Problems · by component

2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport engine problems

95 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport cite engine, 58% of all 165 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
95
58% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
11
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the engine

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“1. 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Theta 2 Engine Failure It was available for inspection upon request at local dealer and service After engine failedXXX abruptly while driving, it was towed to the service for inspection. 2. The Theta 2 engine in countless 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe models has been a safety risk for all citizens on the roads. This has been an unannounced recall failure due to manufacture shards of metal found within the engine, causing vehicle damage and failure. My car stopped abruptly on the road. I have maintained it through due oil changes and service. 3. The independent dealership that serviced my vehicle has verbally recognized that Theta 2 engines are a safety risk, after my family and I did research to expose underlying cause of engine failure. 4. It has been inspected by Allen Turner Hyundai in [XXX]. No known national manufacturers have been present or documented in case. 5. No, abrupt stop while driving along with burning smells and smoke coming from hood of vehicle.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 28, 2026EngineODI 11767435
“The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment with an abnormal burning odor entering the vehicle through the A/C vents. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and turned off. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer and was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact stated that her father performed most of the maintenance on the vehicle and became aware that the Theta 2 engine had several failures. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 157,596.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 17, 2026EngineODI 11765036
“The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa FE. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle at 60 mph the vehicle began to shake violently, and the engine experienced a complete loss of automotive power, the service vehicle soon, ABS and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact veered off an exit into the parking lot of an AutoZone where a diagnostic scanner displayed the code "P0302". The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the exhaust valve on cylinder two had dissolved and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was towed to a local Hyundai dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the exhaust valve in cylinder two was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 89,687.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 14, 2026EngineODI 11757038
“On June 20, 2026, while the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport was being driven on Richardson Highway near Mile 155 in Alaska, smoke and flames developed from the engine compartment without any collision. The driver stopped and both occupants exited before the vehicle became fully engulfed. The fire created an immediate risk of serious injury or death and blocked the northbound lane. There were no known prior drivability problems, warning lamps, or other symptoms before the incident. The exact failed component is UNKNOWN. Potential areas requiring investigation include the engine, electrical system, ABS/HECU brake module, multi-fuse, fuel system, and other engine-compartment components. Alaska Department of Public Safety responded. Its report states that there was no obvious cause, but that the fire appeared to have originated in the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed and preserved for the manufacturer. Hyundai inspected the vehicle and confirmed that the inspection was completed on July 11, 2026. Hyundai later stated orally that it did not find an engine defect, but it has not provided the complete inspection report, testing methods, photographs, technical…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 28, 2026Electrical system, Service brakes, EngineFire reportedODI 11753388
“On March 20, 2026, while driving, my 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport (VIN: [XXX]) equipped with a Theta II 2.4L GDI engine, the car experienced a catastrophic, sudden loss of motive power. The engine suffered a total mechanical failure/seizure, creating an immediate highway safety hazard. This vehicle is part of the "In re: Hyundai and Kia Engine Litigation II" settlement population due to known factory manufacturing defects where residual metal debris blocks oil flow to the connecting rod bearings. Hyundai Corporate has issued a blanket refusal to honor the lifetime safety warranty extension, using an unverified allegation of "outside influence" to avoid executing the mandatory engine replacement protocols required under NHTSA Campaign T3G.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 3, 2026EngineODI 11748225
“ID # 11746004. I accidentally entered the wrong incident date on my original submission. The correct date of the incident is June 17, 2026. Please update my file to reflect this correct timeline.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 27, 2026EngineODI 11746944

Showing 6 of 95 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 12, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Engine

Free remedy

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. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned, or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, allowing fuel to leak from the pipe.

EngineReported Dec 28, 2018NHTSA 18V934000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 12, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.