2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Owner Complaints

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that after a routine oil change, while driving back to the residence, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there were metal shavings inside the engine. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the vehicle was not eligible for a recall repair because the engine software update was not performed. The failure mileage was approximately 136,434.

NHTSA ID

11756036

Incident

Jul 31, 2022

Mileage

136,434 mi

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

NHTSA ID

11753884

Incident

Jul 30, 2026

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 with the administration of Recall 162 and the federal safety-recall remedy, given that my vehicle is experiencing the engine failure that Recall 162 was designed to address. I am requesting NHTSA’s review of Hyundai’s handling of this safety-related recall matter.

NHTSA ID

11753820

Incident

Jun 30, 2026

Sunroof exploded while driving

NHTSA ID

11751898

Incident

Jul 21, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11750907

Incident

Jul 16, 2026

Mileage

103,483 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11750048

Incident

Apr 19, 2026

Issue was first identified in September 2024 when a rattling noise prompted inspection, and the engine was found to be significantly low on oil. Excessive engine oil consumption was confirmed with failure during manufacturer testing. Vehicle emits occasional burning oil smell when idling after 10 miles+ driving. Vehicle failed a 1,000-mile oil consumption test following a “Dynamic Engine Clean” performed by a certified independent mechanic, with documented oil loss of approximately 2 quarts. Vehicle subsequently failed a dealer-administered oil consumption test, with documented oil loss of approximately 2.3 quarts within 1,000 miles. Engine oil levels have dropped to critically low levels between checks despite active monitoring and maintenance. This condition presents a risk of engine seizure, sudden loss of power while driving, and potential engine compartment fire due to oil consumption or leakage. The issue has been reproduced and documented by both an independent mechanic and a Hyundai dealership. Despite confirmed excessive oil consumption, the manufacturer has delayed corrective action and has required repeated oil consumption testing and engine cleaning procedures rather than proceeding with repair. This condition appears consistent with known defects associated with Hyundai Theta II engines.

NHTSA ID

11747266

Incident

Sep 19, 2024

I have great concern that certain vehicles of Hyundai are getting a little bit of extended warranty occupant classification system forward slash occupant detection system known issues. OCS/ODS I will try to attach a picture of the letter. As a nurse manager I find this once again appalling on Hyundai behalf, after these years pass we won't know if our air big warning lights or trouble codes or even a a passenger is detected when driving. They offered to pay if you had issues with this problem or in my case in the next four and a half years they would cover it but after that do I feel that this is my problem because they're having defect sensors and warning lights or maybe lack thereof altogether after speaking to them when I called and made a case number XXX with Hyundai Motor America. I strongly believe this should be a recall. I would never trust anybody sitting in my passenger seat, and I don't think you would either. They always try and find some way to get around doing the right thing and obviously they have problems with intermittent airbags warning lights trouble codes and this needs to be looked into if there are any risk/issues detecting or possibly never detecting a grandchild sitting in that front seat! After 5 years I will worry if anybody sits in the front seat now. I have started the process and will wait for your reply, of communicating with [XXX] our Minnesota State Attorney General's office on this matter. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11742849

Incident

Jun 5, 2026

I noticed a Check Engine Light flashing on my dashboard while driving on May 27, 2026. The vehicle suddenly losing power is extremely unsafe for me and my family, and also others on the road. This is a repeated P1326 code which happened before in 2021 and 2024. Based on the receipts I have from the previous inspections from the dealer, the Bearing Clearance Test (BCT) was not done in 2024, but was performed in 2021. The knock sensor was replaced in 2024 and I was denied engine replacement. This is a repeat failure of the same condition under Hyundai Motors TSB T3G Theta II. Once again, my safety was at extreme risk as the engine lost its power suddenly. It could have easily lead to a crash. In 2024, Hyundai and the dealer declined an engine replacement despite me showing the safety concerns and my possible eligibility for an engine replacement for the underlying condition.

