2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Complaints

ENGINE,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING — Filed 05/14/2026

See attached letter for complaint

POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 04/13/2026

On April 13, 2026, I arrived home and parked the vehicle, engaging the traditional shifter into the "Park" position and turning off the engine. After exiting and standing on the ground to retrieve a purse from the cabin, the vehicle spontaneously and rapidly began reversing. ​As the vehicle gained momentum, I was struck by the driver-side door, which knocked me down and resulted in the vehicle running over me. The vehicle only stopped its rearward movement once it collided with a neighbor's parked car. Only after the vehicle began moving did the horn begin blaring, indicating a delayed rollaway alert. ​This incident resulted in a fractured ankle that required surgical intervention. Despite the traditional shifter being placed in "Park" and the engine being off, the vehicle failed to remain stationary, representing a catastrophic failure of the parking pawl or transmission engagement.

ENGINE — Filed 04/06/2026

My wife was driving the vehicle by the left lane on route 9A northbound on elmsford at a speed around 35 mph. The vehicle suddenly came to stop completely while driving. My wife tried to start it but it didn't start. We called the police to come help us due to the ongoing traffic while the towing was on its way. Our mechanic told us the engine was seized and needs a replacement. The vehicle is a 2018 and has only 118000 miles. We do oil changes periodically every 3000 miles.

ENGINE — Filed 12/18/2025

Catastrophic Engine Failure - Cam phasers blew apart and severely cracked the valve covers. This occurred with no prior warning lights. Minutes before failure, there was engine hesitation and noise and then severely reduced power, causing a safety issue while driving. Vehicle was towed to local Hyundai dealer who identified the cam phaser failure ausing external engine damage of the valve covers and complete loss of oil. This occurred only 3,000 miles after an oil change.

ENGINE — Filed 01/21/2026

Engine Issues: A week ago, on two separate occasions, my Santa Fe cutoff while driving suddenly. A day later, I noticed a rhythmic knocking upon starting my vehicle. The knocking would increase during acceleration and decrease when I let off. I am only at 83,000 miles on this 2018 vehicle. I took the vehicle in for an oil change and they didn't notice anything off about the oil. Afterwards it slightly improved; however, once I was able to get it to the shop they said there were metal shavings in the engine/oil and it was a complete engine failure costing $12,000 to replace. There were no indicators that there was an issue on the dash.

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE — Filed 02/08/2023

Was driving and car turn off on me and wouldn't start I got it towed to Hyundai and they said my engine went out it had oil and everything we don't know why can stopped working has been sitting in my drive way for 3 years because we don't have 13000 that Hyundai told us

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE — Filed 09/15/2024

In September 2024, my 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe experienced an unexpected engine lock-up while driving, creating an immediate safety hazard. Vehicle lost power, began smoking, and posed a potential fire risk. Fire department responded to prevent the engine from catching fire and had to spray the engine compartment with high-pressure water. Following this incident, vehicle remained in Hyundai’s possession for ~9 months for engine-related repairs. When we picked up the vehicle after the prolonged repair period, front-facing camera had completely stopped functioning. This camera has always worked prior to the engine lock-up and was functioning the day of the incident. This was reported to the dealership, Hyundai Motor America. A case manager (Nemesh) took the case. Very supportive, helpful and provided a thorough process for investigating the situation. However, all the sudden case was assigned a new case manager (Bryan) and the process immediately changed and the claim was denied. Given the timing and circumstances, the camera failure appears to be the result of electrical or component damage caused during the engine failure/fire-prevention event. The dealership also confirmed that no independent inspector ever assessed the vehicle for secondary damage despite my repeated requests. Hyundai later denied responsibility without conducting any physical inspection of the damage. This sequence of events — sudden engine failure, required fire-response intervention, prolonged repair, and subsequent electrical component failure — raises significant concerns about safety and the potential for related electrical or wiring issues caused by the engine incident. I am reporting this because the underlying engine failure and fire-risk conditions represent a serious safety defect, and related component failures may indicate broader issues with damage resulting from these events. Also Hyundai not letting the independent inspector assess gives me great concern something was missed.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE — Filed 03/23/2025

•Year/Make/Model: 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe •Mileage: ~91,502 •Date Purchased: April 2023 Description of Problem / Safety Concern: I am reporting a safety-related engine defect in my 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe. The vehicle has developed engine knocking, metal shavings in the oil, and potential timing chain/bearing failure, all of which create a serious risk of engine failure while driving. The vehicle was purchased at 50,855 miles and currently has 91,502 miles, demonstrating that these serious engine defects developed at relatively low mileage. I have attempted to have the issue addressed under Hyundai’s extended warranty, referencing the TXX8 Service Bulletin which provides specific instructions for inspecting, diagnosing, and submitting claims for this type of engine defect. Despite this, two Hyundai dealers have refused to inspect the vehicle or submit a warranty claim: •Hyundai of Trenton refused to inspect or submit any claim. •A second Hyundai dealer demanded nearly $2,000 in fees ($195 diagnostic, $550 additional, $1,200 bearing test) and then denied coverage citing “no codes,” even after acknowledging metal flakes in the oil filter and noisy valve train. I have also contacted Hyundai Corporate three times (two online complaints, one phone call), but the company continues to direct me back to the dealers without resolving the issue. Safety Risk: The ongoing engine defects jeopardize vehicle safety and could result in catastrophic engine failure while driving. Based on research and reports from other owners, these issues may affect other 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles with similar Theta II engines

