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.
2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport: excessive oil consumption
10 of the 204 complaints about the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport describe excessive oil consumption.
- owner complaints
- 10
- of this car's complaints
- 5%
- recalls
- 2
Excessive oil consumption by model year
What owners say
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.
I requested Engine oil consumption tests on November 12, 2020 and March 27,2021 at Vandergriff Huyndai, Arlington, Tx. Nothing was resolved,. I have been adding oil myself and getting oil changes regularly since. At 146,000 miles it's been worse. After just 2,000 miles after an oil change it was below low, my mechanic topped it off 3 weeks ago and I've had to add oil since. Took my car to Jerry's Huyndai, Weatherford, Texas on December 29,2025. Due to oil consumption, smoke, smell, and I'm wondering if the vibrating is from the engine or if I need new spark plugs. I was told that my valve cover gasket needs to be replaced. I feel like I'm still getting the run around and the car can't keep oil above low level. I've never seen oil under the car and when i took the car to Vandergriff in 2020 and 2021 they didn't see a leak they said. I also took my car in 8/21 and had the ABS repaired and as of recent its out again. I took my car into an independent mechanic shop today 1/2/2026 and he said he felt that the valve cover gasket is not the main problem he feels it would be a waste of money until the engine is replaced. I also heard a new noise today not knocking but tapping noise while driving. My car has hesitated recently, but Jerrys huyndai didnt have that happen while driving it. My car would be available for inspection any time requested. I am just concerned about the smoking if it will get worse, is there a risk of fire and I'm disabled, so I'm concerned if I will have a problem getting out of the car in time if that were to happen or if the car would stop in the middle of the street. This is my only car and I care for 2 sons that are disabled. I need a safe car. Also, the car manager Rachel at Jerry's Huyndai seemed focused that I would be charged 225.00 if it was not the rod bearings. It just seemed like she more focused on that instead of finding the problem. The only lights on is the ABS.
Engine burning oil quickly
Car has 88,000 miles on the odometer and is burning oil, resulting in the need for oil replenishment of 1 to 2 quarts every 1000 miles.
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer on several occasions for abnormal oil consumption and a burning odor on the exterior of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer where the PCV valve, valve cover gasket, sealant, drive belts, ribbed-V belt, RTV silicone gasket maker, turbo, and gasket engine oil plug were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
A recall was issued for this make and model for debris from the manufacturing operation that remained in the engine. The engine displayed the symptoms of this issue through a metallic knocking noise which increased as the RPM increased. The hyundai dealership in lincoln nebraska reviewed the vehicle and subsequently released the car back to me. Prior to this recall work at sid dillon, the vehicle did not consume oil. After the recall work the vehicle immediately started to consume oil at the rate of one quart every 500 to 600 miles . The sis dillion dealership in conjunction with hyundai refuses to address this issue. Additionally, the knocking noise from the engine continues to concern me relative to the engine locking up and creating a stall condition while still in motion.
2013 hyundai santa fe is eating over 1 quart of oil every thousand miles. Car has 150000 all highway miles. Pcv was replaced and did not remedy problem. Case worker was very rude and cut me off after they said they will do nothing to help me out. I drive 900 mile to take care of elderly father and no longer trust this car. I still owe money on it and don't know what to do. I'm sure this is one that has metal shavings in the engine.hyundai refused to even check it out. Shame on you hyundai!
My car started smoking when cranking it and burning oil like crazy. Now my car has a blown engine. I was never informed about the federal safety agency recall number17v226000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 hyundai santa fe sport. While driving 15 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning and would not restart when prompted. The vehicle was towed to tustin hyundai motors of tustin, california where the engine was replaced with a re-manufactured engine. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v226000 (engine and engine cooling). The dealer stated that the failure was directly related to the recall. Furthermore, the contact stated that there was an oil flow restriction, which caused high oil consumption, due to the premature bearing wear within the engine. After the initial repair, the contact heard a clacking noise coming from the engine on more than one occasion due to a lack of oil. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and stated that the re-manufactured engine would have to fail completely before authorization of a new engine would be approved. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Higher-than-expected engine oil consumption
- Higher-than-expected engine oil consumption
- This bulletin provides important checkpoint guidelines when performing engine oil and filter change services.
- Follow the guidelines outlined in
- Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326 and/or engine may exhibit abnormal noise or no...
- Applicable vehicles with 2.0L T-GDI and 2.4L GDI engines may experience the Check Engine warning lamp...
- The warranty coverage for engine long block repair or replacement regarding engine damage or malfunction...
- The warranty coverage for engine long block repair or replacement regarding engine damage or malfunction...
Related recalls
Engine
- What is wrong
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2013-2014 Santa Fe Sport vehicles previously repaired under recall numbers 15V‑568 and 17V‑226. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned, or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, allowing fuel to leak from the pipe.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 1, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1‑855‑371‑9460. Hyundai's recall number for this recall is 180.
Recall number 18V934000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: engine
- What is wrong
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Sonata and Santa Fe Sport vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
- Risk
- Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine, replacing the engine short block, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1‑800‑633‑5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 162.
Recall number 17V226000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport oil consumption
Is excessive oil consumption a common problem on the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?
10 of 204 owner complaints about the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport (5%) mention excessive oil consumption. The model year with the most reports is 2018.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?
There are 2 recalls and 39 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
Engine failure 48Check engine light 35Stalling 31Knocking 24ABS 19Loss of power 18Fire or smoke 13Fuel pump 7Door locks 6Jerking 6Won't shift 5Sunroof shattered 5
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