About this problem
Engine failure complaints describe engines that knock, seize or stop running entirely, often with a sudden loss of power on the road. The usual mechanical cause is wear in the connecting rod bearings, which can follow from manufacturing debris, low oil or oil starvation. Once a bearing fails, the engine usually needs to be replaced. Some failures on these engines are covered by recalls or extended warranties.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Hyundai Santa Fe since 2012, 1,451 (25.8%) describe engine knocking and failure, making it the most reported problem we track on the Santa Fe. The reports cluster on the 2013, 2014 and 2017 model years, and the 2017 drew the most, with 455. It tends to show up at higher mileage: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 70,000 and 120,000 miles. 49 reports describe a crash or fire linked to it. 3 recalls are related to it, and recall repairs are free at any dealer.
What owners report
Owners of 2013 to 2018 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport models report engine knocking, stalling, loss of power and engines that seized. The 2.4-liter and 2.0-liter turbo engines are covered by Hyundai's engine recalls and lifetime warranty extension for rod bearing failure. The 2017 drew the most reports.
How it gets fixed
Hyundai replaces failed engines under recall or warranty extension and installs knock sensor software that warns of bearing wear.
Typical cost: Free if covered. Otherwise a replacement engine costs $4,000 to $7,000.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"On 11/13/17 I dropped my vehicle off at a local mechanic for a routine oil change and to ask him to try and diagnoses the knocking noise."
2014 Hyundai Santa Fe, 97,800 miles
"2013 Hyundai Santa Fe sport - had engine replaced due to recall end of june 2019. October 6th car stared bucking and unable to go more than 3-5 mph with pedal to floor. Car towed to Hyundai who after inspection said it was throttle body."
2013 Hyundai Santa Fe, 140,000 miles
"This car has had a lower engine knock at start up from day one. They took care of knock sensor system but it still knocks at start up all the time and they refuse to take care of it at the dealership."
2017 Hyundai Santa Fe, 20,000 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Related recalls
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Veloster, 2012 Santa Fe, 2011-2013 Sonata Hybrid, and 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2013-2014 Santa Fe Sport vehicles previously repaired under recall numbers 15V-568 and 17V-226.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Sonata and Santa Fe Sport vehicles.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. Check a specific car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Hyundai has sent dealers 34 bulletins that mention this problem on the Santa Fe. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
Hyundai has developed a new engine monitoring technology called a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS).
The warranty coverage for engine repair or replacement regarding engine damage or malfunction from connecting rod bearing wear has been extended to 15 years or 150,000 miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of ...
Follow the guidelines outlined in this bulletin to inspect and clean or replace certain components of the engine intake system accordingly during engine short block or sub-assembly replacement.
This bulletin provides the service procedure for engine connecting rod bearing clearance testing.
The warranty coverage for the engine long block for engine repairs or replacement related to connecting rod bearing damage as described in Campaign T3G (Seized and/or BCT No Pass Result Only) has been extended to 10 years or 12...
The warranty coverage for certain Theta II engine long block repair or replacement regarding engine damage or malfunction from connecting rod bearing wear has been extended to a Limited Lifetime Warranty and is valid for origin...
Government investigations
Defect petition DP18003 · 2012–2014 · opened Aug 2018, closed May 2019
Defect petition DP24001 · 2017 · opened Feb 2024, closed May 2024
Engineering analysis EA21003 · 2012–2014 · opened Dec 2021, closed Feb 2024
Preliminary evaluation PE19003 · 2012–2014 · opened Mar 2019, closed Dec 2021
Before you buy a Santa Fe
- Ask for oil change records; long gaps are a red flag on these engines.
- Listen for knocking or ticking at idle and when accelerating.
- Check by VIN for open engine recalls and for any extended engine warranty.
Questions
Which Hyundai Santa Fe years have engine knocking and failure?
Complaints are highest for the 2013, 2014, 2017 model years. The 2017 drew the most, with 455 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 97,000 miles, and half reported it between 70,000 and 120,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
Free if covered. Otherwise a replacement engine costs $4,000 to $7,000.