I'm the second owner of this vehicle, I purchased it when it was one year old. I've provided careful maintenance, as this is my only vehicle. In the last year+ it started burning more and more oil. I was told by a mechanic that there were no signs of leakage and that these engines tend to burn a lot of oil so I was very careful to monitor levels and up the oil changes. 6 months ago, it was in the shop for new brakes and had a complete diagnostic exam and there were no issues with the engine. Two weeks ago, before a road trip, I again had full diagnostics done on the vehicle and there were no codes that popped up. The vehicle died on my trip. Reading the codes, I received my first code regarding problems with my cylinders after the vehicle died. Now I need a completely new engine because cylinders 1 and 3 failed. The car only has 80,000 miles on it. In all my years of my family owning different vehicles, I've always owned vehicles until they were well over 100,000 miles. The only two vehicles owned by my family that ever needed engine replacement early in their lives were both Hyundai vehicles. After I was told that I needed a new engine at 80,000 miles, I was told that this was not due to the one specific problem Hyundai would cover so I have to pay to replace it myself. There are a plethora of forums, mechanic experiences, etc, that show these 2.4L engines have this exact problem, but Hyundai washes their hands of us. As a second owner, I don't qualify for the engine warranty, which was extended to 120,000 because Hyundai knows these engines are horrible. My warranty ended when the car was 5 years old, and had 60,000 miles. And up until last week, I've never had an engine code pop up in diagnosis so I have no idea how I was supposed to predict premature engine failure and remedy it within that time frame. It's just another hit against anyone who can't afford to buy a brand new vehicle.
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport engine complaints
Page 3 of 8: complaints 41 to 70 of 208, newest first, as owners wrote them.
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that shortly after an oil change was performed, the "Low Oil" icon was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced excessive oil consumption, and the oil dipstick indicated that the engine oil level was low. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 120,000.
In 2023, I purchased this car in December. I didn' t know this car would have such known problems. In over a year and a half, the spark plugs have been changed 5 times. After each oul change within 2 weeks, not a month, I constantly have to add oil to the car. In the colder months, I have to wait at leasr 15min. before the car would even start. Would someone help me with these problems? I am [XXX]. I know recalls were placed on cars with similar problems. Plus smoke, I can't remember black or white comes out the tailpipe. The date you see, was the lasted date listed to add more oil. PLEASE HELP ME... INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My husband was driving our vehicle on the highway when the engine began to smoke and the caught fire. Unfortunately it was not able to be saved. We filed a claim with our carrier and are pending an inspection. We looked up our vin and confirmed a fire recall from 2022.
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving out of the driveway, there was a ticking sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who discovered metal shavings inside the engine oil. The contact was informed that the metal shavings might indicate engine failure. The contact also stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 52,162.
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power while depressing the accelerator pedal, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact coasted the vehicle off the highway into a local gas station. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to restart after several attempts. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where a diagnostic test determined that the vehicle had experienced engine failure. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who confirmed the engine failure diagnosis. The manufacturer was then notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 97,052.
I own a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. I leased it new, then purchased outright in May 2022. I had no issues with my vehicle. I maintained it regularly. Had appropriate interval oil changes. At no time from 4/2018 to 6/2025 did I have any knowledge of any issues with the engine in my vehicle & neither Hyundai nor the dealership contacted me in any manner to notify me of an issue with my engine. On or about October 2024, my check oil light came on for the first time in 6 years. I do not drive much because I work, & have worked, from home since July 2020. I took my car to my mechanic. He added almost 4 quarts of oil. I returned two weeks later & he changed oil. He saw nothing that caused him suspicion. He suggested I check my oil levels. Extreme oil consumption continued. My check oil light NEVER came back on. No other lights came on until 10/6/2025. I drove minimally. In July, 2025, I discovered my vehicle has a known defective engine. I uncovered multiple lawsuits against Hyundai regarding the defective engines. On 9/12/2025, I sent a Massachusetts General Law 93A Demand Letter mailed Certified Mail to Hyundai & dealership. On Oct. 6, 2025 at approx. 11:30 am, I turned on my car & without warning, my car immediately began shaking violently & vibrating & stalling - IN PARK. The check engine light began to flash intermittently in PARK. I drove my vehicle 7 miles to my mechanic (praying the whole time my car would not blow up with me in it); the car violently shook & vibrated the entire 7 miles. The check engine light changed to solid & acceleration was almost non existent. I am waiting for my mechanic to most likely give me bad news. Neither Hyundai nor the dealership have yet responded to my MGL 93A Demand Letter.
