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2013 Hyundai Santa Fe engine complaints

Page 2 of 10: complaints 11 to 40 of 279, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe engine problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Oct 28, 2024 · Engine · SC · fire

The engine went on fire and smoke’s up. I had to remove the battery and get out of the car before it burn. Luckily I am okay but the engine seized

Filed Oct 24, 2024 · Engine · SC

The car has class action repair due to faulty engine crank shaft. The oil passages in the crankshaft causing rapid wear to the connecting rod bearings. The car stopped and broke down in the middle of the highway and engine broke down. The engine completely seized. I contacted Hyundai but they don’t wanna replace the engine. The class action lawsuit agreed to replace the engine but they don’t wanna help with my case

Filed Aug 16, 2024 · Engine · FL

I purchased a used 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe from a Dealership in January and the engine locked up in July. I originally had the vehicle towed to my ASE Certified Mechanic and they advised me the engine was locked up and also that there was a RECALL on this model year's engine. I then had my Santa Fe towed to the local Hyundai dealership, King Hyundai. There is a Recall on the engine and I entered my VIN# on Hyundai's website and it said my vehicle was AFFECTED under the "Sonata and Santa Fe Sport Engine Recall". I had it towed to King Hyundai in Deerfield Beach, FL. They initially denied my claim and requested prior Maintenance Records which I did not have because I recently purchased the vehicle. They said they needed prior records, so I was able to obtain the records from CarFax and it showed my vehicle was also maintained at the same King Hyundai dealership on a regular basis. I filed a claim with Hyundai Corporate and they are giving me the run-around and denying my claim. I did not drive the car excessively as it only has a 4 cylinder motor and it was not neglected. There was a $210 Million dollar fine against Hyundai by the federal safety agency in 2020 for their handling of this EXACT SAME issue: the handling of the engine recalls on this same Model year Hyundai Santa Fe and they are still doing what they were fined a $210M Civil Penalty for doing a few years ago, so obviously they did not learn their lesson. The Hyundai consent order is for three years, with an option for the federal safety agency to extend for an additional year. “Customer safety is our highest priority and we are taking immediate action to enhance our response to potential safety concerns,” Brian Latouf, chief safety officer, Hyundai Motor North America said in a statement. “We value a collaborative and cooperative relationship with the U.S. Department of Transportation and the federal safety agency, and will continue to work closely with the agency to proactively identify and address potential safety issues.” Please help! Thanks

Filed Aug 11, 2024 · Engine · MO

My wife was driving the vehicle and it was operating perfectly fine. As she was making a turn and accelerating the check engine light and other lights turned on. She started to experience loss of acceleration and was fortunate to get out of traffic where she turned off the vehicle. She let it sit for a little bit and then attempted to start it. It would not start so I came to try to help and when I attempted to start it, the engine would not turn over. We had it towed to our mechanic and he indicated that the engine was seized up. This vehicle is always serviced and babied by my wife. As I mentioned there was no warning, I.e. no rough idle, no loud noises, no leaking fluids,etc.. Prior to the catastrophic failure it was a very smooth and great driving vehicle. After searching this issue it appears that the 3.3 liter V6 that was in our vehicle has several recalls and accounts of similar failures. Had this happened on the highway it could have caused a serious accident. Given the number of complaints online and allegations, it is reasonable to assume that Hyundai was aware of an issue and they either failed to investigate it, or failed to communicate it. Had there been some sort of recall to address this issue we would’ve had it resolved, but there wasn’t anything tied to our VIN despite us having one of the plagued engines. Please help ensure that they are held responsible for this known liability so that the consumers aren’t. It is not only a financial matter, it is causing risk to safety for any owners that have this engine on the road.

Filed Aug 5, 2024 · Engine · MO

I was stopped at a red light and proceeded to turn right when my car shut down. I was able to pull over and turned my car off. It wouldn’t turn back on. I had it towed and they found the engine is locked up.

