oil levels have dropped to critically low levels between checks despite active monitoring and maintenance. This condition presents a risk of engine seizure, sudden loss of power while driving, and potential engine compartment fire due to oil consumption or leakage. The issue has been reproduced and documented by both an independent mechanic and a Hyundai dealership. Despite confirmed excessive oil consumption, the manufacturer has delayed corrective action and has required repeated oil consumption testing and engine cleaning procedures rather than proceeding with repair. This condition appears consistent with known defects associated with Hyundai Theta II engines.

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 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 Jul 30, 2025 · Engine · MD

While driving, my 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe suddenly began losing acceleration without warning. No check engine lights were on at the time. The RPMs surged to 5,000–6,000, but the vehicle failed to gain speed. Moments later, the car lost all power completely. The red engine warning light and battery light illuminated on the dashboard, and the vehicle became unresponsive and would not restart. I had the vehicle towed to a certified Hyundai dealership, where a diagnostic inspection confirmed a rod bearing failure — a well-documented issue associated with the Theta II engine. The dealership initially stated this type of failure should fall under Hyundai’s extended warranty related to the class action lawsuit regarding defective Theta II engines. I purchased the vehicle used in 2020 and have kept detailed maintenance records for every year of ownership, all of which I submitted to Hyundai in support of my engine replacement claim. Despite this, Hyundai denied coverage and declined to replace the engine. This type of sudden engine failure, without any prior warning indicators, is extremely dangerous and appears consistent with the known defects in Theta II engines previously investigated by the federal safety agency. I’m filing this complaint in the interest of safety, transparency, and accountability, especially as other drivers may be exposed to similar risks. I respectfully urge the federal safety agency to review this incident as part of its ongoing oversight of Hyundai’s Theta II engine defects and consider re-opening or expanding its investigation into these failures. I also request that the federal safety agency encourage Hyundai to reconsider its decision to deny my engine replacement claim, especially given the safety-critical nature of the failure and my full compliance with maintenance expectations.

Filed May 19, 2025 · Engine · CA

While driving at highway speeds (approximately 70 mph), my 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport suddenly lost power and began shaking violently. I was forced to quickly maneuver across multiple lanes of traffic to exit the freeway and avoid a potential collision. The vehicle became barely drivable and extremely unsafe, especially at high speed. Hyundai later diagnosed the issue as a complete engine failure due to zero compression in cylinder 2. This catastrophic failure happened without warning lights, abnormal noises, or prior symptoms, making it a severe and unexpected safety hazard. Had this occurred while merging, on a curve, or in heavy traffic, it could have easily led to an accident, injuries, or worse. This type of failure — sudden loss of propulsion at freeway speed — puts both the driver and others on the road at serious risk. I am submitting this report because I believe this engine failure reflects a critical mechanical defect that warrants investigation.

Filed Dec 4, 2019 · Electrical, Engine · 23,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 hyundai santa fe sport. While driving 50 MPH, the vehicle jerked, lost power, and accelerated without warning. The contact veered to the shoulder of the road, turned off the vehicle, and waited for a few minutes. The vehicle was restarted and failed to resume normal operation. The vehicle was towed by roadside assistance to hyundai of long island city (34-54 44th st, long island city, ny, (718) 819-6160) where it was diagnosed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred multiple times. The contact mentioned that the battery was replaced two additional times. The manufacturer was contacted and did not assist. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000. The VIN was unknown.

Filed Nov 29, 2019 · Engine · 127,000 miles · CO

While driving 55 MPH up a small incline my vehicle seemed to lose power. Since that moment the vehicle would not accelerate over 10 MPH. I was able to make it home while at idle speed. The dealership now believes the engine has failed and will know more after full investigation. The engine was replaced on previous recall and the 'new' engine is experiencing failure reported before a recall was ever issued. Seems to be a larger issue here and the manufacturer still not being held responsible nor are they accepting responsibility. The reviews on similar experiences make it hard to believe the issue was ever addressed and the manufacturer continues to put individuals and families lives in danger.

Filed Oct 2, 2018 · Electrical, Engine · 94,000 miles · CO · fire

On july 26, 2018 vehicle lost all power and engine began smoking and emitting flames. Car was in motion at approximately 70 mps in the middle of a tunnel on colorado interstate 70 with no pull off space. Cars behind reported flames from under the vehicle. We were able to exit without being harmed but inhaled horrible smelling fumes. Fire department personnel disconnect the battery to keep the engine from continuing to flame and smoke. Towed off interstate to safe area where they continued to monitor vehicle for continuing smoking and flaming.

Filed Jun 20, 2018 · Engine · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 hyundai santa fe sport. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a complete loss of power without warning. The vehicle was towed to hyundai of somerset (5090 hwy 27, somerset, ky) where it was confirmed that the failure was attributed to the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v226000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified and unable to confirm when the parts were to become available. The failure mileage 89,000.

Filed Jun 2, 2018 · Engine · 68,000 miles · CA

Purchased 2013 santa fe sport in jan 2018, with 60k miles. 7k miles added, to date. May 2018, drove through a car wash, water entered the cab through a seal above the dashboard. Hyundai service investigated, replaced moon roof seal, and then reported that the moon roof seal was not the cause, further investigation needed, at a cost, to us, of $400. We respectfully declined. Water entering the vehicle, during a heavy rain, could prove to be very dangerous. 6/02/18, merged onto highway, speed of 75 MPH, 9:45 am, clear skies, fairly moderate traffic. Without warning, engine lost all power, attempted to accelerate, negative results, non-responsive. Vehicle began to slow, turned hazard warning lights on, and coasted to the next exit. There were approximately 4 cars behind me when I lost engine power. Fortunately, I was able to safely exit, the freeway, and coast downhill, to a nearby chevron station, without causing a major accident. (would my wife or children have been as fortunate?) turned the vehicle off and then on again. The vehicle had electrical power and initiated a self check, results unknown. The check engine warning light/battery light/oil light were all visible on the dash board. While the vehicle was performing a self diagnostic test...a cloud of smoke/burning smell emitted from the AC vent located near the radio. Vehicle was towed to the hyundai dealer, where purchased. A diagnostic check and visual inspection revealed that the engine had seized and was related to previous engine recall. Problem: machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine, this could result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix: dealers will inspect the engine and replace the engine short block, as necessary, for free. Dangerous, busy highways, high speed.... Fatalities probable.

Filed Feb 26, 2018 · Engine · 9,000 miles · PR

The dealer didn't notify me about the recall #162. It turned on the engine light a lot of time and loss power when I'm driving.