What 352 owners told NHTSA about the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Hev

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard a knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and a bearing test was performed; however, the vehicle failed the test. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was also informed that the vehicle had experienced the failure stated in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer stated that they were holding the engines for vehicles under the recall. The contact mentioned that an unknown software update was performed and the vehicle was serviced under TSB: TXXM. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was 174,067.

NHTSA ODI 11483456

Engine stalled, shutting down both power steering and power brakes, restarted, stalled again and then never started again, while driving 70 mph on a major extremely busy thoroughfare (SR202 in Jacksonville, Fla.) in 05/13. Had vehicle towed to regular mechanic 05/16 who said engine blown, but under recall. Then towed to Jenkins Hyundai 05/19. They inspected vehicle, confirmed engine replacement based on TSB 21-01-022H testing (they gave me a copy) for recall 198. Jenkins then contacted me, replacement was denied approval by [XXX] PA#[XXX], because it listed as "scrap", that 198 is only a "recall campaign, not a safety issue", engine would cost $12,000,00. I found the 198 SAFETY notice online and took it to them, they said they couldn't do anything, I would need to contact Hyundai corp. Contacted Hyundai 06/01, assigned case number [XXX]. [XXX] from HMAusa (833-462-8722 x [XXX]) emailed asking for info, I returned email same day (06/01). [XXX] then emailed 06/07 and I responded both via phone and email same day. Jenkins Hyundai has since called asking what I intended to do. I called [XXX] and she confirmed vehicle listed as "scrap", but that Hyundai does safety recalls on rebuilt title vehicles to talk to dealer again. I uploaded to HMAusa photos of my insurance, registration, tags and even photos of my car at [XXX], copied also to [XXX] (the prior approval email for dealers) on 06/15. Told [XXX] "[XXX] confirmed safety work on rebuilt title vehicles", but they are waiting on HMA approval. It has now been 4 months and nothing. I emailed Center for Auto Safety 08/18 and they confirmed repair is required by federal law even on salvage title. I emailed [XXX] 08/19 about noncompliance and again on 08/24, uploaded to HMAusa. New HMA #20221366, received 08/30 [XXX] "response in 48 hours". NHTSA #[XXX], spoke with [XXX]. As of 09/07 still nothing. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI 11483401

The engine blow when I was driving smoke was come out in the bottle

NHTSA ODI 11476825

My car died after an engine recall and then another recall happened unknown at this time and today the car died again in the middle of driving. Lights flashing on dashboard and had to be towed into Holler Hyundai Winter Park for the 17th time. This car was purchased November 2021 and I have had nothing but PROBLEMS. My safety has always been put at risk Ever since it blew up going down the highway and liquid bursted out of the hood. Now today without warning it completely died.

NHTSA ODI 11476201

Got a recall notice about an engine component had it checked they said it was fine. 7 months later it lost power and throw the piston through the bottom of the engine, oil and gas poured all over the road and we had just changed the oil. Called Hyundai and talked to them. They said it would be covered for a new engine cause they had lost a class action lawsuit. It wasn’t the matter if it went out but when it would go out. I towed it to Hyundai where it sat for 4 months before inspection. Then I was told it had to many miles on it so there for it wasn’t covered. But they was quick to offer to order me a new engine at my expense. My issue is a bad part is a bad part. Mileage doesn’t matter. They figured out what mileage most of them was going out at and set a lower mileage so they wouldn’t be responsible. I’ve only had the vehicle 4 yrs and I’m disabled.

NHTSA ODI 11471108

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated as the vehicle began to shake. The vehicle merged to the shoulder of the roadway and suddenly another vehicle crashed into the entire driver's side of the vehicle while the contact was still in the vehicle. The driver who crashed into the contact did not stop at the scene and continued to drive after the crash. A police report was filed. The contact sustained injuries to her neck and chest area that did not require medical attention. The vehicle failed to start after the incident and was towed to the contact's residence where it currently remained. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine) and had scheduled an appointment with the dealer prior to the crash. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 159,000. The VIN was unavailable.