Filed Jul 31, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · NJ

The engine on our 2013 Santa Fe Limited has seized. We have maintained this vehicle with regular oil changes, breaks, tires, and anything else our trusted mechanic has recommended. While driving, the car slowed down considerably and was not accelerating. No dashboard lights appeared. This was during evening rush hour and became very dangerous. I pulled over to the shoulder and called for help. Once the tow arrived, we started the car and the check engine light came on. I checked the oil, it looked good. Tow truck driver took it to the dealership. Dealership said the car had no oil and that the engine has seized. I saw that there was oil before the driver took the car. So, that's not possible. The dealership said they added oil and that we would need a new engine. After discussing with the dealership my very expensive option, I have been researching the recalls and problems others have been having with the exact same thing happening. If there was no oil, why wasn't the oil light coming on? Why am I not due for an oil change for 1000+ mile? Putting my family at risk in a well maintained car that should last 75k-100k more miles is a huge problem. I will continue to fight this until myself and others receive the proper care from Hyundai.

Filed Jul 31, 2024 · Engine · AL

The engine component that failed was the connecting rod. The situation was that the engine seized randomly in the middle of an airport tunnel as I was attempting to pick up my parents and leave. There were no warning lights, no abnormal engine sounds, and no unusual activity beforehand. I have heard from a certified Hyundai dealer that this problem is becoming common on my vehicle and that they have, in fact seen several cases where the engine randomly seized. I do not have access to the engine that seized anymore as I have replaced it with a used one so I would not be able to provide it for investigation. I am not sure if a Hyundai manufacturer has checked the problem out.

Filed Jul 19, 2024 · Brakes, Engine · 115,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while depressing the brake pedal, the pedal extended to the floorboard and the stopping distance was extended. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who flushed the brake lines and replaced the brake master cylinder, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was later taken to the local dealer, but no further information was available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact stated that the vehicle was also experiencing excess oil consumption. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The failure mileage was 115,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Jul 11, 2024 · Engine · MI

Hyundai sent a notification a few years ago about a known manufacturing defect in the engine of the 2013 Santa Fe Sport. Stated that due to the manufacturing process of the engine, burs could be left inside that could disrupt oil flow causing it to stall. Stated a software patch would prevent this. The patch was completed. It didn't prevent this. While getting on the highway, during afternoon noon rush hour traffic, experienced total engine failure as soon as it reached highway speed. Got off the ramp onto the highway and immediately next ramp rolled to a stop at the bottom. Safety was put at risk because the vehicle lost it's engine getting on a freeway in heavy traffic. Hyundai dealers couldn't see the car for 2 to 3 months so had it towed to a non-dealership mechanic who stated the engine was a total loss with metal shavings in the oil drained from the pan. Pulled the head and found the oil at the top of the block to be in good maintenance shape but engine totally failed. No lights or warnings prior to the failure. As soon as the engine stopped there was alternator, oil pressure, and check engine light. Those came on after loss of engine Hyundai states they extended the warranty to cover this because it's a known issue but local dealerships state they have so many engine failures they won't be able to look at it until the end of September (we are at the beginning of July) and when they do get a chance to look at it there is a chance they could refuse to cover it. Contacted Hyundai customer support where they stated there's nothing they can do. Currently vehicle is being stored in my garage pending outcome of inspection that's months away.

Filed May 24, 2024 · Engine · SC

While driving at highway speed (70 mph) on 4/2/2024, the engine without any warning suffered an internal detonation caused by a crank shaft main bearing failure. This caused a vaporization of all the engine oil which was ejected through the vehicle exhaust system in a massive cloud of smoke which blinded the 18 wheeler tractor trailer traveling behind our vehicle. But for the fast response of this truck driver our vehicle would have been rear ended at high speed. Note that Hyundai USA had issued a recall a few years back regarding this Theta 2 engine failure condition that DID NOT include our vehicle. Nor did Hyundai USA inform us at anytime prior to this incident that our vehicle was in need of remediation. Hyundai USA did replace the engine under an extenuating circumstance but has declined to repair our exhaust system components that were destroyed along with the engine at the time of this incident. They have also declined towing expense / dealership diagnostic expense on the exhaust system / replacement of vehicle splash guard damaged in this incident / loss of use / transportation reimbursement. Any and all costs to us associated with this incident.

