2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport: engine knocking or ticking

Filed Nov 2, 2026 · Engine · GA

On XXXX, my 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport AWD (VIN [XXX], ~89,151 miles) developed a flashing check-engine light while driving — an active misfire condition. An OBD-II scan pulled code P1326, Hyundai's knock-sensor detection code for connecting-rod bearing wear in the Theta II engine family, the same defect family covered by Hyundai's lifetime bearing-warranty extension under Service Campaign T6G (TSB 22-01-023H-1). The vehicle was towed to Grand Hyundai of Canton (repair order #XXX). The dealer performed the bearing clearance test (BCT, TSB 21-EM-004H-1) on XXX, and recorded only "PASS." The printed result from the dealer's own GDS diagnostic tablet shows PASS with no numerical clearance values, even though this is a measurement-based test. The knock sensor was NOT replaced, and a KSDS software update was performed. The final invoice was $0. I have asked, in writing and repeatedly, for the actual numerical clearance measurements from that test. I have not received them. What I have received instead is a contradiction: On XXX, at vehicle pickup, the dealership's service manager told my wife, [XXX], that the dealership does not have access to those results and that only Corporate has those measurement results. When she asked him to put that statement in the service notes, he refused — "we will not put that in the notes" / "she could not write it down." Service advisor [XXX] was present beside the manager, relayed the request to him, and relayed the refusal back; she witnessed both the statement and the refusal. The same manager had told me by phone that only Hyundai Corporate has the measurements. On XXX, Hyundai National Consumer Affairs Supervisor [XXX] wrote the opposite: that "diagnostic, testing and reporting results done by the dealerships are retained by the independent location" and only the servicing dealership can provide them. She refused to provide the numbers herself and said INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 8, 2026 · Engine · 111,000 miles · WV

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that there was coolant in the engine and that the knock sensor detection system needed to be replaced. The dealer made the contact aware of Manufacturer Campaign Number: 953 and stated that the vehicle was not previously serviced under the campaign, so the vehicle could not be repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.

Filed Jul 1, 2026 · Engine · AL

The engine (2016 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.0L/2.4L Theta II GDI engine) suffered a catastrophic internal mechanical failure, specifically related to the known connecting rod bearing defect. The vehicle is currently un-driveable and is located at Serra Hyundai in Trussville, AL. The vehicle and its failed engine are available for inspection upon request. The engine suddenly failed and lost all power while driving at highway speeds in active traffic. I was forced to coast a dead vehicle across multiple lanes of traffic to the shoulder without any acceleration capability. Yes. The vehicle experienced a complete failure, cannot be restarted, and is currently parked at an authorized Hyundai dealership The vehicle is currently at an authorized Hyundai dealership awaiting a formal corporate inspection and evaluation for engine replacement approval. It has not been inspected by police or insurance. There were no long-term warning lamps, messages, or symptoms prior to the incident. The vehicle was operating normally until the exact moment of the failure, when the engine suddenly began knocking loudly, lost power, and stalled within seconds.

Filed May 4, 2026 · Engine · NV

My car only has 93,000 miles on it. I was driving home from work and all of a sudden the check engine light came on while I’m on the freeway. I made it home and went to research then all of a suddenly the check engine light would just start flashing. I got it checked by a mechanic. They said that there was metal shavings in the oil which I have no clue how that would happen and that there was a code for knocking.

Filed Apr 9, 2026 · Engine · CA

Connecting rod bearing failure, stated a recall was active but it hadn't been assigned to my vehicle. Vehicle went into engine failiure and does not have appropriate measures to prevent engine failiure. No warning messages prior to engine failiure.

Filed Mar 23, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · FL

While driving the vehicle at approximately at 55 MPH on a the 826, the engine suffered a sudden and catastrophic mechanical failure without warning. The vehicle lost all motive power in active traffic, creating an immediate safety hazard and nearly resulting in a rear-end collision. Upon inspection, it was determined that the engine assembly, which is a replacement unit provided by Hyundai under the Theta II Settlement, with less than 12,000 miles, suffered an internal breach. This breach allowed coolant to contaminate the lubrication system sort of a milky oil, which led to a connecting rod bearing seizure. Despite this being a repeat failure of a safety-recall component and the vehicle being covered under the Theta II Settlement Lifetime Warranty, Hyundai Motor America has denied the repair claim. I am reporting this as a safety defect because the sudden engine stall resulted in a loss of power-assisted steering and braking while the vehicle was in motion.

