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2017 Hyundai Santa Fe

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Santa Fe years

Owner complaints for the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe are substantially higher than the model-year median of 212.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

268 reports with mileage · 694 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 643 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 161 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 67 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

14 crash reports23 fire reports11 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

67 reports
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3,400 miles · Jul 13, 2017
Electrical SystemService BrakesSteering

WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, NUMEROUS WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED, INCLUDING LOW TIRES, STEERING, OTHER CODES CONSISTING OF LETTERS. POWER STEERING FAILED, POWER BRAKES FAILED. ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING. WE WERE ABLE TO PULL THE CAR OFF THE ROAD SAFELY. STEERING WARNING LIGHT STILL ILLUMINATED AS WERE TIRE WARNINGS. THE TIRES WERE FUL…

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WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, NUMEROUS WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED, INCLUDING LOW TIRES, STEERING, OTHER CODES CONSISTING OF LETTERS. POWER STEERING FAILED, POWER BRAKES FAILED. ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING. WE WERE ABLE TO PULL THE CAR OFF THE ROAD SAFELY. STEERING WARNING LIGHT STILL ILLUMINATED AS WERE TIRE WARNINGS. THE TIRES WERE FULLY INFLATED, ENGINE STILL RUNNING. WE TURNED THE ENGINE OFF, RAISED THE HOOD TO CHECK FOR THROWN BELT. BELTS WERE INTACT. TRIED TO RESTART THE ENGINE, IT MADE A CLICKING AND A SIZZLING SOUND AND WOULD NOT START. CALLED DEALER, DEALER GAVE NUMBER FOR HYUNDAI ASSURANCE. THEY CAME AND PICKED UP THE CAR. IF WE HAD BEEN DRIVING ANY FASTER, OR IN TRAFFIC, THE AUTOMOBILE'S FAILURE COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. IF WE HAD BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY, SOMEONE COULD HAVE BEEN HURT OR KILLED. AFTER A COUPLE OF DAYS WE WERE GIVEN A COURTESY CAR. AFTER A WEEK, THE CAR WAS REPAIRED. THE PROBLEM WAS REPORTED AS A FUSE ON THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE. CABLE AND BATTERY WERE REPLACED. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET AT TIME OF FAILURE.

NHTSA ODI #11005132

Mileage unknown · Jun 23, 2017
Electrical System

BLINKING AIRBAG LIGHT ON FRONT PANEL AND DASHBOARD WHILE CAR IS MOVING. THIS OCCURS WHEN THERE IS A DRIVER WITH OR WITHOUT A FRONT PASSENGER.

NHTSA ODI #11000849

800 miles · Feb 17, 2017
Electrical SystemEngineVehicle Speed Control

WHEN DRIVING SUDDENLY THE CAR DECELERATES MAKING IT NECESSARY TO MASH HARDER ON THE GAS PEDAL TO GET THE CAR TO CONTINUE MOVING. THE USB PORT DOES NOT CHARGE WHICH RESULTS IN THE PHONE LOSING BATTERY LIFE YOU CAN ONLY USE ANDROID AND APPLE CAR ONN THAT PORT SO WHEN TRAVELING LONG DISTANCES YOU MAY BE WITHOUT DIRECTIONS. ITS AN O…

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WHEN DRIVING SUDDENLY THE CAR DECELERATES MAKING IT NECESSARY TO MASH HARDER ON THE GAS PEDAL TO GET THE CAR TO CONTINUE MOVING. THE USB PORT DOES NOT CHARGE WHICH RESULTS IN THE PHONE LOSING BATTERY LIFE YOU CAN ONLY USE ANDROID AND APPLE CAR ONN THAT PORT SO WHEN TRAVELING LONG DISTANCES YOU MAY BE WITHOUT DIRECTIONS. ITS AN ONGOING ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI #10955299

1,200 miles · Jan 13, 2017
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER WHILE TURNING RIGHT OR LEFT. THE POWER RETURNED WITHIN SECONDS. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER WHILE TURNING RIGHT OR LEFT. THE POWER RETURNED WITHIN SECONDS. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,200.

NHTSA ODI #10945053

17,000 miles · Jan 6, 2017
Electrical SystemEngineExterior Lighting

TWO ISSUES: SEVERE PROBLEM - WHEN DRIVING AT A RATE OF APPROXIMATELY 35MPH TODAY ON A MAJOR CITY THOROUGHFARE, OUR 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE 2.0T ULTIMATE SUFFERED A SUDDEN AND COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER (ENGINE AND ALL ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS INCLUDING LIGHTING). AFTER COMING TO A STOP, THE VEHICLE WAS STRANDED IN PLACE UNTIL IT WAS ABLE …

