2017 Hyundai Santa Fe: engine stalls while driving

Filed Sep 20, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · OH

Component/System Failed: Engine assembly (Theta II 2.4L GDI) and Exhaust/Catalytic Converter. Description: The vehicle suffered a failure associated with the known Theta II engine defects. Engine oil consumption and internal engine wear directly led to unburned fuel and debris entering the exhaust stream, resulting in severe catalytic converter restriction/failure. Safety Risk: The combined failure caused sudden loss of power while driving, engine stalling, and significant driveability hazards, creating an immediate risk of a rear-end collision on public roads. Confirmation & Inspection: The failure was confirmed and diagnosed by a certified service facility. Replaced components and diagnostic documentation remain available for inspection upon request.

Filed Sep 8, 2026 · Engine · PA

-The primary mechanical failure is a burned exhaust valve in Cylinder 2, which has resulted in 0 PSI compression and a persistent engine misfire. This severe top-end valve degradation occurred as a direct consequential result of a chronic, underlying defect in the engine's internal oil-delivery and consumption systems. The vehicle is currently fully assembled, intact, and available for immediate inspection upon request at Brown-Daub Hyundai. -The vehicle suffered a sudden, severe loss of motive power while operating in traffic due to the cylinder drop, triggering a sudden transition into a dangerous operating state. The extreme oil consumption rate (burning 5 to 6 quarts of motor oil every 3,000 miles) created an ongoing, severe risk of sudden highway stalling, catastrophic moving component seizure, and potential engine bay fire due to extreme internal operating friction and chronic oil starvation. -Failure has been confirmed by two independent automotive facilities: Independent Confirmation: On XXX, [XXX]’s Service Center performed a diagnostic scan and an engine compression test, formally documenting diagnostic trouble code P030200 (Cylinder 2 Misfire) and verifying 0 PSI compression in Cylinder 2.Dealership Confirmation: On XXX, the service manager at Brown-Daub Hyundai executed a formal electronic and mechanical inspection under Repair Order #XXX, duplicating the failure and logging active trouble codes P0301, P0302, and P0128. -Symptoms first appeared progressively through an accelerating, severe oil consumption defect, which was documented during multiple routine maintenance: XXX oil consumption (115,865 mi): XXX (119,601 mi) no external leaks: XXX (125,502 mi) excessive oil consumption:XXX (135,116 mi) excessive oil consumption:XXX (133,022 mi) P0420 Cat Code: XXX (approx. 137,000 mi)engine rough-riding, shaking, & violent misfires began, preceding the mechanical breakdown INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 10, 2026 · Transmission · 63,036 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while reversing, the vehicle jerked and shuddered abnormally. Additionally, the transmission hesitated, and the vehicle almost stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the contact was informed that the Service Campaign Number: 9C2 was completed. The contact was informed that the updated software was confusing the transmission and had caused the failure. The contact was informed that the remedy was not yet determined. In addition, the contact was informed that the dealer was waiting on instructions from the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 63,036.

Filed Jul 15, 2026 · Engine · MA

After having the Service Campaign 9C2 ECU SOFTWARE UPDATE FOR THETA II EMISSIONS IMPROVEMENT, TSB 26-01-013H-2 done, my vehicle started having driveablity issues. On a normal, cold start the engine's RPMs go up really high, so I take my foot of the gas and the revs drop, almost stalling the car, and then the car bucks. I put my foot back on the gas pedal, and the engine revs really high again and takes off. If I try to drive normally, the car bucks and runs rough. My car also revs a lot higher during highway driving, than it did before the update. All of this is also causing terrible gas mileage. My car did nothing like this until I had the 9C2 update.

Filed Jun 30, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · NY

We are driving on the highway and the engine just stop working but all lights are still working. I am trying to put gas but it seemed that the engine completely shuts off dangerously without warning. This put my family at risk because there were a lot of big trucks beside us. Theta II 2.0L Turbo engine just stalled I believe this has been around . Can you please help us.

Filed May 24, 2026 · Engine · CA

The engine in my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport equipped with the 2.4L Theta II GDI engine is experiencing severe excessive oil consumption. The vehicle consumes approximately 2–2.5 quarts of oil every 1,000 miles despite multiple repair attempts and dealership-performed combustion cleaning procedures. Hyundai Motor America and the dealership documented the condition under PA #[XXX] and recommended engine replacement. Hyundai Motor America advised me in writing that the vehicle should not be operated in its current condition because of the excessive oil consumption and pending engine replacement. Excessive oil consumption creates a risk of sudden engine failure, engine seizure, stalling while driving, and potential engine fire if oil levels drop unexpectedly. Because the engine rapidly loses oil between normal service intervals, the vehicle may become unsafe to operate without warning, placing myself, passengers, and other motorists at risk. The defect was confirmed multiple times by Capital Hyundai in San Jose, CA through two official Hyundai oil consumption tests. The dealership documented oil consumption of approximately 2–2.5 quarts per 1,000 miles and submitted the results to Hyundai Motor America under PA #[XXX].The dealership also performed multiple repair attempts, including spark plug replacement, fuel induction cleaning, combustion chamber cleaning, and repeated oil changes, but the excessive oil consumption continued. Prior symptoms included: Check engine light illumination, Cylinder #4 misfire condition, Engine noise, Excessive oil loss between oil changes, and Oil level dropping significantly within short mileage intervals. The check engine light and misfire condition first became severe enough to require dealership diagnosis on or around [XXX], when the vehicle was towed to the dealership. The excessive oil consumption issue was formally documented beginning [XXX] during Hyundai’s oil consumption testing process. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6

