2015 Hyundai Santa Fe · symptom sheet
Engine knocking or ticking
- 31owner reports
- 108,000median miles
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Jul 21, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
31 of the 100 reports of engine failure on the 2015 Santa Fe describe engine knock.
Part of Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing (100 reports)
Tick what matches of 31 reports
Engine knock 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: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (6 reports) and the rod bearing (6 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.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 56,000 and 134,000 miles, from the 15 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“Vehicle engine started knocking heavily while driving down the road. Had vehicle inspected for issue and was told vehicle had burned all the oil down to one quart and the engine was destroyed. Vehicle recently serviced with oil change within roughly 3,000 miles.”
Filed Apr 22, 2026 · 3,000 miles
“The engine is continually knocking. It has caused the powertrain system to start to fail. The interior portion of the car with electrical is malfunctioning and causing the car to lag. Many attempts have been taken to get the vehicle fixed to no avail. $1,000 just to take out the engine to diagnose the problem.”
Filed Jun 17, 2024
“Warning light for catalytic converter came on and said it was knock sensor mechanic said engine problem and Hyundai is aware.”
Filed Aug 29, 2023
“Rod knock, engine failure. Vehicle still runs. Engine was accepted for replacement via Kearny Mesa Hyundai dealership.”
Filed Aug 15, 2023
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 31 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