2015 Hyundai Santa FE
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 254 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 11th highest complaint count among 25 Santa FE model years with reports.
Of the 2015 reports, 9 involved a crash and 13 involved a fire. 10 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/modulePark outsideSep 22, 2023
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.
Campaign 23V651000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, hood, latchJun 5, 2017
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the secondary hood latch actuating cable may corrode and bind, causing the secondary hood latch to remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed.
If the hood is not securely closed or the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary latch cable, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owner's may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for the recall is 163.
Campaign 17V358000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
254 reports, newest first.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 19, 2022
Driving on a busy, 4-lane street, approaching intersection with larger road (ref: speed limits 40 & 50, respectively). Vehicle suddenly, without warning (normal temp gauge, oil pressure, etc.; check engine light off) lost all ability to accelerate. Narrowly avoided being rear-ended as a car attempted to accelerate while changing lanes. Moving with urgency (2 babies in car-seats at rear, wife at passenger, busy road with some blind spots), I put hazards on, shut the engine off, restarted, and attempted to drive. No response, still no CEL indication. 2nd attempt, shut engine off, restarted, this time shifted to low gear. Able to accelerate up to ~5-10mph and signaling to approaching vehicles with arms through window, we were able to get to a parking lot and called a tow truck. Scary situation to have zero acceleration suddenly with babies in the back on a busy street with blind spots. Towed to a certified Hyundai dealership. Been >5 months now, never received formal diagnosis (however, rec'd quote to replace the engine ILO written cause of failure--odd). Rec'd pics of the engine, told by non-technical service liaison issue was "head got stuck open, during combustion cycle, engine was burned up". This presents identical to previous Hyundai recall RE: failing connecting rod bearing(s) & oil consumption. Upon inspection, motor oil presented: (1) low & (2) copper tinted + fine silver-colored metal shavings--indicative of issue for which Hyundai Theta engine was recalled. Dealer ultimately said Hyundai would not cover and engine failure was due to improper maintenance schedule (I changed oil regularly). This is not an indictment, but resistance to formalized written diagnosis, the evidence in the engine, Hyundai & dealers refusal to cover, and life & history of vehicle (well maintained, 63K miles)--all lead me to suspect Hyundai USA is attempting to sidestep manufacturer responsibility to recall. Similar reports found--compiled a list >100 in one session.
Engine, Nov 17, 2022
My engine blew after owning it for 16 months. I couldn’t find all of my oil change receipts so my warranty denied it. So I started digging and found there’s so many other people with 2015 Santa Fe’s with blown engines. I took care of my car and have never had any issues with my cars before. I started speaking to others who have the same issues as me. The 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe sport engine was recalled. i was driving to a repair shop with rhe only indication of an issue was an off engine noise then all of a sudden my engine blew and went into limp mode. At some point the amount of people I have seen with a blown engine should be an indication that’s it’s the engine not the driver.
Engine, Nov 10, 2022
I bought a Santa Fe Sport made by Hyundai Theta Engine Settlement Ext Warranty on March 18, 2022. Also, I did the maintenance and changed the oil after about three months. On August 29, my vehicle shut off while driving without any alarm and did not start again. Imagine what a severe accident may happen to me; thankfully, no one was injured. I towed the car to the Hyundai Wolfchase dealership, in Cordova, TN, and they set an appointment for October 20, 2022. After waiting 50 days, I towed it again there, and their inspections showed the engine seized, and the estimation for repair is $8,200.00. I contacted Hyundai's customer care to use the vehicle warranty that can recall the engine for a vehicle less than ten years old. But they declined my request due to Campaign 953 software that should be installed in my car!!! I did not know about it, and it was not my fault that this car did not have this alarm system.
Engine, Nov 9, 2022
I was driving on highway and my car lost power and went into limp mode and check engine light started blinking on and off. I was driving about 60 to 65 miles a hour and it went to 25 mph with no warning. We have taken care of our car with regular oil changes at every 3,000 to 3,500 miles. We checked oil and it was 3 quarts low for the second time in between oil changes with NO WARNING LIGHTS coming on but that was a month ago. I was told that losing oil is common for these motors by Valvoline instant oil change and a private mechanic. I'm not sure what to do and after reading about all these other motors doing same thing I'm really scared and we are not financially able to fix this and we have a payment on it for 2 more years. It seems like all these motors are having same issue around same milage. I am not sure why something isn't being done to help us.
Engine, Nov 8, 2022
Sudden loss of power and ability to accelerate on the freeway, which was caused by a failure of the Engine Timing System. This is concerning since we had engine failure on our previous Hyundai ( a Sonata). This model of the Santa Fe isn't listed under that recall.
