2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Engine Problems

On June 20, 2026, while the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport was being driven on Richardson Highway near Mile 155 in Alaska, smoke and flames developed from the engine compartment without any collision. The driver stopped and both occupants exited before the vehicle became fully engulfed. The fire created an immediate risk of serious injury or death and blocked the northbound lane. There were no known prior drivability problems, warning lamps, or other symptoms before the incident. The exact failed component is UNKNOWN. Potential areas requiring investigation include the engine, electrical system, ABS/HECU brake module, multi-fuse, fuel system, and other engine-compartment components. Alaska Department of Public Safety responded. Its report states that there was no obvious cause, but that the fire appeared to have originated in the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed and preserved for the manufacturer. Hyundai inspected the vehicle and confirmed that the inspection was completed on July 11, 2026. Hyundai later stated orally that it did not find an engine defect, but it has not provided the complete inspection report, testing methods, photographs, technical findings, or a written origin-and-cause determination. Hyundai has not explained whether the ABS/HECU, electrical system, multi-fuse, fuel system, or other potential fire sources were separately examined. The vehicle sustained catastrophic damage and was a total loss. Both occupants escaped, but experienced severe ongoing psychological distress after the fire. I request that NHTSA evaluate whether the fire involved an engine, electrical, ABS/HECU, fuel-system, recall-remedy, or other safety defect. The vehicle was available for Hyundai's inspection. Its current availability for further inspection is UNKNOWN. The vehicle remains preserved and is currently available for further inspection upon request.

NHTSA ID

11753388

Incident

Jun 20, 2026

The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle started to lose power while depressing the accelerator pedal, with black smoke coming from the engine compartment. The oil, check engine, and battery warning lights were displayed on the instrument panel. The contact pulled over and discovered black smoke coming from under the hood. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, and the engine was replaced. Two weeks after the replacement, the starter failed to operate as needed, and the vehicle was towed back to the independent mechanic, where the starter was replaced. Upon investigation, the mechanic discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); and associated the vehicle with the recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle remained with the independent mechanic and was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,577.

NHTSA ID

11750844

Incident

Jun 4, 2026

Mileage

120,577 mi

On March 20, 2026, while driving, my 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport (VIN: [XXX]) equipped with a Theta II 2.4L GDI engine, the car experienced a catastrophic, sudden loss of motive power. The engine suffered a total mechanical failure/seizure, creating an immediate highway safety hazard. This vehicle is part of the "In re: Hyundai and Kia Engine Litigation II" settlement population due to known factory manufacturing defects where residual metal debris blocks oil flow to the connecting rod bearings. Hyundai Corporate has issued a blanket refusal to honor the lifetime safety warranty extension, using an unverified allegation of "outside influence" to avoid executing the mandatory engine replacement protocols required under NHTSA Campaign T3G. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11748225

Incident

Mar 20, 2026

ID # 11746004. I accidentally entered the wrong incident date on my original submission. The correct date of the incident is June 17, 2026. Please update my file to reflect this correct timeline.

NHTSA ID

11746944

Incident

Jun 17, 2026

The engine failed completely and is currently available for inspection at my residence. While traveling on a family vacation at highway speeds, the engine suffered a catastrophic connecting-rod bearing failure and seized. This caused an immediate loss of motive power, braking assistance, and steering control, nearly resulting in a fatal multi-car collision with my child in the vehicle. Warning lights illuminated on the dashboard during the failure as a sudden metallic knocking sound occurred and the engine died. The vehicle became completely disabled and had to be limped off the highway and towed. The VIN has a completed Campaign 953 from September 2019 qualifying it for the Lifetime Warranty Extension under the Theta II settlement.

NHTSA ID

11746004

Incident

Jun 18, 2026

Engine code p1326. The engine went into limp mode it was only able to drive about 15 miles then check engine light came popped on and the vehicle stopped and I had the get the vehicle towed. Yes Route 60 of Hyundai in Vero Beach was aware of the issue and also I took the vehicle to Hyundai in Fort pierce where they also was well aware of the engine issue. When I received a recall letter in the mail and brought my vehicle into Route 60 Hyundai of Vero Beach. My vehicle was also apart of the Theta 2 issue class act litigation.

