While driving I heard a really loud knocking noise suddenly and then my engine just shut off. After having the vehicle towed to Hyundai, I was told that I needed an engine replacement. I am 15,000 miles out of warranty, but because of the recalls for the SAME engines in other cars, they tried to work with me. (just an aside, Hyundai extended the factory warranties to 120,000 miles in the Sonatas because of the issues, but not the Santa Fes). However, their deal was to split the cost of the replacement 50/50 with me and told me that it would cost $9000 (totaling $4500 out of my pocket). After looking at pictures that were taken of the top end, which is extremely clean with no sludge build up or debris (yes, I get regular oil changes because I drive so much), I fail to see how it is possible for the lower end to have malfunctioned and be full of metal debris. Clearly this is a manufacturing issue that is the same as in the Sonatas. This is extremely dangerous. I am lucky I was able to pull to the side of the road without consequence. Hyundai needs to add ALL theta II 2.0 and 2.4 L engines to their recall list.

In April 2016, car died while I was driving on the freeway in a construction zone. After towing to an auto shop, diagnosis couldn't be found. Tried to get another diagnosis a few weeks later - failure could not be duplicated. Thereafter, engine started knocking loudly, still no diagnosis in ensuing months. Finally took it to Borman Hyundai in Las Cruces after calling to complain to Hyundai Customer Service. After 2 long trips to the shop in Las Cruces, they diagnosed metal shavings in the engine, and engine failure. Engine failed completely in December 2016, and car is not drivable. Hyundai will not replace engine (I am second owner, and out of warranty). I contend that this engine failure is identical or nearly identical to the problem for the Sonata built around the same time with the same engine - and Hyundai issued a recall for 470,000 of them. This type of engine failure is a hazard to both drivers and passengers and could result in serious injury or death. And Hyundai needs to replace this faulty engine whether is in warranty or not. If a manufacturer is willing to warrant an engine for 100,000 and ten years, the engine should not fail.

tried to start it to go to lunch starter just clicked. took keys out and tried again started right up went to lunch it stared on way back pulled into work shut off engine lights go out tach drops to 0 still hear loud grinding noise try to restart nothing no clicks no starter engagement get out open hood sound coming from under engine. run into work to get wrench to disconnect battery took maybe a minute. got back to car noise stopped now smoke coming from engine compartment. got battery un hooked smoke stops got underneath it could not touch starter to hot, got it towed dealer called this afternoon said its not the starter the engine is seized and will need new engine anyone else had this happen???

On Monday, Sept 19, 2016, while driving on the highway, my 2012 Hyundai, Santa Fe's engine suddenly made a loud noise and then stopped. No warning lights, just a very loud noise and then nothing. I had it towed to the Hyundai dealer who had been servicing my car and was told that since I bought the car used and I didn't buy it from them, I would have to pay to have the engine replaced.The dealership said a new engine would cost 5500 but Hyundai Corporate would take off 2300, and the dealership would take off 300 leaving me with about 3200 to pay. I explored the internet and found that Hyundai recalled the Sonata engines because of engine failures. And then I found that my Santa Fe has the same engine as all of the Sonatas, so why not recall them, too? I am 65 yrs old, retired and not working and I thought this would be the last car I would own in my life. I do not have the money to replace this engine and I am in debt with my husband's nursing home costs.He passed in 2014 but his bills are still with me.I received a very nasty phone call from a woman who did not identify herself, just asked me if I was Evelyn and when I answered yes, she started yelling that I was not going to get an engine. I was stunned at her tone and when I tried to speak she interrupted constantly and just kept yelling you are not getting a new engine! I ended the call by telling her this call was going no where and I said good-bye. I want to know what happened to Hyundai's America's Best Warranty? I was told that this warranty went to the 1st owner? What? Why doesn't it follow the car? I am told that the connecting rod bearing failed in my engine and that may have destroyed the crankshaft and/or other parts. I had nothing to do with this destruction of my engine. I maintained this car according to the manufacture's suggestions and I am disgusted that Hyundai is not helping me more with this problem. At the present time I do not have any car to get anywhere because of this issue! If you have any ideas for me I would appreciate them. Thank you !

We feel that we had a car dumped on us with failure related to the engine for this model, as well as class action suit filed for this model and two prior year models. We were told that there were no records on this car. The dealer we purchased the car from was the same owner of the Hyundai dealer across the street.

We are seniors in our 80's, had paid cash for the car, couldn't wait to see if parts could be found to rebuild the engine. We had to bite the bullet and purchase another used car.

Update from Jun 1, 2016: A correction on the cost to rebuilt a engine is estimated at $13,000, not the lesser amount previously stated.

Also, I am angry that any car with complaints every year for the same problems is allowed to continue selling their defective product in the United States...or anywhere.

U.S. trade contracts need to cut irresponsible companies from doing business in the U.S. Or just not enter trade agreements that cheat the American consumers.

Vehicle was well maintained, serviced in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Total catastrophic failure occurred without warning. Tachometer, Oil pressure gauge and temperature all indicated normal conditions. Mechanic indicated that the piston shattered and blew through the bottom of the engine.

Update from Apr 17, 2016: Vehicle was traveling at highway speed up a fairly steep hill foe an interstate.(5% - I68 in WV)

Update from May 11, 2016: After waiting 26 days for an engine that was ordered (and paid for), I was advised that they no longer make the engine. The only option now is a salvage engine... for a 2012!! I wonder what they do for vehicles still under warranty? If you are thiking about buying a Hyundai, run, don't walk, in another direction!

Driving to work on the freeway. Engine started knocking. Turned around to head for home and the knocking got louder and check engine light came on. Saw smoke in rear view mirror and took exit ramp. Major slapping noise coming from engine. Engine died on freeway over pass and I coasted into gas station. Found 2 holes in the bottom of the block with the bottom of a connecting rod hanging out of the holes. Had all of the suggested service done at the dealership at the right time. This should not have happened. See there is a recall for the Theta II engine in Sonatas but not the Santa Fe. SAME ENGINE-WHY NOT??

The problem started when turning off a interstate onto a city street, my santa fe shut off. I braked the car to a panic stop, after a few minutes the car restarted. I drove the car home but it didn't run just right , and the engine was making a clicking sound. So the next day I took it to the dealer to have them check it out. They called me that afternoon and said no problem or engine codes were found . When I went to the dealer that afternoon I ask if they had driven my car and they said yes it ran fine. With that I left the service department to find the manager of the dealer to have him listen to my car, it was his day off. I took the car home that evening , car making even more noise, started the return trip to the dealer the next morning ,about 5 miles. I drove about 3 miles before it threw a rod. I called Hyundai's 800 # and the first thing they asked did my car shut off--I said no it blew up. My belief is the noise in the engine after in shut off was a valve and it broke and hit a piston. I still don't believe the dealer ever drove my car.

My car was making a banging noise which sounded like the transmission when it was switching gears. We contacted the dealership who stated, "if no lights were coming on the dashboard it couldn't be the transmission." They gave us an appointment to have it looked at a week later. 4 days later the car made the same banging noise and then multiple sounds. The motor now needs to be replaced, the service department told us there are 3 motors ahead of me and won't be in for at least 3 weeks. We won't know if there is also a transmission problem until the new motor is in. I have the gold extended warranty and they will only approve a car for 5 days. My wife will be without a car for at least a month and we will be making payments on a car we don't have!