Filed May 20, 2024 · Engine · WA

I was driving on the backroads on my way into town. I passed a vehicle and then slowed down to regular speed, when I tried to accelerate again my car would not accelerate. It began making like a clanking noise before it completely slowed down and I pulled over. I turned it off right away and had a friend come give us charge thinking it was the battery. It turned on but when I tried accelerating it would not and began making a weird noise and white smoke came out of the engine somewhere. I had to get it towed back to my house. No check engine lights turned on or any warning lights. My car has not been drivable for a month.

Filed May 15, 2024 · Engine · PA

I was driving along and without any notification the engine stopped running causing me to have to try to get the car off of the road. It would not start back up and I had to have it towed to my house.

Filed Apr 24, 2024 · Engine · CT

Engine failed in the middle of a 2 lane highway. There were no warning lights on at the time of failure. Vehicle needed to be towed to owners home and engine is “ blown “ and vehicle has been rendered no longer drivable. Vehicle only had 128,322 miles at time of engine failure. Police needed to be contacted to assist with getting car out of lane.

Filed Apr 9, 2024 · Acceleration, Engine · CA · fire

I was driving the vehicle on the left lane of the freeway and the acceleration suddenly gave out. The car began to slow even when I pushed on the gas. Heat gage was fine and no lights went on. I quickly got over 4 lanes of traffic to the next exit and was able to pull over to the side of the road. White smoke began to billow out of the hood on the offramp and all the emergency light indicators came on at once. I turned the car off and the smoke turned black. I popped the hood and flames leapt out from under the hood. I jump out of the car and ran, leaving everything behind. I got safety away from the car and called 911. All of this happened within 2 minutes of losing acceleration. I typically have my two children in car seats in the car for school drop off and, [XXX] , they weren't with me. The fire overtook the front quickly and spread to the main cabin. By the time the fire department arrived (appx. 5-7 min) the car was completely engulfed. Nothing was salvaged. There is a fire report with the fire department. The police were not called. The car had gone through a full inspection and oil change one month prior and had no warning signs or issues. I lost a number of things in the car, including my purse, work items, kid's items, car seats, etc. Just after the incident, I developed a cough and severe headache that lasted two days. I also twisted my knee while running away, exacerbating an old injury. I am also dealing with acute mental health symptoms and am seeing a psychologist. I have not yet returned to work due to brain fog and exhaustion. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 7, 2024 · Engine · MO

My engine failed at an intersection exiting highway. Found out this is a recalled engine. Vehicle stalled, without any warning. Lights came on after the stall. Vehicle would not restart. Had to wait at intersection for tow truck. Vehicle currently at reed hyundai Missouri, under going a 6 month wait to be told crankshaft part of engine failed. Hyundai not wanting to cover their recalled engine.

Filed Mar 29, 2024 · Engine · 138,000 miles · HI · fire · 2 injuries

The contact owned a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, a gasoline and smoke odor was ventilating into the interior of the vehicle through the vents, after which the driver observed flames emanating from the engine compartment on the passenger side of the vehicle, prompting him to pull to the shoulder of the roadway. Upon exiting the vehicle, the vehicle became fully engulfed in flames. Local emergency services arrived and were able to extinguish the fire. The ABS warning light was illuminated. A fire report was filed. A police report was reported, and injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss by the contact's insurance provider. The contact stated that though medical treatment was not sought, the driver sustained minor injuries to his right arm, and a passenger sustained a quarter-sized burn to his right leg. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 138,000.

Filed Feb 23, 2024 · Engine · FL

Hampton Hyundai in Fort Walton Beach, FL is refusing to do an inspection for Recall Campaign 162 (the federal safety agency #17V226000). Per the safety recall campaign, if the engine is experiencing issues as described by the campaign, the dealership must perform an inspection and do repairs as necessary under the safety recall. Hampton Hyundai is refusing to do such an inspection. Instead they are quoting $16.9k for a new engine but refusing to provide any diagnostic results or answer questions on the status of the engine or recall. For a dealership to ignore a safety recall campaign is not simply an unethical business practice, it is a danger to the public and to Hyundai customers. the federal safety agency must address a dealership that refuses to acknowledge safety recalls or do the necessary inspections and repairs to ensure the safety of those on the road.