ENGINE — Filed 08/06/2025

Engine stopped abruptly without warning while driving vehicle.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE — Filed 06/28/2025

I am writing to formally request your review and potential intervention regarding a serious and potentially widespread mechanical issue involving Hyundai vehicles, along with the manufacturer’s refusal to honor their well-advertised 100,000-mile powertrain warranty for subsequent (non-original) owners. I am the current owner of a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe (VIN: [XXX] ) that is experiencing a Continuous Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) system failure, which has led to a critical engine malfunction. The estimated cost of repairs exceeds $7,000, an unexpected and significant financial burden. Despite the vehicle being well within the 100,000-mile threshold, Hyundai has denied warranty coverage solely on the grounds that I am not the original owner. This policy effectively strips coverage from second-hand buyers and, in my view, is misleading given Hyundai’s extensive advertising of the 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. It creates a false sense of long-term reliability and warranty protection. This is not an isolated case. Numerous complaints have surfaced from Hyundai owners experiencing similar catastrophic engine and powertrain failures—including CVVT malfunctions, rod bearing issues, and engine seizure—raising serious questions about: The safety and reliability of Hyundai's engine systems; The fairness and transparency of Hyundai’s warranty terms and advertising; Potentially systemic manufacturing or design flaws impacting thousands of vehicles on U.S. roads. I respectfully urge the NTSB to review whether such defects present broader safety implications and to assess whether Hyundai’s current warranty practices reflect responsible corporate and consumer protection standards. Please let me know if additional information is required, including repair estimates, maintenance records, or correspondence with Hyundai representatives. I appreciate your time and attention to this matter that is affecting many vehicle owners beyond my individual case. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

STEERING,POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 01/20/2022

At 118,000 miles Downhill brake, transmission and 4 wheel drive were damaged from the hyundai dealership not fullfilling warranty. They disconnected my tow hitch and my transmission was burning .. smelled like a bon fire. Took me 1 year to repair and have transmission changed through warranty but they didnt change the other components that were damaged due to negligence from the hyundai dealership. The dealership was very rude and didnt dedication their attention or care to truly finding what was wrong with my vehicle.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 06/25/2025

The oil pressure switch has a faulty seal causing oil to leak out onto the engine block. This causes oil on the underbody and ground, smoke amd smell from oil on got surfaces, knocking noises from the engine, reduced power or hesitation, illumination or the check engine light and oil pressure light, high speed stall, and will also cause fire in the engine compartment resulting in death or sever injury. I have taken my car to the Red McCombs Hyundai dealership in San Antonio TX for repair and they have confirmed that it is the oil pressure switch seal that failed. The oil leak has also damaged electrical components causing a malfunction in the dash cluster and steering wheel control.

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 06/03/2025

Q: What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? A: Two fuel injectors on bank 2 are failing intermittently causing the engine light to flash and stay on (P0300 errors) and the car loses power.  Q: How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? A: Driving to Newark airport on [XXX] the car suddenly lost power and was quickly coming to a halt. LUCKILY I was was in the middle lane and was able to get to the shoulder without incident. This also happened to my daughter when she was in WA state, driving to work on the highway (the car was serviced but the fuel injectors were not replaced - see attached receipt). Q: Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? A: Yes. An independent service center performed a injector value load test which determines the amount of blocked pressure the injector is performing under load. The values and the math show that more than 1 injector on bank 2 are failing. Q: Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? A: I had the vehicle in the Hyundai dealer but they did not do the injector load test and only wanted to replace all the coil packs and plugs. I had two other independent service facilities confirm the issue is with fault fuel injectors. Hyundai has the parts on hold and is not releasing any due to this issue. I do NOT understand how this is not a recall circumstance. I am fortunate that in both instances an accident did not occur. Q: Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? A: Yes, the engine light comes on - at first blinking, then steady. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

POWER TRAIN — Filed 05/23/2025

All of the bolts that hold the CVVT assembly backed out and one came completely out. It punctured a hole in my valve cover. Oil sprayed all underneath my hood and leaked out on the road. The car went into limp mode while I was driving, and had I not already pulled off the street, this would have caused a multiple vehicle accident. I had the vehicle towed to the manufacturer dealer and they confirmed the issue. The only warning lamp that came on was the check engine, and that didn't happen until i had already pulled over. Thus all happened within a matter of 10 minutes of driving.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE — Filed 01/01/2024

Seems to be having ignition switch problems. Bought a new battery a couple times now thinking that was the problem but car won’t start at times. It won’t turn and won’t click and all the electrical (radio lights…) just seems to turn off as I turn the key with no sound following. I have to attempt 3 or 4 times with 3 minute breaks in between and then it will eventually turn and start. This has been happening about 2-3 times a week for about a year.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE — Filed 08/04/2023

Engine burned 3-4quarts of oil within 3,000 miles. Can result in vehicle failure while driving in city or highway. Vehicle has had all manufacture recommended service and issue started under warranty, but manufacturer has declined to repair issue.

