2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport: won't start

Filed Oct 5, 2026 · Engine · WA

While driving over the pass the car suddenly lost power and was running very rough. Luckily there was an exit close by that we took and the engine died on the exit. We were able to get it started and get to a parking lot where it died and would not start again. While trying to start it in the parking lot the check engine light came on. So, after a $375 tow to the nearest town the mechanic discovered a damaged spark plug and the compression test showed 0 psi. The scope showed a hole in the piston. The car also leaks and burns oil. The mechanic recommended scrapping the vehicle since it would not be cost effective to repair it. The mechanic said ours is the 6th Santa Fe in their shop with a blown engine in the past month. It has not been inspected by anyone else.

Filed Feb 4, 2026 · Electrical · PA

My starter failed while out shopping. No issues starting the car departing from my home, but would not start in the store parking lot. My mechanic did not provide the broken part for inspection however everyone commented that is was very unusual for it to fail as I only have roughly 25,000 miles on it. My mechanic also mentioned that this was 2nd 2018 hyundai sante fe in the past week he had to replace the starter on that vehicle had 60,000 miles. There were no warning lights prior to the event, I suspected it was the starter after having a new battery installed and no success starting because of the lights that remained on on the instrument panel.

Filed Aug 11, 2023 · Engine · TN

In May, my vehicle began having issues with acceleration and was choking when going uphill, or would start choking when slowing to turn or start moving after being stopped. The engine light came on and had code P1326. Dealership did a system update and it went away. The car broke down not long after, wouldn't start. Replaced battery as it wouldn't charge and was drained. Still didn't work. Towed it to dealership. After several days, they said it might be the crankshaft position sensor. A local mechanic replaced it, it did not fix it. Spark plugs were completely burnt up and covered in gas. Changed spark plugs and it seemed fixed, until it broke down last week. Has code P0420 now. Checked oil, it has absolutely no oil in it and it has only been about 3000 miles since my last oil change. It is due for an oil change, but should not be completely out of oil. Burning oil can clog cat converter, causing P0420 code. My vehicle has a theta engine, which was involved in a lawsuit and settlement, which I only learned about yesterday, and have missed the deadline to file a claim. The vehicle has lost acceleration and died while driving, posing a risk to myself and other drivers. Vehicle is unreliable and unsafe. Dealership failed to tell me anything about my spark plugs, and did not mention my vehicle having oil issues. Non-dealership mechanics have been the ones to bring the issues to my attention. Corporate Hyundai will also not help.

Filed Nov 18, 2020 · Engine · 37,000 miles · SC

Vehicle died when driving on city street then would not start. Had to have vehicle towed. Was told it was the alternator and the battery is dead. Hyundai won't replace the battery as they said battery was over 3 years old. The battery was fine until the alternator killed the battery. Vehicle is still at dealership so I don't have any paperwork yet

Filed Aug 9, 2020 · 24,000 miles · AZ

The vehicle will occasionally stall and sometimes will not start without several attempts. Stalls occasionally when moving