2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Problems

Driving on highway no warning lights appeared the car made a loud pop noise and heavy smoke appeared from under the hood. Immediately pulled over and noticed all of the oil poured out and was nasty looking. The car was up to date on oil change. My car was towed home and bone dry no oil and no coolant the engine now had loud knocking and needs to be replaced for failure. The car was looked at by independent mechanic. Miles on the car are 152010. I had no warnings and up until the issues the car was serviced and cared for.

I was driving down the road ( a busy Farm to market road) and my car lost power and died. Luckily i got off of the road. I tried to start the car again, but it kept dying. I had my son in law come help me move the car to a friends house so that I could get it to the dealership. It was after hours. I regularly get my oil changed and when my SIL checked the oil there was none on the dipstick. My SIL put oil in the car. My car was coming up on being due for a oil change. I am a single woman close to 50 yrs old and take my car in for maintenance. I then had my car towed to the local dealership to have an assessment done to find out what the issues is. The dealership reported that the timing was off and that bank 1 and 2 of the camshaft needs replaced. There is a known issue with the engine of this car doing the exact same thing my car did. There were no warning lights on to indicate a problem with the car. I inherited the car for my Mother In Law that passed away. She bought the car brand new and had it serviced regularly.

2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited, 3.3L Lambda II GDI V6, ~102,000 miles. In December 2022, an authorized Hyundai dealer replaced three specific parts under a Hyundai recall/campaign (records requested). On Sunday [DATE] at approximately [TIME] PM, I was driving on [FREEWAY], [STATE], at 55–70 mph at night. With NO prior warning — no warning lights, no chimes, no loss of power buildup, no knocking, no engine protection mode — the engine suddenly and completely died. The failure was instantaneous. There was no limp-home mode and no opportunity to reach the shoulder under engine power. The vehicle lost forward momentum and rolled backward in a live highway travel lane, where it remained stranded until a tow truck recovered it. No injuries. The 12V battery and electrical system remained fully active throughout. The instrument cluster was operational and capable of displaying warnings before the failure. None were displayed. Dashboard warning lights illuminated only seconds AFTER the engine had already died — a post-failure consequence of engine shutdown, not a pre-failure warning. An independent mechanic diagnosed a seized engine due to loss of oil flow. No oil pressure or low-oil light had ever illuminated. The vehicle was then transported to the Hyundai dealer that performed the 2022 service; they promised a diagnostic call and have not provided one or any written diagnostic. This failure mode matches Hyundai TSB 24-EM-003H (15yr/150k extended warranty for 3.3L Lambda II engines in 2013–2019 Santa Fe), NHTSA Recall 21V-727 (acknowledging stall risk at highway speed), and the active class action Burns v. Hyundai Motor Company (C.D. Cal. 2025). Hyundai's KSDS is documented to trigger a blinking MIL, audible chime, and reduced-power Engine Protection Mode upon bearing wear. None of these protective behaviors occurred.

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was notified and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited, 3.3L Lambda II GDI V6, ~102,000 miles. In December 2022, an authorized Hyundai dealer replaced three specific parts under a Hyundai recall/campaign (records requested). On Sunday [DATE] at approximately [TIME] PM, I was driving on [FREEWAY], [STATE], at 55–70 mph at night. With NO prior warning — no warning lights, no chimes, no loss of power buildup, no knocking, no engine protection mode — the engine suddenly and completely died. The failure was instantaneous. There was no limp-home mode and no opportunity to reach the shoulder under engine power. The vehicle lost forward momentum and rolled backward in a live highway travel lane, where it remained stranded until a tow truck recovered it. No injuries. The 12V battery and electrical system remained fully active throughout. The instrument cluster was operational and capable of displaying warnings before the failure. None were displayed. Dashboard warning lights illuminated only seconds AFTER the engine had already died — a post-failure consequence of engine shutdown, not a pre-failure warning. An independent mechanic diagnosed a seized engine due to loss of oil flow. No oil pressure or low-oil light had ever illuminated. The vehicle was then transported to the Hyundai dealer that performed the 2022 service; they promised a diagnostic call and have not provided one or any written diagnostic. This failure mode matches Hyundai TSB 24-EM-003H (15yr/150k extended warranty for 3.3L Lambda II engines in 2013–2019 Santa Fe), NHTSA Recall 21V-727 (acknowledging stall risk at highway speed), and the active class action Burns v. Hyundai Motor Company (C.D. Cal. 2025). Hyundai's KSDS is documented to trigger a blinking MIL, audible chime, and reduced-power Engine Protection Mode upon bearing wear. None of these protective behaviors occurred.

