We are the original owner of a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe. The vehicle is experiencing issues from internal engine oil consumption caused by a manufacturing defect in the GDI powertrain. In 2023, while driving under normal operating conditions, the vehicle began severely jerking, shuddering and hesitating during acceleration. This hesitation and sudden drop in power creates a severe and immediate traffic hazard, as the vehicle loses acceleration capabilities unpredictably while driving, merging, entering a highway or crossing intersections. I have since experience low oil volume due to this systemic oil consumption. On April 7, 2023 while I was under the 100,000 mile factory warranty (at 99,644), the issues were reported to the dealership but they found no issues. Since then the engine light come up regularly and we must add or change oil soon. On June 15, 2026 we took it back with the same issue and we have been told after checking it and filling it up we must repeat the process from 2023, drive it for 1000 miles without changing or adding oil, even if it dries up. This will create a safety hazard not only for the public but for my family. Now we are told the engine needs to be replaced but since we're out of warranty, we must pay $21,000. We were under warranty when we reported the issue and they purposedly led us out knowing the issues were happening to other Sonata and Santa Fe models. Now we are left with a dangerous vehicle which we cannot in good faith sell to any other family.
2014 Hyundai Santa Fe: engine failure
121 of the 493 complaints about the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe describe engine failure.
- owner complaints
- 121
- of this car's complaints
- 25%
- typical repair cost reported
- $7,500
- typical mileage
- 98,000
- recalls
- 0
Engine failure by model year
What owners say
Driving to work at 0730 on 20 may, i put my foot down to accelerate from 40mph and nothing happened, i tried again thinking foot placement and the engine died. All ligjts went out, engine turned off and i free coasted for 100 -150yards. Once stopped i mangaed to get the hazard lights on, and get out the vehicle. I was 30yards from traffic lights on a 3 lane road. Once pushed from the road, the car showed lights and internal radio etc, but no noise on the push start. There was no noise from the engine prior to this, there was no dash lights showing issues and no warning. I was then towed 4hrs later to a garage where the diaognostics show engine failure and new engine required. A service 4000k miles ago and the car had used 5.5quarts of oil. All eveidence ive mainated the vehicle is online. 1st garage advices not driveable due to 10ks of miles of damage.
My engine failed and was diagnosed as needing to rebuilt or replaced by the dealership. During the pandemic it was hard to get parts so they rebuilt it. At first it was missed diagnosed because it was a 3.3l V6 and only the 4 cylinder engines were on recall. I had check engine lights on all the time. I paid for repairs that only masked the problem for a short time. It was such a problem I had to get a waiver to register my vehicle. After having more problems with my engine. Hyundai of Kennesaw confirmed my engine needed to be replaced they actually requested Corporate to approve an engine replacement for my vehicle in 2021. It was denied. So I paid for the rebuild. In August of 2025 i sent a letter extending the warranty which covered my vehicle engine rebuild. Hyundai denied that claim Jan 2026.
My daughter owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS, which is currently experiencing internal engine failure and abnormal engine noise. These issues directly align with Hyundai’s notification regarding the extended warranty coverage for vehicles equipped with the 3.3L Lambda II GDI engine, which may experience abnormal engine noise or damage. Hyundai has acknowledged these concerns and extended warranty protection for engine repairs or replacement. The Hyundai Holler dealership in winter park Florida. recently inspected the vehicle and reported a critical failure requiring immediate attention. The recommended service included: Timing job (all CVVTs, intake, camshaft, chains, guides, tensioners) Both valve cover gaskets and RTV replacement ( This is the internal parts of the engine) The estimated repair cost was $6,723.92. This recommendation reflects the exact type of engine-related failure covered under Hyundai’s extended warranty for this VIN. It is both unreasonable and disappointing that my daughter was presented with such a significant repair estimate for a condition Hyundai has already committed to covering. For context, my husband is a certified technician, and we have carefully reviewed the inspection details. The diagnosis provided by Holler Hyundais service department is consistent with the warranty-covered issue. Therefore, this repair should rightfully be processed under Hyundai’s extended warranty program.I must also share that my daughter a single disabled mother of three with limited resources and income. The dealership’s approach in presenting her with an astronomical repair bill—without recognizing the warranty coverage—causes unnecessary stress and financial hardship Mr Jesse Cappiello Service consultant. Refuses to accept this as warranty, by stating the warranty is only for Rod bearing failure. When the warranty clearly states engine failure I have attached the warranty info for your review.