NHTSA ID

11740713

Incident

May 27, 2026

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that occasionally, while driving at various speeds, an abnormal knocking sound was heard coming from under the hood while the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the steering wheel would shudder. The Check engine oil warning light illuminated. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHSTA Campaign: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it remains for further investigation; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to a lack of maintenance records, and the recall repairs were rejected. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the recall repairs were performed under previous ownership; however, the recall repairs were not completed. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.

NHTSA ID

11739097

Incident

Apr 20, 2026

Mileage

147,000 mi

Passengers are stuck in vehicle due to failure of doors opening from either inside, outside or both.

NHTSA ID

11736497

Incident

Apr 1, 2026

I am reporting a serious safety defect involving my 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport equipped with a Theta II engine While driving and exiting the freeway with my wife as a passenger, the engine suddenly failed after knocking symptoms and completely seized/locked while the vehicle was still in motion. The vehicle immediately lost motive power and came to a stop, creating an immediate and dangerous traffic safety hazard. Had this engine seizure occurred moments earlier while traveling at freeway speed, it could have caused a catastrophic accident involving serious injury or death. The Hyundai dealership diagnosed the vehicle with rod bearing failure, which is the known defect associated with Hyundai Theta II engine failures. My VIN falls under the Theta II extended engine warranty program, and the dealership confirmed eligibility and accepted the vehicle for inspection under that coverage. Despite this, Hyundai denied the repair claim, first alleging maintenance-related issues and later stating the vehicle was out of warranty. I maintain that the vehicle was properly maintained with oil changes performed approximately every 6,000/8,000 miles. Some calendar-time gaps occurred because the vehicle was stored and driven very little during my recovery from a personal injury surgery and recovery, but the vehicle was maintained on mileage intervals. This engine defect resulted in sudden engine seizure and total loss of motive power while driving, creating a serious safety risk to vehicle occupants and surrounding motorists. I am reporting this defect so it can be documented and investigated.

NHTSA ID

11734602

Incident

Jan 7, 2026

On [XXX] while entering the parking lot of my office, I noticed a blinking check engine light on the car's dashboard. I've never experienced this before so I called my husband. He asked me to use a diagnositic tool he kept in the car. I did and there was a code "P1326" when I pressed the key for more information it said something about the manufacturer. My husband told me to call the nearest dealer. I called Castle Hyundai in Downers Grove. I was instructed not to drive the care and have it towed to the dealership as soon as possible which I did. Castle Hyundai verified the P1326 code and fixed the knock sensor, changed the oil. I picked the car up on March 13. On [XXX], the flashing check engine light returned while driving home from work. Again, we used the diagnostic tool and again the code P1326 appeared. The car was towed back to Castle Hyundai. On Monday, I spoke with Christain Jones the service director because I hadn't heard anything about the car. He called later in the day and said that the car needed a new engine. He asked for records of my oil changes since purchasing the car in 2021. I emailed him three from 2022, 2023 and 2024, the four change was done by Castle on March 12 2026. I was told that he would send the the information to Hyundai regarding a new engine. However, he stated that he was not confident the company would approve the claim. This after, I received an email from Eric Marcum with Castle. The email stated that Hyundai denied the engine replacement due to "lack of maintenance". He wanted to know if we wanted an estimate on replacement of the engine. I responsed that I needed Hyundai's rejection in writing and I also wanted an estimate of the replacement. I attempted to contact Hyundai's Customer Care, however, their offices were closed until Monday. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11730505

Incident

Mar 12, 2026

While my vehicle was at an authorized Hyundai dealership for engine warranty repair, I reported a suspension grinding noise and requested that it be inspected. This concern was raised while the vehicle was in the dealership’s possession and was communicated as a safety concern. The engine repair was completed and the vehicle was returned to me. No inspection findings, documentation, or technician notes were provided addressing the suspension concern. The repair documentation I later received does not include any reference to the suspension issue or any inspection findings related to that concern. The dealership has also confirmed that no additional documentation exists beyond the repair order. After the vehicle was returned, warning lights appeared that were not present prior to the repair. A suspension grinding noise may indicate issues affecting steering, suspension, or vehicle stability. I am concerned that the vehicle was released without inspection or documentation of a reported safety related condition.

