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.
Suspension, Mar 27, 2022
This vehicle has only 25,000 original miles on it, and I am the original owner and bought it new. In separate incidents, several months apart, first the right-front coil spring broke, with a piece falling out and nearly puncturing the right-front tire. Several months later, the same thing happened to the left-front coil spring, with the broken piece damaging a front C-V joint boot. Both incidents occurred without warning and, thankfully, happened at slow speed with no subsequent crash or accident. These failures, however, if they happened at highway speed, could have been disastrous due to causing a punctured tire, or a broken C-V joint, or by making steering/controlling the vehicle difficult. With both failures, the vehicle became hard to steer and the front suspension made loud banging sounds when trying to turn, both of which prompted me to immediately stop and have the vehicle towed. Both of the failed coil springs and associated parts were replaced by my local Hyundai dealership's service department and thy retained the replaced parts after the repairs. Hyundai did not offer to cover these defects, so my 3rd party maintenance agreement and I had to pay 100% of the repair costs.
Other or unspecified, Mar 18, 2022
The driver side door latch stopped working. The door cannot be opened from the inside OR the outside. This is a huge safety risk. In an emergency, not being able to exit the vehicle could put the driver and entire car at risk of injury and death. Consider having two child seats in the back, and the child locks active. This leaves one functioning door. And if this mechanism failure is systemic, consider multiple latch failures in conjunction. Multiple passengers would have extreme difficulty exiting the vehicle safely, especially in exigent circumstances.
Engine, Mar 17, 2022
I am the 2nd owner of my 2015 Santa Fe Sport 2.0T, having purchased it in June 2018. I had regular oil changes, the last one being done on 1/24/22 at 134K miles. Engine started knocking after that oil change, so I was driving back to the repair shop on 1/25/22 when I was unable to accelerate and I pulled off to the side of the interstate. Some warning lights flashed briefly when the acceleration started, but I wasn't able to see which ones since I was more concerned with pulling safely off the road. Towed to the closest repair shop and they advised that my engine was seized and that Hyundai had an open recall so I needed to take my car to a Hyundai dealership. I had it towed to the dealership right away, where it said for the next 6+ weeks waiting to be inspected. They finally inspected it on 3/10/22 and submitted it to Hyundai for approval to replace the engine. Hyundai came back and asked for maintenance records, which I provided on 3/15/22. Today, 3/17/22, I was told Hyundai denied my claim because I didn't bring my car in for repair as soon as the the recall was issued. I didn't know there was a recall until this happened. The only thing I received in the mail was something about a hood latch problem, but that was a different issue. Once I found out about the recall (after my engine had already seized) I did go online to look up the details and Hyundai's recall specifically said that owners can continue driving their car. So even though I didn't know about the recall, and when I did find out about the recall it said the car could continue to be driven, Hyundai won't replace the engine. I tried to call Hyundai to appeal the decision and their message said the office is closed to do scheduled maintenance. There is no option to leave a message.
Engine, Feb 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving at approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. After the failure, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
Engine, Feb 22, 2022
Motor seized no warning no lights no previous issues while driving
Engine, Feb 8, 2022
No warning lights. Had started making a small noise that morning but nothing of concern, sounded like a rock in my tire. Was driving up hill, started struggling, then lost all power, had no brakes, Parts went flying out from under car. Smoke came out from hood. Had no brakes or power. Cars behind me could have been hit by flying parts, left a trail of parts on road. I had my kids in car and if we would have been going down hill I wouldn’t have been able to stop. Had entire engine replaced. Hole in engine block. Piston and and valve pieces on road
Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, Feb 5, 2022
The navigation/backup camera screen gets stuck on the loading page. This problem began right after the warranty period ended, which appears to be a common complaint on the message boards. When it first became a problem, it eventually would load, but would take approximately 15 minutes. Now, it fails to load at all (just continuously displays "loading"), which renders the backup camera, navigation system, maps, radio, satellite, clock and all associated controls useless. A backup camera is essential for me--I will not drive a car without one, since it a safety concern due to kyphosis. Having the navigation on a large screen (versus my phone or a printed map) is another reason I chose this car. So, not repairing it is not an option. It is a safety issue. When trying to find a solution, I found hundreds upon hundreds of complaints for the same issue with the same model as my car. The dealership also was aware of it. So, I figured I would report it since it is so common, hoping to save others from the $1000+ bill I received to repair it.
Engine, Jan 12, 2022
My car shut down while traveling at a normal speed on a freeway and I had to pull over as it slowed down. This was unsafe on a busy highway while I waited 3 hours to be towed. The car dealer service center stated a faulty connecting rod bearing failure caused the problem and requires a new engine to be installed. There were no warning lights or sounds prior to the problem. Regular maintenance was done including an oil change and filter within the 6month recommendation. The dealership said there was no oil and the engine seized.