I was driving my daughters to school and the vehicle made a loud squeal and a subsequently a continuous clicking noise. I did not have any warning of the vehicle malfunctioning. There was no check engine light, no loss of power, or anything related to an impending failure. Upon this happening I was able to quickly get the vehicle moved as I was in the middle of the road with people around and lucking was not hit as I immediately stopped. I was close to home and was able to get the vehicle back to our home. Upon speaking with a Hyundai dealership they made me aware of a “silent recall” on many motors within the Hyundai failure due to internal failures. The vehicle was towed to the dealership and inspected and confirmed to have been linked to the engine failure. Hyundai is now stating that due to me being the second owner of the vehicle I am not apt to the extended warranty and there is no notice on any of the public facing knowledge to any of this information. I have gone through almost 2.5 months of back and forth with Hyundai case managers & the Attorney general.
Engine failed mixing oil and coolant
Crack was found in oil pan during regular maintenance. The engine was replaced by Hyundai and now has around 60,000 miles on it. At my expense, the oil plan was replaced.
I have been notified that I am in need of a new engine due to possible complete engine failure which is on the near horizon. I have the Lambda II V6 3.3L engine. It is knocking, making noises, hesitates to go, feels like it will stall out at all speeds, and is scaring me terribly. My certified local mechanic replaced a part for failed emissions, which cost almost $900. However the check engine light came back on. They stated I must go to Hyundai because they did not believe they could fix the car as it required a new engine. I took it to my Hyundai dealer, where my contact stated yes it should be covered as it was having the issues as have been identified with this engine. He later came back and stated his managers would not let him put through the claim, and said my estimate was now a whole new timing system at a cost of $4600. My car has less than 83,000 miles on it. My previous Hyundai is still running at 200,000 miles, so yes, I take good care of my vehicles. This is an early equipment failure on the part of Hyundai and Kia that they are now owning up to. I drive on busy 4 lane local roads, and I am afraid of this engine failure. Also, when I did take my Hyundai into the dealership, they did not have the ABS part needed for the recall. I was told it would be in within a couple of days. I have not been contacted back by them if it is in and to schedule me an appt. This is a huge failure in itself! I did make a claim to Hyundai Customer Care, that stated it was out of warranty. Today, I have my car at a 3rd automotive mechanic in the area to get a 3rd opinion. He has a minor timing issue code P0018 that emissions still kicked out once I finally got it passed. I am waiting to hear what he has to say regarding my engine with no beforehand knowledge of what I know so far. If my car catches fire or breaks down or seizes up on a busy road, I don't think that will go safely at all. I am very concerned for my safety and that of others.
My 2014 Hyundai Sonata is subject to the recall campaign for the 2.0L and 2.4L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines. Since June 24, 2024, the vehicle has exhibited multiple issues: 1. Check Engine Light: The check engine light is continuously on and blinking, signaling that the vehicle is unsafe to drive. Diagnostic codes retrieved include P0140 (O2 Circuit), P0172 (System Too Rich), and P0126 (Knock Sensor Circuit). While the P0126 code pertains to the knock sensor, there has been no definitive diagnosis to determine if the issue is isolated to the sensor or indicative of a deeper engine problem. 2. Engine Power Issue: The car experiences jolts and kicks back during acceleration, along with intermittent lack of power. Furthermore, an independent mechanic performed some tests on the engine, determining that it runs too rich. After the second white smoke through exhaust incident, the vehicle struggles, and often does not reach, 60 MPH; aligning with "Reduced power and/or hesitation" (case #2) in the recall campaign. 3. Exhaust Smoke: On two separate occasions, within a month, white smoke has been observed exiting the exhaust. Engine oil has been below 3/5 empty each time. No oil leak found; must be exiting through exhaust. Despite qualifying for the recall, the Hyundai Colorado Springs dealer has refused to inspect or replace the engine as required. These ongoing issues pose significant safety risks, including the potential for unexpected engine failure and loss of power while driving.