NHTSA ID

11728948

Incident

Dec 2, 2025

After having the ABS recall fixed a while back all of the lights came back on about a week ago. There has been a loss of oil meaning i have been adding oil in between oil changes at least once a week, there has been smoke coming from under the hood and if you run the heat or air you have to have circulate cabin air button pushed or it pulls the smell inside the car and it is overwhelming. The smoking has been going on for about at least a month now.

NHTSA ID

11728684

Incident

Mar 23, 2026

I was driving on March 20, 2026 at about 12:00 PM when I suddenly noticed smoke, a strong gasoline smell, an oil smell, and a burning odor coming from the vehicle. I pulled over immediately because I believed the vehicle was unsafe and at risk of fire. The vehicle had to be towed. An independent repair shop later found a fuel leak at the high-pressure fuel line / fuel pump area, a loose ground wire on the right-hand side of the engine, a valve cover gasket leak, and engine timing chain noise. I was informed that gasoline had sprayed throughout the engine bay. This created an immediate fire hazard even though no actual fire occurred. This problem was especially concerning because the vehicle had been inspected and serviced by an authorized Hyundai dealer in December 2025, less than about 3,000 miles earlier. The loose engine ground wire and fuel leak raise serious concerns about vehicle safety and the adequacy of the prior inspection. I contacted Hyundai the same day and reported this as a fire-risk safety issue, but I did not receive timely assistance. Because immediate dealer service was not available, I had to authorize emergency repairs at a local shop for safety reasons. No warning lights were noted before the incident. The failure was confirmed by the repair shop.

NHTSA ID

11726301

Incident

Mar 20, 2026

Circuit board inside the fuse box stopped working and there was no speed indicator, no cruise control, no odometer registering while driving. Also the mechanical fuel pump started leaking fuel at 148,000 miles and now at 156,000 miles it is burning through oil and no oil light came on and the engine went into limp mode and is also now going through coolant too.

NHTSA ID

11725066

Incident

Nov 24, 2025

While traveling at approximately 80 mph on the highway, my vehicle suddenly lost all response to the accelerator pedal. Despite continued pressure on the gas, the vehicle rapidly decelerated to approximately 40 mph on its own. There were no warning lights, unusual noises, or physical indicators of a problem before, during, or after the event. I was able to safely navigate the vehicle off the highway. The vehicle appeared to operate normally afterward. The following day, I brought the vehicle to a mechanic who was unable to replicate the issue and found no stored fault codes. No repairs were made. Given the known concerns surrounding the Theta II engine in this model year, I am submitting this incident for documentation purposes and to contribute to any ongoing or future investigation into sudden acceleration loss in 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles.

NHTSA ID

11724727

Incident

Mar 15, 2026

Day 1 – Feb 11 at 4pm incident occurred my daughter was driving the vehicle on [XXX] , she was in the far right hand lane preparing to take an upcoming exit. Suddenly and unexpectedly the hood opened obstructing her view of the roadway and smashed the front windshield. Because she was in the right hand lane she was able to pull the vehicle to to the shoulder of the road immediately. No other vehicles were involved because of both her location (right hand lane) and ability to access the shoulder immediately. She could have been killed! The problem has not been confirmed Hyundai has informed me it will take 5/6 weeks to determine if an inspection is warranted. -Thursday February 19 We got the vehicle to the closest Hyundai dealer Metro West in Framingham Massachusetts on Thursday February 19 - I explained to the service representative the history (recall and repair in 2017) and a request to investigate recurrence of the recall defect as well as to prepare an estimate for repair. I never received a phone back so I called them on Wednesday February 27 and was informed that the vehicle estimate and inspection was in progress. At that point I contacted Hyundai corporate offices and was given a case number. On March 3, I called again and completed the preliminary investigation report - i was informed they would get back to me in approximately 48 hours. - On 3/9/26 after a phone conversation I was emailed a request to inspect my vehicle authorization form and another form (11 questions that had been answer numerous time by phone already) both were completed and submitted the following day 3/10/26. Dealership now threatening storage fees - Because the vehicle experienced failure of a component that was previously repaired under a federal safety recall, I am formally requesting that Hyundai preserve all evidence relating to the hood latch assembly and related components for purposes of regulatory review and potential insurance subrogation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U

