10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 17
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 0
Average Mileage:
52,560 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.

2014 Hyundai Santa Fe engine problems

engine problem

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2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Owner Comments (Page 3 of 10)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #156

Apr 222022

Santa Fe

  • miles

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

While driving on the interstate the engine completely seized. I managed to quickly get to the side of the road by coasting. I was traveling in the left passing lane at a speed of 65-70 mph and had to cut into the right lane in order to safely make it to the side of the road. Luckily I did not have any of my three children in the car with me. Prior to this, there were no waring lights, i.e. check engine, low oil etc. and no signs of any oil leaks, no smell of burning oil and no blue smoke from the exhaust. The independent service center confirmed that the engine did not have any oil in it causing the seizure and ultimately blowing the engine. I take the vehicle in for regular maintenance for oil changes, tire rotations etc. as well as having it inspected per state emissions requirements.

- Westerly, RI, USA

problem #155

Apr 222022

Santa Fe

  • 98,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact attempted to start the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to start. The contact attempted to have AAA jumpstart vehicle however, the engine failed to start. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not covered under a recall. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.

- West Palm Beach, FL, USA

problem #154

Apr 172022

Santa Fe

  • miles
On 4/17/22, The car quit running on an interstate Highway off ramp merging lane, with three passengers. Driver was able to coast to the berm. This could have been a lot worse under different circumstances. UNKNOWN No recollection of check engine light prior to failure but did come on at failure. On Fri, Apr 22, 2022 at 7:43 AM, Service Consultant from Hyundai Dealership wrote : "It is a connecting rod bearing failure in the engine". Hyundai's response to recall or warranty inquiry: "They are saying that it is out of the warranty by the mileage. They had warranty extensions on the 2.0 turbo and the 2.4 engines. The 3.3L V6 did not fall under those".

- Waterford, PA, USA

problem #153

Apr 102022

Santa Fe

  • miles

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

Our 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe although not included in the NHTSA Campaign 17V226000, shows identical signs of engine failure. The vehicle showed no signs of excessive oil consumption nor engine damage previous to failure. After a 265 mile trip the vehicle began making an odd rattling noise and grinding. I thought possibly a transmission problem or power steering. The following day we departed for the 265 mile trip home. After 10 minutes driving the knocking noise was loud and worrisome. I stopped at an auto parts store to look the vehicle over. We had no warning lights or dash indication of a problem. I looked the engine over and the underside of the vehicle. No leaks and no obvious signs of a problem. I checked the oil and the indicator was dry. I opened the oil service cap. A burnt smell and steam or smoke rose out of the opening. I bought 4 quarts of synthetic oil and serviced the vehicle. The loud noise remained and it appeared not to help the vehicle. We had no option 245 miles from home, so I continued on the interstate and 20 miles later the engine quit while driving at 70mph. I exited the lane as safely as possible. The engine would not turn over, stranding us on the side of the interstate in a rural area. We had the vehicle towed to Jenkins Hyundai, Jacksonville FL. After diagnostics they advised us the engine seized. Due to the nature of supply parts available, the engine replacement was estimated at $14000. This basically totals the vehicle. The sales department offered us $100 to take it off our hands. Unbelievable. This engine failure is typical of the faulty manufacturing Hyundai previously settled for after so many incidents. Again, we had no indications of a pending failure other than noise and within 40 miles of the noise starting the engine seized.

- Dothan, AL, USA

problem #152

Apr 082022

Santa Fe

  • miles
The engine seized while driving. It occurred while exiting a highway on the off ramp and the vehicle was safely removed from the road. Engine seizure was confirmed by inspection by a mechanic. It is available for inspection. No warning lamps or messages were received prior to the incident.

- Pottsville , PA, USA

problem #151

Nov 082021

Santa Fe

  • miles
I purchased a used 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe in 2020 which had 60,000 miles on it and in fairly good condition. In November 2021 I was driving on the highway going around 65 mph and the engine suddenly died and I was unable to continue accelerating. I was barely able to swerve into the breakdown down without getting in an accident however it was a very dangerous and stressful situation to be in. I took the vehicle to a dealership and they said the entire engine needs to be replaced which will cost roughly $7500. I believe a recall is definitely needed on the 2014 Hyundai because they have engine issues just like prior models had, which were recalled. I checked the National Highway Traffic Safety incident database and found many other people had this same engine issue with the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe. These models are very unsafe and could potentially cause serious problems for other drivers.

