2016 HYUNDAI SANTA FE Engine Problems

145 NHTSA complaints on file

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Engine Issues in the 2016 HYUNDAI SANTA FE

145 engine complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2016 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. Of these, 0 involved a crash, 2 involved a fire, and 0 resulted in injury.

145
Complaints
0
Crashes
2
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths

All Engine Complaints

#11688502 |
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH and attempting to depress the accelerator pedal, the vehicle decelerated and failed to respond as intended. The contact coasted to the right side of the road, turned off the vehicle, and the vehicle failed to start. Neither an independent mechanic nor a dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the vehicle was scheduled to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on four occasions. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
#11685544 |
My engine failed at 113,000 miles. It just sounded like a diesel truck when I started it one day. There were no warning messages at all. It did not have any power above 45 mph. I took it to a Hyundai dealer and showed him the extended warranty letter I received from Hyundai. The letter said my specific engine should qualify for an extended warranty. However, the dealer (Castle Hyundai of Downers Grove, IL) said because my engine failed due to timing chain failure and not connecting rod failure, Hyundai would not honor the extended warranty. That infuriates me! Hyundai should honor the extended warranty because their engine failed and it wasn't my fault. They know they have an engine problem but because my engine didn't fail exactly the way they projected it would fail, I'm [XXX] of using my car. It also meant I had to purchase a new...
#11678240 |
My 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe lost all power, shutting off and stopping abruptly in the middle of the road with no warning lights or “limp mode” being set off requiring my partner and I to push it into someone’s driveway with our two children in the car to get them to safety. We took the vehicle to a mechanic shop where we were told that to engine was seized and needed to be fully replaced with an initial quote starting at 8 thousand dollars for a replacement engine. I contacted my local Hyundai dealership and was told over the phone that the vehicle would be covered under Hyundai service bulletin TXX8 that was issued last year due to ongoing issues with this engine (3.3l V6 Lambda II). We paid to have the vehicle towed to this dealership only to be told that the warranty would not be honored due to...
#11648630 |
Engine oil runs out quickly
#11645352 |
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the same diagnostic information was provided. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,322. The VIN was not available.
#11641440 |
This is my 2nd engine on my 2016 Santa Fe Sport. My car has 190,000 miles and had a catastrophic engine failure, it’s been at the dealership for 2 months. Hyundai said my lifetime warranty on my engine is not covered cause I had a misfire in the #4 cylinder with less than 2,000 miles on the spark plugs. Hyundai warranty department only spoke to the dealership directly and had me speak to a case manager (which did nothing, they never even talked to the warranty department only the dealership) So in December I dropped my car off, it took over 2 weeks to take pictures and send them in to Hyundai warranty department, a week later Hyundai asked the dealership to further take the engine apart and get pictures of the rocker’s. The dealership is down to 2 technicians and said they will get to it when they can...
#11635757 |
While driving down the highway at 65mph my 2016 Santafe Sport experienced engine failure. We sat on the side of the highway, next to an on ramp with high traffic beside a cement wall. When the tow truck arrived the driver was nearly ran over! There was no way to get the car to a safer location. After being towed to the dealership they said the engine failure would be submitted under warranty due to an issue with the connection rod bearing damage causing the engine to fail. It was denied because I was not the initial owner. A week later I received information about a class action suit against Hyundai for this very problem. As part of the suit they had extended the warranty. The dealership resubmitted my information and it was turned down again, this time for high mileage. Several months later the dealership wanted my car removed...
#11629882 |
The contact's husband owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to accelerate upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light appeared on the instrument panel during the failure. Despite the vehicle operating in LIMP Mode, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where an oil change was performed. The mechanic warned after the service was performed that there may be an ongoing failure with the engine. Several days later, the contact stated that while in stop and go traffic, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where a diagnostic test was performed; and the contact was informed that the failure might be related to the cam shaft. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer and informed that the...
#11628635 |
Car started to present problems at around 100k miles when it would start to hard shift any time it shifted in to 2nd gear. On several occasions it would fail to accelerate beyond 25 mph one of these instances happened while driving at speed on the interstate where pressing the gas pedal to the floor did not accelerate the car. Resently the engine would not turn over instead all of the display and indicator lights would flicker on and off rapidly. In all of these instances the car never through any codes with the exception of one time i May 2024 and were inconsistent enough that it was difficult to replicate issues when brought in for inspection. All of the above symptoms were alleviated by adding about a quart of oil every 1,000 miles or so. Again when asking about these issues the repair shops could never give a reason...