VISIBILITY/WIPER — Filed 02/03/2025

Rear reverse camera stopped working. Image became grainy, then flickered, then went to a blue screen. Can't see anything behind the vehicle when backing up is a big safety hazard.

ENGINE — Filed 06/27/2023

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal rattling sound and there was fire coming from underneath the hood. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she immediately veered to the side of the road and exited the vehicle with her son. The contact stated that the fire died out before the fire department arrived. A fire department report was filed. There was no police report filed. There was no injury sustained. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that a fractured rod in the engine block had caused the engine to explode, and the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer also informed the contact the fire had burned the electrical wiring. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered to cover half of the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 142,732.

AIR BAGS — Filed 06/28/2023

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at 30-35 MPH, the contact was rear-ended by another vehicle, hit on the driver's side by a truck, and rear-ended again; however, the air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained injuries and received medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not deemed totaled. The vehicle was towed to the tow yard. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 42,000. The VIN was not available.

AIR BAGS — Filed 05/18/2023

I was T boned on the driver then hit a pole. NO AIRBAGS deployed. I was traveling around 45 mph. Other vehicle speed unknown

AIR BAGS — Filed 08/07/2022

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while his fiancee was driving at 45 mph, a deer impacted the driver's side of the vehicle. No air bags deployed. The contact stated the air bag warning light was illuminated after the impact. The contact stated no one was injured nor sought medication attention. No police report was filed. The driver continued driving to their residence. The contact took the vehicle to the repair facility, where it was being serviced at the moment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 02/03/2022

I was at the Tim Hortons drive-thru stopped behind a car in front of me the car in front of me started to go to the order window , as I let off the brake to start to go my suv took off full speed! I hit the brakes as hard as I could and the car kept moving forward like the throttle was stuck at full acceleration. I wasn't even hitting the gas pedal, after my vehicle struck the car and continued to smash into the car while I was holding a brake I put it in neutral and then the car finally came to a stop. I had 5 children in the car. And I am seeing this being an issue in alot of hyandai vehicles. And alot of complaint with this same issue. If this would have happened on the hiway it could have possibly killed or Injured someone. I am scared to death to drive the vehicle again.

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 12/28/2020

THE CAR BEGAN SHUTTERING WHILE DRIVING DOWN A MAIN STREET (45-50MPH). WHEN WE PULLED OVER WE SMELLED GASOLINE AND BURNING. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO HYUNDAI SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT INFORMED MY THE FUEL INJECTORS WERE LEAKING CAUSING A FIRE. THE ARE REPLYING THE FUEL INJECTORS AND TOLD ME IT WOULD BE WISE TO HAVE THEM REPLACE ALL SPARKS PLUGS ($190) WHILE THEY HAD THE ENGINE OPENED UP.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE — Filed 03/06/2020

DRIVING A RENTAL CAR AT 4:30 A.M. ON COUNTRY ROAD ATTEMPTING TO CATCH OUR FLIGHT BACK HOME. AFTER DRIVING APPROX. 20 MINUTES, HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT AND DASHBOARD LIGHTS. WE HAD NO VISIBILITY, ATTEMPTED TO STOP VEHICLE, LEFT PAVEMENT AND STRUCK A TREE. DURING OUR WEEK RENTAL OF THIS VEHICLE WE DID HAVE ISSUES WITH SUV LOSING POWER WHEN CLIMBING A HILL, BUT NOT A STEEP ONE AT ALL. SUV WOULD DROP AT LEAST 10 MPH WHEN DOING SO. NOT SURE IF THESE TWO ISSUES ARE RELATED AT ALL.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 07/18/2019

I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP TO REPORT A HOT SMELL IN MY CAR ON TUESDAY. THEY TOLD ME TO BRING IT IN FOR SERVICE INSPECTION. THURSDAY MORNING THE CAR WAS DRIVEN FOR A SHORT TIME AND PARKED IN THE DRIVE WAY AFTER. APPROXIMATELY TWO HOURS TO TWO AND A HALF HOURS LATER THE CAR CAB WAS FULL OF SMOKE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND SHERIFFS DEPARTMENT BOTH ARRIVED ON SCENE.