NHTSA ODI 11470415

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that he received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. The dealer inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that they did not have the proper equipment to complete the inspection of the vehicle as instructed by the manufacturer. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, he heard abnormal sounds coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure recurred increasingly while driving and occasionally the vehicle would stall. The vehicle was towed to the residence of the contact’s niece. The vehicle was then towed to the local dealer where the failure was diagnosed as a fractured connecting rod and camshaft bearing failure. The dealer sent a diagnostic report to the manufacturer; however, the manufacturer declined to cover the repair under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 205,000.

NHTSA ODI 11467877

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact jumped started the vehicle however, the vehicle stalled again. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where he informed the contact that the engine had seized. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11465398

Was driving and the engine started making knocking noises and other sounds then started losing power until eventually stalling and the engine stopped and all the dash lights came on. After that the engine would not turn over or start again.

NHTSA ODI 11457933

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the oil sensor flashed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the oil sensor was leaking oil onto the engine and exhaust. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and the contact was informed that the starter needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the engine seized during the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

NHTSA ODI 11454094

Engine stalled while driving in traffic on 1/17/2022. No warning lights or other symptoms. Hasn't been checked. First time happened but I know of other Hyundai Santa fe with engine recall. This is a very dangerous failure.

NHTSA ODI 11447922

We were told by a mechanic that the engine needs to be replaced because the rod bearings wore out and are now inside the engine. This is similar to a current recall by Hyundai except our VIN is not included. Hyundai is unwilling to help us and the cost of an engine is more than the car. The car is not driveable and could have cause serious injury if the engine had blown up. It is currently being stored and is available to inspect. The check engine light came on initially which is when we brought it to the mechanic.

NHTSA ODI 11445312

I have a 2012 Hyundai Santa fe the engine started making knocking sounds and had loss of power. Did some research on the safety recall for the engine and found it on there site. Vehicle was taken to local Hyundai dealer like there site stated for inspection on 10/15/21. Dealership then called 3 hours later and said it was not covered and found noise coming from lower engine crank as stated on the receipt. I then filed a case file with Hyundai #18907069 and phone number 8334628722 ext 65091. After numerous calls and leaving messages I never once spoke to my Case manager. She said in a email that salvage title voids warranty, I sent evidence Hyundai calling it a safety recall witch is still covered. I received the email on November 24 haven't heard a thing since. There site said the engine can start on fire and could lock up at high speed causing a accident they called it a safety recall.

NHTSA ODI 11443510

On Aug. 9 2021 I took my vehicle into the dealer in Phoenix, Az. for recalls that were given to me from emissions testing. One recall was for engine knocking and premature wear of piston rods/bearings. The software update was done so the vehicle could warn me of engine failure. On or about Dec 1st 2021 my vehicle was making noise under the hood and slowing in power to safety mode. It stalled at a major intersection near my home and I slowly made it back to safety. The software that was installed failed to warn me in time to not cause engine damage. The are metal shavings in the engine oil and it will not run. If it does you can hear knocking very loudly. This recall was supposed to have the engine replaced by the dealer and no such repair was done. The dealer on Aug 9 only notified me of a leak from the radiator that was never seen before. They tried to charge me 1203.00 dollars for a new radiator and upper and lower hoses. The leak was never there before and when I got home i inspected the garage floor and the floor was clean and dry. Now 4 months later my engine is having problems from this recall not being corrected. The dealer also has no loaner vehicle for me and I am a disabled man with one leg. Im being told I will be without a car for up to 2 months with no guarantee that the engine will be replaced at no cost to me.

NHTSA ODI 11442695

In July, I took my 2012 Hyundai to Hyundai Service Department for Recall over defective connecting rod bearings that can wear out prematurely and damage engine. The service department inspected the engine and closed our case. no damage was found. In November 2021 just three months later our car engine completely gave out and we broke down on the road. the service department said it was the connecting rod bearings which caused the damage. but Hyundai refuses to cover the engine under the recall. They say we no longer have an open case. They also say it is not a recall but a Service Campaign and we are over the 150,000 miles warranty. Is this true or should they be honoring the recall? Also they put our safety at risk by not replacing the rod bearings back in July.

