Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
650–25K
2125–50K
1450–75K
2475–100K
26100–150K
6150K+
156 reports with mileage · 192 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Engine. Review the 200 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 41 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 40 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
5 crash reports7 fire reports5 injury reports
What owners actually said
348 reports
40,000 miles · May 15, 2019
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S OIL CONSUMPTION WAS HIGH AND TWO QUARTS OF OIL NEEDED TO BE ADDED EACH MONTH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TEAM HYUNDAI (22514 THREE NOTCH RD, LEXINGTON PARK, MD 20653, (301) 880-4120) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OLD AND…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S OIL CONSUMPTION WAS HIGH AND TWO QUARTS OF OIL NEEDED TO BE ADDED EACH MONTH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TEAM HYUNDAI (22514 THREE NOTCH RD, LEXINGTON PARK, MD 20653, (301) 880-4120) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OLD AND HAD TOO MANY MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000.
NHTSA ODI #11207739
17,900 miles · May 12, 2019
Electrical System
THE VEHICLE ALMOST STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF INTERSTATE HIGHWAY WHILE DRIVING AT A SPEED OF 60 PLUS MPH. WITH HEAVY TRAFFIC AROUND , IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO PULL THE VEHICLE SAFELY ON THE SHOULDER. THE VEHICLE RECEIVED A SOFT WARE UPDATE BY THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT A MONTH BACK PER PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN NUMBER 953. IT T…
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THE VEHICLE ALMOST STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF INTERSTATE HIGHWAY WHILE DRIVING AT A SPEED OF 60 PLUS MPH. WITH HEAVY TRAFFIC AROUND , IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO PULL THE VEHICLE SAFELY ON THE SHOULDER. THE VEHICLE RECEIVED A SOFT WARE UPDATE BY THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT A MONTH BACK PER PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN NUMBER 953. IT TOOK ABOUT ONE MONTH TO GET THE DEFECT FIXED BY THE DEALERSHIP . I NARROWLY ESCAPED OF GETTING RUN DOWN UNDER HEAVY TRAFFIC COMING FROM BEHIND AND RUNNING ON BOTH SIDES OF MY VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE DOES NOT DRIVE AS SMOOTHLY SINCE IT WAS REPAIRED. THE CONSUMER IS APPREHENSIVE ABOUT DRIVING THE VEHICLE. *JS
NHTSA ODI #11207104
Mileage unknown · May 3, 2019
Unknown Or OtherFire
THIS VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FIRE WHILE SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY. THE FIRE ORIGINATED IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE POSSIBLY INVOLVING THE TAIL LIGHTS OR OTHER WIRING IN THIS AREA. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN OPERATED FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 HOURS. I AM THE FIRE MARSHAL AND I HAVE READ REPORTS OF OTHER INCIDENTS INVOLVING THIS TYPE VEH…
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THIS VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FIRE WHILE SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY. THE FIRE ORIGINATED IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE POSSIBLY INVOLVING THE TAIL LIGHTS OR OTHER WIRING IN THIS AREA. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN OPERATED FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 HOURS. I AM THE FIRE MARSHAL AND I HAVE READ REPORTS OF OTHER INCIDENTS INVOLVING THIS TYPE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI #11205475
