NHTSA Complaint #11622077 — 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE

The engine seized. Driving at 55 mph on a 4 lane highway outside of city limits, the vehicle went into limp mode. Luckily, it was later in the evening with less traffic and I was fortunate enough to be able to turn into a left turn lane and coast into an office building parking lot. There was no shoulder available if I had been in the right lane and somewhat of a rural area. There were no sensors that alerted me prior to this happening. But, when it did happen the dash board lit up like a Christmas tree! It was 6:30 pm, I coasted into a parking spot in the lot and turned the car off. It would not start and I contacted a tow service. I had it towed to an automotive shop near my home. They confirmed the next morning, that there was no oil on the dip stick and the engine seized. They alerted me to the fact that this has become a common problem with this Hyundai engine. I then had the vehicle towed the Hyundai dealership where we purchased the vehicle. We are the original owner. The vehicle is sitting at Rosen Hyundai in Algonquin, IL and should be available for inspection. Monica at the dealership called me after the inspection and confirmed that this is a common issue with this vehicle. She at first used the word recall...and when I asked if there was a recall, she said not a recall, but Hyundai has issued a BULLETIN about this problem. At first, she stated that my maintenance records were in order and being the original owner I qualified to file a claim with Hyundai for engine replacement. 3 days later, she called and stated that Hyundai needed more proof of maintenance than what they could pull off Carfax or my claim was going to be denied. She sent me a picture of the engine and stated that the valves show neglect. I replied of course they do....the engine seized! There was never ever any low oil warning light, check engine or or any warning lights what so ever prior to the event! Hyundai admitted that there is no low oil sensor warning.