Seeking Advice for '07 Hyundai Veracruz: Check Engine Light, Power Loss, and Strong Exhaust Smell

Hey there! I can totally relate! I experienced something similar with my '04 Hyundai Santa Fe not too long ago. The symptoms were almost the same - check engine light, loss in performance, and foul exhaust smell. It was bugging me like crazy, but hey, cars, right? Just like you, I thought maybe it was the exhaust gas temp sensor acting up. But when my mechanic took a good look, turned out I had a seriously bad exhaust system leak. It wasn't even the sensor, can you imagine that? the garage day was no picnic. They had to lift the car, check the full exhaust line to locate the leak, and then deal with it. Turns out, rust had made itself at home in my exhaust pipes, causing them to leak badly. Basically, they needed to replace segments of the exhaust pipe while ensuring that the rest of the system was well-protected against future rust. It was definitely an issue that needed immediate attention. If not dealt with promptly, exhaust leaks can lead to performance and efficiency issues. Plus, prolonged exposure to exhaust fumes is harmful to health so definitely not something you want to put off fixing. Anyways it might not necessarily be the same for your Veracruz, but it won't hurt getting your exhaust system thoroughly checked out. Here's hoping it's a minor issue! Take care. Cheers!

Hey! Thanks for the detailed response! Your '04 Santa Fe situation sounds exactly like what I'm dealing with. And that's a surprise, it being an exhaust leak and not the sensor. Cars surely have their own way of surprising us, don't they? Really appreciate all the insights. Now I have a clearer direction of what to look at. Gonna get this car checked ASAP cause you're right – this isn't something I would want to put off. And the last thing I need is more issues popping up because of neglect. Out of curiosity, do you remember how much it cost you to get it all fixed up? And since you got it sorted, has anything else weird or problematic popped up with your Santa Fe? Cheers!

Hey there! Ah the car problems, never ending surprises, aren't they? Regarding the cost, I ended up coughing up about 265.00€ to get the whole exhaust system sorted out. A bit of a pinch in the pocket, but totally worth it considering the peace of mind it brought me. As for any more issues popping up since then - thankfully, nothing major. And yep, to your earlier hunch, after visiting the mechanic and getting the exhaust issue fixed, interestingly enough, the exhaust gas temperature sensor problem also got resolved. That was a relief, I tell ya! Here's hoping your issue is just as simple and straightforward to fix. Trust me you'll be out enjoying your Veracruz again in no time! Cheers!

Hey! Thanks for sharing your experience. The cost is a bit steep, but I suppose it's a small price to pay for a ride that's safe and reliable. It's good to know that your Santa Fe has been cruising well since the fix. You've given me the confidence to dive in and tackle this problem head-on. It's funny, we never really think about the exhaust system until there's an issue. I'm hoping this will be the last of my car troubles for a while. Glad to hear that your temperature sensor problem also got fixed in the process. Fingers crossed that I'll have the same luck with my Veracruz! Your words of encouragement mean a lot. Hoping to hit the open road with a well-tuned engine soon. Appreciate you sharing your story and advice. Stay safe on the road and keep the rubber side down! Cheers!