NHTSA Complaint #11674102 — 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE

Was driving on [XXX] (approximately 130 miles from home), when a loud clunking and metal on metal sound was heard, the causing power loss, slowing of vehicle and necessitated immediate pulling over to the side of the road. The was a catastrophic internal engine failure which caused the spark plugs to blow out. There were no warnings. The car was just inspected and had an oil change earlier in the month. The vehicle suffered sudden power loss and violent metal-on-metal destruction while transporting my child on [XXX] (130 miles from home). Certified diagnostics from Kennett Square Quick Lane Auto confirm: "Multiple spark plugs forcibly ejected due to severe internal engine damage – full replacement required". Quick Lane said they would not be able to replace the Engine. so the Vehicle was towed to Reliable Car Connection (West Chester, PA). I had tried to make an appointment at Piazza Hyundai, but the did not have appointments until Mid August. Result: Stranded overnight requiring hotel and towing/tolls at personal expense (receipts available). This traumatic event directly stems from Hyundai’s acknowledged Theta II defects. Hyundai’s Documented Failures: Recall Compliance: Recall 996 (Piazza Hyundai, 4/12/24) Recall 953 (1/31/19) Recall 163 (7/18/17) Maintenance: All services performed per Hyundai schedules (records available). Unresolved Defects: This failure matches: Recall 20VH4 (Lifetime Warranty Extension) Recall 20VH5 TSB 20-01-033H Current Status: Vehicle at Reliable Car Connection (West Chester, PA) after Piazza Hyundai’s unacceptable 6-week delay. INOPERABLE & UNSAFE – Cannot transport children. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)