NHTSA Complaint #11618445 — 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE

We purchased a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe SE ULTIMATE from Hampton Hyundai in December of 2019. The vehicle has the V6 3.3 Liter Lambda II motor. At the time of purchase it had 44,969 miles on it and we paid roughly $27,000 for the vehicle and associated service package. We routinely had the vehicle serviced according to the recommended service schedule. In early 2022 we realized that the engine began burning oil at an alarming rate. We were adding roughly 1.5 quarts every 1,000 miles to maintain a safe level. This was done at a certified mechanic. After inquiring with Hampton Hyundai we were informed that this is considered normal operation and to be expected. Based on that information, we proceeded to routinely check oil levels and maintain them accordingly. On December 23rd, 2022, with roughly 81,000 miles on the vehicle, we experienced a knocking noise coming from the engine. I immediately pulled the vehicle to the side of the road to investigate the possible cause. I checked the oil and inspected the engine for anything that seemed to be out of place. There was nothing that seemed uncommon to the layman eye, with this, we immediately returned home with the vehicle. From here we had it towed to Certified Automotive Repairs and Service (C.A.R.S) and then to Hampton Hyundai. Both locations told us we needed a full engine replacement. We have requested assistance from Hampton Hyundai and Hyundai Motor America to assist with the cost of replacement and have been denied. The quote for a new motor and labor to install is nearly $20,000 and we were told that the cost is so high because Hyundai does not make the motor anymore and each individual part would need to be ordered and assembled. Our vehicle is currently at Hampton Hyundai and we are planning on having it towed back to our home.