NHTSA ODI 11440484

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving at 40-45 MPH, she heard an abnormal ticking sound, and the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The contact stated she saw black smoke coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact did not recall whether a warning light illuminated. The contact and her husband exited the vehicle. The contact stated as they walked back to the vehicle, they notice that the smoke has stopped. The contact and her husband did not sustain any injuries. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact stated the vehicle had been waiting to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V746000 (ENGINE) for five months as the parts for recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

NHTSA ODI 11439383

On the way to get the recall fixed on this vehicle the car caught fire under the hood and was a total loss. This was a safety hazard to not only my family, but to the public passing by on the road. The fire service had to come put out the massive flames and the car was then towed to the dealer in Athens GA.

NHTSA ODI 11438491

The engine on my 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe is locked up right now due to the engine recall with the rod bearings. I have had this vehicle at my local Hyundai dealership in Colonial Heights, Virginia for 2 months now. The dealership is not providing service in a timely manor to fix this issue. My car has been sitting up there for 2 months and they keep telling me they need to take more pictures and videos of the engine to send to corporate. I think two months is plenty of time to get the required information up to corporate for them to accept this recall. I am very frustrated with this dealership because they will not even provide me with a time frame as to how long this process will take.

NHTSA ODI 11435688

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that upon driving at 55 MPH, the contact stated that the vehicle shut off as the check engine and oil lights illuminated on the instrument panel. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to her home. The contact was able to restart the vehicle the next day as the check engine and oil lights disappeared off the instrument panel. The contact had an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle; however, since the check engine light did not appear, the vehicle could not be diagnosed. The contact then received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine) and took the vehicle to a dealer where they informed her that her vehicle was fine and safe to be driven. A few months later, the contact received a second notice for the same recall and returned the vehicle back to the dealer. After a second inspection, the dealer informed her that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer for four months and upon return of the vehicle, the check engine warning light appeared twice on the instrument panel. The contact had informed the dealer of the failure and was informed not to worry about the check engine light unless the light started flashing. She was also informed that her vehicle could not be inspected for another two weeks. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

NHTSA ODI 11433015

I received a engine recall notice and quickly went into Hyundai in April 2021 to have it inspected for thus recall. They performed the diagnostic testing and they informed me that my car does have the recall but passed the inspection so it’s fine. I didn’t feel comfortable knowing my car might fail but had no choice but to listen to the dealership. Fast forward to August, my husband and I were driving down to my parents on I-95 going 70 miles an hour when we suddenly heard a loud strange noise, then within seconds a loud bang. Smoke pouring out the back of the car, the car shuts down, engine light comes on, and we now have a potential deadly situation. Thank God my husband was driving, he used all his power to turn the wheel and safely get us off the hwy. I am upset that Hyundai knows ppl have bad engines and sends us off after an apparent awful diagnostic test to potentially die in an accident. If I was driving I know we wouldn’t be here today. Tow truck driver says he sees it all the time and we are lucky to be alive. I will attach a picture of the engine that we took when we pulled off the hwy. I pray no one has to go thru this but I know many people are. It’s just not right.

NHTSA ODI 11432565

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a loud knocking and screeching noise coming from the engine and the vehicle struggled to accelerate and then stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer and the manufacturer's insurance agent diagnosed that metal shavings from the ball bearings had gotten into the engine, causing engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer waiting for a complete engine tear down to verify the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 64,268.

NHTSA ODI 11431268

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer and was diagnosed with needing the throttle body module to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.

NHTSA ODI 11429636

A connecting rod bearings in the engine wore out prematurely and damaged the engine while driving with my family. The car was not responding almost causing a catastrophe, I experienced mental distress and triggered my PTSD. When taken to the mechanic for inspection the damage showed a connecting rod cause a hole in the engine spilling and burning oil. There was no sound or warning lights until after the car's engine was damaged by this manufacturer fail. I did my research and I found others with the same engine issue. What's Hyundai next step in this case?

NHTSA ODI 11426073

The contact's sister-in-law owns a 2012 HYUNDAI Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. The contact also stated that the vehicle would shut-off intermittently while driving at various speeds without warning. Neither the contact nor his sister-in-law had taken the vehicle to be serviced or diagnosed for the failure. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine) which he linked to the failure. The contact called a local dealer who informed him that her vehicle was not included in the recall due to the date the engine was manufactured. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 202,000

NHTSA ODI 11423713

2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. Consumer writes in regard to NHTSA Safety Recall 20V-746. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE SPUTTERED AS IF IT WERE RUNNING OUT OF GAS. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE.

NHTSA ODI 11417669