Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 75 MPH, the vehicle stalled and decelerated to 55 MPH while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle was not able to accelerate above 63 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. A local dealer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic who made her aware of an unknown recall however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000.
2018 Santa Fe Sport had been leaking a few little oil spots in my garage . First noticed the problem at about 80k miles. Took it for an oil change and the technician told us he had a lot of complaints on this model vehicle. Fast forward a few months at our next oill change (3 thousand miles later) and the technician told us we were almost completely out of oil. We took the vehicle to the Hyundai dealership and we were told there was nothing wrong, no oil leaks detected. We were then having to bring the vehicle in to the oil change place in between regularly scheduled oil changes and top off the oil (sometimes taking 3-4 quarts in between oil changes). Coming home from the ballpark a few weeks ago we exited the freeway and the vehicle started shaking and losing power and the check engine light came on. …
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle struggled while accelerating before there was an abnormal bang coming from the engine compartment. The contact was able to coast to the side of the roadway and received Roadside Assistance; however, the vehicle failed to restart. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, Roadside Assistance observed oil leaking from the engine and stopped the attempts to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that a piston had fractured, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 104,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while depressing the accelerator pedal and attempting to overtake another vehicle, the vehicle failed to immediately respond, and the vehicle decelerated. Additionally, the vehicle suddenly lost automotive power while driving at various speeds and decelerated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who could not duplicate the failure or determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 10,000.
While driving the vehicle at approximately at 55 MPH on a the 826, the engine suffered a sudden and catastrophic mechanical failure without warning. The vehicle lost all motive power in active traffic, creating an immediate safety hazard and nearly resulting in a rear-end collision. Upon inspection, it was determined that the engine assembly, which is a replacement unit provided by Hyundai under the Theta II Settlement, with less than 12,000 miles, suffered an internal breach. This breach allowed coolant to contaminate the lubrication system sort of a milky oil, which led to a connecting rod bearing seizure. Despite this being a repeat failure of a safety-recall component and the vehicle being covered under the Theta II Settlement Lifetime Warranty, Hyundai Motor America has denied the repair claim. …
The engine seized up on the highway with no warning signs or alerts and lost all power to the vehicle putting family at risk on the highway speed. Mechanic confirmed engine seized and metal debris after draining oil. Oil changes are done on timely basis within 5000 miles. Most recent where synthetic oil used and was just at 5000 mark. There was no oil warning at all and regular oil change was scheduled for next day prior to event. Car purchased in 2017 used and this happened before shortly after purchase and engine replaced by Hyundai at that time.
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that the recall repair for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V303000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) was performed; however while driving at 70 MPH a year later, the vehicle stalled inadvertently. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the intermediate shaft and the ABS had failed. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power however, the driver was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle seemed to return to normal functionality, but the failure recurred. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 94,000.
Frequently asked questions
Which Hyundai Santa Fe Sport years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2017 (42), 2018 (18), 2014 (13), 2013 (11) and 2015 (7) model years. Transmission complaints make up 12% of all complaints for the 2017.
Is there a recall for Hyundai Santa Fe Sport transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for any Hyundai Santa Fe Sport model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Hyundai Santa Fe Sport transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 28,000 miles; 65% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (1 mentions), followed by the automatic transmission › internal › shaft › intermediate/lay (1).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.