2019 Hyundai Santa Fe engine problems

Filed Nov 5, 2026 · Engine · WA

The Auto Stop feature will activate at a stop light and stop the engine. Occasionally it will not restart. I have to put the car in park, remove the key, wait a minute, reinsert the key and attempt a restart. It sometimes takes several tries before the engine will restart. I have nearly been hit by other cars multiple times. The dealer, Spokane Hyundai, has not been able to recreate the incident and has no clue as to why this happens. It is VERY dangerous.

Filed Nov 2, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · MO

2019 Hyundai Santa Fe, XXX oil light came on but it wasn't time for my next oil change. I stopped by Advanced Auto to get code read, was told Camshaft sensor error. A week later, had my mechanic check code before doing oil change. He got the same code and ordered and replaced camshaft along with doing oil change. Drove two miles away from mechanic, oil and engine light came on. A week later I left my car with mechanic to check and replace oil sensor. The oil light was still on and he told me to take the car to the dealer because the engine is probably bad. Took car to the dealer, told them of all the previous work I just had done and asked them to check for any recalls or campaigns. Two recall/campaigns were updates, 9C2 and P33. Was told I needed Oil Flow Control valve Exh, got that replaced but lights were still on. Next, I was told I needed an Oil Pressure Switch, got that replaced, lights were still on. Dealer wants to do exploratory search to see if they can find out why lights are on but tell me I will have to pay for everything as they replace parts. What? I just paid them $1224.67 and nothing's fixed, lights are still on. Spoke with svc rep, [XXX] over the phone, she told me the engine light is still on and the oil light goes off during acceleration, I picked up my car as I can't keep getting nickeled and dimed after every part is replaced with no correction to the issue I came in for. Now the car runs like shit and burning gas like crazy. Engine is making sounds and acceleration is loud and slow. I believe this engine is going out and needs to be recalled as well. So many Santa Fe's are having this same issue and at 44,000 miles, I shouldn't be having any problems with this car. How is this allowed from the manufacturer? These engines are going to stop working, hopefully not while anyone is driving. Hyundai should be made to fix this asap. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 23, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · TX

On 03/26/2026, my 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe received Hyundai Service Campaign 9C2 (TSB 26-01-013H-1), which included an Engine Control Module (ECM) software update for Theta II emissions improvement. The vehicle did not have the following drivability problem before this software update. Immediately after the 9C2 update, the vehicle began jerking/bucking slightly at low speeds, most noticeably around 10-20 mph when coasting with no accelerator input or when applying very light throttle. Acceleration response also feels slower than before the update, with noticeable hesitation when the accelerator is pressed. The problem is most noticeable during the beginning of a drive when the vehicle is cold. After driving for some time and the vehicle warms up, the symptoms improve, although the change in drivability remains noticeable compared with operation before the update. There have been no warning lights or warning messages associated with the problem. The issue began immediately following the ECM software update. The vehicle has not yet been returned to the dealer for diagnosis or confirmation and is available for inspection. I am concerned about the safety implications of delayed or unpredictable acceleration response, particularly when entering traffic, crossing an intersection, or merging when timely acceleration may be necessary. I am reporting this because the condition began only after Hyundai Service Campaign 9C2 was performed and I believe the federal safety agency should evaluate whether this ECM software update is causing similar drivability and acceleration problems in affected vehicles.

Filed Sep 21, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · HI

The vehicle experienced a sudden, intermittent engine stall while driving, specifically when slowing down or coasting to a stop in live traffic. When the engine dies, the vehicle immediately loses engine power, power steering, and power braking assist, creating an extreme safety hazard. After stalling, the vehicle refuses to restart for several minutes. An authorized Hyundai dealership previously replaced the high-pressure fuel pump under warranty to address this issue, but the dangerous stalling has persisted over the last 2,000 miles. The vehicle continues to randomly shut off without throwing a permanent check engine light or diagnostic trouble code, and the manufacturer has failed to correct this critical safety defect.

Filed Sep 17, 2026 · Engine · CA

The car started having problems immediately after replacement with a new battery. The issue with the ISG (Idle Stop and GO System) started appearing. When the Auto Stop Indicator turns green, the car stalls which puts my life at risk. I have spoken to a number of mechanics and I am not getting a satisfactory answer on how to fix this problem.. One mechanic told me it was the starter which turned out not to be true. I have also spoken with a number of other mechanics and they are clueless on how this problem can be remedied. And the Hyundai dealter wanted $275 just to look at it but with no guarentee. The whole issue is putting my life and other motorists at risk.

Filed Sep 11, 2026 · Engine · PA · fire

2019 Santa Fe with 80,000 miles showed signs of excessive oil consumption. Service was scheduled with licensed Hyundai franchise service center. Known oil consumption issues on Theta II engines for that year. Testing requires 3 steps. First step is to change the oil and document levels. Engine is tested for 1000 miles then returned to service center. After 1000 miles, service center reports 2.5 qts of oil per 1000 miles. Hyundai corporate was contacted where they approved warranty work for the vehicle. Step two requires Combustion Chamber Cleaning. During this portion of the work, service center calls about fire that took place immediately after a test drive. Dealership states engine and components destroyed.

