2011 Hyundai Santa Fe: engine failure

Filed Sep 26, 2025 · Engine · NV

CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. With no prior indications, the engine seized while driving on side street at 25mph. Engine blew hole in block and dumped engine parts, including piston rod, piston and engine block remnants, and oil on street. Very dangerous as power steering stopped and was unable to turn. Very low miles, 40,680, with all maintenance performed by dealer. Filed a report with Hyundai USA, no action taken.

Filed Apr 2, 2024 · Engine · 126,600 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the charger indicator warning light illuminated and the engine seized. The battery was recharged. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed valve cover gasket leak and that the valve cover gasket and the alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was scheduled to be taken to the dealer for inspection within the week. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 126,600. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed Oct 6, 2023 · Engine · SC

I was driving the car on a 4 lane road when suddenly the engine shut off and the car was no longer functioning. I lost power steering and had to coast into a nearby parking lot, otherwise I would have caused a major accident in the middle of a busy intersection with another 4 lane road. Upon taking the car to Hyundai for evaluation, it was declared to be total engine failure. Given the other issues with Hyundai engines failing and the fact that I VERY NARROWLY AVOIDED A MASSIVE COLLISION, I would like the federal safety agency to be aware that this problem may go back farther than Hyundai has addressed so far.

Filed Jan 19, 2023 · Engine · OR

My 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe had 75,000 miles on it in September 2022. It was bought and serviced by the same dealership and I am the original owner. It was last serviced at the end of June 2022. While returning from Corvallis, Oregon to Forest Grove, Oregon, the car's display light all turned on and a second late the car completely stopped. I am thankful that I decided to take the back road home, if I had been on the highway, I am positive I would have been in a serious accident. It has been determined by the dealership that there was a complete engine failure. It has been at the Hyundai dealership for four months now and there is no replacement engine available for it. Not only that, they can't get a reasonably priced replacement engine anywhere. This car would have been a valuable trade in on a new car. The Diagnosis was Engine crankshaft seized. Metal particles on Dipstick, large metal fragments on oil filter, Engine replacement required. The car is now worthless, expect for parts.

Filed Jul 21, 2022 · Engine · OH · fire

UNKNOWN warning I’m the owner of a 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe and a week ago at 185k mikes all of a sudden driving on the freeway it started hesitating and sounded like metal grinding and smoking really bad. Pulled to the side of the freeway on a ramp at that. Tried to restart the vehicle and I heard a bang noise which upon later discovery the engine blew a rod with no warning locked the steering wheel couldn’t get the keys out of the ignition DO NOT buy this car still owe 5k on the vehicle

Filed Apr 27, 2020 · Engine · 100,000 miles · OR

Engine blown shortly after 'service engine' light came on

Filed Jan 3, 2020 · Brakes · 115,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 hyundai santa fe. While driving various speeds, the rear calipers seized. Also, when the brake pedal was applied, the pedal felt spongy and traveled to the floorboard. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the calipers seized and the master cylinder and brake pads needed to be replaced. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The contact stated that the failure was similar to the federal safety agency campaign number: 10v613000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The failure mileage was 115,000.*dt

Filed Jun 30, 2019 · Engine · 143,000 miles · OH

The vehicle developed a low end engine rattle during idle. The noise would go away on acceleration. Today the engine failed. It won't turn over at all. It's seized up. I checked the oil and the oil is full. I bought this vehicle when it was 2 years old. I've used synthetic oil and changed the oil every 3 - 4,000 miles. The symptoms are identical to the ones on the sonata and other various models. My vehicle was manufactured here in the states. An engine is a huge expense. Especially if it's due to manufacturer negligence. I will never buy another hyundai or kia again at this point.

Filed Feb 20, 2019 · Engine · 122,000 miles · PA

While driving the vehicle the engine stopped running without warning or symptoms. It would not restart. It needed to be towed. Further investigation found the engine had seized.

Filed Jan 14, 2019 · Engine · 121,064 miles · CA

My 2011 hyundai santa fe began to drive rough on the freeway, slight tugging, rattling sound under the hood and would not accelerate above 60mph, check engine and oil light came on. I exited the freeway and it stalled at red light. Started it up and then stalled 3 more times at every red light on the way home. I added oil and made service appt. Brought in for service died once on the way and again at the service center but did not start back up. Mechanic said engine failed due to crank shaft spun bearing. Sensors did not appear in advance sensors appeared too late causing damage to engine. My car is only 7 years bought brand new out of show room no previous major issues. Multiple complaints on line showing same problem with others. Unacceptable and dangerous

Filed Jun 14, 2018 · Steering · 95,000 miles · CT

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 hyundai santa fe. While making a right turn, the steering wheel seized. There were no warning indicators illuminated during the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the failure could not be duplicated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 95,000. *tt updated 10/5/18

Filed Jun 8, 2017 · Engine · 60,000 miles · MI

On saturday 6/3/17 I was driving home from a baby shower when I heard a metal sounding noise towards the front of my car after hitting a bump. The noise only happened once and when I pulled in the driveway and turned my car off it sounded like metal parts falling out under my car but when I crawled under my car nothing looked abnormal, so I got back in the car to start it and it would not start. Monday 6/5/17 I had my car towed to kelley radiator to be looked at, after them checking everything they told me my engine is seized. The owner of kelley radiator cannot figure out why my engine seized, he has checked everything such as fluids to mechanical parts and everything checks out good. I did some research and found engine failure is a common problem with certain hyundai cars. I have contacted hyundai but no response . I have had this car for 2 years ,faithfully getting oil changes and I still owe $12,366.67 on this car. I cannot afford a new engine without applying for a loan and really cannot afford a lawyer so any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated