2015 Hyundai Santa FE Sport engine problems
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
31 owners have reported engine problems with the 2015 Hyundai Santa FE Sport, 53% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 109,040 mi.
- Engine complaints
- 31
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 3
- Injuries
- 0
- Related recalls
- 0
- Median mileage
- 109,040 mi
Specific components reported
Engine covers: stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating.
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Engine | 26 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 5 |
Engine complaints across Hyundai Santa FE Sport years
Mileage when the problem appeared
Related recalls
No recalls on file.
What owners say
- Filed Aug 13, 2026NCElectrical SystemEngine
The vehicle suffered a severe engine overheating failure that created an immediate fire risk and electrical safety signaling failure. A brand-new replacement engine was installed by an authorized dealership in April 2026 under a goodwill warranty and had only been driven ~ 3,100 miles since installation. While operating the vehicle, the air conditioning suddenly stopped functioning. Upon restarting, the check engine light illuminated; however, there was never any dashboard…
NHTSA complaint #11756640 · source - Filed Jul 12, 2026SCDriver Assistance & Safety TechEngine
Today while driving to church we started hearing a ping noise ever so often. This just started then . After leaving church to go home the pinging noise got louder than the engine stalled and wouldn't start again. I had to have my car towed to my house. That is where it is now. The tow truck driver said that it was a rod. He said that he was mostly sure that it was happened. He stated that he has towed similar ones like mine with the same problem.
NHTSA complaint #11749858 · source - Filed Jun 28, 2026TXEngine
On 4/25/2026 I lost power on business freeway an orange light flash on along with whining noise I had to steer to right side shoulder for safety. Had it towed to dealership on 4/27/2026 they informed me 3 days later on 4/30/2026 that my car overheated. My car never overheated no smell of coolant nor no steam from the car when I exit to shoulder and turn car off. Retrieved manual from glove compartment it stated it had went into limp model. This has been a constantly…
NHTSA complaint #11746986 · source - Filed Apr 13, 2026155,000 miGATowedEngine
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65-70 MPH, the check engine warning light started flashing, and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road, where the vehicle failed to restart and was towed to a parking lot, where a mobile mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine had seized. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then towed to the dealer, where it…
NHTSA complaint #11730805 · source - Filed Apr 6, 2026TNEngine
Engine failed while driving down the road, car was looked at by two mechanics with no known reason for engine failure so car was took to Hyundai of murfreesboro for diagnostic testing and was there for a total of 12 days for inspection, in which during that time i as asked to submit maintenance records for vehicle which i provided 18 pages of oil changes, other records. I was then told my claim was denied by Hyundai due to maintenance neglect as worded by the technician…
NHTSA complaint #11729381 · source - Filed Apr 2, 202686,204 miALTowedEngine
The contact’s daughter owns a 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. While the owner was driving approximately 70 MPH, the engine started making a knocking sound. There were no warning lights illuminated. The driver called the contact and was advised to pull over to the side of the road and turn off the vehicle. Once the vehicle was turned off, it was towed to a certified mechanic who was unable to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle was then towed to another mechanic, who diagnosed the…
NHTSA complaint #11728772 · source - Filed Apr 2, 2026114,080 miHIEngine
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a blown engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the warranty service was declined because the oil maintenance records were not available. The failure mileage was approximately 114,080.
NHTSA complaint #11728707 · source - Filed Dec 22, 2025CAEngine
Dealer failure to to remedy engine replacement under settlement. I am entitled under the March 1, 2022, Settlement Agreement (the “E2 Settlement”) due to recurring Theta II engine failures caused by the oil-starvation/connecting-rod bearing defect. Vehicle stalling on highways and heavy traffic, Repeated codes and failures of MAP sensors, VVT solenoids, camshaft position sensors, starters (×3), batteries (×2), turbo wastegate, fuel pump, EVAP canister, thermostats/housings,…
NHTSA complaint #11706574 · source - Filed Sep 26, 2025NEElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
I am writing to express my concern regarding an ongoing and persistent issue with excessive engine oil consumption in my 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe, Subject: Severe Oil Consumption Issue - 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe - VIN: [XXX] The vehicle consumes an alarming amount of oil, approximately 1 quart every 300 miles. This rate of consumption is far beyond what is considered normal and strongly suggests a serious mechanical or manufacturing defect. I have already taken the vehicle to a…
NHTSA complaint #11689911 · source - Filed Aug 3, 2025AZFireBrakesEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
Driving on freeway and noticed smoke. Realized I needed to pull over and brakes weren’t working. Off ramp was at an incline so car came to a stop just in time to get toddler and myself out of vehicle. Car was on fire.
NHTSA complaint #11678091 · source - Filed Jul 26, 2025NCBrakesElectrical SystemEngine
I bought the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe yesterday evening. Upon leaving the dealership I promptly broke for a car in front of me. Immediately the vehicle turned off completely. I put the vehicle in the park and attempted to start the vehicle back up. The vehicle would not start up and begin leaking a prominent scent. Following this, white smoke with the same pungent smell was coming from the engine. I propped the hood and saw the smoke continue to release. I then motioned away…
NHTSA complaint #11676337 · source - Filed Jul 2, 2025GAEngine
Despite regular oil changes and maintenance. Engine failed due to lack of oil at 122,000 miles. Complete oil change was done at 120,000 miles. Tune up completed at 118,000 miles
NHTSA complaint #11670871 · source
Other 2015 Hyundai Santa FE Sport problem areas
- Brakes (21)
- Electrical System (6)
- Other / Unknown (5)
- Transmission & Drivetrain (4)
- Airbags (3)
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (2)
- Steering (2)
- Body & Structure (2)
- Lighting (1)
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (1)
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology