My wife and I bought a used 2013 santa fe sport last summer with around 79,000 miles on it. Before we bought the car, we searched for recalls and found that certain 2013-2014 hyundai and kia models were affected by engine seizure due to improper machining. This being said, the vehicle we bought was supposedly out of the VIN range of affected vehicles. Well guess what?!! Less than a year after buying this vehicle, the engine seized with my wife driving up a hill on a busy highway. There is absolutely no excuse for a car that has been meticulously maintained to have catastrophic engine failure with less than 100k miles on it. This needs to be looked into! Engine failure obviously extends to wider range of vehicles than the recall covers. We are some very unhappy customers. Please look into this.
2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport engine complaints
Page 4 of 5: complaints 71 to 100 of 121, newest first, as owners wrote them.
So I live in sunny ca. I have a 2013 santa fe sport 2.0t. The ecu relash recall was done three weeks ago and to be honest the car drove great before it was done. Flash forward to feb 18, 2019. I was returning from a vacation and the ecu recall kicked in. The speed of the vehicle dropped to 60mph. This wouldve been ok in a 55 MPH area but all vehicles around me were traveling around 75mph or more. This became a scary scenario as I had to maneuver around two big rigs and cars to get off the freeway. Just so you know the acclerater didnt work only the breaks. I had my wife and kid in the car. This was terrifying. Once I pulled off the road I heard metal on metal clunking sounds. I had to get towed 56 miles to a hyundai dealership. Two days later hyundai called me...the engine was blown. Full engine replacement currently under way. I just wanted to share my scary story.
While driving straight down a busy city street at about 35 MPH, the engine stopped and the car shut off without warning. I was nearly hit by a passing car when I stepped out of the vehicle. It would not start again. I was towed to the local hyundai dealer who said the engine needed to be replaced. They also said it is still under warranty with just 40,000 miles, but that hyundai may not cover the replacement/repair. The authorized dealer was required to send a detailed description and photographs to hyundai for them to determine if they would honor the warranty or not. I did receive an engine recall notice and had it inspected. I'm baffled as to why hyundai may not pay for it.
Tl* the contact owned a 2013 hyundai santa fe sport. While driving approximately 65 MPH, a loud popping noise suddenly occurred and smoke was seen coming from the hood of the vehicle. After lifting the hood, flames were seen coming from the engine. The fire department was called and extinguished the flames. Police and fire reports were filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed away. The cause of the failure was not determined. Drive time (400 north arizona ave, chandler, az) and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Exited interstate and since it was a cool evening, I turned the A/C off and put window down. When accelerating from the light at the highway interchange, heard a loud knocking sound coming from under the hood. Pulled into parking lot and opened hood. Knocking became very loud under acceleration and deceleration. Having vehicle taken to dealer asap.
Accelerating from 0 to 50 miles per hour onto route 50 ( major highway), going west bound, the card shut off completely. The vehicle was in motion, pressure was applied to the accelerator and the car shut off. I had to pull off the road to safely. I believe the issue was caused when I tried to accelerate. The car reacted to acceleration and started to go, but then froze up, and died. I call a dealer in preston, md and they said if might be a recall issue. Got the car towed to them for analysis. After speaking with the dealer today, the 22nd, they said it appears it is an engine replacement. They are reaching out to hyundai for assistance.
My husband was driving and car shut off on him, while in motion, and wasnt able to be restarted. It had to be towed to an auto shop where they told us the engine needs to be replaced. No warning light ever came on to indicate engine problems.
2013 hyundai santa fe sport caught fire on 11/20/2018 on rt81n harrisburg, pa. Towed to faulkner hyundai who says it could take up to 2 months for a hyundai engineer to get out to assess the problem. Can't understand why a known problem has not created a recall?? They are jeopardizing customers lives. We were driving when we heard noise, pulled off and saw smoke coming out. My husband used water to put it out.
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!
Engine wears and seizes (17v226000); engine seized going almost over 85 MPH on the I 75 in atlanta.
I was driving northbound on a freeway to pick up my 3 year old daughter. My car engine completely died/stalled while driving 65mph. As soon as I tried to get into the emergency lane, I noticed smoke coming from the engine. I grabbed my purse which was on the passenger seat next to me, and I exited the vehicle immediately . As soon as I exited the vehicle, the entire engine and front of my car was in flames. The fireman arrived on the scene within 5-10 minutes, but by the time they had gotten the fire out, my entire car was totaled. I had a recall on my car for possible engine failure while driving a year ago, I took my car into sacramento hyundai where they told me they had fixed it, along with multiple other recalls on my vehicle that I was unaware of. Now, a year later after hyundai said they fixed my recalls, my car stalled while driving, but this time the entire engine caught fire with it, and the entire car is totaled. It was the scariest, most traumatic experience I've ever been through. If I did not exit the vehicle immediately, I might not have made it out safely.
On october 7th 2018 while driving at highway speed on a four lane highway my hyundai santa fe sport turbo began to make noises in the engine (no warning lights came on) then suddenly there was a popping sound coming from the engine compartment, the check engine light came on and the car completely shut off. I coasted to the shoulder and found smoke coming out from under the hood. When I opened the hood I found the whole engine compartment fully engulfed in flames. The car completely burned out while awaiting the fire department.
I purchased my vehicle brand new and have had problems randomly with the vehicle stalling or turning off while at a light or going slow. I have to restart vehicle and when I do it's like it can not accelerate and it vibrates or is bumpy. I feel at danger never knowing when this can happen luckily I have not been smashed into yet thank god considering I have small children. I have brought this concern and have had my vehicle looked at by the hyundai dealer and they say nothing is wrong. I am very upset with the problem and hyundai not doing anything about it except offering me a free appraisal for a turn in:-( this is horrible customer service I will never buy a hyundai again and will advise family, friends and coworkers of this problem.
While driving myself and my 3 year old son on the freeway headed to drop him off at the sitter prior to going to work I let off my gas while driving a good 65mph and my car continued to drive while my foot was not on the pedal to accelerate not only was my car driving on its own as if it were in cruse control but my check engine light went at the same time this was occurring. Right away I thought it was the transmission (I had a 2000 hyundai elantra with transmission issues previously) however I then remembered there was a recall from last year regarding the engine what they called ?engine seizures? In which hyundai did not have a ?remedy? For at that time (reference#: 10312381 dated 6/9/17) was my initial case to hyundai so I?ve now contacted the manufacturer again this morning (ref# 11650656 10/3/2108) and I?ve scheduled an appointment with hyundai service department @ 8:45am tracy ca for 10/4/2018 for them to hopefully have a ?remedy? That could potentially save lives. My car has 56k miles and my warranty is up at 60k miles. I am fearful for others as well as parent and concerned financially for what?s to possibly come if I don?t recieve the adequate assistance. Please help -[xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).'
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.
To whom it may concern, two weeks ago my 2013 hyundai santafe sport turbo (which I purchased new in 2013) experienced an engine stall as I was driving on the freeway. I was able to coast to the side of the road and then experienced an engine fire that has caused extensive damage. The fire was extinguished as quickly as possible, but not before extensive damage had been caused. I had my car towed to my local auto shop and they have quoted the damage in excess of $2,000 and indicated that they believed the fire was due to a short in the electrical system. Upon doing some quick research on the internet, it seems that my experience is not uncommon. I see that an official investigation was opened in july 2018, yet there has not been a recall yet. If a recall had been issued, I would not have experienced this loss. Please let me know what course of action I should be taking. Thank you for your assistance.
Going approximately 70 miles an hour on the highway and the car just shuts down. After coasting to the side of the road I tried to restart the car to which it turned over but was knocking so I immediately shut down the car and called a towing company but I was 300 miles away from home on the highway when the incident occured. After getting the vehicle home and taking it to the hyundai dealership I was told that it fit the criteria of a recall 17v226000 the federal safety agency however if there was any sign of sludge in the motor during inspection they would not replace or fix the issue. I was also told the only fix they offered for the recall was to change the oil and filters if the car wasnt experiencing the knocking noise. I just had my car oil changed and filter changed 2 months before the incident and have traveled less than 1500 miles. The car currently has 90600k miles.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 hyundai santa fe sport. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the contact heard a noise coming from the engine compartment and the engine seized. The vehicle was towed to westside hyundai (904‑384‑0050, located at 1672 cassat ave, jacksonville, fl 32210) where it was diagnosed that the engine seized; however, the technician was unable to explain the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 75,500.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 hyundai santa fe sport. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle shut off and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road and towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was later towed to larson hyundai (7601 s tacoma way, tacoma, wa 98409, 253‑474‑0621) where the technician stated that a diagnostic test would be done and the results would be sent to the manufacturer for advice. The contact made the manufacturer aware of the failure and stated that the dealer did not properly handle the recall repair for the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v226000 (engine and engine cooling) last december. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 103,176.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 hyundai santa fe sport. While driving 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the battery and oil indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who stated that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 133,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 hyundai santa fe sport. While driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Kolar hyundai (4766 miller trunk hwy, hermantown, mn 55811, (218) 733-0200) and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 116,000.
Driving down the highway at 70 MPH the car stalled and then turned off completely. No power brakes, no power steering. Luckily I was driving and was able to coast of the road and down a ramp. Car failed to re-start or turn over. We were stuck on the side of the road for 3 hours in 100 degree heat waiting for help. I will never buy another hyundai. The federal safety agency please do something about these faulty motors...someone will get killed if they have not already been. Hyundai looked at the car and said they will replace the motor under warranty.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 hyundai santa fe sport. The contact received notification of 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 hyundai dealer (kerry hyundai, 6149 hopeful church rd, florence, ky 41042, 888‑904‑1382) was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and was not able to confirm when the parts were to become available. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Suv stalled out on expressway at 50mph. The engine made a loud tapping noise then engline and oil light appeared on dashboard. I coasted down the exit ramp nearly being hit by merging traffic. The brakes became hard and costed to stop sign. I was able to get to next block to my home by placing car in park and restarting . The engine at this point sounds like a woodpecker tapping on wood. My vehicle has been towed to dealership and awaiting warranty repair.authorization. This event mirror the recall issued by hyundai and the federal safety agency#17v‑226. I took the car in for this recall and was told 30min later that my engine was affected. I found out that they should have taken my crankcase off not just do an oil change. I am still waiting on world hyundai to inspect my vehicle.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 hyundai santa fe sport. While at a stop sign, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate beyond 20 MPH. The battery and check engine warning indicators illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and it was diagnosed that the engine seized and needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 hyundai santa fe sport. While driving 25 MPH, an abnormal noise was heard coming from the engine. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to a parking lot. The contact turned off the engine, inspected the vehicle, and was unable to restart the engine. The vehicle was towed to nemet motors used cars (150-02 hillside avenue, jamaica, ny 11432, (718) 291-6900), but was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 32,512.
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 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle and had it towed to allen hyundai (28432 camino capistrano, laguna niguel, ca 92677, (949) 485-3700) to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the vehicle experienced a catastrophic engine failure due to the valves. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,690.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history