2015 Hyundai Santa Fe · symptom sheet
Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing
- 100owner reports
- 101,000median miles
- $3,000median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Jul 21, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
160 of the 254 complaints on this car are about the engine. 100 of those describe engine failure, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2015 Santa Fe.
Narrower sheets: Engine knocking or ticking (31 reports)
Tick what matches of 100 reports
Engine failure on other Santa Fe years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026.
What this problem usually is
These are the reports nobody wants to file. The engine started knocking or ticking, the oil light came on, and then it seized or had to be replaced. Some owners had the replacement covered under warranty or an extension, and plenty were told they'd pay. Several narrower sheets split this group into knocking, seized engines and rod bearing failure.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (95 reports) and the timing chain (4 reports).
Recalls and investigations
No recall on the engine covers the 2015 model year as of Oct 2, 2026.
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Santa Fe
3.3l engine loss of motive power (lomp). Closed may 16, 2024.
Loss of motive power. Closed dec 12, 2023.
Engine fires. Closed feb 5, 2024, led to recall 23V-877.
Scope and timeliness. Closed dec 22, 2021, led to recall 17V-226.
Engine seizure. Closed aug 12, 2002.
What owners paid
22 of the 100 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $600 to $7,500.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 63,000 and 129,280 miles, from the 48 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“engine replacement can be avoided you should use fuel injector cleaner every 3000 miles, sediment clogs injectors, and pistons which fuel leaks into oil pan, causing oil/fuel mixture to burn, creating overheating, which leads to oil burning, and eventually engine seizing. If you use fuel injector cleaner every 3000 miles this will prevent needing to replace motor.”
Filed Mar 26, 2024 · 3,000 miles
“2015 3.3 engine santa fe motor seized 115,000miles, no lights, no low oil indicator, no check engine light, no noise except 6minutes prior!”
Filed Oct 23, 2023 · 115,000 miles
“Car has been dealer maintained. Driving on the highway, the engine lost a rod and engine is now dead. Car has 101k miles. Dealer said it was out of warranty and cost would be out of pocket to replace engine. Only issues before blown engine was slight engine oil consumption. Nothing significant.”
Filed Sep 22, 2023 · 101,000 miles
“Owner states his 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe developed an engine noise, and the check engine light came on. The vehicle was stopped and restarted after 30 minutes, but the engine noise continued. The dealer replaced the engine; however, the owner is seeking rental reimbursement. Also, the vehicle was crashed in the dealer's possession and determined a total loss.”
Filed Jul 24, 2023 · 58,000 miles
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 100 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Taking it to a shop? How to describe this problem so it gets found
Other problems on this car
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 54 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 42 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 29 reports