2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport: sudden loss of power

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 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 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 21, 2025 · Transmission · TX

The engine seized up on the highway with no warning signs or alerts and lost all power to the vehicle putting family at risk on the highway speed. Mechanic confirmed engine seized and metal debris after draining oil. Oil changes are done on timely basis within 5000 miles. Most recent where synthetic oil used and was just at 5000 mark. There was no oil warning at all and regular oil change was scheduled for next day prior to event. Car purchased in 2017 used and this happened before shortly after purchase and engine replaced by Hyundai at that time.

Filed Nov 12, 2025 · TX

My 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport (156,880 miles) suddenly shut down and went into limp mode due to code P1326, which is part of the KSDS safety recall. Hyundai and the dealership refused to perform the recall-required engine inspection because of mileage. This violates safety recall rules. The sudden loss of power creates a dangerous driving situation. I am requesting the federal safety agency assistance in enforcing the safety recall remedy.

Filed Sep 24, 2025 · GA

Hyundai replaced engine at 69280 miles because of metal particles left in engine during manufacturing.Hyundai did not replace the turbo,that had the same oil running thru it as the engine.The tubro failed 15,080 miles later,lost all power .Car would not go over 40mph.,lucky to get car off the road.

Filed Jul 24, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · NC

My engine seized at approximately 80mph on the interstate [XXX] ). The engine light came on only after I lost power. I only avoided a multiple car accident due to quick reaction and taking an exit ramp. Police came to my stalled vehicle and helped my push it off a major road to a nearby parking lot. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 16, 2025 · Engine · CA

The vehicle lost power, and the engine started to make a knocking noise, and the check engine light came on. I plugged in the obd2 scanner and the p1326 code came out. It was a knock sensor that needed to be replaced. I replaced the sensor that the issue got worse. I looked up online about this issue and then I found a video of that explained the incident. The manufacture of the crank at the factory did not properly clean the holes of the oil passages. When they machined it, all the files they don't clean them good enough, so they go to one side and plug up the oil passages and it doesn't get oil. we were on the highway when this issue started and it lost power. The problem has not been solved because the Hyundai dealer and the corporate office did not want to help me with this issue. They claim that my title is salvaged but I contacted the DMV, and they confirmed that my title is clean and there is no issue. The second time they said the vehicle was used as a rental and that automatically disqualifies the vehicle's warranty. The vehicle has not been inspected. No warning at all until the day it happened. I just purchased this vehicle seven months ago for seven thousand dollars and this happened.

Filed Apr 23, 2025 · Engine · WA

My 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport (VIN: [XXX] , 2.0L Theta II, 64,000 miles) suffered engine failure with knocking and power loss, matching the federal safety agency Recall #20V‑746 (Hyundai #198). This defect risks stalling or fire, threatening my safety and others’. Hyundai Motor America and Hyundai of Tacoma (Tacoma, WA) refused repair, citing the rebuilt title, despite the factory defect. Recall #20V‑746 addresses Theta II bearing wear. My vehicle’s symptoms align, yet the dealer denied service, claiming the title voids eligibility. Hyundai’s April 2025 email noted three unrelated recalls (turbo oil pipe, ECM update, hood latch) were completed but ignored #20V‑746, redirecting me to the dealer without addressing the engine or title issue. I’ve called Hyundai (1‑800‑633‑5151) and emailed multiple times since March 2025, receiving only generic responses. The dealer’s refusal and Hyundai’s inaction leave the vehicle inoperable, posing a ongoing safety hazard on the road. The rebuilt title should not exempt a factory defect tied to a safety recall. The low mileage (64,000) supports my claim. I haven’t obtained a diagnostic report but am willing to pay for one (~$100–$200) if required. Hyundai’s refusal to honor #20V‑746 violates safety obligations. Please investigate Hyundai’s denial, confirm if the Knock Sensor Detection System was installed, and clarify if a rebuilt title excludes eligibility. I seek engine replacement per the recall or a clear explanation. This issue has caused significant financial and safety concerns, and I urge swift action. Contact me at [XXX]or [XXX] Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)