I have taken my car to the dealership now 3 times for the same recall issue. This time, they are telling me Hyundai will not repair my car on their end because of "sludge buildup" to which i was not aware. I submitted all records of maintenance and they are refusing to fix my vehicle. I now have an inoperable, because not safe, vehicle that is legally required to be fixed by Hyundai for it's recall, but is not being fixed. Recall 237 If I were to try to drive the vehicle, it could put lives at risk. It will not accelerate quickly, could go up in flames, and does not go the speed limit on highways which are required for me to get home and to work. The recall was confirmed by the dealer as the check engine light flashed and caused a certain code to pop up for maintenance. The solution would be for Hyundai to fix the car, but they are refusing and saying the whole engine needs to be replaced now even though there's nothing wrong with the engine.
Over 3 years ago I went in for a normal oil change at Brookshire Hyindai Dealership where I was told my engine was consuming an alarming amount of oil. In order for Hyundai to do anything I was told o need to complete an engine oil consumption test which requires me to go back to the dealership every 1000 miles for 3k miles for them to check the oil. After completing this it was proven that there was a engine oil Consumption issue. They submitted it to Hyundai and I was denied. They said I needed to pay for an engine combustion cleaning which cost me about 400$, then I would have to repeat the test to see if the issue was resolved. After doing all of that, I still had an engine oil consumption problem according to the second test. Hyundai denied me again and told me I had to wait until my Engine light came on. So when it came on I brought it back, they said it wasn’t my engine according to the computer. I have spent thousands of dollars on oil over the past several years and Hyundai has done nothing. I do not feel safe in my vehicle. Hyundai has failed me. I then called Hyundai consumer care to open up a case and still nothing. All of that for them to tell me my extended warranty for my engine will not cover the issue. They have done nothing to resolve my issue only cost me time and money with no resolution. This is a known issue for my cars make and model and they are just turning their head the other way. Hyundai consumer care in fact does not care about consumers at all.
Excessive oil burning even after replacing the motor once before.
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from the exhaust pipes. No warning light was illuminated. Upon inspection, the contact noticed suds on the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic, who discovered a low engine oil level and performed an oil change. The contact stated that the failure recurred with black smoke coming from the exhaust pipes after starting the vehicle. The dealer and two other dealers, Cooper Hyundai (110 S Quintard Ave, Anniston, AL 36201) and Serra Hyundai (1503 Gadsden Hwy, Trussville, AL 35235) were made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,700.
Our vehicle was towed to a Hyundai Dealership on July 26, 2025 (VIN [XXX] ) 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe to see if the engine falls under Hyundai's TSB #22-EM-001H-1Engine Failure Campaign. This vehicle has now been at Chapman Hyundai in Scottsdale AZ for over 5 weeks. We have yet to receive confirmation from Hyundai that any testing was done to see if the rods failed, thus having the engine fall under the recall. What we have received was a statement that “The engineering department did some tests and said that they didn’t think it was a rod issue, that it was due to lubrication not getting to the engine. When I asked for that data to be sent to me so I could review it with our long-time mechanic and my mechanical engineers that I work with, I was told that would not be possible, I just had to “trust” what I was being told. However, as a show of “good faith” in their unwillingness to provide us data, Hyundai was willing to pay for half of an engine replacement, leaving us on the hook for over $3,000 to the dealership. While I told the Executive Correspondence Department that that offer was not satisfactory, I did tell him we would be willing to pay $1,000 towards the replacement if Hyundai absorbed the remainder since on the above offer, I was paying retail while Hyundai is absorbing costs at wholesale prices. Five weeks on, we still have not received any confirmation as to the real issue of the engine failure, and frankly I have a hard time believing that any manufacturer would be willing to come up with the offer proposed if they didn’t believe the issue was substantially theirs. The company’s lack of willingness to provide data for us to review is very concerning and makes me think that the issue would indeed fall under the recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
This vehicle is burning oil. It burned out a spark plugs and almost caused a crash. Purchased from dealership 6/26/2025
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the engine seized. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was coasted to the shoulder of the roadway; however, the vehicle was in an unsafe location. The contact and his wife exited the vehicle and stood further back off the roadway for their safety. The contact stated that because of the unsafe location of the vehicle, the contact and his wife were fearful of remaining in the vehicle. Additionally, other vehicles were driving by fast. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while on a trip. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall or special programs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,316.
