2009 Hyundai Santa FE engine problems

60 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2009 Hyundai Santa FE — 17% of all complaints for this model year.

Engine complaints

17%

share of all complaints

89,780 mi

median reported incident mileage

3 / 0

crash / fire reports

What owners report

“*The mechanic diagnosed internal engine failure (May 14, 2026). The vehicle is at the second mechanic's shop. *The car stalled twice. The first time, over 20 miles, the air conditioning stopped, followed by the radio, and then acceleration. I pulled over and the acceleration returned but only for a…”
filed May 20, 2026
“Vehicle will suddenly shutdown in the middle of the road. This could easily have caused a crash at any time. Several batteries have been replaced due to alternator not charging the battery. Then the battery has to be jumped for emergencies. I have taken the car in for repairs of the recall twice. I…”
filed Jan 16, 2026

Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.

Some Santa Fe (CM) vehicles may have an engine that potentially leaks oil from the front cylinder bankâ s valve cover onto the alternator. Oil could damage the alternator resulting in illumination of the charging system…
24-01-026H · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 9, 2024
Some Santa Fe (CM) vehicles may have an engine that potentially leaks oil from the front cylinder bankâ s valve cover onto the alternator. Oil could damage the alternator resulting in illumination of the charging system…
23-01-076H-2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 19, 2023
Some Santa Fe (CM) vehicles may have an engine that potentially leaks oil from the front cylinder bankâ s valve cover onto the alternator. Oil could damage the alternator resulting in illumination of the charging system…
23-01-076H-2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 19, 2023
Some Santa Fe (CM) vehicles may have an engine that potentially leaks oil from the front cylinder bankâ s valve cover onto the alternator. Oil could damage the alternator resulting in illumination of the charging system…
23-01-076H-1 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 3, 2023
Some Santa Fe (CM) vehicles may have an engine that potentially leaks oil from the front cylinder bankâ s valve cover onto the alternator. Oil could damage the alternator resulting in illumination of the charging system…
23-01-076H-1 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 3, 2023