#11623979 |
Four weeks ago, I noticed my 2016 Santa Fe was not blowing any heated air into the cabin. A/C would come out fine, but room temperature air at best even when thermostat set to max. I took it in for diagnosis at a local mechanic who informed me that coolant was leaking out of the engine block and into the exhaust. I took the car to the dealership who informed me that the engline block itself had somehow gotten a tear in its side. No telling how the damage occurred, yet the warranty company (Costguard) in acquisition of my powertrain policy rejected the claim because (without ever personally inspecting the vehicle) there "was no discrepency as to how the damage occurred." Every mechanic at the dealership who has seen my car disputes their answer. I have been up to date on all maintenance on my vehicle throughout my ownership and...
#11620623 |
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Engine failure due to oil consumption How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Car attempted to die on a highway, this could have been dangerous had I been in the outside 'fast' lane when it struggled. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the dealer has confirmed the engine needs a full replacement Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No, only the dealers service center has inspected the vehicle Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes. There was a blink engine light shortly before the car engine died. However, there was no indication the oil was low...
#11620486 |
I purchased this vehicle less than a year ago from a dealership, used. I noticed the oil consumption after the first few months was unreasonably high. I have to keep a large jug of oil in my car and add the oil at least every two weeks or so depending on the miles I drive. I noticed other Hyundai owners complain of the same issue and some being resolved. However, my VIN is showing no open recalls at the moment.
#11620175 |
Engine has serious recall that I was not made aware of during purchase. My car has been burning oil and the engine has been on. I've taken out to several local mechanics who said "these model Hyundai's burn oil once they are over 100,000 miles" and that I would just need more frequent oil changes. I was also told the engine light was either an old code being thrown, or the pump valve, but nothing to worry about because it really only effects gas milage. My engine went out and I had to get it towed to another mechanic, who upon seeing the car, knew it had an engine recall and could hear a distinctive knock in the engine due to a failing rod bearing. Upon Hyundai's request, we towed it to a dealership to have them inspect it. They agree it's the engine that's bad, but since a "knock...
#11617604 | Fire
Driving on a slight upgrade, lost power and smoke started to come out of the vents and from under the hood. Had no brakes and by the time we were able to drift to a stop, the engine compartment was on fire. There was no warning lights. Witnesses saw fire under the car while we were coming to a stop. The car and all contents were totally consumed. Following some research on NHTSA vin decoder we found that this car has the same engine (GDI THETA II) that has been involved in many fires and is involved in class action suits. Even though this car has the same engine, it was never recalled. That may indicate that there are other cars out there that may have the same problem but have not been informed.
#11614610 |
Engine shuts off and slows down while driving.
#11609419 |
We were driving through our neighborhood at about 25 mph and we heard a slight knocking noise and then the engine shut off, no warnings or lights, just engine failure. The electronics worked, but car wouldn’t start. Had it towed to a local mechanic where he said the engine is seized. We were thankful this happened at a low speed in a safe place, can’t imagine how awful it would have been if we’d been going 75 mph down the 4 lane interstate. Of note, we have always kept the vehicle current on oil changes/maintenance. Prior to this, the car drove great! Never had any issues that would point to impending trouble.
#11609077 |
Was driving on a 5 hour car ride at 5pm on August 16th and was going up a hill, the vehicle quickly lost all power and the engine light lit. I was able to pull the car to the side of the road with the momentum that the car already had, but was not able to get the car to a safe space (its about 6 inches from an exit ramp lane), as the car would not drive. Once I got the car to the side of the road, I checked the engine and did not see any excessive heating or anything out of the ordinary. I tried to restart the car and the check engine light is lit and the battery system for the car turns on but the car will not start or try to turn over the engine. The car is currently sitting on the side of...