Burning oil, going through 1 quart every 250 miles. Paid over $1000 for last service. Replaced valves, gasket, fuel pump gasket, spark plugs, etc… Had us drive 1000 miles and bring back at which they said they would further help. Brought it back 950 miles later. It burned 3.5 qts of oil and now saying we need to pay $7000 for an engine. It only has 104k miles
While I was dropping on the highway my vehicle suddenly slowed down when and the engine started shaking when I approached around 40mph and the check engine light started flashing. After checking I’m getting the error codes P1326 and P0014. I’m not unable to go past 40mph and the vehicle starts stalling when I approach that speed which is incredibly dangerous depending on what road I’m on. I’ve had zero issues with this vehicle previously and have always had regular maintenance. After researching other Santa Fe sport have had identical issues and there are recalls for other years but my year 2018 was skipped for some reason even though it’s clearly affected.
In May while driving on the highway my car suddenly wouldnt accelerate and started jerking. It would go past 60-65 and the engine light was on. Took it to get repaired and they stated the whole engine needed to be replaced. Never once had an issue with my car until then. Of course we got the runaround went it came to the warranty. After repairs I notice my car does not run the same and that its slow to accelerate. Fast forward about a month later the starter goes bad in the car and now its completely unoperable.
This car has a GDI THETHA II engine. From what I have read, has been listed in prior and possibly current Hyundai class action law suits. The oil consumption problem. I can not figure why my car did not have a RECALL to have this problem fixed, 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. Upon purchase, this issue was never mention. I am [XXX], [XXX], and need a reliable car. Can I obtain help? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
In under 5,000 miles, my vehicle consumed over 5qt of oil. No indication of leaking. Took to an auto shop with ASE-certified technicians who verified that the vehicle is over-consuming oil. They explained that the rings around the pistons are no longer sealing properly, allowing combustion to escape. This explains the char marks on my dry dip-stick, which I checked immediately when my engine light turned on, which was my first indication of a problem. I had the vehicle checked out and oil changed immediately upon the engine light turning on. The light turned on as I was parking at the parking lot where I work. I added oil in order to make it to the auto shop, so as not to drive on zero oil. This is a risk of the engine failing while driving and potential to cause a fire.
I was driving on the highway in April when my engine jolted and my car would not accelerate over 65mph. The engine light came on, and I was afraid that my car would seize and cause harm to myself and to other drivers. The flow of traffic was much higher, and I could not keep up with other vehicles. I feared that faster cars would crash into me or cause an accident trying to pass me. I pulled over ASAP and had to wait for roadside assistance. The dealer confirmed it was the knock code sensor p1326 that kicked in. I have maintained proper oil maintenance and have had a fuel induction service, prior to this event. An independent service center told me about the service recall on the engine, but the dealership will not acknowledge it nor my car's warranty.
Vehicle failed an oil consumption test. Dealership acknowledges that the vehicle burns 1.5 quarts per 1 thousand miles. The dealership initially told me that Hyundai would cover a combustion cleaning. However after acknowledging my mileage, they are now refusing to provide any assistance. This is a known issue and they are not acknowledging it. The dealership instructs me to drive until the problem progresses, but according to their data there is already a problem outside of the manufacturers specifications.
