NHTSA Complaint #11461333 — 2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE

Our 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe although not included in the NHTSA Campaign 17V226000, shows identical signs of engine failure. The vehicle showed no signs of excessive oil consumption nor engine damage previous to failure. After a 265 mile trip the vehicle began making an odd rattling noise and grinding. I thought possibly a transmission problem or power steering. The following day we departed for the 265 mile trip home. After 10 minutes driving the knocking noise was loud and worrisome. I stopped at an auto parts store to look the vehicle over. We had no warning lights or dash indication of a problem. I looked the engine over and the underside of the vehicle. No leaks and no obvious signs of a problem. I checked the oil and the indicator was dry. I opened the oil service cap. A burnt smell and steam or smoke rose out of the opening. I bought 4 quarts of synthetic oil and serviced the vehicle. The loud noise remained and it appeared not to help the vehicle. We had no option 245 miles from home, so I continued on the interstate and 20 miles later the engine quit while driving at 70mph. I exited the lane as safely as possible. The engine would not turn over, stranding us on the side of the interstate in a rural area. We had the vehicle towed to Jenkins Hyundai, Jacksonville FL. After diagnostics they advised us the engine seized. Due to the nature of supply parts available, the engine replacement was estimated at $14000. This basically totals the vehicle. The sales department offered us $100 to take it off our hands. Unbelievable. This engine failure is typical of the faulty manufacturing Hyundai previously settled for after so many incidents. Again, we had no indications of a pending failure other than noise and within 40 miles of the noise starting the engine seized.