NHTSA ID

11723924

Incident

Feb 11, 2026

Engine seizure. Driving 80mph on i90, pop sound from under the hood happens & check engine light came on; immediately pulled over & the oil and battery light came on; turned car off & it would not start again. Smoke then came from engine while trying to restart. Code 1326

NHTSA ID

11719622

Incident

Feb 15, 2026

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact stated that the repair coverage was denied because of the maintenance record of the previous owner of the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

NHTSA ID

11713943

Incident

Jan 17, 2026

Mileage

200,000 mi

Official Dealer Refusal to Perform Critical Safety Recall (VIN: [XXX] ) Description: I am reporting a formal refusal by the official Hyundai distributor in the Dominican Republic (Magna Motors) to perform critical safety recalls on my US-spec vehicle. Pending Recalls: Recall #251 (NHTSA 23V651000): ABS module fire risk. Campaign #953: KSDS software update. The dealer (Magna Motors) refuses to perform the service, claiming a "lack of tools," and has declined to provide a written explanation for this denial. This is a severe violation of safety regulations regarding life-threatening defects (Fire Risk). As the vehicle is a US-spec unit, I request NHTSA’s intervention to ensure the manufacturer (Hyundai) compels its local representative to complete these repairs immediately at no cost. PLEASE NOTE: I am using a US mailing address only to complete this form. The vehicle and I are physically located in the Dominican Republic. The local official distributor, Magna Motors, is failing to honor these NHTSA safety recalls." INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11709095

Incident

Jan 6, 2026

I requested Engine oil consumption tests on November 12, 2020 and March 27,2021 at Vandergriff Huyndai, Arlington, Tx. Nothing was resolved,. I have been adding oil myself and getting oil changes regularly since. At 146,000 miles it's been worse. After just 2,000 miles after an oil change it was below low, my mechanic topped it off 3 weeks ago and I've had to add oil since. Took my car to Jerry's Huyndai, Weatherford, Texas on December 29,2025. Due to oil consumption, smoke, smell, and I'm wondering if the vibrating is from the engine or if I need new spark plugs. I was told that my valve cover gasket needs to be replaced. I feel like I'm still getting the run around and the car can't keep oil above low level. I've never seen oil under the car and when i took the car to Vandergriff in 2020 and 2021 they didn't see a leak they said. I also took my car in 8/21 and had the ABS repaired and as of recent its out again. I took my car into an independent mechanic shop today 1/2/2026 and he said he felt that the valve cover gasket is not the main problem he feels it would be a waste of money until the engine is replaced. I also heard a new noise today not knocking but tapping noise while driving. My car has hesitated recently, but Jerrys huyndai didnt have that happen while driving it. My car would be available for inspection any time requested. I am just concerned about the smoking if it will get worse, is there a risk of fire and I'm disabled, so I'm concerned if I will have a problem getting out of the car in time if that were to happen or if the car would stop in the middle of the street. This is my only car and I care for 2 sons that are disabled. I need a safe car. Also, the car manager Rachel at Jerry's Huyndai seemed focused that I would be charged 225.00 if it was not the rod bearings. It just seemed like she more focused on that instead of finding the problem. The only lights on is the ABS.

NHTSA ID

11708416

Incident

Dec 4, 2025

The knock sensor recall was done. Currently engine started knocking and became undrivable. This vehicle qualifies for the Hyundai engine replacement recall, but they denied my claim

NHTSA ID

11708379

Incident

Dec 15, 2025

As driving, the passenger side rear wheel disconnected from the subframe. A lot of suspension parts (e.g. rear suspension mounting bolt is absent from the subframe; rear control arm toe link detached from its mounting point; severe corrosion present on subframe control arm And bushing sleeve; rusted and degraded mounting hole) were subsequently affected which significantly impacts driver and passenger safety as well as other surrounding vehicles. The mechanic indicated that if we were on the highway at a higher speed this would of caused a major accident with potential several deaths.

NHTSA ID

11708246

Incident

Dec 26, 2025