Hyundai Santa Fe Sport knocking problems

Filed Nov 5, 2026 · Engine · TX · 1 injury

the federal safety agency SAFETY & CAMPAIGN NON-COMPLIANCE COMPLAINT (VIN: [XXX] | HYUNDAI CASE #XXX): On XXX, my 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.4L Theta II GDI (covered by Hyundai Warranty Extension TXXI Limited Lifetime Warranty under TSB 22-EM-001H-1 / the federal safety agency MC-10211673-0001 and Service Campaign T3G / the federal safety agency [XXX]) entered Engine Protection Mode (Limp Mode) with flashing Check Engine Light / DTC P1326 and a severe metallic connecting-rod bearing knock under 2,000 RPM. At 8:00 AM on XXX, I brought the vehicle to Huffines Hyundai Plano ([XXX]). Despite the federal safety agency ID [XXX] mandating an immediate Service Rental Car (SRC) or 3rd-party rental upon reception ("reimbursed regardless of PA's decision") and prohibiting diagnostic fees after Campaign 953/KSDS, the dealership refused a loaner, told me diagnosis would take a full week while I rent a car out of pocket, forced me to drive the unsafe vehicle in Limp Mode to take my disabled father to a medical appointment, and stranded us in the lobby for 7 hours (causing my father to miss scheduled prescriptions and failing to restore his disability placard). At 2:00 PM, the dealership claimed the vehicle "PASSED" the Bearing Clearance Test (BCT) without giving me the mandatory BCT printout or multi-point inspection sheet, cleared the P1326 code, performed a KSDS software update instead of inspecting the knocking engine, refused to record the mandatory STUI Engine Noise Video or submit a Warranty Prior Approval (PA), and tried to coerce me into signing a falsified Repair Order stating "CUSTOMER IS DECLINING DIAGNOSTICS." At 5:33 PM, HMA Executive Case Manager [XXX] ([XXX]) falsely stated in writing that TXXI is capped at 10 years/120,000 miles (confusing TXXC with TXXI), that T3G does not apply, and that passing BCT means "your rod bearings are in working order." CRITICAL HIGHWAY SAFETY FAILURE (RECORDED ON VIDEO): On the night of Wednesday, XXX — just hour INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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 Oct 15, 2026 · SC

FORMAL VEHICLE SAFETY AND WARRANTY COMPLAINT Date: [XXX] From: [XXX] Vehicle: 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, 2.4L Theta II engine Mileage: Approximately 150,000 miles (exact current reading to be confirmed) Subject: Recurrent Check-Engine Warning Following Repeated Repairs; Request for Theta II Engine Investigation I am submitting this complaint to formally document recurring engine-related symptoms affecting my 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, and my repeated requests for investigation of a possible connection to the known Theta II engine defects and related warranty programs. On [XXX], the check-engine light illuminated again. Previously, on three separate occasions, the vehicle experienced a flashing check-engine light and a light ticking noise while idling. I was advised each time that the knock sensor was responsible, and the sensor was replaced. The vehicle returned to normal operation after those repairs, but similar symptoms subsequently recurred. While my vehicle was still below the 150,000-mile threshold, I repeatedly expressed concern that the symptoms could relate to the Theta II engine issue. During the most recent dealership visit, resulting in repairs on September 10, 2026, I emphasized that the recommended valve-cover gasket and spark-plug work might address a secondary issue without resolving the primary recurring problem. The check-engine light has now returned approximately five weeks after that repair. I am not claiming that a connecting-rod-bearing defect has been conclusively diagnosed. I am asking that the possibility be properly evaluated and that my earlier reports, repair attempts, and the mileage at which I first raised these concerns be preserved and considered when warranty eligibility is reviewed. I am sending this as a record of contact and communication.. 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 30, 2026 · Engine · WV

My 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is subject to Hyundai Recall 162 / the federal safety agency Recall 17V‑226, concerning premature connecting-rod-bearing wear that can cause engine knocking, engine failure, and loss of motive power. My vehicle developed engine knocking and a flashing check-engine light while I was driving. The vehicle is now at an authorized Hyundai dealership. Hyundai initially denied an engine replacement based on mileage. I escalated the matter to Hyundai Motor America Corporate Consumer Affairs. Hyundai has now confirmed in writing that, because my vehicle is more than eight years old and has more than 150,000 miles, Hyundai is applying the high-mileage provision of the Theta II settlement and will not replace the engine. Instead, Hyundai is offering either a repurchase or $2,000 in lieu of engine replacement. I understand that Hyundai is relying on the court-approved settlement. My concern is specifically whether Hyundai’s application of that settlement to my vehicle is consistent with the administration of Recall 162 and the federal safety-recall remedy, given that my vehicle is experiencing the engine failure that Recall 162 was designed to address. I am requesting the federal safety agency’s review of Hyundai’s handling of this safety-related recall matter.