Filed May 1, 2026 · Engine · 87,000 miles · AR

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled and hesitated to accelerate while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The check engine and check engine oil warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local O'Reilly's, where it was diagnosed with ignition coil #3 misfire. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced due to severe engine oil consumption. The vehicle was then to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with abnormal engine oil consumption, and the dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle required an engine oil refill 800-1,000 miles before an engine oil change was due. The contact related the failure to several unknown Hyundai TSBs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

Filed Jan 27, 2026 · Engine · CO

My 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe began consuming oil at an excessive rate—approximately one quart every 250 miles. The vehicle had around 97,000 miles when I first became concerned. I brought it to the Hyundai dealership for evaluation, and they instructed me to continue driving the vehicle and return after 1,000 miles of driving so they could document the consumption. I returned after only 500 miles because of the rapid loss of oil and my concern for driving the vehicle in that condition. While following the dealership’s required oil‑consumption test procedure, the engine performance deteriorated. The vehicle eventually began stalling and had to be towed to the dealership. Because I was required to keep driving the vehicle as part of Hyundai’s diagnostic process, I accumulated an additional 4,000 miles, which pushed the odometer just over 100,000 miles. After completing the test, the dealership submitted a claim for an engine replacement, but Hyundai Corporate denied the claim solely because the mileage exceeded 100,000—despite the fact that the over‑100,000 mileage resulted directly from Hyundai’s own required testing procedure.

Filed Jan 14, 2026 · Engine · CA

I purchased my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport secondhand from CarMax and have maintained it regularly with timely oil changes and tune‑ups. Despite this, the vehicle is burning oil at an extreme rate—approximately 1 quart every 378 miles. My local Hyundai dealership confirmed this through three consecutive 1,000‑mile oil consumption tests, all showing excessive oil loss far beyond normal operating limits. This level of consumption appears to indicate an internal engine defect, not normal wear. Hyundai corporate denied my case solely because I am the second owner, even though the vehicle is well under 100,000 miles and the defect has been verified by their own technicians. The denial did not address the confirmed test results or the safety implications. I am deeply concerned that the engine could seize while driving due to rapid oil loss, creating a serious risk of sudden loss of power, stalling, or inability to accelerate in traffic. This is a significant safety hazard for me, my passengers, and other drivers. The vehicle has been inspected by the Hyundai dealership, and I am fully willing to make it available for further inspection. A low‑oil warning lamp appeared far earlier than expected after a routine oil change, which prompted the initial investigation and ultimately revealed the defect. Based on my research, this appears to be a known issue affecting Hyundai GDI engines from this era. I am filing this report because the excessive oil consumption represents a latent engine defect with clear safety implications, and Hyundai has declined to address it despite documented evidence.

Filed Dec 17, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · AL

While driving- in total movement- the car completely shut off. Without any prior warning or indication. Immediately after, the car restarted, drove a couple blocks over, continuing to shut off while driving. It was then towed. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The warning lights did not appear until AFTER the car quit. They all came on & flashed & quickly went back out. Uncertain which component misfired or is affected- possibly related to an engine or fuel/ cylinder failure. Car is at mechanic for inspection. Our safety & lives were in critical jeopardy as the vehicle stopped without warning while driving in traffic congested area. It is unknown if this is a known issue or if this situation has been replicated however the current mechanic facility has experienced the same issue with this vehicle. Also strong odor of gas was experienced during shutoff.

Filed Dec 12, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · FL

“My 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.4 has been experiencing severe oil consumption issues for a long time. I previously completed a combustion chamber cleaning service as recommended, but the problem continued. On November 10, the Hyundai dealership confirmed the engine oil was low and topped it off. On December 10, the oil was completely empty again with no warning lights. The dealer has documented the issue and recommended an engine replacement, but Hyundai is refusing to approve the repair . The vehicle continues to lose oil rapidly, creating a serious safety risk of engine failure or stalling while driving. This appears to be a known safety-related engine defect affecting this model.”

Filed Dec 10, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · SC

# **the federal safety agency Complaint Answers** ### **1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request?** The **engine** failed due to **sudden and extreme oil consumption** that resulted in the engine being completely dry of oil despite regular maintenance. This caused internal damage including **CVVT (Continuous Variable Valve Timing) system failure**, bearing damage, and a complete engine seizure. Yes, the failed engine is fully available for inspection upon request. The vehicle is currently located at Dick Smith Hyundai in Greenville, South Carolina, where the dealership diagnosed the failure and recommended a full engine long block replacement. ### **2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?** The engine failure occurred **suddenly and without warning**, causing the vehicle to lose power while operating. The loss of engine function created the risk of: * sudden deceleration in traffic, * inability to accelerate or maneuver, * potential rear-end collision, * complete engine stall in unsafe conditions. The vehicle had **no oil warning light** prior to the failure, meaning I had no indication that the engine was at risk until the failure occurred. ### **3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center?** Yes. The engine failure was confirmed by: • **Schwab’s Automotive** in Fayetteville, NC – determined the engine suffered catastrophic internal damage and was not repairable. • **Dick Smith Hyundai** dealership – confirmed **high oil consumption and CVVT damage**, and recommended a full **engine long block replacement** (estimate: $8,160.60). The problem has been fully verified by both an independent mechanic and an authorized Hyundai dealership. ## **4.Yes.The vehicle was formally inspected by Hyundai Motor America through the dealership’s diagnostic report. Hyundai reviewed the case (Case #XXX) after receiving the dealership findings.The engine remains intact avai. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF IN