#11604681 |
Vehicle was driven on a highway approximately 45-50 mph when a loud knocking sound occured. The vehicle began to shake erratically and a bunch of lights displayed. I pulled over at a safety point and turned the vehicle off to inspect it. A large amount of smoke poured from under the hood. The vehicle sat for about 45 minutes to cool down before I attempted to start it again. The engine continued to make a loud knocking sound and kept stalling. At the given time of engine failure, I was driving on a fairly busy highway with my two toddlers where we were forced in a dangerous situation to be struck by a vehicle. Hours later, I went back to start the vehicle where I was able to get it started and drive approximately 15 mph to a safer area for the vehicle to be parked. The vehicle has been...
#11602574 |
On July 3, 2024 my husband was driving our 2016 Santa Fe with a v6 engine on a highway. He was coasting down a hill going approximately 65mph when he heard a loud bang and saw something shoot off to the left of the vehicle. When he tried to brake, he realized the car had shut off and he did not have automatic steering or breaks. He managed to get the car safely pulled off the highway by using all his weight to stand on the brakes and turn the car. The car did not start up again. When we got the car towed home, we were looked under the hood and found that the engine had shot a rod. We found pieces of the engine/rod along the bottom of the engine bay. We called local mechanics as well as Hyundai service center and got quotes for repair ranging from...
#11594001 |
The vehicle began making a knocking sound upon starting. I contacted the local dealership for a service appointment and learned that they were out a couple of months on their appointment schedule. A day or two later, my vehicle shut off while driving, I was fortunate to have enough momentum to pull of the road safely. Upon having it towed to a local mechanic, I learned that the engine seized and needed to be replaced. I contacted Hyundai and they have scheduled me for an appointment next week. Keeping my fingers crossed they will do right by me since I have always had the vehicle serviced at their Hyundai dealership. The car has approximately 118,300 miles on it.
#11593254 |
Car started making noise after the check engine light came on. Check engine light was on for just a few days then by the third/fourth day the car starting making noise, turned off on me a few times then just died. We replaced a few sensors and the battery and starter. Two mechanics have told me the engine is locked and needs to be replaced.
#11593086 |
Was driving on the highway going about 65mph when the engine just lost power. Pressing the accelerator and there was nothing happening. Had the car towed home. And then to a mechanic who told me the rod was bent. I’ve always kept up on oil changes and maintenance. I just had an oil change less than a month prior. There were no warning signs leading up to this incident.
#11592618 |
On May 23, 2023 Was inspected for an oil leak and was informed the oil was leaking from the drain bolt (oil pan was cracked), valve cover was leaking. Was replaced with a Pan assembly-engine oil, gasket-rocker cover (with GDI High Pressure Pump gasket), and gasket- fuel pump. . However on oil leak continued and cause massive engine failure. Turned it in 5/26/2024 Had to replace engine.
#11589365 |
On 5/15, I was entering the highway when the vehicle refused to accelerate. I pushed the gas pedal all the way to the floor, and the vehicle did not respond. I checked to see if it had stalled, but the engine was still running. I watched the rpm meter as I pushed the accelerator, and noticed that the rpm’s stayed at 1.5 the entire time. I pulled over to the shoulder and turned off the vehicle as I was afraid of causing an accident as I was not at highway speed at the time. I turned the vehicle back on and when it was safe, attempted to reenter the highway. The vehicle responded appropriately. The check engine light had come on 2 days prior to this (5/13) and I was in the process of trying to make an appointment to get it fixed. My husband ran the engine code (P0014...
#11588189 |
Around three weeks ago, we start listening to a knocking noise in the engine. As soon as we heard this noise, we took it to a mechanic near our home and the mechanic told us that there was an internal problem with the engine and we needed to take it to an official Hyundai dealership to solve this problem. Moreover, they told me this is a common problem in Hyundai's cars and the dealership would do it for free. When I took it to the dealership, they told me that I had to replace the chain timing, tensioners, CVV, and many other stuff needed (I'm sending the receipt attached, see "car report 2024.pdf"). It was going to take 10 hours of work. Importantly, this was not covered by the Hyundai warranty or recalls. I bought the car 3 years ago, and both the previous owner and I did the year...
#11585354 |
6 months ago my rod bearing broke in my engine, and I needed a new engine. From the engine recall. With a broken rod bearing you get an oil consumption problem. Oil consumption ruing your cat converter. But they aren’t telling anyone that. 6,000 miles after my new engine, my catalac converter broke. These cars are dangerous. They’re not telling anyone that this is the next problem. They just put you back on the road. Not to mention bad for the environment!