Filed Feb 7, 2024 · Engine · KS

After reading through many complaints on this site for the engines seizing up and burning excessive oil, I decided to add my complaint in hopes that Hyundai will issue a recall and fix the problem. My problem: 1. My car is burning excessive oil. 2. Low oil warning lights are not displaying on dash. I'm sure the lack of oil is the root cause of the engine seizures other Santa Fe owners reported. Oil does not register on my dipstick less than 3000 miles after an oil change and the oil pressure warning light does not illuminate. There is no visible leak on my garage floor where the car is parked overnight. I've started adding oil between oil changes. I added 2 quarts this month and still registered low on the dip stick.

Filed Feb 5, 2024 · Engine · CA

its been three mos now with no waiting for ABS module overheat. recall came 2mos after purchasing car. Modules that could leak brake fluid causing electrical sort over-time. i do care giving for senior. That's not safe for me or them. There should be urgency for concern. Tks for your quick concern and fix. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] or cell [XXX] . tks INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 12, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · FL

Please see attached document for detailed description of a Hyundai dealership refusing to fix a hazardous to drive 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe.

Filed Jan 7, 2024 · Engine · AL

We have a 2013 hyundai santa fe and it has done the same thing that is described in the engine recall for the 2012 the bearings have worn out and now our engine is blown up at 120000 miles and every one that I have talked to has said the same thing they should be held responsible for this its the same engine same problem

Filed Dec 31, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · ID

While driving on the interstate the vehicle suddenly shuddered and immediately died, dash lights were still on but all power was cut off. Cars around me were swerving to avoid hitting me from behind as well as avoiding cars in the inside lane. Thankfully able to coast to the narrow edge of the road without a grave incident. Restarted the car with a terrible metallic screetching noise and limp along the side of the interstate to the nearest off ramp.

Filed Dec 19, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · OH

I had lightly let off my gas pedal since I was driving down a slight decline/hill. Upon reaching the bottom of the decline, I pressed the gas pedal to maintain my speed, when I heard a loud noise from my engine; all the lights on the dash lit up; and my car lost all power. These items happened simultaneously and it was very sudden and unexpected as there were no prior warnings, indications, noises, or lights. The steering wheel locked up and I was unable to control the direction of my car. The brakes locked up and were unresponsive despite depressing them with both feet. I had no control of my car and I was completely at the mercy of my car and the road. The electrical system also failed. When my vehicle came to rest, nothing in the car worked. If a child, another vehicle, or animal was stopped in front of me or had pulled out in front of me, my car would have ran right into them. If I was on the hill and this happened, my car could have verved into the ditch and I could have been ejected. My car was towed to a local auto repair shop. The repair shop owner told me that Hyundai/Kai had issued a recall and he felt my engine failed for the same reason. I had my car towed to my Hyundai dealership where it sat for 4 months before they were able to assess it. I bought this car brand new in 2013 and maintained it for 9 years without a prior incident, problem or concern. It was a great vehicle that I was planning on giving to my daughter. My neighbor bought a Santa Fe because I raved about mine all the time. The vehicle is available for inspection, along with the auto shop repair owner.

Filed Dec 7, 2023 · Body, Brakes · RI · fire

The vehicle caught fire while driving due to unknown cause. The vehicle was unable to break as smoke began coming into the vents. Car came to a stop and the flames were present underneath the vehicle before engulfing the entire hood. Vehicle has been deemed total loss by insurance.

Filed Nov 20, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · TN

Dealership verified several months ago that vehicle engine is burning oil (was initially informed of this issue about 6 months prior from a quick oil change business). In spite of documented evidence of oil changes every 3,000--5,000 miles since purchasing the new vehicle, claim filed with Hyundai for a new engine was denied (engine is 1 year past warranty). On 11/11/23, engine catastrophically failed traveling 70 mph on the interstate (loud "bang" from engine compartment followed by inability to accelerate; created hazard due to density of traffic and vehicle location in the passing lane). Was able to get vehicle to shoulder without incident. Check engine light was blinking. Had vehicle towed to Hyundai of Cookeville, TN. Since then, have struggled to get dealership to determine precise cause of engine failure. (Engine is available for inspection upon request.)