Engine, Jan 5, 2022
The engine completely failed while driving on the highway. The check engine light appeared approximately 20 minutes prior to event. Vehicle was serviced regularly, Including at a hyundai dealership in July. Per our independent mechanic the engine seized up. The engine is available upon request.
Engine, Jan 1, 2022
Per the Theta Engine Recall Settlement, I had the recall work performed on my 2015 Hyundai Sante Fe on August 23, 2021. Roughly in October, the oil light faded on and off on the dashboard. I pulled into the Autozone and purchased 1 Quart of engine oil. I checked the dipstick in the parking lot and added the quart to the proper fill line of the engine dipstick. On 11/11/2021, while driving my vehicle, without any warning, the engine stopped and shut the car off in traffic. The oil light, check engine light, and service light came on then went off. I attempted 5 times to restart the engine before it would run. I took it to a Midas Auto shop where the diagnostic advised the engine failed and was damaged. I had the vehicle towed to Larry H. Miller Hyundai in Peoria, AZ 85382. The diagnostics indicated that the engine failed as was due to the fact of the Theta Class Engine Recall. The mechanic, service manager, and service advisor took notes and photographs of the valve train on the engine block. They advised the vehicle engine was damaged and needed replacement. They advised they did not find any indications of lack of maintenance. The engine was low on oil as it is apparent that the engine was more likely running hot. Hyundai Motors has denied the extended warranty claim (even though the recall updates have been completed prior to the engine failure). I have appealed within the company for the replacement of the engine but Hyundai is continuing to deny the claims. The dealership has advised other customers are being denied for the same reason just due to gaps in service records even though there are no indications of wear of the engine. Hyundai has since tried to settle the claim with me for $500.00 to release the company from any liability that the HMA failed to conform the vehicle to warranty in connection fo my concerns and history repair.
Engine, Dec 29, 2021
On or about October 16th 2021. After leaving a resturant I was unable to restart my car. It just would not turn over. I called a tow truck thinking It was possibly the starter. The vehicle was towed to Kia, where it was purchased. Upon inspection they(mechanics) also thought it was the starter. Being that the car is under an extended warranty, they contacted the appropriate company for the coverage. However the starter was or isn't the problem, they now believe it's the engine. Mind you I have less than 100,000 miles. I was told I would possiblly incounter a cost of 900.00 for them to determine what's wrong with the vehicle? At the time of me submitting this complaint, my car has been in the repair shop for 3 months. Can you imagine my rental expenses? I"ve read through several complaints of people expressing their concerns and complaints for this same or similar problem, It appears to me that Hyundai has a problem. I"m still without a vehicle.
Engine, Dec 11, 2021
Shortly after getting on the freeway the car suddenly decelerated and came to a complete stop. I was able to pull onto the shoulder just in time. The engine died and would not restart. My daughter and I were in a very dangerous situation that could have been tragic. The car was towed to a mechanic that confirmed the engine had seized and a whole new motor is needed.
Engine, Nov 29, 2021
On September 4, 2021 at approximately 11:30pm, my vehicle suffered a catastrophic engine failure while driving on a busy freeway in Southern California. There was no warning, only an immediate power lost and inability to accelerate, followed by a flashing check engine light and a chiming alert bell. My husband was driving and he was able to make it across 3 busy traffic lanes to the emergency lane. The sudden lost of power and the inability to accelerate created a significant danger on this busy freeway, California State Route 91. I believe we could have caused a significant accident on that freeway if we had not been able to pull over to the emergency lane in time. Since this incident, I learned through my own online research, that my vehicle was included in a class-action lawsuit which was settled on June 10, 2021. I purchased my vehicle used in late January 2021, and I was never informed of the danger the Theta II GDI engine in my vehicle posed. My engine was replaced under the Lifetime Warranty provided by the Settlement Agreement, however, I am very concerned that the hazards that this vehicle posed to my family was never revealed by the dealer I purchased it from or by Hyundai in the months following my purchase. I hope something can be done to warn other used car buyers at the time they purchase a vehicle involved in this this Class-Action Settlement of the dangers the engine poses.
Other or unspecified, Nov 26, 2021
While driving my car on the highway, the entire electrical system shut-down including my cruise control, GPS, radio etc. Also on this same trip, the engine completely stopped (also while on the highway). Luckily I was just turning off an exit ramp and was able to barely steer it to the side of the road. The starter light was still on, but the vehicle was completely dead. Had to punch the starter light again to turn it off and then back on again. A second incident occurred while my husband was driving my car in the city just this past week. Driving on streets (not highway driving) and the car shut down unexpectedly 4 different times: once climbing a hill; once trying to pass another driver; twice for no reason. I've taken this to the dealer since it's still covered under extended warranty but since they can't find any issues, the next time I take this in it will cost me money. Of course, since the engine completely stops, nothing is recorded with sensors or computers. Help please.