Filed Feb 17, 2026 · Engine · HI

The engine light started blinking and my car would not accelerate anymore. I took it to the mechanic immediately, who said that there was an engine recall. I contacted the dealership, but they cannot do an initial inspection for more than 2 months. It would likely take another 2-3 months after the inspection before the engine can be replaced. I called Hyundai and they confirmed that my vehicle should be covered under an extended warranty based on the service history and error code from my car (TXXI for the Theta 2 engine - knock sensor detection, code p1326). However, Hyundai will not provide any help until the vehicle is inspected by a dealership. The dealership completely refuses to look at my car as they are busy. I live on an island, so the only other Hyundai dealership is two hours away. They will not answer any of my calls. I'm expected to figure out how to commute to work alone for the next two months, but since I live in a rural area, there are no alternative transportation options. An independent mechanic confirmed and reproduced the issue. The car is unsafe to drive. The dealer will not inspect my component in a reasonable time frame, much less repair it despite the fact that it is covered under extended warranty. The car was driving normally prior to the issue, and I did not notice any problems until the engine light started blinking. I have the car available for inspection.

Filed Jan 30, 2026 · Engine · 132,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. While driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal odor coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road; and the check engine warning light illuminated. A handheld scanner was used to retrieve DTC: P1326 (KSDS – Connecting rod bearings failure). The vehicle was towed to the residence, and then towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and informed the contact that the rod bearings had failed, causing engine failure. The dealer notified the manufacturer of the failure; however, the manufacturer declined to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer informed the contact that the prior owner had submitted a complaint regarding the failure in January of 2024. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.

Filed Nov 25, 2025 · Engine · GA

There was no low oil indicator light, no smoke, and no oil on the garage floor. My wife was driving the vehicle on I-285 in Atlanta, returning from the ATL airport, when the vehicle began to lose power and started jerking and surging; the check engine light began flashing. She had to take surface streets to get home because the loss of power made the vehicle unsafe to drive on the freeway. When she arrived home, I checked the engine oil dipstick and it was completely dry. I took the vehicle to the garage that performs my oil changes, and they mentioned this is an ongoing issue with Hyundai—the vehicle is burning oil. The low oil level caused the knock sensor to trigger, which in turn caused the check engine light to flash and reduced power in an attempt to protect the engine. I never received any notification regarding a recall for this issue, and now my motor is more than likely damaged since I can still hear knocking when the engine runs at higher RPMs. My vehicle has over 100K miles, and I have never had an issue with it until now.

Filed Nov 17, 2025 · Engine · KY

2916 Hyundai Santa Fe sport has an open recall of 953 for engine bearings knocking. It has been inspected. Yes, safety was put at risk, motor could lock up while driving causing a wreck. Yes, Tim Shorts Hyundai did confirm the engine was knocking. No lights were on in the vehicle. Was started sitting in the drive way, when the engine started knocking.

Filed Sep 9, 2025 · Engine · 130,000 miles · MA

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving uphill, the vehicle failed to accelerate above 10 MPH. There was a burning odor coming from the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the engine had previously been replaced, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the knock sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Filed Jul 6, 2025 · Engine · KS

Subject: Engine Failure Due to Bearing Defect – No KSDS Recall Notification Vehicle: 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport VIN: [XXX] Date of Purchase: April 2016 Complaint Summary: I am filing this complaint regarding my 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, which experienced catastrophic engine failure due to the known Theta II GDI engine bearing defect. Hyundai has an active class action settlement covering this defect, which requires owners to install the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) update to be eligible for free repairs or the lifetime warranty. Despite owning my vehicle since April 2016 and holding clear title in my name for over 6 years, I never received any notice or communication about this required software update. Hyundai’s records still list the prior owner, Hertz, even though I have maintained valid registration and insurance in my name since the purchase. This lack of notice prevented me from having the KSDS update installed before the engine failed. I understand this defect does not show as an open safety recall on the federal safety agency database because Hyundai classified it as a Product Improvement Campaign under the class action settlement. This does not change the fact that it is a known safety hazard and Hyundai failed to properly notify me, which denied me the chance to protect myself and my vehicle. I believe this is a major safety concern because the engine can stall or catch fire without warning. I am requesting that the federal safety agency hold Hyundai accountable for failing to properly notify current owners and ensure compliance with the class action settlement. Desired Resolution: Require Hyundai to honor the warranty and cover my engine replacement in full. Investigate whether Hyundai is failing to properly notify owners about this critical software update. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)