2011 Hyundai Santa Fe engine problems

“My 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe (approx. 153,000 miles) developed a new stalling and engine-dying-at-idle condition immediately following a knock sensor replacement performed by a Hyundai dealership. Prior to this repair, the vehicle ran normally with no stalling or idle issues. The vehicle was originally brought in for diagnosis related to code P1326, which is covered under Hyundai Service Campaign T6G (engine rod bearing / knock sensor campaign). The dealership replaced the knock sensor but subsequently claimed my vehicle's P1326 condition did not qualify under Campaign T6G. Immediately after the knock sensor replacement, the vehicle began stalling and completely shutting off at idle — a condition that did not exist before the dealer's service. I returned the vehicle to the dealership to address this new issue. The vehicle has now been at the dealership for over three (3) weeks with no diagnosis update, no repair timeline, and no communication from the service department. I am filing this complaint for two reasons: 1. Safety concern: An engine that stalls and dies at idle presents a serious risk of loss of vehicle control, particularly in traffic or at…”

“CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. With no prior indications, the engine seized while driving on side street at 25mph. Engine blew hole in block and dumped engine parts, including piston rod, piston and engine block remnants, and oil on street. Very dangerous as power steering stopped and was unable to turn. Very low miles, 40,680, with all maintenance performed by dealer. Filed a report with Hyundai USA, no action taken.”

“The contact owned a 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while the contact's daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed a burning odor and the vehicle stalled. The contact idled the vehicle to the shoulder of the road and exited the vehicle. The vehicle burst into flames after the occupants exited the vehicle. The contact's daughter and daughter's friend were occupants of the vehicle at the time of the failure. No injuries were sustained. The fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The vehicle was condemned to total loss. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 280,000.”

“The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the charger indicator warning light illuminated and the engine seized. The battery was recharged. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed valve cover gasket leak and that the valve cover gasket and the alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was scheduled to be taken to the dealer for inspection within the week. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 126,600. The VIN was unavailable.”

“I was driving the car on a 4 lane road when suddenly the engine shut off and the car was no longer functioning. I lost power steering and had to coast into a nearby parking lot, otherwise I would have caused a major accident in the middle of a busy intersection with another 4 lane road. Upon taking the car to Hyundai for evaluation, it was declared to be total engine failure. Given the other issues with Hyundai engines failing and the fact that I VERY NARROWLY AVOIDED A MASSIVE COLLISION, I would like NHTSA to be aware that this problem may go back farther than Hyundai has addressed so far.”

“My 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe had 75,000 miles on it in September 2022. It was bought and serviced by the same dealership and I am the original owner. It was last serviced at the end of June 2022. While returning from Corvallis, Oregon to Forest Grove, Oregon, the car's display light all turned on and a second late the car completely stopped. I am thankful that I decided to take the back road home, if I had been on the highway, I am positive I would have been in a serious accident. It has been determined by the dealership that there was a complete engine failure. It has been at the Hyundai dealership for four months now and there is no replacement engine available for it. Not only that, they can't get a reasonably priced replacement engine anywhere. This car would have been a valuable trade in on a new car. The Diagnosis was Engine crankshaft seized. Metal particles on Dipstick, large metal fragments on oil filter, Engine replacement required. The car is now worthless, expect for parts.”