Filed Sep 2, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · VA

Update Re: ODI Complaint Number: 11759237 Subsequent Actions and Manufacturer Refusal to Remediate Safety Defect: ​Following the [XXX], acute safety incident—where the vehicle lost motive power and entered severe limp mode on [XXX] immediately upon release from Sheehy Hyundai of Chantilly—the vehicle remained in dealer custody for 11 days (August 20–August 31, 2026). ​Failure to Diagnose Core Defect: Despite recurring total power loss, active diagnostic trouble code P00AF00 (Turbocharger Boost Control Module Performance), and four consecutive turbocharger destructions within 20,000 miles, the authorized dealership refused to conduct internal engine diagnostics, drop the oil pan, inspect the oil filter, or perform borescope checks. ​Physical Contamination Documented: On August 29, 2026, an on-site physical inspection confirmed sparkling metallic particulate suspended in the engine oil on the dipstick and substantial oil blow-by/intrusion into the turbocharger air intake line. ​Formal Denial of Safety/Warranty Coverage: On August 31, 2026, dealership management and Hyundai Motor America (Consumer Affairs Case #[XXX]) formally denied warranty assistance and refused engine teardown under the Theta II Lifetime Engine Warranty Settlement. Coverage was declined citing "outside influence" due to an aftermarket turbocharger assembly, while Hyundai refused to investigate the underlying engine failure contaminating and destroying the forced-induction system. ​Evidence Preservation: On August 31, 2026, the vehicle was towed to an independent facility to mitigate road hazards, conduct teardown diagnostics, and preserve the engine oil/filter for ISO-accredited spectrographic laboratory analysis. ​The manufacturer released an unsafe vehicle into traffic on August 20, 2026, and subsequently refused to investigate or remedy a documented internal engine failure that creates sudden, recurring loss of motive power. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 28, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · WI

My vehicle recently received the Hyundai 9c2 emissions upgrade they required and since then the vehicle has had predictable acceleration issues for the first several minutes after the vehicle. While trying to slowly accelerate the vehicle with unpredictably lurch forward. Many people have been reporting this.

Filed Aug 24, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · VA

The vehicle suffers from recurring, sudden loss of motive power and transitions into engine "limp mode" while driving in active, heavy traffic. This severe drivability defect has occurred on four separate occasions under Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P00AF00 (Turbocharger/Supercharger Boost Control "A" Module Performance) and related boost/MAP faults (P0234). During these episodes, the vehicle abruptly loses acceleration capability without warning, creating an acute collision risk when navigating highway traffic and intersections. The turbocharger assembly has required replacement three separate times due to recurring oil contamination from the engine crankcase. Despite meticulous maintenance (documented synthetic oil changes every 3,000–5,000 miles since new), the manufacturer and dealership have repeatedly blamed peripheral turbo components rather than diagnosing or repairing the root cause (I suspect excessive engine crankcase pressure/piston ring blow-by based on the significant oil deposition on the turbo, map sensor, and pooling in the intake line).

Filed Jul 12, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · GA

COMPLAINT SUMMARY: [XXX] / ENGINE THERMAL FIRE RISK / WARRANTY DECEPTION My 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe (2.4L GDI Engine) is experiencing severe powertrain degradation under the known Theta II engine defect class-action framework. On November 7, 2025, the vehicle logged a Permanent Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P1326 via an independent scan, indicating catastrophic internal rod bearing wear. On XXX, the vehicle was brought to Hyundai of Milledgeville for safety recall verification. Instead of executing the mandatory corporate-directed Bearing Clearance Test (BCT) to replace the failing engine block, the service department committed technical campaign malpractice. The technician forced the 9C2 ECU Software Update directly over the locked mechanical fault to suppress the dashboard warning lights and alter the vehicle's ROM ID parameter limits. When caught via a photograph of their active GDS diagnostic tablet showing 7 historical system faults, the service manager provided a truncated printed report hiding Page 1 and omitting the critical P1326 powertrain code count to evade a warranty engine replacement. Due to these unmitigated delays, the vehicle has suffered severe consequential safety damage. The advanced engine degradation and oil consumption have flooded the exhaust system, melting the catalytic converter substrate and triggering a new DTC P042000 (Catalyst Efficiency) fault immediately after the dealer visit. The extreme engine vibrations have also damaged the transmission's torque converter clutch (DTC P074100). The dealership refused a service loaner and knowingly sent a disabled consumer and an elderly passenger away in an active, failing vehicle that presents a sudden stall-on-highway hazard and a severe thermal exhaust fire risk under extreme summer heat conditions. Hyundai Motor America Corporate has failed to provide emergency towing or alternative mobility accommodations despite a registered corporate case file. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(