NHTSA ID

11738905

Incident

Sep 16, 2025

Failure consistent with known recall defect (NHTSA Recall 17V226) involving premature bearing wear resulting in engine seizure and sudden loss of power while driving.

NHTSA ID

11730941

Incident

Feb 23, 2023

Knock sensor p1326 service code engine light on

NHTSA ID

11721227

Incident

Mar 1, 2002

The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated and blinked intermittently. The contact stopped at a gas station. The contact filled up the fuel tank and checked the coolant reservoir. When the contact restarted the vehicle, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle failed to exceed 30 MPH without shaking or vibrating. The check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The engine coils or the starter sensor and the O2 sensors were replaced before the independent mechanic informed the contact that the engine had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was confirmed that the engine had failed. The contact was informed that the vehicle was under a service warranty and the vehicle would be repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. However, the manufacturer refused to replace the engine and offered the contact monetary compensation. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 167,000.

NHTSA ID

11706822

Incident

Dec 14, 2025

Mileage

167,000 mi

Engine seized while driving. Recall-covered failure mode. Hyundai denial despite recall. Screenshots showed recall with VIN for engine recall and suddenly removed by Hyundai next day.

NHTSA ID

11706191

Incident

Dec 16, 2025

I dont know the exact component that's failed, but it is consuming way too much oil, i have to put a quart in just about everytime i drive it. When i took it the dealership to find out if it was leaking, or burning oil, they literally charged me 200 to tell me it was either leaking oil or burning it. I personally think it is burning vs leaking, because there isnt oil in my drive way. I then spoke to some one on their YouTube channel that told me to call and tell them my story and they should help me out. I did that but no one ever contacted me about the complaint. It's smokes from the engine and i feel like its just a matter of time before it blows up or catches fire. Even though I can hear the engine ticking and struggle the check engine light is not on. From what I've seen this is a known issue that they are ignoring, even though MANY people have complained. This engine has already been replaced in 2018, and the new one is going bad prematurely as well.

NHTSA ID

11699093

Incident

Dec 31, 1969

I purchased this vehicle in November 2022. Hyundai and all affiliates were well aware of the engine recall. I was NEVER informed of the recall, if I was, logically I never would have purchased it. This is fraud by Toyota South in Richmond Kentucky. 6 months or so after purchasing, I began noticing the oil loss, without any oil on the ground where I park the vehicle. I researched and found the recall. I fought with the dealership and Hyundai corporate for 4 months before they said they would replace the engine with a new engine, I was told this early November 2023. I received my car back on 11/24/23. I was told the new engine came with a 12,000(?) mile warranty. I am still looking for this paperwork and will have it available soon. Fast forward to September 2025, as I am driving on I75N to Lexington from Berea, my car shudders and a smoke cloud larger than my vehicle appears behind my car. I check my oil and I am down 2 quarts, which I thought was odd considering I had checked it 2-3 weeks prior to this. I checked it in another week, and it is down 2 quarts again!! There is still no leakage, no oil on the ground, immediately I knew it was another recalled engine. Which is beyond comprehension, why would Hyundai replace a recalled engine, with a recalled engine?? So I go to the dealership and am told I have to do the 3 stage consumption test, drive 1000 miles or be down 1.5 quarts and come back. I was back within 2 days, I drove 150(?) miles and was down 1.5 quarts. The dealership and Hyundai determined the oil consumption issue is present, meaning its a recalled engine. Through phone calls with Hyundai I was told it is also remanufactured, but if you recall, I was told it was a NEW engine. Fraud #2. They refuse to fix it. This is the only vehicle in my household, and my means for income. Hyundai is costing me the right to live, the right to work. They are despicable, awful people to work with. The constant threat of fire is very stressful!!