Other or unspecified, Nov 16, 2021
At around 55,000 miles, my family vehicle displayed signs of concern by rattling and shaking- especially when I would turn the vehicle. When bringing it for regularly oil maintenance my mechanic had me listen to clear signs of distress within the engine. Knowing I drive my two children with me regularly in this vehicle, he asked me to bring it to Hyundai’s local dealership. On 3/12/2020, I waited approximately an hour and a half to be seen for my scheduled appointment only to be shooed away and told there is no issue. Nobody bothered to run testing or evaluate the issue besides a quick walk by. 7 months later, the problem has worsened and continues to leave me worried that my children and I will be left stranded due to an unreliable engine. The shaking has worsened and the car has produced concerning smells of burning. Hyundai finally admitted that I do need a new engine, but since I am not the original owner, they are not providing replacement. Hyundai engines appear to be a problem in many instances, and I fear this is another situation. Engine failure at 55,000 miles on a 5 year old car is unacceptable and proves safety is not on the forefront of Hyundai’s mission. I appreciate any assistance recalling Santa Fe engines on the 2015 model so the many families who drive this vehicle can do so safely.
Wheels, Other or unspecified, Nov 15, 2021
On July 14, 2021, while the vehicle was MOVING, the cable in the spare tire hoist snapped resulting in the spare tire dropping to the ground and getting wedged between the ground and the trailer hitch. Fortunately, this occurred on a side street and the net effect was that the spare tire was partially dislodged from metal wheel and the wheel was knocked slightly out of round. Had this failure happened on the freeway, it could have been a very serious accident, perhaps even a fatality for us or other drivers on the road. This vehicle is kept in a garage, has never been used for off-roading and the spare tire has never been removed/used. Our local Hyundai service department confirmed that there was no observable indicator that would have caused this to happen. There were no noises, warning lights or symptoms prior to the cable snapping.
Engine, Oct 13, 2021
I do not know to the best of my knowledge but I do know at 80,000 miles my mechanic did a full plus and coil pack change and I’m not due for an oil change for 2000 miles but for some reason my 3rd cylinder is failing and they can’t figure it out so I’m having it taken back to the dealership.
Engine, Oct 12, 2021
While driving home from work on a busy highway, the vehicle engine stopped without a warning. No noises no warning lights nothing. I am fortunate that I was in traffic and no one was behind me driving the normal 50 mph speed limit or I would have been severely injured. I was able to pull the car to the side of the road. The car would not turn over when pressing the ignition switch. The car was towed to a local repair shop and they thought it to be the starter, so that was replaced. They got the car to start, but it only ran with a very loud noise coming from the engine for approximately 20 minutes. The car no longer will turn over. It has now been towed again to a local Hyundai dealership and is awaiting a diagnosis. The local repair shop called again today letting us know that they just had another Hyundai Santa Fe in for the exact same issue and they have taken that car as well to the local dealership. There was no warning light, there were no loud noises from the engine, no smoke, nothing, it just stopped while I was driving it. I have had no issues with this vehicle, we have owned it for approximately 3 years and it has just over 100,000 miles on it. Doing research it appears that many others who own a 2015 Santa Fe are reporting the same problems. I will continue to research and escalate a consumer investigation into this issue.
Engine, Oct 12, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate and jerk upon the depression of the accelerator pedal. Recently, the contact stated that the vehicle would shut off without warning. The contact stated that the vehicle would immediately restart after failure. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Engine, Sep 30, 2021
The car stalled and reduced speed immediately from 30 mph to about 5 mph or less. it did not accelerate i had to pull over and tow to dealership. Car has a knocking noise also. this is two signs of the engine bearing and/or connecting rod bearing wear in the santa fes. Hyundai refused my claim to replace engine because the dealership could not replicate the problem. the car turned on again and drove fine according to the dealership. I do not feel safe driving the car, THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE THE CAR LIKE THIS, THE CAR COULD STALL IN THE HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH AND COULD CAUSE A CRASH HARMING MYSELF AND OTHERS. ACCORDING TO HYUNDAI WEBSITE IF CONTINUING TO DRIVE THE CAR IT COULD ALSO CAUSE A FIRE DUE TO MORE DAMAGE TO THE CONNECTING ROD. HYUNDAI NEEDS TO RECALL ALL 2015 SANTA FE VEHICLES AND REPLACE ENGINE. MY ENGINE WAS ALREADY REPLACED IN 2020 AND NOW IS HAVING PROBLEMS AGAIN.