The 3.3 liter V6 GDI engine failed while driving at approximately 136000 miles. Heard a ticking noise start shortly after leaving home, and had hesitation and shaking upon acceleration from a stop sign, but saw no warning lamps. Went around the block back home to find out the ticking noise was under the hood. Motor oil was almost 3 quarts low, but only 2/3's of the way through the service interval. Checked for leaking, saw none dripping, but did see oil on the under of the rear differential. I then let the car run for minute or so in the garage and looked for leaks. I saw no active leaking and ticking was quieter, so I drove to a close gas station to get a little gas and test drive, still no warning lights. On the way back, about a mile from home, the engine light came on, despite the ticking sound being gone. Within a quarter mile, at the next stop sign, I let off the brake to accelerate and the car started rolling backwards, causing the vehicle approaching from behind to swerve into the turn lane. The vehicle was no longer running, and wouldn't restart. Towed to local mechanic and was told 2 days ago the engine was seized, and replacement was needed. I have not contacted any dealership or the manufacturer, as I the second owner and do not have a warranty. However I have spent the last 2 days reading seemingly 1000s of articles and forum posts related to this engine, whether it be in a Hyundai or a Kia. Several of the articles I have read about this 3.3 liter GDI Lambda -II engine and it's horror stories, referenced this nhtsa site as a place where complaints can be made, so here I am. Many articles describe the same problem.. hesitation... ticking.. sudden mysterious oil loss... little, if any warning... complete failure while driving, putting safety at risk. With the problem with engine so blatantly rampant, it is my fear that after I scrap this vehicle, there will be a recall. Over the phone quotes, and online pricing have ranged from $7500-20000 for repair.

The engine has basically come apart. There is a timing chain issue, the engine is not recalled and it is getting where the car cannot drive. There is a constant smell of burning electrical wires. There’s also issues with the heating and air that is related to electrical.

The engine is continually knocking. It has caused the powertrain system to start to fail. The interior portion of the car with electrical is malfunctioning and causing the car to lag. Many attempts have been taken to get the vehicle fixed to no avail. $1,000 just to take out the engine to diagnose the problem.

THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH IS MALFUNCTIONING AND CAUSING THE BRAKE LIGHT TO STAY ON CONTINIOUSLY. THIS IS DANGEROUS BECAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHT STAYS ON SO THERES NO INDICATION THAT I'M GETTING READY TO STOP BECAUSE THE LIGHT IS ALREADY ON, INCREASEING THE RISK OF A CRASH. THE CRUISE CONTROL IS ALSO AFECTECED WITH THIS ISSUE BECAUSE IT STOP WORKING AT THE SAME TIME. I LOOKED UP THE RECALL AND IT SAID THAT 2013 -2015 HYDUNDIA SANTA FEE SPORT VIHECLES WERE AFFECTED, BUT WHEN I CALL THE DEARLERSHIP THEY SAID MY VIN# WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL!

I was driving on the highway when, out of nowhere, my car started shaking whenever I went over 40 miles per hour. It was quite alarming and honestly a bit scary. So, I would like to request a recall on it. A week after I took it to Hyundai, they informed me that they sent it to you to see if it would be approved to cover the motor. I’ve had this car for just 2 years, and it's frustrating to deal with issues like this. I truly appreciate your attention to this matter, as I hope we can resolve it soon. Thank you for your understanding!

