2019 Hyundai Santa Fe: engine knocking or ticking

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)(

Filed Jun 5, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · PA

My 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.4L (VIN: [XXX]) is experiencing a severe safety defect involving rapid engine oil starvation. The vehicle recently failed an official oil consumption test conducted by Fred Beans Hyundai of Abington, where it was documented that the engine consumed 1 quart of oil in just 881 miles (PA Request #XXX). This vehicle is equipped with the Theta II engine, which currently has active warranty extensions (TXXC and TXXI) specifically covering connecting rod bearing failure. Despite the documented severe oil loss—which is the primary known cause of connecting rod bearing wear and sudden engine seizure—Hyundai Corporate (Case #XXX) is refusing to evaluate the vehicle under these warranties. They have improperly classified my claim as a denied "goodwill" request and are refusing to perform a connecting rod bearing clearance test to determine if the bearings have been damaged by this starvation. Because Hyundai refuses to perform the required diagnostic safety protocols, the vehicle must be driven in an oil-starved condition. This poses an imminent and severe safety risk of sudden engine seizure, stalling, and complete loss of motive power at highway speeds without warning, which could result in a catastrophic crash. The manufacturer is ignoring their own failure thresholds and putting driver safety at risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 21, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · CA

Complaint: Safety Defect - Engine Failure Risk (Stalling/Fire) My 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe has the defective Theta II 2.0L Turbo engine (G4KH), subject of class action In re: Hyundai and Kia Engine Litigation and multiple TSBs. The engine has a known manufacturing defect causing premature connecting rod bearing failure, leading to catastrophic engine seizure. SAFETY CONSEQUENCE: This defect presents a clear, unreasonable safety risk: Sudden Stalling: Engine can seize without warning while driving, causing loss of propulsion and power steering/brakes, leading to a crash. Engine Fire: Failed engines can leak oil onto hot components, causing fires. MANUFACTURER'S INADEQUATE REMEDY: Hyundai's "Knock Sensor Detection System" software update (Campaign 966) only attempts to detect failure moments before it happens. It does NOT fix the underlying mechanical defect. The engine remains a ticking time bomb. PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: My vehicle has suffered multiple related failures (turbocharger, fuel injectors) costing over $5,700, confirming the powertrain's deterioration. I fear driving it, especially with my teenage daughter. The defect is well-known, yet Hyundai's settlements fail to protect subsequent owners like myself, leaving unsafe vehicles on the road. REQUEST: I urge the federal safety agency to investigate the ongoing safety risk these engines pose to all owners, compel Hyundai to issue a true safety recall for a permanent repair (e.g., engine long-block replacement), and mandate clear disclosure of this defect to all used car buyers.

Filed Jan 17, 2026 · Engine, Steering · WA

internal mechanical failure of the piston rings and cylinder walls. Misfire on Cylinder #2. Further testing revealed that Cylinder #2 is at 80 PSI, which is significantly below the manufacturer's specification. A subsequent leak-down test showed a 90% loss of pressure with air escaping through the oil filler hole. The issue stated above can cause severe mechanical failure of piston rings and cylinder walls can absolutely lead to connecting rod bearing problems by creating excessive debris, poor lubrication, abnormal piston motion, and increased stress, causing premature wear, overheating, and eventual bearing failure, often resulting in catastrophic engine knocking and damage. Diagnostics completed by Hyundai dealer and stated an engine replacement. Vehicle became difficult to steer and then warning lamp came on. Vehicle was difficult to turn left and right and almost caused a collision.

Filed Nov 25, 2025 · Brakes, Driver assistance · WA

Overly excessive oil consumption 2 Quarts every 3 or 4 days.no leaks. Engine gets so hot I don't have to turn on heater In winter. On going issue since 100,000 miles. EBS light stays on electronic parking brake switch does not work. Parking brake will randomly engage after vehicle is turned off. Dealership cannot duplicate issue. If cruse control is turned on the vehicles warning lights all of them will suddenly illuminate and the vehicle shuts off. alternator and battery replaced. Have not used cruse control since. Airbags never inflated in a front end crash at 45mph Most recently I started experiencing I intermittent trouble staring the car. Then one day it didn't start at all and smoke was coming from under the hood. Towed to mechanic , starter burnt up 155,000. $ 900 to replace then a couple days later I lost power on the freeway and the car started jerking and vibrating. Stopped Vehicle cut off and would not start. After 1hr I started and limped home. Vibration under 2000 RPMs and when stopped. Knocking noise under hood. Brand new spark plugs. Mechanic stated Cylinder 3;missfire was identified as a hole in a valve due to weak material now I have to replace engine. Oil consumption and excessive friction and heat is to blame. My car has been cared for like a baby it's all I have. I should not have to be responsible for this very cheaply made engine that was doomed to fail.

Filed Feb 5, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · 87,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power while depressing the accelerator pedal, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the turbo was replaced. The contact stated that months later, the vehicle hesitated and jerked while depressing the accelerator pedal with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where a part on the transmission was replaced; however, the failure returned, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and had the transmission replaced. The contact stated that months later, the vehicle began to sputter with an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light returned, and the vehicle was taken to the nearest dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

Filed Jan 26, 2025 · Engine · KY

2019 Santa Fe, this vehicle was serviced by Hyundai three times for a "Knock Sensor" notification. 12/3/2019: ECM manufacturers recall 14,242 miles 7/13/2021: Knock Sensor hardware notification - 38,615 miles 12/15/2024 repaired 1/7/2025: Knock Sensor hardware notification – 79,882 miles Panel indicating motor issues, vehicle becomes unable to accelerate above 60 mph. We have documented communications between dealers and Hyundia corporate with case#

Filed Apr 7, 2020 · Electrical, Fuel system · 11,300 miles · FL

I have had issues with this vehicle since very shortly after purchase in june 2019. I have been without my vehicle three times due to service/warranty related issues - twice in a rental, and now the third time I am using a friend's vehicle. My complaints began with a "hard start" and a delayed turnover of the engine. The vehicle behaves as though it wants to stall out. Hyundai told me for months that they couldn't recreate the problem to fix it even though it happened 2-3 times minimum per week. Then the other things started going wrong...here is a short list for you over multiple visits and phone calls to the dealership: -hard start - vehicle jerks forward upon engine start -delayed turnover - feels like it is going to stall -vehicle engine ticking upon start -most recently, vehicle engine loudly knocking upon start -vehicle auto collision sensors malfunctioned and almost caused an accident on a busy 4 lane highway by causing my brakes to slam to an almost stop because the car in a lane next to me was turning (I was going 60mph at the time with no risk of collision). -apple car play malfunctions - sounds like wires are crossed (using apple charger and generic charger) -rear view camera stays on for 10-15 minutes at a time to the point that I have to turn off and restart the vehicle -while going 25-40 MPH, at times, the vehicle will create a noticeable front end jerking motion -while the flight recorder was in me vehicle, it went off on an emergency alarm for over 3 hours and hyundai's service team couldn't determine a problem -the gas cap door will not open or close properly -vehicle, on 5 occassions, would not respond to depression of gas pedal there are other smaller issues that I have expressed my concern over, and I no longer feel safe in this vehicle with my two small children have now been without vehicle for 30+ cumulative days