What 235 owners told NHTSA about the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Hev

The contact's husband owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to accelerate upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light appeared on the instrument panel during the failure. Despite the vehicle operating in LIMP Mode, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where an oil change was performed. The mechanic warned after the service was performed that there may be an ongoing failure with the engine. Several days later, the contact stated that while in stop and go traffic, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where a diagnostic test was performed; and the contact was informed that the failure might be related to the cam shaft. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer and informed that the failure was probably related to the high-pressure fuel pump. The high-pressure fuel pump was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact was then informed by the dealer that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle remained with the dealer unrepaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

NHTSA ODI 11629882

The contact owned a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, he heard an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that there was a misfire in cylinder #3, and the catalytic convertor system efficiency was below threshold. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 94,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11593691

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while his granddaughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated, and there was white smoke emanating from the exhaust pipe, after which the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the cylinder head bolts, resulting in damage to the cylinder head gaskets and requiring a replacement engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 87,000.

NHTSA ODI 11577983

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that upon his wife starting the vehicle, she observed heavy smoke coming from the exhaust. The contact stated that his wife heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that coolant intrusion had damaged the head gasket, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 95,000.

NHTSA ODI 11567564