The car stopped on a local road. The car was moved to a local mechanic shop, and the mechanic there diagnosed that the engine was locked up. It was towed to the dealership where the car was serviced last. If it had happened in on a highway, it would have caused very dangerous situation. There was no warning sign - no check engine light, no low engine oil light. Everything appeared to be working normally.
Followed all the steps for the theta II engine issue included replacing the knock sensor and spark plugs. The engine lost power when driving to Chicago and had to get the vehicle towed and now the dealer is saying that I have to pay for the engine replacement at my own expense in Hyundai is not covering.
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced excessive oil consumption, causing the engine oil level to be low, with a misfire coming from the engine. The cause of the oil consumption failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 105,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 50 MPH, the vehicle jerked and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact's husband was able to pull over to the side of the road and ended up inside a ditch before the vehicle came to a stop. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had failed. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer, who confirmed that the engine had failed; and there was gasoline intrusion into the engine, causing engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that a manager would contact her. The vehicle remained at the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 99,501.
I’ve got a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport with a Theta II engine that’s failing—burning oil way too fast, coolant mixing in the cylinders, and throwing a P0304 misfire code. It’s been undrivable since late April 2025, and I’m worried about safety because the misfire and engine failure risk could cause it to stall on the highway, putting me and others in danger. It shakes when I try to drive, which feels unsafe. A Hyundai dealer confirmed the issue, finding coolant in the cylinders and the misfire, with no visible oil leak. Oil change receipts show the oil disappearing over a few weeks. The manufacturer reviewed my case but denied the warranty claim, saying it’s not covered since I’m a second owner and it’s not a rod bearing issue, even though the 2021 Theta II settlement should apply to this. The seller didn’t disclose the engine’s defect history when I bought it in 2023. The check engine light came on in early April 2025 with the misfire code, and I noticed the oil issue then. It’ll be out of service over 30 days by mid May 2025, so I’m taking legal action.
Vehicle has an excessive oil intake and it is constantly blowing out the spark plugs and coil packs causing poor performance on the vehicle overall. My vehicle's VIN number was listed as a qualifier in a class action lawsuit, but the manufacturer says it is not making the noise it needs to make in order to have it checked. Was also informed I need to pull out my spark plugs and clean them regularly because of the oil buildup. This problem has caused other problems with the performance of the car the excessive oil intake has caused countless problems terrible performance of the vehicle and is attributing to other poor performance issues. This has been an ongoing problem and have only recently been told by the dealership of this instance. Even though my vehicle is one of the ones in the extended recall because it's not making the noise they like they won't do anything about it. This vehicle is still being financed and I am refusing to pay for anything until the matter is resolved. I have a case filed with the dealership I am speaking to an attorney Monday I am processing an email to my state's attorney of Missouri and have completed the better Business bureau complaints. After phone calls service dates and emails I feel that Hyundai is not doing anything to resolve this situation whatsoever and could use any assistance from you possible.
1. Abs module stopped working. Car no longer has abs. Will not cover under warranty due to computer component. 2. Engine burns oil. 3 quarts in 1k miles. Combustion cleaning done. Now Engine light is one, oil light comes on, car smells of gas & oil.
My vehicle is burning through oil. I am getting the oil change for the highest amount of mileage, usually driving sparingly throughout the week, and still having to get oil added in between oil changes. I have been told by the company completing oil changes that because of the gdi motor I will need to routinely check my oil, even if there is no oil light on.
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving at 50 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to exceed 50 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an Advance Auto Parts Store, and it was determined that there was no oil in the engine. The contact added oil to the engine to be able to drive to the residence. The dealer was contacted the next business day. The contact stated that the dealer diagnosed the vehicle with a crack in the oil pan. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that a week after the repair, the contact noticed that the oil level was low. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and an oil change was performed; however, the vehicle failed to exceed 50 MPH. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 76,693.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history