2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Complaints

My 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is subject to Hyundai Recall 162 / NHTSA Recall 17V-226, concerning premature connecting-rod-bearing wear that can cause engine knocking, engine failure, and loss of motive power. My vehicle developed engine knocking and a flashing check-engine light while I was driving. The vehicle is now at an authorized Hyundai dealership. Hyundai initially denied an engine replacement based on mileage. I escalated the matter to Hyundai Motor America Corporate Consumer Affairs. Hyundai has now confirmed in writing that, because my vehicle is more than eight years old and has more than 150,000 miles, Hyundai is applying the high-mileage provision of the Theta II settlement and will not replace the engine. Instead, Hyundai is offering either a repurchase or $2,000 in lieu of engine replacement. I understand that Hyundai is relying on the court-approved settlement. My concern is specifically whether Hyundai’s application of that settlement to my vehicle is consistent w...

While driving a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport on a city street, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled and shut off while idling at a red light. The vehicle completely failed to restart. No dashboard warning lights, check engine lights, or fault messages illuminated prior to or during the stalling event. Immediately following the engine shutdown, a fire erupted under the engine hood. The fire rapidly escalated and completely engulfed the entire vehicle, resulting in a total loss. The local fire department responded to the scene to extinguish the blaze

Sunroof exploded while driving

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that the subframe was rusted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the rear control arms and subframe were rusted and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the vehicle had previously been repaired under Service Campaign Number: 996 (Underbody Corrosion Preventive Service); however, the contact stated that the protective spray was only applied to the unibody and not the rear underbody. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,483.

Vehicle is a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport with the 2.4L Theta II GDI engine. A Hyundai dealer documented excessive oil consumption in December 2025 (3 quarts consumed over 1,703 miles during a dealer-administered oil consumption test; repair orders on file and available for inspection). On April 19, 2026, at 160,913 miles, following a highway drive, the engine developed a pronounced knock and vibration at low RPM and began stalling within seconds of idling in Park, with check engine and charging warning lamps illuminated. An engine that stalls at idle presents a safety hazard in traffic due to loss of power braking and steering assist. The vehicle was removed from service the same day, has not been driven since, and remains available for inspection. Knock Sensor Detection System software (Campaign 953) was installed and did not prevent the failure. Manufacturer has been notified in writing and consumer affairs cases are on file.