First, the issue is real with the 3.3L engine. I'd not heard of it until mine went down in SEP 2023. Up until this point, not a single issue with the car. Met all service points, to include full synthetic changes. Just sounded weird one day. Brought it home (fortunately) as it seized in the driveway.

Like most, it was past the 60mo and approaching the 100k mi warranty windows (88k+ miles). For whatever reason, I purchased the extended warranty (bought online while overseas). It was covered. Hyundai rebuilt the motor, block up, with brand new parts. Cost roughly $24k for the rebuild. I paid couple hundred bucks for a new starter and thermostat.

Not to undermine the issue; it certainly is more common than I've heard of before. But I'm posting this as support to any going through the same concern. I've driven Hyundai exclusively since 2011 (Genesis 5.0; what a beast) and this was my second Santa Fe. Still think they're good cars (heated/cooled leather, all the driver safety features, tows 5k lbs), but the 3.3 is suspect. This may be why they've phased it out (3.8L in the Palisades) and the smaller turbo 4 cylinder in the new Santa Fe. Hope it helps.

We purchased a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe SE ULTIMATE from Hampton Hyundai in December of 2019. The vehicle has the V6 3.3 Liter Lambda II motor and the V.I.N. is KM8SRDHF5HU189176. At the time of purchase it had 44,969 miles on it and we paid roughly $27,000 for the vehicle and associated service package. We routinely had the vehicle serviced according to the recommended service schedule.

In early 2022 we realized that the engine began burning oil at an alarming rate. We were adding roughly 1.5 quarts every 1,000 miles to maintain a safe level. This was done at a certified mechanic. After inquiring with Hampton Hyundai we were informed that this is considered normal operation and to be expected. Based on that information, we proceeded to routinely check oil levels and maintain them accordingly.

On December 23rd, 2022, with roughly 81,000 miles on the vehicle, we experienced a knocking noise coming from the engine. I immediately pulled the vehicle to the side of the road to investigate the possible cause. I checked the oil and inspected the engine for anything that seemed to be out of place. There was nothing that seemed uncommon to the layman eye, with this, we immediately returned home with the vehicle. From here we had it towed to Certified Automotive Repairs and Service (C.A.R.S) and then to Hampton Hyundai. Both locations told us we needed a full engine replacement.

We have requested assistance from Hampton Hyundai and Hyundai Motor America to assist with the cost of replacement and have been denied. The quote for a new motor and labor to install is nearly $20,000 and we were told that the cost is so high because Hyundai does not make the motor anymore and each individual part would need to be ordered and assembled. Our vehicle is currently at Hampton Hyundai and we are planning on having it towed back to our home.

I was driving home with my family from a short trip and stopped to refuel the car. When I got out the engine was making a horrible noise so my husband told me to turn it off. I had the car towed to the local Hyundai dealership the following day. I was told they ran a rod bearing diagnostic test on the car and it failed. I was told they contacted Hyundai but because it is the larger engine there are no recalls or extended warranties to help with mine so it was a slim chance. Of course Hyundai denied help so I filed a claim personally and asked for a re-evaluation because there is nothing I had done to cause the engine to fail with barely over 102K miles. They took over 6 weeks to respond and came back with a response similar to "sit and spin". I have been without a car for over 2 months with little idea where to turn. A replacement engine is not available as Hyundai as discontinued manufacturing it (gee I wonder why?). A remanufactured engine I have been quoted prices from 8K to 11K with a 1 year warranty. I have called junk yard after junk yard to only be told that those engines don't stick around long because they are so prone to failure. I have no idea where to turn or what to do. I do owe money on the car as well so I am making payments on an un-drivable vehicle. Any help or suggestion would be appreciated.

Engine started making a knocking noise. Brought into dealer and was told it had complete engine failure due to broken bearing and I would need a new engine Denied request through warranty. Only around 43000 miles are on the car. Hyundai informed me it was denied due to oil not being changed properly as evidenced by tow areas of sludge on the inside of the hood of the engine. Service records brought to Hyundai showing oil was changed within the 7500 miles as indicated on Hyundai's website and owners manual. Submitted proof of oil changes and claim was denied a second time. I've been waiting for over 5 days for my newly assigned case manager to call me with a claim number and additional information on how to file another appeal. Bottom line is Hyundai does not want to honor their warranty.

Update from Mar 31, 2019: Claim has been denied at all levels due to failure to maintain.