Power train, Engine, Oct 15, 2022
1. Tranny went out at 115,00 miles. 02/22. Replaced $2400.00. 2. Engine went out, 125,000. 10/22. Yet to be fixed. MANY 2.4L HAVE DONE THIS.
Engine, Oct 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the engine started making an abnormal sound. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled off the roadway and stopped the engine and had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the rod bearing was damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V568000 (Engine). The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Power train, Oct 14, 2022
This vehicle is an All Wheel Drive. While approaching an intersection right before coming to a stop the vehicle's rear differential locked up. Attempted several times but the vehicle would not move forward. The vehicle would drive forward but would move in reverse. I drove the car in reverse back to the house. We lifter the car and the rear differential lock while moving forward but works moving backwards. My wife is afraid that even if they fix this issue what if its a defect and the rear axel locks up at higher speeds the outcome would be different.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 20, 2022
Engine replaced during recall 10 months prior. New fuel line on new engine begins leaking fuel onto exhaust vehicle smoking no warning lights or indicators
Other or unspecified, Aug 29, 2022
Was driving and it just quit with smell from under hood
Engine, Aug 21, 2022
Was driving like normal all of a sudden engine started loosing power and than started hearing grinding noise. Than engine overheated than RPM died brakes failed and slowly my car stopped in incline I was able to dodge a serious collision by taking safety precaution . Than my car did not start. Turns out engines has been seized due to mechanical failures in my engine. I performed oil change regularly and coolant was perfectly filled. There was no negligence from our end as a driver. My vehicle had 98k miles which was mentioned on Hyundai warranty that it's Powertrain warranty coverage is valid for 100k miles. I was denied my warranty because they mentioned I'm not a primary owner. How does a secondary owner affect this warranty? Secondary owner did not modified the engine to be declined warranty. How did that happen I have serious concern about Hyundai engine.
Engine, Aug 15, 2022, fire
Premature engine failure due to bearing. Car has oil consumption problem causing a ceased engine. Car stalled going 40 mph under a intersection, managed to pull over and car started fire and smoking. Fire Smothered itself.
Engine, Aug 13, 2022
An engine warning light came on. The warning was for crankshaft sensor. With a couple of days the engine stopped while I was on the freeway. Barely made it to the exit s d turned right on the street when it came to a complete stop. Had it towed to Carmax as it was the place I bought it from. They said it was the engine. Took it to Hyundai waited several weeks to find out that they won’t cover it. The car has around 130,000 miles. Hyundai service manager said thos was very similar to the other Hyundai’s that are having engine trouble. The service manager said he tried his best with Hyundai and they are not going to replace the engine.
Engine, Aug 11, 2022
My 2015 Santa Fe was known to lose oil between routine changes, and spontaneously increase rpms, and two mechanics were unable to find any reasons for this. While driving home from work, my engine began to knock, smoke, and within minutes seized. I was able to coast to the side of the busy highway, and had to arrange for a tow. Two mechanics stated the bearings were shot, though with routine maintenance and less than 90k miles, they could find no cause. When brought to a Hyundai dealership, they advised there was no warranty and they declined to offer any good faith assistance.
Engine, Aug 10, 2022
My engine failed while I was driving with no warning. No lights or system check warnings prior. That day I was driving on a road at 50mph as I was accelerating I started to hear a knocking or sputtering noise, within 6 minutes of the noise starting my engine failed. I was driving at an incline with cars behind and beside me. I lost all engine power, my gas pedal went limp, and my brakes tightened. My engine light, battery light, and oil light came on and my exhaust from the rear was Smokey. Luckily I was able to pull over with out causing an accident. I turned the vehicle off and waited for a tow. My car electronics turn on but the engine will not start. The mechanic it was brought to confirms that the engine needs to be replaced. My 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe limited only has 47,692 miles and was serviced regularly. It had an oil change and passed the NYS inspection Jan 25, 2022 and engine failed August 7, 2022. Many similar issues with other owners of this vehicle, this engine should have been recalled, Hyundai won’t tell me if I’m entitled to the extended warranty coverage from the many lawsuits they’ve had from these vehicles.
Engine, Jul 20, 2022
engine bearing rod change, and crank shaft change on 127,000 miles
Engine, Jul 20, 2022
While traveling 75 mph on the freeway, the vehicle began to violently shake. At this time, a warning message appeared that said the vehicle was performing a "system check". Another message then appeared that said to pull off the road and activate the "Blue Link". By this time, I was losing power but was able to maintain control while merging over two lanes of freeway traffic before the vehicle totally died on the side of the road. Losing all power while traveling 75 mph on a freeway created a safety issue for both myself and other drivers. I brought the vehicle to the Hyundai dealership who diagnosed an engine failure due to "misfire on number 2 cylinder, piece of valve missing". The vehicle is available for inspection at the dealership where it has been for 3 months because the manufacturer says the defect is not covered under warranty and I don't have $11,000 to replace the engine.