NHTSA ID

11697538

Incident

Dec 31, 1969

What happened: While driving in Montana on September 21, 2025, the cabin suddenly filled with gasoline fumes and the accelerator pedal stopped responding. After pulling over, flames erupted from under the hood and the vehicle was completely destroyed within minutes. The passenger-side door could not be opened from the inside at first, delaying escape and creating a serious safety risk. No warning lights or messages appeared before or during the fire. (1) While driving, gasoline suddenly filled the cabin and the accelerator pedal stopped responding. Within seconds, the vehicle caught fire. The cause appears related to the fuel system, and possibly the ABS module. The vehicle was completely destroyed but remains available for inspection in a private tow lot. (2) The fire spread extremely quickly. Both occupants were nearly trapped inside when the passenger-side door would not open from the inside, delaying escape. The vehicle burned on the shoulder of a busy highway in Montana, posing danger to us and to surrounding motorists. (3) Not after this fire, but a similar problem occurred in 2023 when gasoline filled the cabin and caused the engine to stall. At that time, Hyundai replaced the engine under warranty. (4) No. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance. It is secured in a private tow lot and is available for inspection. (5) No. There were no warnings at all before or during the failure. Even as gasoline filled the cabin and the vehicle caught fire, the check engine light stayed off and no alerts appeared. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11690004

Incident

Sep 21, 2025

Owner: [XXX] VIN: [XXX] Vehicle: 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport My daughter purchased this vehicle in April 2025 from a licensed Chrysler dealership. On [XXX], the engine suddenly seized while driving, without warning, and would not restart. This VIN was part of Recall 17V-226 (Hyundai Campaign 162). Dealer records show the recall was closed with inspection only (“engine inspection, oil, dipstick”), not an engine replacement. The failure matches the defect description of the recall (bearing wear from restricted oil flow). Hyundai is refusing to repair it, claiming sludge and “maintenance neglect,” despite my daughter only owning it for 5 months and having an oil change at Hyundai in May 2025. This engine failure proves the prior “inspection” remedy was ineffective. Hyundai is also denying coverage under the lifetime warranty extension (TXXI), which explicitly applies to subsequent owners for bearing failures. This is a serious safety issue. My daughter lost power in traffic, and the vehicle is still unrepaired. This complaint is being submitted on behalf of the registered owner, [XXX] , by her mother [XXX] , who is the primary contact. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11686428

Incident

Sep 7, 2025

While driving on a steep, narrow grade with no safe shoulder, my 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport suddenly lost all forward power. The engine would rev but the vehicle would not accelerate. I was left stranded in traffic, with cars behind me and nowhere safe to pull off, creating an immediate risk of being rear-ended or rolling back into other vehicles. I had to call for a tow to avoid a serious crash. The vehicle was marked as having all recall campaigns completed, including the rod bearing inspection and knock sensor update, which were supposed to protect against catastrophic engine failure. Clearly, those campaigns were not sufficient to prevent the failure I experienced. At the time of failure, the vehicle displayed the check engine light and drivability symptoms consistent with abnormal combustion and potential bearing damage. Hyundai denied lifetime warranty coverage under the Theta II engine settlement without performing the required inspection. Instead, I was left with an estimate for engine-related repairs that exceeded the value of the vehicle, effectively rendering it a total loss. This failure is exactly what Hyundai’s recall notices describe as a risk: sudden engine failure, loss of motive power, and increased risk of crash. The fact that this happened to my vehicle despite “completed” recall campaigns raises serious concerns about whether the defect remains unresolved and whether Hyundai is adequately honoring its recall and settlement obligations. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether Hyundai is improperly denying warranty coverage without inspection and whether vehicles that were marked as repaired under these recalls are still at risk of catastrophic engine failure, stalling, and loss of motive power on public roads. The settlement administrator also works for Hyundai is just referring customers back to Hyundai Customer Care. They are not honoring this CLASS ACTION lawsuit and acting in BAD faith and putting lives at risk.