Misfire code P0302 Injector failed open, flooded cylinder with fuel. Gas in the oil Possible cylinder failure Lack of compression

Engine has goes on out at 99000 miles has seized up .

Passenger airbag dash is cracked risking unpredictable deployment of air bag

Passenger airbag light flashes in the instrument panel, while passenger airbag indicator shows Off in amber color when a person is seated in the passenger seat.

THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT OPEN EITHER FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. THIS HAPPENED OUT OF THE BLUE. CAR IS A 2015...AND NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. IN RESEARCHING MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH HYUNDAI MODELS AND YEARS. WE HAVE TALKED WITH THE DEALERSHIP, TAKEN IT TO A LOCKSMITH (COULDN'T OPEN WITH A SLIM JIM AND AN INDEPENDENT THAT USED TO WORK FOR HYUNDAI WHO SAID HE WOULD HAVE TO DESTROY THE PANEL TO GET INSIDE TO CHECK THE ASSEMBLY AND REPAIR. DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE IF A FAST EXIT IS NEEDED. HYUNDAI FORUMS HAVE THE ISSUE BEING ASKED ABOUT FREQUENTLY INVOLVING ONE DOOR OR WITH MULTIPLE DOORS

PANORAMIC SUNROOF EXPLODED OVER MY HEAD WHILE I WAS DRIVING, JUST STARTING TO MERGE ON THE FREEWAY.

THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH IS MALFUNCTIONING AND CAUSING THE BRAKE LIGHT TO STAY ON CONTINIOUSLY. THIS IS DANGEROUS BECAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHT STAYS ON SO THERES NO INDICATION THAT I'M GETTING READY TO STOP BECAUSE THE LIGHT IS ALREADY ON, INCREASEING THE RISK OF A CRASH. THE CRUISE CONTROL IS ALSO AFECTECED WITH THIS ISSUE BECAUSE IT STOP WORKING AT THE SAME TIME. I LOOKED UP THE RECALL AND IT SAID THAT 2013 -2015 HYDUNDIA SANTA FEE SPORT VIHECLES WERE AFFECTED, BUT WHEN I CALL THE DEARLERSHIP THEY SAID MY VIN# WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL!

The blue link on all older models is not being supported which cause the screen to become stuck on loading screen. This is a visibility and safety issue because it cause blue link to reload and bright lights to flash as you are driving at night every time it reloads. It is a distraction from the road if you shut it off completely you have no access to radio or sound. The issue it cannot be fixed unless you pay for manual update but you have to it working to actually get the update to run. There are many forums discussing the issue

My power steering failed without notice while driving. This has happened several times. The first time I just happened to need to pull off the highway because my 4 year old had to go to the bathroom and couldn't hold it. It went out as soon as I exited the highway and entered the parking lot. The steering became very hard and heavy to move and then just locked up. If I hadn't gotten of the highway when I did it would have happened while driving on the highway with my two young sons which could have resulted in a bad accident. I had no prior warning. It just happened unexpectedly. We thought maybe it was the battery so we replaced the battery with a brand new one but about a month later it happened again when I was backing out of my garage. I was afraid of driving it so I just parked it back in the garage. It is available for inspection. It has not been inspected by anyone yet. The problem just started about a month ago.

While driving at 65 mph on an urban expressway, the engine quit without warning and would not restart. This resulted in diminished steering and braking control as well as exposure near the edge of traffic on a narrow berm of an overpass bridge. Full tank of fuel, good battery, the engine would not crank or restart. All electrical accessories work fine.

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the panoramic moonroof suddenly shattered, raining shards of glass down on the vehicle’s occupants. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 128,000.

The blue link on all older models is not being supported which cause the screen to become stuck on loading screen. This is a visibility and safety issue because it cause blue link to reload and bright lights to flash as you are driving at night every time it reloads. It is a distraction from the road if you shut it off completely you have no access to radio or sound. The issue it cannot be fixed unless you pay for manual update but you have to it working to actually get the update to run. There are many forums discussing the issue

SEAT BELT WARNING INOPERABLE FOR PASSENGER SEAT. IT DOESN'T PROVIDE A WARNING LIGHT OR AUDIBLE ALARM WITH A PASSENGER IN THE SEAT AND THE VEHICLE UNDERWAY IN DRIVE POSITION.

