I bought a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe from a dealership in May of 2023. Ever since then I have paid around $8,000 in repairs for this car. These repairs have been so expensive and time consuming that last year I wasn’t able to drive it for 6 months because it was in the shop for most of the year. I had to fix the Fuel pump, the Battery, timing chain valve TWICE, O2 sensor , Catalytic Converter, Engine valve, cylinder 1 & 3 and NOW I have to fix cylinder 2 & 4 & that cost again around $2,000 to fix. I am constantly stressed out, crying and becoming broke because I have to keep on repairing this car. I use up all of my tows every year because my car always shuts off on me while I am driving. I am at the point where I want a refund on the car and I want to get rid of this vehicle. I do not feel safe driving on the highway or driving with my two kids and I am currently pregnant again and this car isn’t safe for a family. I am constantly feeling broken down and worthless because I can’t even keep this car a float.
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport fuel pump problems
18 of the 1,207 owner complaints about the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport describe fuel pump failure, most of them for the 2013 model year.
- owner complaints
- 18
- worst model year
- 2013
- typical mileage
- 85,000
By model year
Often reported together
Check engine light 8Engine failure 4Oil consumption 3ABS 2Won't shift 1Stalling 1
Trouble codes mentioned
P0087 1
What owners say
I was driving on March 20, 2026 at about 12:00 PM when I suddenly noticed smoke, a strong gasoline smell, an oil smell, and a burning odor coming from the vehicle. I pulled over immediately because I believed the vehicle was unsafe and at risk of fire. The vehicle had to be towed. An independent repair shop later found a fuel leak at the high-pressure fuel line / fuel pump area, a loose ground wire on the right-hand side of the engine, a valve cover gasket leak, and engine timing chain noise. I was informed that gasoline had sprayed throughout the engine bay. This created an immediate fire hazard even though no actual fire occurred. This problem was especially concerning because the vehicle had been inspected and serviced by an authorized Hyundai dealer in December 2025, less than about 3,000 miles earlier. The loose engine ground wire and fuel leak raise serious concerns about vehicle safety and the adequacy of the prior inspection. I contacted Hyundai the same day and reported this as a fire-risk safety issue, but I did not receive timely assistance. Because immediate dealer service was not available, I had to authorize emergency repairs at a local shop for safety reasons. No warning lights were noted before the incident. The failure was confirmed by the repair shop.
Circuit board inside the fuse box stopped working and there was no speed indicator, no cruise control, no odometer registering while driving. Also the mechanical fuel pump started leaking fuel at 148,000 miles and now at 156,000 miles it is burning through oil and no oil light came on and the engine went into limp mode and is also now going through coolant too.
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and running, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle and inspected it. The hood was opened, and the engine cover was removed, and there was condensation dripping from the fuel pump. The contact’s brother inspected the vehicle and became aware of the strong fuel odor and the condensation dripping from the high-pressure fuel pump. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the high-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Dealer failure to to remedy engine replacement under settlement. I am entitled under the March 1, 2022, Settlement Agreement (the “E2 Settlement”) due to recurring Theta II engine failures caused by the oil-starvation/connecting-rod bearing defect. Vehicle stalling on highways and heavy traffic, Repeated codes and failures of MAP sensors, VVT solenoids, camshaft position sensors, starters (×3), batteries (×2), turbo wastegate, fuel pump, EVAP canister, thermostats/housings, etc. — all downstream symptoms of oil starvation and bearing failure Hyundai dealers (Hyundai of Palm Springs and others) have continued to misdiagnose and charge me for unrelated repairs while refusing to acknowledge the covered defect in the replacement engine. Relief Demanded Under the E2 Settlement Pursuant to Settlement ¶¶ 4.1, 4.2, 5.1, 5.2, and 6, I demand the following within fourteen (14) days: Full replacement of the failed engine with a new or remanufactured long-block assembly at $0 out-of-pocket cost to me, including all related gaskets, hoses, sensors, turbocharger, and PCM reflash: Full reimbursement of all out-of-pocket repair expenses incurred since the 2022 replacement (approximately $8,178.50+ $150 for two maxed out Triple A cards, and a new rental car for this week at $1500.00 total to date $10,148.50— Reimbursement of all towing and rental-car expenses (receipts enclosed); Compensation for diminished value of the vehicle. Confirmation that the Lifetime Warranty remains in full force on any future engine. In the alternative, a cash buyback of $25,000 in full satisfaction of all claims. This vehicle has suffered two qualifying Theta II engine failures, the second occurring in a warranty replacement engine. Hyundai of Palm Springs continued refusal to properly honor the settlement has caused extreme hardship, safety risks (multiple freeway/intersection stalls), and thousands of dollars in unnecessary expense
Gas is purging from the top of the fuel pump
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
High pressure fuel pump leaking gas into engine oil
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while merging onto the freeway at approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact was depressing the accelerator pedal however, the vehicle was not accelerating as needed. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the fuel pump gasket and fuel line needed to be replaced. The dealer checked the oil and found that there were metal shavings inside the oil pan. The contact was informed over 2 quarts of engine oil needed to be added. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred; however, the vehicle had not been taken back to the dealer. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
I just got Hyundai SUV last December and already cause problem with engine and abs, after I found out that it is recalled a while ago. First ABS, I was going to fix that but all attention to me is engine light then found out it is High pressure fuel pump then burning oil that I smelled something isn't right. I feel it's not safe to drive and I spoke to mechanic, He told me take it back to dealership that they gave me a lemon Hyundai.. I talked to the dealership mechanic shop and never tell me anything how much for high pressure fuel pump? SO I already saw my SUV problem and I decided to check website for Hyundai recalled, that what I had right now.. It's only 6 years old and only 90,000 mileages on that SUV. That smell is very odd and it will cause engine fire..
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport fuel pump
Which Hyundai Santa Fe Sport years have fuel pump failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2013 (7 complaints), 2018 (6 complaints) and 2017 (2 complaints).
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