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TWO ISSUES: SEVERE PROBLEM - WHEN DRIVING AT A RATE OF APPROXIMATELY 35MPH TODAY ON A MAJOR CITY THOROUGHFARE, OUR 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE 2.0T ULTIMATE SUFFERED A SUDDEN AND COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER (ENGINE AND ALL ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS INCLUDING LIGHTING). AFTER COMING TO A STOP, THE VEHICLE WAS STRANDED IN PLACE UNTIL IT WAS ABLE TO START UP AGAIN MANY MINUTES LATER. FORTUNATELY NO ONE WAS PHYSICALLY HARMED AS THE INDIVIDUAL DRIVING BEHIND OUR VEHICLE WAS OBSERVANT ENOUGH TO IDENTIFY THE ISSUE (DESPITE A LACK OF BRAKE LIGHTS OR HAZARDS) AND STOP IN TIME. NO VISIBLE ENGINE LIGHT OR FAULT CODE WAS TRIGGERED. LESS SEVERE PROBLEM: ON A REGULAR BASIS, THE VEHICLE SUFFERS ABRUPT AND SUSTAINED LOSS OF POWER IN MERGING SITUATIONS (ESPECIALLY WHEN TURNING ON CITY STREETS FROM A STOP). THIS SEEMS TO BE FROM AN OVERACTIVE OR OTHERWISE INEFFECTIVE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM/PROGRAMMING. DESPITE EVEN PLANNING FOR THE POSSIBLE LOSS OF POWER, THIS HAS STILL RESULTED IN A NUMBER OF "NEAR MISS" SITUATIONS. A WARRANTY VISIT HAS BEEN SCHEDULED FOR THESE ISSUE AND WE WILL GLADLY PROVIDE THE RESULTS AND/OR OTHER UPDATES UPON REQUEST. WE ARE, HOWEVER, SERIOUSLY CONSIDERING SELLING THE VEHICLE AT A LOSS DUE TO THESE TWO ISSUES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10940204

2,700 miles · Jul 12, 2016
Air BagsElectrical SystemSeats

IN THE AFFECTED VEHICLE, THE WIRES IN THE CAN WIRING HARNESS ASSEMBLY AND AIRBAG WIRING HARNESS ASSEMBLY MAY BE DAMAGED BY THE PASSENGER SEAT'S HEIGHT ADJUSTER MECHANISM. A METAL 3RD PARTY POWER INVERTER WAS POSITIONED UNDERNEATH THE PASSENGER SEAT. PRIOR SEAT ADJUSTMENTS CAUSED THE SHEATH AROUND THE HARNESSES TO BECOME BARE, EX…

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IN THE AFFECTED VEHICLE, THE WIRES IN THE CAN WIRING HARNESS ASSEMBLY AND AIRBAG WIRING HARNESS ASSEMBLY MAY BE DAMAGED BY THE PASSENGER SEAT'S HEIGHT ADJUSTER MECHANISM. A METAL 3RD PARTY POWER INVERTER WAS POSITIONED UNDERNEATH THE PASSENGER SEAT. PRIOR SEAT ADJUSTMENTS CAUSED THE SHEATH AROUND THE HARNESSES TO BECOME BARE, EXPOSING THE ELECTRICAL WIRING. THE METAL POWER INVERTER BECOME LODGED AGAINST THE WIRING CAUSING A SHORT IN THE WIRING AND CAUSING THE ENTIRE VEHICLE'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM TO FAIL. THE EPB (ELECTRONIC PARKING BREAK) BECAME ENGAGED AND IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. ALTHOUGH ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE 3RD PARTY POWER INVERTER WAS UNDER THE SEAT, THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN DRIVEN 4 TIMES WITH IT UNDER IT, TOTALING LESS THAN 800 MILES. IT IS NOT KNOWN HOW LONG IT WOULD TAKE FOR THAT BOX TO RUB AGAINST THE SHEATH ON THE HARNESS AND BARE THE WIRING, THEREFORE IT IS SUSPECTED THAT THE POWER SEAT ADJUSTER CAUSED THE WIRES TO BECOME BARE AND THAT RECALL #141 SAFETY CAMPAIGN #16V145000 MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY RESOLVED. WE BELIEVE THE SEAT ADJUSTER CAUSED THE WIRES TO BECOME BARE, PRIOR TO THE INVERTER BEING PLACED UNDER THE SEAT. THE INVERTER WAS POSITIONED SUCH THAT IT WASN'T MAKING CONTACT WITH THE BARE WIRE, UNTIL THE SEAT WAS ADJUSTED ON 7/2/2017. THE CAR WAS NOT DRIVEN ON 7/3/2016. THE INCIDENT OCCURRED ON 7/4/216 AS THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN ACROSS RAILROAD TRACKS. IT IS BELIEVED THE INVERTER WAS THEN JARRED AGAINST THE BARE WIRE, CAUSING THE SHORT. THE DEALERSHIP HAS NOT VALIDATED THIS; THEY ARE SUGGESTING IT WAS THE INVERTER THAT CAUSED THE WIRES TO BECOME BARE. OUR OPINION IS THAT THE INVERTER WAS NOT THERE LONG ENOUGH TO CAUSE THAT WIRING TO BECOME BARE. IT WASN'T UNTIL I DISCOVERED THIS PREVIOUS RECALL THAT EVERYTHING STARTED TO MAKE SENSE. IT IS A $5,300.00 REPAIR BECAUSE THE OTHER WIRES INVOLVED THAT ARE BARE ARE FOR THE AIRBAGS.