NHTSA ID

11685409

Incident

Aug 25, 2025

Loud knocking sound. Vehicle in Limp Mode. Blinking CEL - Error code P1326 VIN - [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11681720

Incident

Jul 2, 2024

My 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport suffered a blown head gasket that required me to pay $9,000 for a full engine replacement. Hyundai is aware of ongoing problems with their 2.0 turbo motors, but the recall only covers the rod bearing failure/knock sensor issue. Many owners, including myself, are experiencing blown head gaskets, and several believe this failure is directly related to the same underlying engine defect. This is not an isolated case—numerous complaints online and in owner forums describe the same problem. Despite the high repair cost and known engine vulnerabilities, Hyundai refuses assistance because my vehicle is outside the mileage limit, even though the defect is widely reported and appears to be a design/manufacturing issue, not normal wear and tear. I believe NHTSA should investigate whether the head gasket failures in these 2.0 turbo engines are linked to the same defect that prompted Hyundai’s engine recalls, as it presents significant safety risks (engine overheating, sudden power loss, potential for fire). In 2018, the Center for Auto Safety formally petitioned the NHTSA to investigate 2011–2014 Hyundai Santa Fe models (among others) due to a high number of non-collision fire complaints, including reports of melted wires, smoke, and burning odors in the engine bay . While this isn’t directly about head gasket failures, it underscores a pattern of serious safety-related issues affecting that generation of Santa Fe vehicles.

NHTSA ID

11680267

Incident

May 13, 2025

Vehicle is only 10 years old and barely has 120k miles on it. Consistent maintenance and oil changes are done. My son was driving on the highway and the vehicle died suddenly and coasted to the side of the road. We had it towed to a repair shop and after some testing they said the engine has seized up. Most likely related to the common rod bearing issue with these motors, but this is not on the recall for some reason. This should not happen on a car with so low miles and use! Luckily my son was safe and not in an accident when this happened.

NHTSA ID

11678287

Incident

Jul 2, 2025

January 2024, my 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe entered limp mode and displayed code P1326—known to indicate engine bearing failure under Hyundai Recall 162. I took it to Terry Reid Hyundai (Cartersville, GA), paid $175 for diagnostics, and was told the vehicle “passed.” However, I was never given a bearing clearance test (BCT) result, and no VIN-tied data was submitted to Hyundai’s internal WebDCS system, as required by TSB 23-EM-001H. Later communication with Hyundai confirmed that all BCT results—pass or fail—must be submitted and tied to the VIN in WebDCS, yet Terry Reid produced no record. Instead, they provided a blank Multi-Point Inspection (MPI) sheet and handwritten notes—none of which constitute a BCT or fulfill Hyundai protocol. In April 2025, the engine failed catastrophically. Shottenkirk Hyundai performed a proper BCT, revealing cylinder #2 at 1.13mm (well beyond failure limit), and submitted both the test and an oil sample to the lab. The oil analysis showed no sludge, fuel, or coolant contamination, contradicting Veritas Global Protection’s and Hyundai’s claim of owner neglect. Despite clear lab evidence, Veritas denied my claim, falsely asserting: The sludge existed before contract purchase (no proof), No rod bearing clearance documentation was submitted (Shottenkirk did), A prior P0420 code related to the catalytic converter caused sludge (mechanically inaccurate). Hyundai’s consumer affairs rep later claimed internal records can’t be shared, that even more evidence wouldn’t matter, and that Hyundai branded the engine based on “exceptional neglect” solely due to one missing oil change receipt—despite a clean oil report and lack of dealership testing. She also confirmed Hyundai does not notify consumers when engines are branded.This pattern shows coordinated misrepresentation between Hyundai, Veritas, and Terry Reid Hyundai. They failed to follow protocol, withheld required data, falsely blamed the consumer, and denied a legitimate claim despite lab evidence

