2016 Hyundai Santa Fe POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.
Complaint Timeline
Chronological view of owner reports
Around three weeks ago, we start listening to a knocking noise in the engine. As soon as we heard this noise, we took it to a mechanic near our home and the mechanic told us that there was an internal problem with the engine and we needed to take it to an official Hyundai dealership to solve this problem. Moreover, they told me this is a common problem in Hyundai's cars and the dealership would do it for free. When I took it to the dealership, they told me that I had to replace the chain timing, tensioners, CVV, and many other stuff needed (I'm sending the receipt attached, see "car report 2024.pdf"). It was going to take 10 hours of work. Importantly, this was not covered by the Hyundai warranty or recalls. I bought the car 3 years ago, and both the previous owner and I did the year service to the car. I'm sending all the receipts and CARFAX of the services. Best regards, [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Was driving on a 5 hour car ride at 5pm on August 16th and was going up a hill, the vehicle quickly lost all power and the engine light lit. I was able to pull the car to the side of the road with the momentum that the car already had, but was not able to get the car to a safe space (its about 6 inches from an exit ramp lane), as the car would not drive. Once I got the car to the side of the road, I checked the engine and did not see any excessive heating or anything out of the ordinary. I tried to restart the car and the check engine light is lit and the battery system for the car turns on but the car will not start or try to turn over the engine. The car is currently sitting on the side of the road. My wife and my dog were in the car and we had to quickly move to a safer place away from the 70 MPH traffic. Calling a tow truck tomorrow to take it to a dealership. It was a little scary that the engine power cut out like that without giving an engine light notice in advance or giving time for me to navigate to a more safe space to park it.
The engine has been reported as failed. It is available for inspection. The safety of the persons in the vehicle and on the road around us were at risk, specifically with the loss of acceleration and power while driving in traffic and merging. Vehicle became unsafe for use for our family to use so we towed it to be evaluated at odometer reading of 97,181. What happened: Vehicle suddenly started making knocking noise. While driving the vehicle a sudden loss of acceleration and inability to accelerate. Engine started to shut off when it had been in park and then placed into gear. Towed vehicle to be assessed by a mechanic. When assessed at a mechanic, the problem was confirmed and it was also noted that oil had been consumed and noted to be loosing oil internally and has burn on dipstick. No oil spots noted in area where car had been parked or leaking oil on engine. Mechanic assessed that there was engine failure and the engine would need to be replaced. Mechanic also ran diagnostic testing and noted to only have active codes for the tire pressure monitor system of C1212 VSS. Diagnostic health report noted to have no issues. Readiness monitors completed with no issues. Diagnostic health report available. Transported vehicle to dealership, where it was inspected and engine issue was confirmed as well as identical health diagnostic report. It was reported that this model was not part of the recall and warranty extension because it is a V6 engine and not a 4 cylinder so manufacturer would not be replacing engine. Due to being the second owners of this vehicle, we do not meet criteria to utilize the 100k mile warranty. All of this has occurred with out an engine warning light turning on the dash or service code being found when computer was interrogated.
1) My mechanic inspected my vehicle after a rattling noise began sounding from the engine bay while accelerating and increasing RPM - The noise began shortly before the flashing check engine light turned on. My mechanic inspected the car and ran the code for the check engine light and determined that an engine connecting rod had broken and ruined the engine. Yes, it is available for inspection upon request. 2) The car experienced a loss of power and moderate vibration while driving to the mechanic after the issue. In hindsight I felt it was unsafe to have driven the car in that condition and if the mechanical issue first presented while driving at higher speeds I feel that it likely could have caused an accident or vehicle-vehicle collision 3) No. I am currently waiting for Hyundai to respond to my warranty claim. 4) No. The vehicle so far has only been inspected by my mechanic. 5) No. I began hearing the noise while running errands and within 5 minutes the check engine light came on and was flashing. I then took it to the mechanic a few days later and did not drive it between events.
One of the cam shafts failed, also the actuator. We had purchased an extended warranty so the repair is supposed to be covered. However when the dealership submitted a pre-authorization they were asked to remove the oil plan and check for metal. They did find metal in the oil pan so they required that the engine short block be replaced in order to cover the cost. That part- the short block - is back ordered and we have been told to expect a delay of at least 3-4 months. The warranty company will only cover a rental car for 10 days so we are stuck. We have spoken to multiple mechanics and dealerships who are telling us that they are seeing this all over - V6 CVT engines failing after 65-70k miles. Obviously the Hyunday Certified Pre-Owned warranty folks also know there is a problem since they made the mechanic check for metal. This is clearly problem and we will be without a car for months. We made were up to date on all regular maintenance. HYUNDAI Case# 19971861
WHEN I STOP AT TRAFFIC LIGHT THE CAR HAS VIBRATION I CAN FELL IT WHILE I STEP ON THE BREAK I TOOK IT 2 HYUNDAI THEY ADVISE ME IS NORMAL.
Trend Over Time
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Quick Summary
The 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe has 6 POWER TRAIN,ENGINE complaints on file. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.