2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport: engine stalls while driving

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 27, 2026 · Engine · CO

The engine powertrain system, specifically the internal engine lubrication, timing chain, and camshaft sensors. The vehicle's Theta II engine suffers from systemic, excessive oil consumption, which starved the engine of lubrication. This caused the timing chain to stretch and mechanically fail, and compromised the camshaft sensors. The vehicle is currently un-repaired and is available for inspection upon request at Hyundai of Downtown LA. While driving, the engine suddenly stalled and completely shut off mid-drive without warning. This caused an immediate loss of motive power and a dangerous reduction in steering and braking control while surrounded by active traffic. Operating a vehicle that randomly shuts down on public roads presents an extreme, life-threatening safety hazard to myself, my passengers, and other drivers. Furthermore, the dealership is attempting to force me to drive the vehicle for an additional 1,000 miles in this stalling, un-repaired condition to complete a corporate oil test, compounding the safety risk. The failure and safety hazard have been physically confirmed and diagnosed by an authorized dealership: Hyundai of Downtown LA (3850 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90037). Their service department mechanically diagnosed the physical failure of the camshaft sensors, a stretched timing chain, and severe engine oil starvation. There were absolutely no dashboard warning lights, check engine lights, low oil pressure lamps, or messages prior to the engine stalling and shutting off. The vehicle computer failed to trigger any diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) or dashboard warnings to alert me to the low oil level or the impending mechanical timing failure before the vehicle completely shut down mid-drive.

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 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 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)

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)

Filed Jan 23, 2023 · Engine · 105,000 miles · MD

The contact's granddaughter owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while the owner was driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle began to make an abnormal noise, and then the vehicle stalled. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The owner towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The owner towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the engine to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

Filed Oct 28, 2021 · Engine · 133,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The contact stated that the check engine, oil, and battery warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to pull over and had the vehicle towed to a local mechanic where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the repair was not covered. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.