NHTSA ID

11675403

Incident

Jul 22, 2025

Engine failure and metal debris and timing belt slipped time. Loss of power and we parked it flashing engine light. Massey Hyundai said it’s not a recall but when I research there’s a lot of engine failure recalls so I’m not quite understanding what the situation is and we still owe money on the vehicle. They basically told us to junk it. This has been the worst situation I have ever went through with a vehicle. I’ve never owned a Hyundai and I probably never will ever buy another Hyundai. I just wanna know why my engine failed and nobody can tell me why Massey hundai cannot tell me why. they just want me to remove it from their service center or they’re gonna charge me $500 to dispose of it. I’ve never heard of such stuff in my life. This is too overwhelming, especially when it happened. My daughter just had reconstructive foot ankle surgery and has pins in her foot. We were stranded an hour and a half away from home at a doctors appointment for a check up for her foot. Our Insurance towed it, but left us standing and hundred degree weather which was a complete nightmare, especially when you have someone that can’t walk and just had surgery not that that’s any of your fault. I just want to know why my engine failed why there was metal debris why can’t no one tell me. $10,000 for a new motor or charge you $500 to remove it from our lot. I can’t even lie about this stuff. It’s insane. I still owe money on the vehicle. I had to refinance it during Covid. If you could just like, give me some sort of information I don’t even know where to turn to at this point and if I can’t turn to the dealership, who do I turn to.

NHTSA ID

11673928

Incident

Jul 10, 2025

On June 22 2025 while driving on Interstate 17, the vehicle engine started to lose power and the engine light started to flash on and off. Pulled over and the vehicle stalled and was not able to turn on again. The vehicle is available for inspection. Safety was a concern as we had to change over 3 lanes as we were losing power. The problem has been confirm that the engine has failed and they are numerous TSBs out for engine failure on the Theta II engines, vehicle also qualifies for 15yr/150K engine warranty. The vehicle engine is branded which is a manufacturer defect and never was replaced. The vehicle was towed by AAA to a AAA repair shop and said diagnosis was given thereafter vehicle was towed to dealership which it currently sit at. However Hyundai denied claim because service record was not provided (I was not the owner of vehicle on the years they are requesting) I do have my records from when I owned the vehicle however service advisor stated I did not need to provide my records since they dated back to where I didn't owned vehicle. I purchase vehicle from a dealership. If any more information is needed please advis. I would just like my engine replaced.

NHTSA ID

11673859

Incident

Jun 22, 2025

My 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0 Turbo suffered a complete engine seizure while driving due to a blown head gasket, which caused all coolant to leak out. The engine locked up suddenly while my daughter was operating the vehicle, creating a serious safety hazard. She was fortunate to pull over safely, but this type of failure could have resulted in a crash. I was forced to pay over $9,000 for a full engine replacement. This engine is the Theta II 2.0L Turbo GDI, which is part of multiple class action lawsuits and safety recalls due to engine seizure, bearing failure, and fire risk. Hyundai Customer Care has refused to assist or reimburse me. This failure involved no prior warning signs, and the gasket failure appears to be consistent with design flaws already documented in these engines. I am submitting this complaint as I believe this is a defect that poses a safety risk, especially given how suddenly the engine failed during normal driving.

NHTSA ID

11671456

Incident

May 27, 2025

I was on an expressway with 70 mph speeds and could only drive at 55 mph. A flashing motor light came on and then a thunking/clicking sound. It would not accelerate and also lunging. Towed to an independent mechanic close to where I was who confirmed blown engine. Having towed to Hyundai dealership.

NHTSA ID

11668193

Incident

Jun 19, 2025

Engine seized

NHTSA ID

11666989

Incident

May 20, 2025

Engine is burning oil at a rapid rate. Completed oil change on 12/6/2024 at 94380 miles. On [XXX] check engine light came on at 96684 miles. Dipstix Oil Change checked oil level and level was at least 2 quarts low. Dipstix Oil Change filled oil reservoir. On [XXX], check engine light came back on. SUV was taken to AutoZone and computer said light was due to bad oxygen sensor. Deal's Auto changed oxygen sensor for $557 on 2/24/2025 at 96708 miles. On [XXX], check engine light came back on and engine had a knocking noise. Vehicle was towed to Hyundai in Batesville, MS on 4/17/2025 for $498. Engine was checked by Hyundai on 5/23/2025. Oil level was at least 2 quarts low and dealership recommended an oil change (paid by me) to see if there is oil consumption. I live 8 hours from dealership and already know there is oil consumption. Dealership wants to simply get the vehicle off their hands and is placing consumer at risk with lazy diagnosis. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11663274

Incident

Apr 17, 2025