#11581578 |
Engine light came on while driving and vehicle began to malfunction with bogging and little power to move the vehicle properly. Vehicle was towed to Hyundai dealership for diagnostics. Determining that there is rod bearing failure in the motor. Contacted Hyundai corporate who denied warranty claim citing I did not properly maintain the vehicle per owners manual although they were provided with records of proper maintenance, however it was disregarded by Hyundai warranty people as proper maintenance. I have contacted BBB and PA Attorney General for assistance but to no avail. There are countless others with the same exact issues where Hyundai Motor America is denying warranty claims for identical mechanical motor issues.
#11580984 |
-Premature complete engine failure, at approximately 72,000 miles. -Luckily, was able to get vehicle to manufacturer dealership prior to complete immobilization of vehicle while on the road. -Engine “bearing” failure per dealership. Requires complete engine assembly for repair. Complete engine assembly no longer available, only manufactured for 6 years, and requires 150+ parts to be assembled at dealership for “short block”. -Dealer serviced maintenance documented at correct intervals. -Incident occurred without any warning lights, first and only symptom was a loud knock from the engine that increased in volume and and speed with increasing RPMs. -Vehicle remains at dealership, pending resolution. -Dealership states no active manufacturer recall on issue with this particular engine, but is aware of many other similar complaints and engine failure with this model of engine, 3.3L Lamba II GDI engine. Desire to add my complaint to any others as this poses a safety risk to other...
#11578215 |
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle lost power and the engine began to knock and then the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that an engine replacement was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Action Number: DP22003 (Engine). The manufacturer was contacted, who opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
#11578258 |
Engine failed me driving 75 MPH down I-10. Completely stalled. No warning indication lights. Car did not over heat. Just shut down and never started again. I had to coast over 4 lanes of traffic, pulled off the road using my emergency flashers for a short period until those went out as well. Car did have oil and all fluids. I had to have car towed home 3 hours from home. I have had vehicle looked at and have been told engine seized up on me. I have had this vehicle not even a year and I am a single disabled woman. I have found several others have had this issue as well and have a really hard fight to get these thinks fixed. I have put a brand new motor and had the alternator checked it passed the test. Battery did not, was drained. I bought a new battery...
#11578361 |
Engine knocking/failure at 75000 miles. No warning/check engine lights prior to failure. Dealership quoting $17k to rebuild engine.
#11576405 |
Sudden catastrophic engine failure with no explanation from the service department at the dealership. Service was well maintained, no oil leak, all service done via the dealership but at 102K miles, engine failed suddenly. This is the V6 3.3L engine. Hyundai has agreed to replace it but it is on back order with no ETA.
#11576116 |
I traded in my 2020 toyota corola for this car at the used Toyota dealership. Our family is comfortable with the brand Toyota and Hyundai, as we’ve owned many and considered them to be great liable cars. So we thought the Santa Fe’s would accommodate for a growing family. Not only have we encountered an engine problem with this model, which came out of nowhere, unannounced within less than a year of owning the car, but we had 2 more issues with the other Hyundai Santa Fe’s that we purchased last year. All major engine problems. All within the years 2014-2017. The engine just blows out, or burns the oil too fast, and to be honest with you, I am not just disappointed that this has happened, but the lack of ownership for this issue that I, along with thousands of other Sante Fe owners have encountered. No recall has...
#11574168 |
Engine threw a rod
#11571448 |
I have always taken good care of my car, regular oil changes, kept coolant levels up etc. I was driving home from work when my car began to overheat, so I immediately pulled over and turned it off. Made an appointment with a mechanic, had it towed there due to overheating, and found out my engine was blown completely. No prior issues.
#11570818 |
No warnings or any visible alerts. Took it to mechanic and engine is going to need to be replaced. only 87,000 miles.