PASSENGER SEAT BELT WARNING DOES NOT FUNCTION. WITH ADULT IN THE SEAT, NO WARNING LIGHT OR ALARM TO INDICATE THE BELT IS NOT IN USE ANYTIME WHEN VEHICLE IS IN MOTION.

CAR WAS BOTH TO DEALERSHIP ON 3/7/2020 -3/12/2020 THE HEADLIGHT WENT OUT THEY REPLACED THE BCM RETURNED TO DEALERSHIP ON 3/19/2020 HEADLIGHT NOT TURNING ON HEATED SEAT WENT OUT AND REAR WINDSHIELDWIPER NOT WORKING GOT BABK 3/20/20 BOUGHT BACK AGING ON 4/22/202 AND RETURNED TO ME ON 5/07/2020 FOR SAME THING IT IS BACK AGAIN AT DEALERSHIP FOR THE SAME THING. I WENT TO START THE CAR UP TO GO TO WORK AND THE LIGHTS DID NOT COME ON IT WAS RAINING THAT DAY AND TURNED ON THE REAR WIPER ON THAT DID NOT TURN ON THEN I TRIED THE HEATED SEAT TURNED IT ON AND IT WENT OUT.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO LOCK THE VEHICLE'S DOORS, THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR LOCK FAILED TO LOCK. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,950.

It appears to be a problem with all the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. It has abs, downhill, stability control lights on at the same time. It appears to be wheel speed sensor but they do not know which one. The service manager had said it happens to be a lot of the time the rear sensor that goes out. The service manager made it seem like it happens frequently. When I check online a lot of owners appear to be having the same issue. THREE LIGHTS, ESC, DBC, and ABS warning lights turn on. I am in fear for my life, due the safety on the road if the tires would lose control!

On July 14, 2021, while the vehicle was MOVING, the cable in the spare tire hoist snapped resulting in the spare tire dropping to the ground and getting wedged between the ground and the trailer hitch. Fortunately, this occurred on a side street and the net effect was that the spare tire was partially dislodged from metal wheel and the wheel was knocked slightly out of round. Had this failure happened on the freeway, it could have been a very serious accident, perhaps even a fatality for us or other drivers on the road. This vehicle is kept in a garage, has never been used for off-roading and the spare tire has never been removed/used. Our local Hyundai service department confirmed that there was no observable indicator that would have caused this to happen. There were no noises, warning lights or symptoms prior to the cable snapping.

This vehicle has only 25,000 original miles on it, and I am the original owner and bought it new. In separate incidents, several months apart, first the right-front coil spring broke, with a piece falling out and nearly puncturing the right-front tire. Several months later, the same thing happened to the left-front coil spring, with the broken piece damaging a front C-V joint boot. Both incidents occurred without warning and, thankfully, happened at slow speed with no subsequent crash or accident. These failures, however, if they happened at highway speed, could have been disastrous due to causing a punctured tire, or a broken C-V joint, or by making steering/controlling the vehicle difficult. With both failures, the vehicle became hard to steer and the front suspension made loud banging sounds when trying to turn, both of which prompted me to immediately stop and have the vehicle towed. Both of the failed coil springs and associated parts were replaced by my local Hyundai dealership's service department and thy retained the replaced parts after the repairs. Hyundai did not offer to cover these defects, so my 3rd party maintenance agreement and I had to pay 100% of the repair costs.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25. UPDATED 7/9/15*CN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 HYUNDAI SANTA FE EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL CROSSCONTACT LX TIRES, SIZE: 235/65R17. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE SUDDENLY BLEW OUT. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO COAST OVER TO THE EMERGENCY LANE AND NOTICED THAT THE ENTIRE SIDEWALL WAS DAMAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE VEHICLE AND TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,200. THE DOT NUMBER WAS NOT AVAILABLE.