On [XXX] I was driving down a busy 4-lane in Los Angeles and my engine suddenly died. There were no warning signs like indicator lights or warning noises. It was traumatic and frightening and I thought I was going to be struck by a car or truck. I had little control over the car-it would not accelerate to get out of the road lane. I was coasting, stopped half toward the side of the road but still sticking out in the road lane and was terrified I'd get hit by another vehicle from my back driver's corner. Cars and trucks that were traveling at normal speed were trying to avoid a collision with me and swerving around me, putting myself and others at risk for serious injury or death. I had had all the systems updated 2 years ago at a HMA, Hyundai dealership as I was directed, which included the KSDS (Knock Sensor Detection System). Dealer said it was to warn me of possible engine noise and issues. I never got any warning. I was NEVER told by anyone including Hyundai or any regulatory agency that the engine could suddenly fail as I'm driving the car OR I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN DRIVING IT! There were never any warnings at that time or any time that anything was wrong with the vehicle. The car was towed to a Hyundai dealership and they diagnosed the problem on 8/28/2024 as a failed engine bearings clearance test at 63Kmiles. I kept all maintenance records, all done timely and properly with full synthetic oil. The components were assessed by the Hyundai dealership in communication and with guidance through HMA, Hyundai Technical /Techline confirmed failed engine bearings clearance test. My engine was not making any noises beforehand at all, and no engine warning light or sounds gave any warnings to be cautious or do anything other than drive normally. I was told I need an engine replacement. A Prior Approval for the engine replacement was started on 8/28/24 and sent to HMA, Hyundai. 9/17/2024, I still don't have engine replacement, dealer refuses to give records. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORM
Engine was replaced in Feb. 2020 as part of the 162 engine recall. Car engine completely shuts down while driving and cannot be restarted for 20 or so minutes. This leaves me stuck in traffic with no ability to move the car. The new engine only has 40,000 miles on it. Dealership first said it was an issue with the engine and valves but when I wanted them to pay, they said the car is fine and passes all inspections. The check oil light and engine light come on when the engine stops, but they are not on prior to the engine stalling. I have made three visits regarding this - 1 to my personal mechanic and two to the Hyundai dealership. I filmed a video of the stall but it is too long to upload.
This past Tuesday, July 23, 2024, I started to drive out of my driveway and I heard a very loud knocking noise coming from under the hood. Upon driving the car less than 100 feet the car lost power. It was extremely difficult to get the car back to my driveway. The car was completely impossible to drive and control of my Santa Fe Limited was lost. I had a tow company tow my Santa Fe to the place where I got normal routine service done. Both the tow truck driver and the owner of the auto service business stated the failure was a broken connecting rod or something very similar in the engine. The result was the engine is not able to be repaired and would need to be replaced by a new engine. I purchased the Santa Fe Limited new on May 17, 2024 and I am the only owner. It currently has 72,600 miles on it. I performed all service requirements and changed oil and filter every 5000 miles. Also had my tires rotated and balanced every 5000 miles.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Abnormal engine noise or damage
- Abnormal engine noise or damage
- Abnormal engine noise or damage
- The warranty coverage of certain engines for repairs and replacement has been extended to 15 years or...
- Abnormal engine noise or damage
- Abnormal engine noise or engine damage
- The warranty coverage for engine repair or replacement related to engine noise or damage has been extended...
- Higher-than-expected engine oil consumption
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe engine failure
Is engine failure a common problem on the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe?
121 of 493 owner complaints about the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe (25%) mention engine failure. The model year with the most reports is 2017.
How much does it cost to fix engine failure on the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $7,500 (median of 20 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe?
There are 0 recalls and 19 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe
Knocking 75Check engine light 72Stalling 52Oil consumption 32ABS 31Fire or smoke 30Loss of power 30Won't start 19Hesitation 13Won't shift 12Jerking 11Steering noise 10Sunroof shattered 10Headlights 9Power steering loss 8Brake failure 7Door locks 7Warning lights 7Harsh shifting 6Pulling 6Adaptive cruise 5Backup camera 5Fuel smell 5Key fob 5
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history