#11569844 |
Engine failure out of nowhere 110,000 well maintained. Driving on [XXX] early afternoon Monday [XXX]. All of a sudden check engine battery and oil indicator lights all came on and vehicle died. Had towed to shop and told engine failure. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
#11567919 |
Engine seized at 116000 miles on one of the busiest roads in town in below zero weather. I was nearly hit by an suv and also an Oversized Load Semi. I'm so thankful the towing guys showed up within the hour. There was no warning when this happend, no check engine light or oil light on. Two days before, on the last time it had beenbdriven I walked out to find it had started on it's own. It was Friday night, so I wasn't sure what to do yet. The vehicle was making a cl8cking sound durimg accelation on the Sunday morning the seize occurred, so I made plans to call the mechanic first thing Monday morning. It seized before I had the chance. I just lost all power to accelerate and had to pull over. The car took several minutes and many attempts to even turn off. Then never...
#11567564 |
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that upon his wife starting the vehicle, she observed heavy smoke coming from the exhaust. The contact stated that his wife heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that coolant intrusion had damaged the head gasket, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 95,000.
#11565659 |
I own a 2016 hyundai santa fe and today the car just slowed down and then shut off, with no warning on a bridge, it was so scary being on that bridge and the car just stopped. I get it towed to hyundai dealership and they informed me my engine possibly seized but need a diagnostic test and it will be 4 to 6 weeks due to ALL THE ENGINE PROBLEMS ON THERE SANTA FES. So I have been reading on this site and the same thing is happening to others. I hope hyundai does the right thing.
#11563560 |
Have had car for 8 months, just hit 70,000 miles and now need to replace my timing chain kit. Will cost 1,500 to 2,000 estimated.
#11562226 |
I am not sure what is wrong with my Hyundai Santa Fe 2016 because it is at the dealer at this moment waiting for a diagnostic test. I started the vehicle and heard a revving-up noise. I went to the doctor and on my way back to the house I accelerated and heard a rattling sound and the oil light, the check engine light, and the battery light all came on. The car slowed down and when I tried to accelerate again there was no acceleration power. I drove the car as far as I could go, then it stopped in the middle of a road. Thank God I was in my subdivision. I had to ask a UPS truck driver to push it to the curb. It was towed to the dealer 12/26/2023. That was the earliest appointment because it was the Christmas Holiday weekend. this is my only...
#11556565 |
Engine is consuming oil at an alarming rate. After 2000 miles, 3 quarts of oil was consumed
#11554526 |
The engine has been reported as failed. It is available for inspection. The safety of the persons in the vehicle and on the road around us were at risk, specifically with the loss of acceleration and power while driving in traffic and merging. Vehicle became unsafe for use for our family to use so we towed it to be evaluated at odometer reading of 97,181. What happened: Vehicle suddenly started making knocking noise. While driving the vehicle a sudden loss of acceleration and inability to accelerate. Engine started to shut off when it had been in park and then placed into gear. Towed vehicle to be assessed by a mechanic. When assessed at a mechanic, the problem was confirmed and it was also noted that oil had been consumed and noted to be loosing oil internally and has burn on dipstick. No oil spots noted in area where car had...
#11554543 |
EXCESSIVE ENGINE OIL CONSOMPTION AND THE BRAKE LIGHTBULL KEEP BURNING FREQUENTLY.
#11554550 |
Engine seized while driving
#11554204 |
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The failure had reoccurred several times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.
#11552144 |
The engine in my vehicle seized, prompting an inspection that unequivocally attributed the failure to a well-documented and acknowledged issue with the engine. This incident occurred while I was navigating on highway, placing my family and fellow road users in a precarious situation. The dealership's assessment reaffirmed that this recurring engine problem afflicts my vehicle model and had been thoroughly scrutinized by their experts. Remarkably, there were no warning signals such as the engine light or oil light to forewarn me of the impending engine failure. Despite having undergone a recent oil change, no apparent symptoms signaled that my engine was running perilously low on oil. Regrettably, Hyundai has chosen to decline any responsibility for replacing my engine or extending assistance. Their reasoning is grounded in my failure to procure a software update that, unbeknownst to me, was an essential requirement. Furthermore, I had received no prior communication via mail,...
#11551294 |
Engine threw a rod and damaged the whole engine. No warnings. Same exact issue my friends 2015 did. Her engine was replaced.
#11550323 |
After crossing 90,000 miles the vehicle started to consume too much oil too quickly. After a professional analysis the mechanics found no problem. Going on 112,000 miles now and the vehicle is going through and/or burning oil much more rapidly than what one would expect
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