Filed Jul 13, 2026 · Engine · TX

Vehicle is a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport with the 2.4L Theta II GDI engine. A Hyundai dealer documented excessive oil consumption in December 2025 (3 quarts consumed over 1,703 miles during a dealer-administered oil consumption test; repair orders on file and available for inspection). On April 19, 2026, at 160,913 miles, following a highway drive, the engine developed a pronounced knock and vibration at low RPM and began stalling within seconds of idling in Park, with check engine and charging warning lamps illuminated. An engine that stalls at idle presents a safety hazard in traffic due to loss of power braking and steering assist. The vehicle was removed from service the same day, has not been driven since, and remains available for inspection. Knock Sensor Detection System software (Campaign 953) was installed and did not prevent the failure. Manufacturer has been notified in writing and consumer affairs cases are on file.

Filed Jul 8, 2026 · Acceleration, Brakes · OK

I am reporting a severe safety failure on my 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport that perfectly matches the safety defect described in Recall 21V‑303 / Campaign 205. This happened even though I had the dealer perform the official recall fuse fix back in 2024. The problem started after I left the car parked for about 3 to 4 hours. When I came back, I heard a motor (not the motor) loudly running under the hood even though the ignition was completely off. It stayed on even after starting and turning the car off. The battery in the vehicle had drained so bad it was deemed bad when hooked up to a tester at the auto parts store. After getting a new battery and trying to drive the car, the electrical system went haywire. The dashboard lit up with every brake warning light on, the speedometer stopped working, miles to empty being erratic, and the exterior rear brake lights kept flickering erratically after the car was turned off. The steering was acting abnormal and unnatural, not crisp and easy to turn as usual. There were absolutely no warning lights or symptoms before I parked the vehicle. I had it towed to my local Hyundai dealership, and their diagnostic scan confirmed major brake and chassis issues, specifically code C2402 for an ABS Pump Motor Circuit Malfunction and codes C1200, C1203, and C1206 for a loss of wheel speed data. The vehicle has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives, but it is currently sitting at the dealership waiting for a resolution from a Hyundai customer care case manager. The 2024 recall remedy only involved dropping the fuse amperage to mitigate fire intensity; it did not replace the module housing or prevent the internal brake fluid leak from eventually destroying the system. The defect has seemingly now fully manifested, knocking out primary braking indicators and power steering assist, presenting an ongoing safety and fire hazard while driving and parked.

Filed Jul 3, 2026 · Engine · CO

On March 20, 2026, while driving, my 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport (VIN: [XXX]) equipped with a Theta II 2.4L GDI engine, the car experienced a catastrophic, sudden loss of motive power. The engine suffered a total mechanical failure/seizure, creating an immediate highway safety hazard. This vehicle is part of the "In re: Hyundai and Kia Engine Litigation II" settlement population due to known factory manufacturing defects where residual metal debris blocks oil flow to the connecting rod bearings. Hyundai Corporate has issued a blanket refusal to honor the lifetime safety warranty extension, using an unverified allegation of "outside influence" to avoid executing the mandatory engine replacement protocols required under the federal safety agency Campaign T3G. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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 Jun 23, 2026 · Engine · NY

The engine failed completely and is currently available for inspection at my residence. While traveling on a family vacation at highway speeds, the engine suffered a catastrophic connecting-rod bearing failure and seized. This caused an immediate loss of motive power, braking assistance, and steering control, nearly resulting in a fatal multi-car collision with my child in the vehicle. Warning lights illuminated on the dashboard during the failure as a sudden metallic knocking sound occurred and the engine died. The vehicle became completely disabled and had to be limped off the highway and towed. The VIN has a completed Campaign 953 from September 2019 qualifying it for the Lifetime Warranty Extension under the Theta II settlement.