Filed Nov 4, 2023 · Engine · NC

While driving, engine suddenly shut off. Engine light was on and I had to pull off road in traffic, almost causing an accident. Tow truck was unable to start car, while stating the battery was good The car has been at dealership for 4 months. Hyundai requested and was given all maintenance receipts from local dealership in NC, and dealership in AZ where the car was purchased.. Still waiting for word if Hyundai will replace the engine. The car sat at dealership for 2 months before they even looked at it, and was then determined the engine was frozen/blown. There were no warning lamps, symptoms or messages before this incident. Was not offered a loaner car, am unable to afford a rental.

Filed Nov 2, 2023 · Engine · DE

Hello, I'm not sure if this is something that you would handle or not. My husband and I have a Hyundai Santa Fe (husband-2015, Mine - 2013). We both bought the vehicles used and haven't had any major problems until about a year ago when both of our vehicles started drinking motor oil like people drink water. We don't have any signs of a leak anywhere. We had taken it to the Hyundai Dealerships and other mechanics and both say that Hyundai has been known to have this problem. Many years ago, I had a Hyundai Sonata which I bought brand new around 2003 and had it for many years. I never had this problem. After doing my research, I have seen where other people have had this problem with their Hyundai vehicles. I emailed several people about our situation, one being [XXX] , and received a response from Hailey, Customer Service Specialist with Hyundai Motor America and her response was for us to have Oil Consumption Testing done. She said that it would be our responsibility to pay for the testing and any repairs that need to be done since we're past the warranty and the years of our vehicles. From what the dealership and other mechanics keep saying, I feel it should be a recall for this problem due to Hyundai being aware that this has been a problem with their vehicles for years. I've known people to have cars much older than ours that never had an oil consumption problem such as this. Also, from what I read, this Oil Consumption Testing is a process that is done in stages which can be costly. Plus this Oil Consumption problem can lead to our engine dying without us knowing when it will die. With this problem, we don't have any warning that our motor oil is low or empty for our oil light will either blink or don't come on at all. I have seen mine blink, but by then the oil was already gone. My husband's oil stick had burnt and he purchased another one from Hyundai. The new one is now burnt and mine is burnt as well. This is a safety hazard. I feel that Hyundai should INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF IN

Filed Oct 21, 2023 · Engine · KY

I purchased this vehicle 07/05/2022. I have had regular oil changes and maintenance. I have all of my maintenance records. I went in for an oil change on 05/15/2023 and the mechanic told me that there was only 3-4 drops of oil in the engine. I called Hyundai of Nicholasville and they told me that there was nothing they could do until the vehicle showed signs of engine failure. I was driving home from work one day in August and my vehicle would not travel over 40 MPH. I had my vehicle towed to Hyundai of Nicholasville and it has been there ever since. The mechanic at Hyundai has been trying to get Hyundai to do a motor replacement. Hyundai denied the request. We are now trying my extended warranty. I have done so much research on the motors of this specific make and model of car (2013 Hyundai Santa Fa Sport) and I have found several articles and personal testimonies of early engine failure. From the time I bought the car and put it in the shop I had only had the car for roughly 13 months and done all car maintenance on time.

Filed Oct 10, 2023 · Engine, Steering · 119,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle had lost power causing the vehicle to decrease in speed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed where it was informed that the failure was due to a faulty rod bearing. The vehicle had not been replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.

Filed Oct 8, 2023 · Engine · TN

The car ran great when I bought it and did for about one month before it suddenly stalled and went into limp mode. The engine started making a loud knocking noise that kept getting worse. Only got to drive the car for a little over one month. It’s been at the Hyundai dealership for almost 3 months now still waiting on the rod bearing clearance test because there were 17 other Hyundais in front of mine. If for some reason they won’t replace it then it’s a total loss because I don’t feel safe getting back in it and especially my kids. I would rather just be reimbursed for the price of the car so I can buy a different brand all together. I don’t want the same issue to keep happening. The dealership I bought it at completely failed to mention anything about the theta II engine recall, they even told me it didn’t have any recalls and that it was a great reliable car. If I would’ve known the smallest thing about the recall I would’ve NEVER bought it, period! It’s ridiculous that a company would rather keep letting people die than fix the problem completely.

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