24,300 miles · Apr 18, 2019
Service BrakesSteeringCrash
I WAS MAKING A LOOP AROUND UNDER THE FREEWAY. IT WASN'T RAINING AND THE ROAD WAS DRY. IT WAS DAYLIGHT AND I WAS NOT GOING FAST. AS I MADE THE TURN, THE BRAKES AND STEERING WHEEL BOTH LOCKED UP. I COULDN'T TURN THE STEERING WHEEL OR BRAKE. I HIT THE MEDIAN AND NARROWLY MISSED HITTING A POLE. I DO NOT FEEL COMFORTABLE OR SAF…
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I WAS MAKING A LOOP AROUND UNDER THE FREEWAY. IT WASN'T RAINING AND THE ROAD WAS DRY. IT WAS DAYLIGHT AND I WAS NOT GOING FAST. AS I MADE THE TURN, THE BRAKES AND STEERING WHEEL BOTH LOCKED UP. I COULDN'T TURN THE STEERING WHEEL OR BRAKE. I HIT THE MEDIAN AND NARROWLY MISSED HITTING A POLE. I DO NOT FEEL COMFORTABLE OR SAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI #11197179
Mileage unknown · Apr 18, 2019
Engine
I WAS DOING ERRANDS IN MY TOWN WHEN MY SANTA FE FELT LIKE IT DID NOT WANT TO SHIFT, WENT INTO LIMP MODE AND WOULD NOT GO OVER 15 MPH. HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO WAYNE MAZDA (SISTER STORE OF WAYNE HYUNDAI) FOR THEM TO TELL ME 2 DAYS LATER THE ENGINE BLEW AT 33K MILES AND I HAVE ONLY OWNED THE CAR FOR 10 MONTHS. MY CASE MANAGER THROU…
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I WAS DOING ERRANDS IN MY TOWN WHEN MY SANTA FE FELT LIKE IT DID NOT WANT TO SHIFT, WENT INTO LIMP MODE AND WOULD NOT GO OVER 15 MPH. HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO WAYNE MAZDA (SISTER STORE OF WAYNE HYUNDAI) FOR THEM TO TELL ME 2 DAYS LATER THE ENGINE BLEW AT 33K MILES AND I HAVE ONLY OWNED THE CAR FOR 10 MONTHS. MY CASE MANAGER THROUGH CORPORATE CALLED ME YESTERDAY AND STATED ENGINES ARE ON BACK ORDERED AND I PROBABLY WOULDN'T GET MY CAR BACK TILL MID JUNE OR LATER. WAYNE HYUNDAI WILL NOT ALLOW ME TO HAVE A FREE RENTAL CAR SO I AM PAYING OUT OF POCKET FOR MY RENTAL WHICH WILL BE REIMBURSED HOWEVER I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL TAXES AND FEES THAT APPLY. SAVE YOUR TIME AND MONEY FROM BUYING A HYUNDAI. BIGGEST MISTAKE OF MY LIFE.
NHTSA ODI #11197137
16,461 miles · Apr 15, 2019
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE SEIZED IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. THE CONTACT HAD THE BLUE LINK FEATURE, WHICH ALERTED HER TO EXIT THE VEHICLE FOR SAFETY REASONS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL NEW HYUNDAI'S HAD THE SAFETY FEATURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HYUNDAI OF KIRKLAND (1…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE SEIZED IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. THE CONTACT HAD THE BLUE LINK FEATURE, WHICH ALERTED HER TO EXIT THE VEHICLE FOR SAFETY REASONS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL NEW HYUNDAI'S HAD THE SAFETY FEATURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HYUNDAI OF KIRKLAND (11706 124TH AVE NE, KIRKLAND, WA 98034, (425) 821-6611) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE DEALER SENT DOCUMENTATION TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE DEALER THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THE VEHICLE WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NUMBER 26 ON THE MANUFACTURER'S ENGINE REPLACEMENT LIST. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD REPLACE THE ENGINE UNDER A NEW WARRANTY. THE CONTACT WAS CURRENTLY USING A LOANER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER WOULD ISSUE A RECALL ON MAY 5, 2019. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,461.
