10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 25
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
45,114 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe engine problems

engine problem

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2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Owner Comments (Page 3 of 14)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #221

May 212023

Santa Fe

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

As I drove off the highway and stopped at the light, all of my warning lights came on and fire started coming out of the hood in front of me. I bailed out of the vehicle and the entire front half of the car burned/melted completely.

- Tucson, AZ, USA

problem #220

Sep 142022

Santa Fe

  • miles
Engine consumes oil significantly. After 3 month of oil change, most no oil is shown on the dip stick. I noticed that there is a recall for 4 cylinder engines but no recall for V6 engines. However, same issue is happening to my V6 engine. I am refilling oils every month.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

problem #219

May 132023

Santa Fe

  • miles
I was driving down the interstate coming up to a bridge with barely any emergency shoulder in the pouring rain with my 7 year old son in the back seat when all of a sudden my car lost power and would no longer accelerate over 60mph. I pulled to the side of the road and had to have my vehicle towed. After I finally made it back home, I researched the issue and found that this has already been recall on my vehicle back in 2017 prior to me purchasing the car and it supposedly fixed but either it wasn't fixed or the repair has failed again. I see many other owners of other Hyundai models and Kia are having this issue even after these so-called repairs have been made.

- Saint Petersburg, FL, USA

problem #218

Apr 132023

Santa Fe

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The engine is burning oil without any warning lights come on engine almost seized up. No no oil low light came on. Do you like that came out was check engine so we bought it to the dealership for service and then the ones they told us with the problem with the engine and looks like the same problem that a Hyundai is having with the four cylinders which they are replacing unfortunately is only up to 150,000 miles a Hyundai will not do nothing for us on this engine because it-??s not part of the recall, oh this is the same problem. The four-cylinder-??s are having I was told by the mechanics in the service tech from a Hyundai. This is the second time this happened the first time they said we need a new toilet. We need a pressure switch We needed some other stuff in the car which almost came out to $4000 to get fix that at Hyundai add Voz, Ed Voyles and Hyundai in all Semira Georgia. I was just hoping you could help us with the situation to see if there-??s anybody else out there with that problem.

- Dallas, GA, USA

problem #217

Oct 012022

Santa Fe

  • miles
While driving the vehicle, power was lost several times, the engine redlined because it could not switch gears. All of the oil was used by engine 40 days after oil change. Hyundai has repeatedly ignored our request for a new engine.

- Pensacola, FL, USA

problem #216

Mar 312023

Santa Fe

  • miles
The engine is failing due to a broken bearing inside the engine. This caused oil to leak inside the engine and burn out through the exhaust. There were no warning lights such as a check engine or low oil. The reason we took it to the shop is because the car started making raddling and knocking noise when pressing the gas pedal. The mechanic shop informed us there was no oil in the vehicle when we just got a synthetic oil change in December. They diagnosed that significant engine damage was done and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle is almost 10 years old and has 108,000 miles. There were no warning signs of this happening it just happened. There were no major issues with this vehicle. We consistently maintained the vehicle maintenance and oil changes and kept all records.

- Midlothian, VA, USA

problem #215

Nov 152022

Santa Fe

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I purchased a Hyundai Santa Fe V6 3.3 L what's 67,000 miles on it from an owner that kept it maintained at the dealership and we have records. I kept it maintained I have records to support. The complaint is the engine started failing without notice while driving which was very dangerous because of the loss of speed while in traffic. The engine would rev up to redline which would force me to let off the gas call losing all power. My four year old daughter and I almost got plowed over from behind on the interstate by a semi truck because our engine would suddenly rev way up to redline without any notice. I contacted Hyundai about it, the engine has now died and we lost $15,000 vehicle because of it. Hyundai has ignored us regarding the dead car and the safety component. They should not be allowed to conduct a business in the United States. The amount of lawsuit stacked up against them for ripping off we Americans, is absolutely absurd. Get off [XXX] and do something about it. I'm a tax paying Citizen and you're allowed me to get [XXX] in my own backyard with regards to a [XXX] car for my family. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) a

- Pensacola, FL, USA

problem #214

Nov 272022

Santa Fe

  • miles
I was driving my Santa Fe into my garage and there was a misfire in the engine. And then it stopped running, I have had it parked there now for 1 month because I don-??t have the money to put a engine in it,

- Winter Haven , FL, USA

problem #213

Oct 312020

Santa Fe

  • 98,005 miles
Since I bought this vehicle it has done nothing but burn oil. I do regular oil changes on a regular basis. In between these oil changes I have to add 3 to 5 quarts of oil every 2 weeks. I have only had the vehicle for 2 yrs and 6 months. I am constantly checking the oil I believe there needs to be a recall on this vehicle engine.

