2013 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT Complaints

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The engine warning light, battery, and ABS warning lights illuminated, with another unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle returned to function as intended; however, the failure recurred a short distance afterwards. The contact was able to pull over to a rest area and the engine seized. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, who confirmed that the engine had seized, and metal shavings were found in the oil. The dealer declined to perform the repair. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The contact advised that the vehicle never passed inspection. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the failure was not determined. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall or special program. The contact stated that the dealer declined to diagnose the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact referenced an unstated recall with a similar failure; however, the contact was informed that the recall was closed. The contact stated that the vehicle was purchased used, and had not receive a recall notification. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

While driving at highway speeds (approximately 70 mph), my 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport suddenly lost power and began shaking violently. I was forced to quickly maneuver across multiple lanes of traffic to exit the freeway and avoid a potential collision. The vehicle became barely drivable and extremely unsafe, especially at high speed. Hyundai later diagnosed the issue as a complete engine failure due to zero compression in cylinder 2. This catastrophic failure happened without warning lights, abnormal noises, or prior symptoms, making it a severe and unexpected safety hazard. Had this occurred while merging, on a curve, or in heavy traffic, it could have easily led to an accident, injuries, or worse. This type of failure — sudden loss of propulsion at freeway speed — puts both the driver and others on the road at serious risk. I am submitting this report because I believe this engine failure reflects a critical mechanical defect that warrants investigation.

Car has 88,000 miles on the odometer and is burning oil, resulting in the need for oil replenishment of 1 to 2 quarts every 1000 miles.

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was jerking abnormally. Additionally, the contact stated that while accelerating from a complete stop, the vehicle responded after several attempts and was significantly sluggish while responding. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the engine was replaced under an unknown recall; however, the contact stated that the vehicle had stalled several times while driving. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle was able to restart within 45 minutes after several attempts. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the failure could not be duplicated. Additionally, the contact stated that the air conditioning system was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the A/C hoses had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport - [XXX] [XXX] System failed or malfunctioned: Sudden Engine Failure while driving at highway speed. Indication: Illumination of flashing warning light, while operating the vehicle on the highway. The vehicle entered into “protection mode”, driving at a slower acceleration and limited engine speed. Safety risks: Defective Engines: A manufacturing defect in the engine, particularly in the connecting rod bearings, can cause them to wear out prematurely. Potential for Stalling: the bearings wear, they can fail, potentially causing the engine to stall unexpectedly. Risk of Crash: a sudden stall while driving can significantly increase the risk of a crash. Engine Fire: in some cases, a damaged connecting rod can puncture the engine block, leading to oil leaks that can ignite on hot engine surfaces, causing a fire. Recalls: there have been multiple recalls related to these engine issues. Hyundai Motor America, the automaker has issued recalls for vehicles with these defective engines. Other Potential Issues: some 2013 Santa Fe Sports have been recalled for a potential fire risk due to a faulty ABS module. The problem has been inspected and identified by a certified Hyundai Dealer. The vehicle has not been directly inspected by the Manufacturer. Warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure: Illumination of flashing warning light, while operating the vehicle on the highway. The vehicle entered into “protection mode” INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Panoramic sunroof suddenly exploded while driving with passengers in the front in back seat.

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer on several occasions for abnormal oil consumption and a burning odor on the exterior of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer where the PCV valve, valve cover gasket, sealant, drive belts, ribbed-V belt, RTV silicone gasket maker, turbo, and gasket engine oil plug were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with engine failure and waste gauge. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the original engine was previously replaced under an unknown recall repair in 2021, however the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the mileage of the new engine was approximately 20,000. In addition, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the doors were independently unlatched. The contact stated that the driver's side rear door independently unlatched and independently opened. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH a knocking noise was present coming from the engine compartment, the check engine light had illuminated and the vehicle's speed suddenly reduced to under 30 MPH. The vehicle was later driven to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 166,000.