Engine, Jun 25, 2022
Was driving vehicle to get on high way vehicle rpm went to 4,000 an then vehicle shut down dash board lite up like Christmas tree no power had to coast to break down lane put in park an nothing no clicking nothing motor seized up sat for 6 hours waiting for tow truck an now it’s costing me $4,200 dollars out of pocket to have fixed an vehicle is just a hundred miles out of factory power Tran warranty of 100,000 miles is there anything that can be done on this at all thank you in advance..
Power train, Engine, Jun 11, 2022
While driving, there was a noise coming from the car on acceleration. Had been using cruise control and when canceled cruise, and accelerated- the noise became worse. Car stalled and I was able to get it to the side of the road without incident. Lucky there was no other vehicles on the road at the time. Checked the oil and level was fine and no temp issues indicated. When I tried to restart, an engine light came on the dash. Got the car home by coasting in neutral, it was only 2 blocks. Couldn't get an appt for repair for over a week. Had car towed to a repair shop and they said it was a Variable Valve Timing Solenoid. On first drive after replacing this piece- indicator light came on the dash again. Left the car where it was.
Engine, May 25, 2022
On Mothers day 2022 while driving 70 mph on I-295 in FL, my 2015 Hyundai Sante Fe 2.0 Turbo quickly reduced speed down to 38 mph without any warning. I had to quickly cross over 2 lanes of traffic to pull over before my vehicle stopped completely it was then I noticed my check engine light on. After I pull to the side I immediately place my car in park and shut off the engine. My 15 year old son asked what was going on and why did the car smell as if something was burning. This is a huge safety issue and could have caused grave damage had I not acted as quickly as I did. With the reduced speed due to engine failure another vehicle could have slammed in the back of my vehicle and or hitting another car trying to avoid a rear end collision. My car is currently at the Hyundai dealership in Jax FL. I'm realizing there is a safety recall on my vehicle as well as a lot of others. I still don't have my vehicle back and I'm waiting on Hyundai to replace my engine. Hyundai has a backlog of vehicle different models. I loved my car and wouldike it fixed in a timely manner. Hyundai made the car with issues, they have identified their issues with the recalls now they need to take ownership and repair the issues. Something has to be done about unexpected engine stalls and or failure.
Engine, May 23, 2022
Daughter was driving vehicle when began hesitating on road and losing power. She also heard knocking sound coming from engine. Concerned she would get rear ended she pulled off to side of road. No engine warning lights. Had vehicle towed to dealership where upon inspection determined total engine failure.
Engine, May 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact steered the vehicle off of the roadway safely. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 194,353.
Other or unspecified, Apr 29, 2022, fire
Summer of 2020,my engine needed to be replaced for an unknown reason, that work was done at the Herb Chambers Hyundai service department. On 4/22/2022 my car hesitated to start, it did start, I traveled about 12 miles and my engine light came on. I traveled about 3 more miles and then my car stalled in the middle of the highway, I headed to the breakdown lane very quickly. As soon as I put the car in park, the car started to smoke, I ran down the highway on foot, called 911, I turned around and my car was engulfed in flames. This whole incident went awry very quickly, about 5 minutes. I am writing in as I was offered $16000.00 as a settlement for my vehicle and all losses from Hyundai. My insurance company is offering about $1500.00 more than Hyundai. Hyundai is not even performing an inspection which was not what they communicated initially. I was told an inspection needed to be done prior to any settlement decision. Their is a known recall, I understand, recall #205, which I had not yet been notified of. I want to reiterate that no inspection on Hyundai's part was done to confirm damage/recall issue. At this point I do not have a vehicle and not in a position to buy a new car.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Wheels, Apr 8, 2022
It appears to be a problem with all the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. It has abs, downhill, stability control lights on at the same time. It appears to be wheel speed sensor but they do not know which one. The service manager had said it happens to be a lot of the time the rear sensor that goes out. The service manager made it seem like it happens frequently. When I check online a lot of owners appear to be having the same issue. THREE LIGHTS, ESC, DBC, and ABS warning lights turn on. I am in fear for my life, due the safety on the road if the tires would lose control!
Electrical system, Service brakes, Apr 6, 2022, fire
The car was parked for about 4 hours and suddenly catches fire and reports says it was ABS anti brake system and i got my car burnt. Is there any help Hyundai can assist me.