- New Castle , PA, USA

problem #212

Feb 132023

Santa Fe 4-cyl

  • miles
I bought this car brand new and have never had any problems with it until the engine seized. The car has been driven 64,691 miles. On 2/11 the car was started in a shopping center parking lot and the engine began ticking. There were no lights present. We drove it home (1 mile) and I called Piazza Hyundai. Their next diagnostic opening was for March 3rd. I made the appointment, left the car in the driveway, and called my own mechanic on Monday, hoping for a quicker repair. On 2/13 the engine still ticked and ultimately shut down on a major road a mile from my home en route to my mechanic. I had it towed to Mighty Muffler and it was declared seized on Tuesday, 2/14. I then had it towed to Piazza Hyundai where it is waiting for it's appointment. There were no lights illuminated until it shut down. After the car stopped working, the engine, oil and battery lights appeared.

- Wilmington, DE, USA

problem #211

Jan 202023

Santa Fe 4-cyl

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

On January 20, 2023 I was on my way home from work and was stopped at a traffic light. The light turned green. As I tried to accelerate forward the engine light started blinking and the vehicle moved slow and lost a lot of power and a knocking sound began. As I tried to accelerate more the knocking sound became louder. I found an engine issue after entering my vin# on the Hyundai site. It was found that for the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport there was an engine issue. I have attached this issue pertaining to my vin#. I printed this information and took these to my nearest Hyundai dealer, who stated to me that these were not official recall papers and they can't use them. I am the 3rd owner of this vehicle so I never would have received an official recall paper. I proceeded to email consumer affairs at Hyundai and sent these same attachments showing the vehicle issue with my vin#. Hyundai has emailed me back stating and I quote "We have determined your vehicle is not currently affected by any campaigns." I do not see how they determined there isn't a campaign that affects my vehicle when I have proof on paper there is an issue with these engines. My vehicle is a 2013 and under 10 years old. I found a local independent auto garage to look at my Hyundai and they have stated I need a new engine. I am at this time stuck paying out of pocket for a new engine that has clearly an issue Hyundai has had with this particular engine. Thank you for you time. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Port Richey, FL, USA

problem #210

Jan 122023

Santa Fe

  • miles
I was driving to work January 12th and I turned on my left blinker and touched my breaks to slow down and make a stop at a red light in a turning lane. After touching my break my car stalled for the first time since I owned the vehicle in the middle of the road. I put it in park and tried to turn it over twice. The hood of my vehicle started smoking and my engine seized up. I dropped my vehicle off at Horne Hyundai on January 18th after Pep Boys did an engine diagnostics confirming it fell under a recall I was never notified about. There were no engine lights on previous to my car breaking down and I have not heard back from Horne Hyundai since I dropped off my vehicle. Prior to the breakdown, there were not engine malfunctions. Ever since I got the car it didn't accelerate well, but thought it was the specific model of the vehicle.

- Chandler, AZ, USA

problem #209

Jan 012023

Santa Fe

  • miles
Not sure if it had anything but Hyundai replaced the rod bearing due to a notice we received to bring it in. A month after this, and just after getting an oil change the check engine light turned on. Upon arriving home, my husband found the car basically on empty for oil. I took it and our mechanic confirmed this. I then took to Hyundai in Cornelius, NC and after many tests they confirmed the car was burning oil, but could not determine the reason. There were no visible leaks etc. Nothing was provided as a solution, we continued to have to due monitor the oil, add when necessary, and take it in for an oil change once a month. As of January 1st, 2023 the car lost power while my 19 yr. old son was driving it with his younger brother and the engine light started flashing. The car is now has no viable engine. I feel this is very poor handling by Hyundai and more attention should have been giving by them for their product which we paid and ended up with a bad apple. Based on what I have researched this seems to be more of a common problem.

- Maiden, NC, USA

problem #208

Dec 132022

Santa Fe

  • 128,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. An unknown dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000. The VIN was unavailable.