- Winthrop, ME, USA

problem #150

Apr 032022

Santa Fe

  • miles

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

My car have a bad engine noise

- Orlando , FL, USA

problem #149

Dec 152021

Santa Fe

  • miles
Driving on interstate felt car stall pulled to side of the road placed in park. Looked under hood noticed car hot checked oil and was completely dry. I know for a fact there had not been any leakage prior that was on the ground where I parked and none under where I pulled off road. Not one check engine light or low oil light had came on prior or during the time of the car stalling. Called tow truck to have it taken to dealership where they turned it back on after I advised of issue and that it shouldn't be turned on they said they had to to know what it was doing and the engine at that point was making loud knocking noise. I was told engine would have to be replaced. I was told I'm not the only one that has had this issue with this model car but there is no recall so it would be out of my pocket even though there is a "known issue". This was dangerous as it stalled in middle of interstate and left me stranded. Also, I got regular oil changes and was actually on my way to appt to have oil changed and never had been told that I was leaking or ever low on oil by dealership either. If looked up the known issue is with oil consumption. Dealership still cannot explain where yhe oil leaked from or went to.

- White Hall, IL, USA

problem #148

Mar 112022

Santa Fe

  • miles
While driving on a highway at around 40-45 mph my car stalled and came to a stop without warning. No dash lights lit up, no noises, no smoke. Car will not start back up. Mechanic said that it was not spark plugs or lack of maintenance. It seems like there is currently a recall for 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe sports but my vin number doesn-€™t fall in the recall batch.

- Washington, DC, USA

problem #147

Mar 122022

Santa Fe

  • miles
Our 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport's engine seized and shut down in traffic Saturday night, 3/11/22, while my family and I were out grabbing food. We barely made it into a parking lot before it stopped moving. We got it towed to our regular repair shop. After inspecting it early in the week, they told us the engine had seized and was dead and that we should contact the service center at the dealership. We get regular maintenance, and there was no prior warning. Looking online, there is a recall on "some" 2013-2014 Santa Fe Sport's for the engine - "...there have been instances of stalling, meaning the engine may stop running while the vehicle is being driven." is just part of the recall info. Somehow our vin number isn't on this list. I'm asking for the recall to open up to more vin numbers.

- Pflugerville, TX, USA

problem #146

Mar 062022

Santa Fe

  • 80,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe. The vehicle had previously been serviced for a transmission replacement. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a ticking sound was heard and there was oil leaking onto the engine and driveway. Additionally, there was a hole in the timing chain cover and there were two bent bolts that had detached from the timing belt cover. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with engine failure. The dealer informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not covered under warranty since the contact had not had an oil change performed prior to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer informed the contact that the failure may be related to Manufacturer Campaign Number: 194. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

- Stratford, CT, USA

problem #145

Jun 012018

Santa Fe

  • 95,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while her husband driving 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to restart the vehicle and drive back to the residence. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the engine to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated on another occasion, while her husband was driving 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle again to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the engine to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

- Stewartstown, PA, USA

problem #144

Feb 122022

Santa Fe

  • miles
On 2/10/22 I was driving on a busy highway during rush hour about 60 miles per hour and my car began to loose power. I was able to cruise to the shoulder safely. I turned it off and it immediately restarted and ran with no problem. A few days later it stopped again while I was on another highway and I was able to get to an exit and to a safe location. Ultimately, after trying to restart, it failed altogether and had to be towed by AAA to Hyundai. My vehicle is serviced regularly and I've never had warning signs come on other than the the two times when the call stalled, and at that point, every light in the car was blinking. Hyundai would not give me a firm date for diagnosis. They said that they were backed up and estimated a repair even after diagnosis, would be well into March 2022. By the way, my car was dropped off on Feb 12, 2022! I requested a loaner and they told me they did not have one available. I had the car towed to an independent mechanic and I was told that the engine needed to be replaced.

- Rockaway, NJ, USA

problem #143

Oct 162021

Santa Fe

  • miles
Driving vehicle on freeway, loud knocking noise started under hood. Warning lights started to flash and engine died and I guided car to shoulder.