NHTSA ODI #10884368

675 miles · Jun 16, 2016
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or OtherFire

I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE ON 5/7/16. ON 6/2/16 I WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY 395 WHEN I NOTICED SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CAR STARTED LOSING POWER AND EVENTUALLY DIED. WHEN I GOT IT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD I NOTICED FLAMES COMING OUT FROM THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE. I GRABBED WHAT I COULD AND GOT OUT OF THE …

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I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE ON 5/7/16. ON 6/2/16 I WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY 395 WHEN I NOTICED SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CAR STARTED LOSING POWER AND EVENTUALLY DIED. WHEN I GOT IT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD I NOTICED FLAMES COMING OUT FROM THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE. I GRABBED WHAT I COULD AND GOT OUT OF THE CAR. WITHIN 5 MIN THE FRONT OF THE CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. I HAD APPROXIMATELY 675 MILES ON IT. I HAVE CONTACTED HYUNDAI BUT THEY HAVE NOT RESPONDED TO ME. I ORDERED A COPY OF THE POLICE REPORT BUT HAVE NOT RECEIVED IT YET. I HAVE PICTURES THAT I HAVE ATTACHED. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THIS HAPPENING TO OTHER PEOPLE. THANKFULLY I DIDN'T HAVE GRANDKIDS IN THE CAR, I'M NOT SURE I WOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GET THEM OUT.

NHTSA ODI #10874600

Official recalls

6

22V056000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

Feb 3, 2022

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.

17V578000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

Sep 20, 2017

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Santa Fe vehicles equipped with 3.3L engines. The crankshaft assemblies may have been produced with surface irregularities in the crankshaft pin, causing engine bearing wear.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: The engine bearing wear may cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify all owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the engine, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 168.

17V358000 · Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch

Jun 5, 2017

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.

17V142000 · Tires:pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems

Mar 6, 2017

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The affected vehicles have a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that may not have been set in the correct mode during vehicle assembly, and therefore will not provide an appropriate warning in the event of an underinflated tire. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An underinflated inflated tire can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the TPMS sensors, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for the recall is 159.

16V842000 · Electrical System:wiring; Trailer Hitches

Nov 21, 2016

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 19, 2015, to November 14, 2016, and 2017 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured November 28, 2015, to November 14, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result, in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected accessory trailer hitch wiring harnesses, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 13, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 153.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Trailer Hitches

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 19, 2015, to November 14, 2016, and 2017 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured November 28, 2015, to November 14, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result, in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected accessory trailer hitch wiring harnesses, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 13, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 153.

Electrical System:wiring

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 19, 2015, to November 14, 2016, and 2017 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured November 28, 2015, to November 14, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result, in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected accessory trailer hitch wiring harnesses, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 13, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 153.

16V145000 · Seat Belts:front:warning Light/devices

Mar 10, 2016

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured September 1, 2015 to February 12, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the wires in the front seat belt buckle harnesses may be damaged by the seat's height adjuster mechanism, resulting in a failure to provide an audible warning when front seat occupants do not fasten their seat belts. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Without a warning to remind the front seat occupants that their seat belts are not buckled, they may forget to buckle their seat belt, increasing their risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and reroute the wires in the front seat belt buckle harnesses to their proper locations, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 27, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 141.

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

3

DP24001 · 3.3L Engine Loss Of Motive Power (lomp)

Opened Feb 8, 2024 · Closed May 16, 2024

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a petition on February 2, 2024, requesting a defect investigation into an alleged defect of the "engine" on the following vehicle model: 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles equipped with the 3.3L V-Shaped GDI Lambda-II engines. The petition cites allegations of a loss of motive power, often resulting in an engine seizure. The stall is preceded by a knocking sound, decreased performance and no warning lights. An analysis of the subject vehicle population was undertaken using complaints submitted to ODI along with manufacturer data.  It was determined that the frequency of events is low for the subject population, while those that specifically report a loss of motive power event have a high mileage at the time of incident.  The 2017 Santa Fe is equipped with a service interval reminder for the consumer that must be set by the consumer themselves or at a dealership.  A Technical Service Bulletin (19-EM-002H) instructs the dealership to set the maintenance reminder at the completion of routine maintenance service or anytime a repair is performed that requires new engine oil.  This maintenance reminder will help reinforce the need for proper oil maintenance intervals.  Additionally, the Santa Fe vehicles with 3.3L V-shaped Lambda-II engines will be added to Hyundai’s existing Technical Service Bulletin (23-EM-007H) related to combustion chamber cleaning.  These actions will help limit negative consumer incidents related to loss of motive power.  Lastly, Hyundai has extended the limited engine warranty for MY 2013-2019 Santa Fe vehicles equipped with 3.3L V-shaped Lambda-II engines included in the Petition.  The updated coverage is 15 years, or 150,000 miles and details are contained in Technical Service Bulletin 24-EM-003H. In view of the service interval reminder, combustion chamber cleaning, and extended warranty actions being taken by Hyundai, ODI is denying this Defect Petition.  The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.  To review the report cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

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.