- Burlington, NJ, USA

problem #207

Dec 192022

Santa Fe

  • miles
2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited FWD bought 6/1/22. We bought the car used at 89,000 miles and drove it to 100,000 miles. On 12/19/22 this incident occurred. On the freeway, at speed, I experienced a sudden engine failure/loss. No warning lights prior to this loss and the car had no previous mechanical issues. Acceleration was lost with no warning, no light or indication that something was (going) wrong. I was able to coast to a stop on the side of the road. Once safely off the road I inspected the vehicle for damage, found none and opened the hood. I found no oil on the dipstick, Oil changed 3000 miles before, no interior dash warning about low/no oil. Luckily this was not during rush hour traffic or bumper to bumper where it could have completely died on me in a traveling lane and been a hazard to other drivers. Waited 3 hours for a tow and it is currently sitting at the repair shop where they provided a confirmation that the engine is seized and will need to be completely replaced. Insurance Appraiser was out Friday (12/23) at the Repair shop to look at the vehicle. Repair cost is more than the car is worth and Hyundai Warranty/Recalls are not applicable to the 3.3L V6 Engines which is what our model car has.

- Carmichael, CA, USA

problem #206

Nov 102022

Santa Fe

  • miles
Hernstine Hyundai of chillicothe Ohio refused to replace my engine after it failed the inspection when I took it to have the recalls repaired and a week later my engine blew up going 65 on the highway on my way home almost causing me to get into an accident

- Chillicothe , OH, USA

problem #205

Sep 232022

Santa Fe 4-cyl

  • miles
Driving at approx. 55 mph on busy 2-way road when the engine stopped completely. There were vehicles all around me when I lost power brakes, power steering and nearly lost control. There was no prior warning. I managed to get off the road into a field. Towed to service station. They thought engine had failed but it was too big a job for them. Then had it towed to the nearest Hyundai dealer in Augusta, ME. They checked it and agreed the engine had simply frozen. According to the dealer 2 days later, Hyundai agreed that the engine had to be replaced and was covered under warranty. They have offered a rental car until the car is repaired. Dealer estimated to be 10/14/22. The dealer has been a pleasure to deal with but my problem is that this seems to be a very common issue with 2013 Hyundai Sports vehicles. After checking several websites there seem to be dozens of these incidents reported and probably many more unreported. We were very fortunate to not be in a severe accident. It seems just a matter of time before someone is killed because of this vehicle malfunction. Hyundai should have a complete recall.

- Ocala, FL, USA

problem #204

Jul 182022

Santa Fe

  • miles
* Vehicle started blowing smoke out of the tailpipe, was losing power and began to stall out, the vehicle is available for inspection and is located at my local dealership * Vehicle began to lose power and started stalling out as I was driving which could have caused an accident * The problem was reproduced by both an independent service center and the Hyundai dealership; both indicated the engine needs to be replaced * Vehicle has been inspected and tested by an independent service center and the Hyundai dealership; both indicated the engine needs to be replaced * There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the problem occurring * There is a safety recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V-226) for this very issue * The dealership claims they ran the diagnostics and the vehicle is considered to be operating at a functional level and is outside of the parameters set by Hyundai for an engine replacement even though they agreed the vehicle can not be driven in its current condition and that the engine needs to be replaced * Hyundai is refusing to replace the engine * It is questionable as to whether or not the dealership conducted a proper inspection according to Hyundai's "Recall 162 Dealer Best Practices Guide" (which required testing to be conducted and results to be uploaded to HMA via utilization of the GDS mobile tablet) and Technical Service Bulleting (TSB) #17-01-047 for this recall which was published on 6/23/17 as they are is unwilling or unable to supply any testing results or parameters and did not replace the dipstick, oil or oil filter as the recall service requires *Vehicle has been at the dealership since it was towed there on 8/11/22 and we have not had use of it since 7/18/22

- Rio Rancho, NM, USA

problem #203

Sep 142022

Santa Fe

  • miles
Engine light blinking and engine knocking

- Orlando , FL, USA

problem #202

Sep 092022

Santa Fe 4-cyl

  • miles
The engine won-??t start. The car just shut down. While drive there was a sluggish feel in the car engine. The battery in the car is good. There power everywhere in car except for the engine. The engine shutdown with no warning lights or signals at all. Had the car towed back to Family Hyundai Dealer in Tinley Park Illinois on Friday 9/19/22. Received no results as of yet from the service department. Still waiting on results of why the engine shutdown suddenly.

- River Forest , IL, USA

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