NHTSA Complaint #11536005 — 2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE

On July 29, 2023, while driving in McAllen, Texas, our 2014 Hyundai engine failed, to wit: head gasket. Typically, this would not be a national issue and on first blush, seems related to a singular, isolated incident. However, this does not appear to be the case. Last summer, Hyundai settlement included a new engine for this car. (See class action settlement). The engine was replaced, however, it has come to light that Hyundai has set aside defective replacement motors. Indeed, there are consumers nationwide, complaining of the same. On July 29th, the unit began to catch fire, in that the wiring harnesses, and other wiring which are adjacent to and connected to the block, and its appendages, experienced extreme heat, melting, and burning. If not for my quick and necessary reaction, it is possible and likely that a catastrophic fire would have ensued. Hyundai has not corrected the original problem and has intentionally or by gross negligence, put into motion a series of events, if left unchecked, will, with little doubt, cause the loss of property and life. The engine has about 35,000 miles on it since replacement. The total mileage is approximately 129k. Case #21799766 (reported to Hyundai) initial case # 18911395 (Prior to engine replacement.