Engine, Sep 29, 2021
2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited Ultimate 3.3L Vin F 114,441 miles No prior mechanical issues, pulled out on busy highway and pushed the gas pedal to merge into traffic. Upon pushing the gas pedal the car revved high rpms but would only go 5 mph. I was afraid I was going to get rear ended so quickly pulled off the road. Pulled off the road and restarted the car, the check engine light came on and the engine was shuddering and shaking. Put car in drive and there was no power took about 300 feet to get vehicle up to 30mph. Upon driving further had smell of exhaust fumes. Took the vehicle to the Courtesy Hyundai in Tampa and awaited the diagnosis on 5/22. Initial codes P0018, P2A03, and P0088 misfires on cylinders 2,4,6. Dealer said the CVVT Timing chain and tensioners were bad. I asked if I paid the $3800 if it would remedy the concerns. They told me only way to guarantee would be to put a used motor in the car. Compression was good in the engine. Service person said for $1500 more an engine was the best bet. We agreed told them to replace at $5400. Over the next few weeks we were told the engine was on order to later find out they had never ordered the engine. This happened twice, finally they said I would have to source the engine. After numerous lies, the service tech we learned was fired. The new engine quote came back at $8700. We had two separate cases with Hyundai USA the last being #18440449. I find it odd that the dealership had 50-60 Hyundai Sports awaiting replacement engines from Hyundai, yet they could never tell me what was wrong with my vehicle. Service tech of 23 years couldn't identify the issue. We removed the vehicle from the dealership on 7/31 wasting 10 weeks for no help from Hyundai. I believe Hyundai is having the same issue with the 3.3L as they are with the 2.4L Sport models.
Engine, Sep 14, 2021
On August 12th 2021, I was driving the engine started making a knocking/tapping sound. As I accelerated it sounded like something broke off, bounced around then shot out the bottom of my vehicle. My vehicle then started to smoke and leak oil all over the road. I pulled over and turned the engine off. We found the part that flew out of the engine, it was the connector rod. It had snapped off into two pieces and shot through the oil pan after passing through the engine causing irreparable damage. There were no warning signs, no check engine or oil lights, nothing. This happened out of the blue. Our safety as well as the safety of others were put at risk not only when the part flew out of the car and could have hit another vehicle, but it almost caught fire and it could have caused an accident had we nowhere to pull off the road, as traffic was heavy that day. This vehicle has been at the Hyundai dealership since August 13th 2021. It has been inspected and determined it in deed needs a new engine, the cause was connector rod failure.
Engine, Sep 14, 2021
Owner of Colonial Hyundai-Genesis 4423 W. Lincoln Hwy. Downingtown, PA 19335 John Ashdale Jo Miller/Service Advisor August 27, 2021 Lester Glenn Auto Group 386 NJ-Route 37 Toms River, NJ 08753 Sean Savage (Service Manager) September 8, 2021 cc: TASHA National Consumer Affairs Hyundai Motor America Case # [XXX] Hyundai Corporate.or headquarter office 10550 Talbert Avenue Fountain Valley CA 92708 Fax: 714-965-5000 Subject: Engine Replacement Simply that I did sent to explain nhtsa email explain all. We are deaf we don’t t have any accommodation like hearing drivers features such as biggest luxury same vehicle we have Sante FE 2015 Nd Kona 2020 free handset on steering wheel and blue link and also mirror on star on due to communication purpose . We are in risk for no accommodation for safety needs. Where is our emergency roadside accommodation none . So free handset for on steerling wheel is purpose what avoid the police ticket. All for first class an accommodation for hearing drivers not for us that is really called unequal system On August 27, 2021.mechanic Brian Puckett 941 has replacement engine and he stated was done to go without no employer check his job. My husband was driving on way home feel so much different we thought he was completed done. Lester Glenn on 9/8/21 show facts you will see the documents. Disqualification mechanic in PA we took our risk without no accommodation if happened to break down. Main thing happened broken down no accommodation which mean this disqualification mechanic did made errors on Lester Glenn Auto Group documents. On that date of service again on 9/8/2021 remember we don’t have any. Accommodation for our deaf or hard of hearing if happened Look into this messy. My husband was driving on way home I followed him from picked up Sante fe have features we can’t use it hearing drivers get pig luxury on their hand. Something wrong later explained PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Air bags, Sep 13, 2021
Passenger airbag light flashes in the instrument panel, while passenger airbag indicator shows Off in amber color when a person is seated in the passenger seat.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Sep 4, 2021, fire
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2015 was making sounds when vehicle was off. The ABS warning lights were lit on the dashboard (3 warnings in total) once car was turned on. Drove home hoping the sound would go away but it did not. Once home the sound continued without the vehicle being on. Opened the hood and listened for the location of the sound. It was the ABS module on the left. This part then caught on fire while parked and off (keys were out).