- Fresno, CA, USA

problem #142

Dec 012021

Santa Fe

  • miles
Driving Hyundai Santa Fe 3.3 Limited with two toddlers down in moderate/heavy traffic with speeds 35-50 MPH when started to hear ticking/knocking noise coming from engine. Noise continued to increase with corresponding decrease in drivability (decreased acceleration & vibrations from engine). Had vehicle towed to Hyundai Dealer for inspection. Dealer has advised that engine has premature engine wear as a result of rod knock and damaged rings causing engine failure. Dealership stated a new engine will cost $12k because we are the second owner. Vehicle had no check engine light, no oil pressure or low oil warning lights and had no OBDII error codes. No prior indication of imminent engine failure. Engine was not listed in current recalls. Approximate failure mileage at 93k.

- Mcdonough , GA, USA

problem #141

Nov 082021

Santa Fe

  • miles
I was driving on the interstate going around 65 mph on the highway. The vehicle stopped accelerating and I had to swerve into the breakdown lane, lucky that I was not hit by other cars. I turned the vehicle off for a few minutes and then tried to restart it but the vehicle made loud noises and started smoking so I turned it off. I had it towed to a dealership and they said it would need an engine replacement. I only had the vehicle for one year and it was in good condition.

- Winthrop, ME, USA

problem #140

Oct 092021

Santa Fe

  • miles
Total engine failure while driving, 1000 miles after a clean bill of health and some work done at licensed hyundai dealership. Both hyundai local and corporate pointed fingers and blamed but no accountability. Dealership quoted 14k for install of used engine. Local engine shop said these engines fail shortly after 100k miles and he sees them more frequently than any other brand. The problem is the engine design, and it's inability to properly lubricate itself under real world driving conditions.

- York, ME, USA

problem #139

Dec 312021

Santa Fe

  • miles
On December 31, 2021, at approximately 12:30pm CST, I was driving my fathers 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe down I-94 in Michigan City/ LaPorte area of Indiana. In the vehicle was my father, my wife and my brother. I was driving at approximately 70-75 mph and I started hearing a rattling noise when I accelerated. It sounded as if the vehicle had a loose heat shield on the exhaust, so I didn't think too much of it. About 45-60 seconds after that, all the dash lights came on and I pulled off to the side of the highway. I turned the vehicle off and waited about 30 seconds and tried to start it back up, which it did not do. I then noticed smoke coming from under the hood, so I told everyone to get out of the vehicle and I popped the hood latch. I opened the hood and tried to determine where the smoke was coming from, however it was coming from under other parts in the engine, so I could determine what exactly was smoking. I then saw a flame. I told everyone to get back and I immediately called 911. Within 10-15 minutes, a firefighter pulled up in a pick-up truck. He assessed the situation and spoke with my father. Ten minutes after that, other firefighters showed up with an engine and extinguished the fire. By that time though, the fire had completely engulfed the entire front end of the vehicle. We spoke with the police officers after a short wait, a tow truck came and picked up the vehicle and we were picked up by other family members.

- Crown Point, IN, USA

problem #138

Nov 132021

Santa Fe

  • miles
Driving vehicle on Interstate at 65 mph. With no warning, dashboard lights, or anything, engine just shut down. Heard banging when trying to restart, shut car off. Checked oil, not a drop in engine. Dealer says engine "threw a rod", says it will be $15,000 to replace. Hyundai said they'll pay $7,500 and want me to pay $7,500. After doing some research, I see that this is a recurring problem on this vehicle. I feel that Hyundai should replace engine since this has happened to a lot of these cars according to the many forums about Hyundai. Any help would be appreciated.

- Drums, PA, USA

problem #137

Oct 252021

Santa Fe

  • miles
Car has been taking care of and routinely serviced. One day it was sluggish and two days later the engine light came on. Immediately took to mechanic who said engine oil was black (routine and timely oil changes). Changed oil and new spark plugs. Car was not any better. Took to dealership who said engine is 5 degrees off and needs a new engine for 15k!!! Car only has 112k miles on it and is in perfect condition. Took it to another mechanic and he stated the pin was broken in the camshaft causing the degree timing issue. This seems to be a recurring issue with this car and is unacceptable to pay that much for a car, take good care of it, and have the engine die and be quoted 15k to repair.

- Arden, NC, USA

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