NHTSA ODI #11196524
26,000 miles · Apr 14, 2019
Electrical SystemService Brakes
THE WARNING LIGHT SAYING THAT THE EMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEM IS TEMPORARILY DISABLED KEEPS COMING ON AND OFF MULTIPLE TIMES A DAY AND IT DISABLES THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL WHEN I AN DRIVING IN CRUISE CONTROL. IT HAPPENS WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION IN ALL KINDS OF CIRCUMSTANCES AND WEATHER AND HAVE TAKEN CAR TO DEALER 3 TIMES WI…
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THE WARNING LIGHT SAYING THAT THE EMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEM IS TEMPORARILY DISABLED KEEPS COMING ON AND OFF MULTIPLE TIMES A DAY AND IT DISABLES THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL WHEN I AN DRIVING IN CRUISE CONTROL. IT HAPPENS WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION IN ALL KINDS OF CIRCUMSTANCES AND WEATHER AND HAVE TAKEN CAR TO DEALER 3 TIMES WITHOUT ANY SOLUTION. HAVE TRIED CLEANING SENSORS MULTIPLE TIMES. DEALER HAS SEEN IT HAPPENING TWICE IN A 10-15 MINUTE TEST DRIVE DOCUMENTING IT. HYUNDAI CONSUMER ASSURANCE HAS NOT RESOLVED THE PROBLEM EITHER. IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE DECEMBER 2018. IT WAS NOT HAPPENING AT ALL FOR THE FIRST 14-15 MONTHS OF OWNERSHIP. IT HAPPENS AT VARIOUS SPEEDS.
NHTSA ODI #11196103
40,500 miles · Apr 13, 2019
Unknown Or Other
IT DRIFTS OFF LEFT OR RIGHT CONSTANTLY HAVE TO REDIRECT THE STEERING WHEEL ONLY HAD IT FOR 6 DAYS OFF THE LOT VERY UNSAFE
NHTSA ODI #11196069
28,000 miles · Mar 27, 2019
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control
JUST GOT THIS CAR 2 WEEKS AGO AND IT HESITATES WHEN TURNING OR TRYING TO GET OUT INTO TRAFFIC. VERY SCARY! HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES AT RANDOM UNDER THE SAME CIRCUMSTANCE OF TURNING OR MERGING..
NHTSA ODI #11191961
16,000 miles · Mar 26, 2019
Engine
WHILE DRIVING MY HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT, I NOTICED HESITATION WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP. THE ENGINE LIGHT ALSO STARTED BLINKING. I MADE IT HOME SAFELY AND CALLED THE SERVICE DEPT AT THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP. I WAS TOLD BECAUSE THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS BLINKING NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BUT TO CALL A TOW TRUCK SERVICE AND HAVE IT TO…
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WHILE DRIVING MY HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT, I NOTICED HESITATION WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP. THE ENGINE LIGHT ALSO STARTED BLINKING. I MADE IT HOME SAFELY AND CALLED THE SERVICE DEPT AT THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP. I WAS TOLD BECAUSE THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS BLINKING NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BUT TO CALL A TOW TRUCK SERVICE AND HAVE IT TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. I WAS NOTIFIED TODAY THAT THE ENGINE IS DEFECTIVE AND WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAS A LITTLE OVER 16000 MILES. I HAVE READ SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THIS WEBSITE OF OTHERS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. WHY HAVE ALL THESE VEHICLES NOT BEEN RECALLED AND REPLACED? WHY WAIT FOR POSSIBLY A FATAL ACCIDENT TO OCCUR? I WAS LUCKY. I MADE IT HOME.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Santa Fe, 2017-2018 Santa Fe Sport, 2019 Santa Fe XL, and 2014-2015 Tucson vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS multi-fuse, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 31, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 218.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the secondary hood latch actuating cable may corrode and bind, causing the secondary hood latch to remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the hood is not securely closed or the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary latch cable, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owner's may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for the recall is 163.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolt for the driver's seat belt anchor might not have been sufficiently tightened during assembly.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the bolt was not sufficiently tightened, driver's seat belt may come unanchored in a collision, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners and dealers will verify that the driver's seatbelt anchor is properly secured, free of charge. The recall began July 7, 2017. Owner's may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for the recall is 165.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2
AQ23002 · Hyundai And Kia Abs Module Fires
Opened Nov 17, 2023 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.
DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power
Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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