IllustrationEngine seized while driving down the highway. No warning, check engine, etc. indicators preceded the incident. Vehicle has <80,000 miles on the engine. I am the original owner.
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.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Santa Fe years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
1470–25K
3625–50K
2450–75K
2675–100K
32100–150K
3150K+
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
Engine complaints
643 reportsMy engine randomly and failed one evening that we were driving. It made an Odd sound as we were driving 35 mph down a hill and it just shut off completely. After taking it to the dealership we bought it from we were told the engine needed replaced. We still owe $14,000 on this car and it only had 71,000 miles on it. There were …
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My engine randomly and failed one evening that we were driving. It made an Odd sound as we were driving 35 mph down a hill and it just shut off completely. After taking it to the dealership we bought it from we were told the engine needed replaced. We still owe $14,000 on this car and it only had 71,000 miles on it. There were no indications that this was going to happen, no warning signs or signals. This vehicle was maintained regularly and very well.
I own a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe and have noticed excessive oil consumption in between regularly, scheduled oil changes with my personal mechanic for the past 8-9 months. At NO TIME did any error or sensor codes or warning lights come on. At one point, it was down 5 qts of oil! I reached out to my local dealership for an oil consu…
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I own a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe and have noticed excessive oil consumption in between regularly, scheduled oil changes with my personal mechanic for the past 8-9 months. At NO TIME did any error or sensor codes or warning lights come on. At one point, it was down 5 qts of oil! I reached out to my local dealership for an oil consumption test, but they were booked out and I was told to watch it. The service rep indicated since I had an extended warranty, the powertrain is good for up to 100,000 miles. On Nov. 24, 2023, without any warning sensors going off, the engine suddenly went into limp mode - no acceleration from 70 mph to approx. 45 mph on Hwy. 5. We immediately exited and when we restarted the engine, the check engine light came on. We immediately called AAA to tow our car home 90 miles. Our mechanic confirmed from the error code that Master Cylinder #2 had loss of compression. The engine only had 74,400+ miles and the oil was low again, despite having it full when we left for our trip. We had a scheduled appt. with the local dealership for Dec. 18th, but were able to tow it in on Dec. 7th. Hyundai Corp had agreed to pay for the full diagnostic fee, however, when they inspected it, they too got the error code for loss of compression and that the car needed a longblock replacement. Hyundai Corp denied it on Dec. 7th. All recalls have been performed. I tried calling Corp for assistance and my case was escalated but they again denied any help due to no warranty. The dealership offered $2,500 trade-in value, however, I feel that this amount was low-balled and they claimed it would cost them $15,000 for it to be re-sellable to replace the engine and a laundry list of other items that needed replacement (i.e. battery, hoses, etc.). We immediately went to claim my vehicle from the dealership and have it parked in my driveway awaiting results of a BBB claim The vehicle is currently parked in my driveway and is inoperable. The value has decreased
Like many others, my 2017 V6 Santa Fe is afflicted with the excess oil consumption flaw, and has sustained damage beyond repair. Same as others, NO warning whatsoever, no check engine or oil light came on. After noticing a clicking/rattling noise when accelerating, took to my mechanic. Four of the six quarts of oil that was supp…
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Like many others, my 2017 V6 Santa Fe is afflicted with the excess oil consumption flaw, and has sustained damage beyond repair. Same as others, NO warning whatsoever, no check engine or oil light came on. After noticing a clicking/rattling noise when accelerating, took to my mechanic. Four of the six quarts of oil that was supposed to be in the engine had burned and consumed internally. At 124,000 miles so beyond warranty, and even though I contacted Hyundai they of course said no guarantee there would be any coverage or compensation, despite many others having the same issue. I'm grateful mine did not leave me stranded on the highway... Hyundai MUST BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE for such a known and widespread flaw. Why no recall??
After 106,000 miles on a long trip home acceleration stopped working on the highway and heard a clanking noise. We had complete engine failure and were lucky enough to make it off the road safely. The engine can't be repaired or replaced and is out of warranty.
While driving on the highway, the engine cut out and died. It appears the engine seized. This is similar to the issues with the Santa Fe 2.4L engines, however this engine is a V6. According to a mechanic that inspected the engine, it appears that the engine had been burning engine oil, which ultimately led to the engine failu…
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While driving on the highway, the engine cut out and died. It appears the engine seized. This is similar to the issues with the Santa Fe 2.4L engines, however this engine is a V6. According to a mechanic that inspected the engine, it appears that the engine had been burning engine oil, which ultimately led to the engine failure. There was no warning prior to engine failure. The engine failed while driving on the interstate, and the car coasted to a stop on the hard shoulder and would no longer start.
The rod bearings went out in the engine causing engine failure.
My Ex and I purchased a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited Ultimate 3.3L engine. We always took the vehicle to the dealership for any and all services. We paid off our loan on the vehicle mid 2022. In December of 2022, the vehicle died. No warning lights or signs of damage. Beginning of 2023 I had the vehicle towed to the dealership.…
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My Ex and I purchased a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited Ultimate 3.3L engine. We always took the vehicle to the dealership for any and all services. We paid off our loan on the vehicle mid 2022. In December of 2022, the vehicle died. No warning lights or signs of damage. Beginning of 2023 I had the vehicle towed to the dealership. I was told that the engine needed replaced. After researching, I discovered 420 of the same vehicle had been under RECALL campaign 168. I believe wholeheartedly that my VIN was missed during this recall, as the engine in my vehicle died for the exact same reason as the other 420 vehicles. This is a recall! I’ve been in contact with Hyundai and told that because the vehicle is no longer under “warranty”, it will not be covered. However, Federal Law says that any vehicle with a recall is covered for 15 years after the first purchase of the vehicle. I did approve repairs because when you pay off a vehicle, you hope that the corporate office of Hyundai will honor the contract of following through with recalls. I’m in the process of getting disability. Im having surgery on my Back Nov. 2nd. I’ve been diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder this year and have many follow up appts and physical therapy that I have not been able to make the appts due to not having a vehicle. In April, my ex was going through some mental health issues and kicked me out. I’ve been staying at a family members Airbnb but it’s 1 hour away from all of my doctors. I feel that Hyundai is not honoring the Recall because they missed my VIN during their initial inspections of the defective parts. Many other complaints of Engine issues have been posted on the NTSB website along with my own. A Hyundai rep that I spoke to today suggested I contact the BBB in hopes there is something you could help me with. I feel this is a huge disruption in my life as I should be focusing on my health, however I have no means of transportation, even after paying off the car. Vin [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
On 11/6/ 2023, while drive on the turnpike my check engine light went on and vehicle went in limp mode. I was scared and felt unsafe as I did not know what was happening. Got vehicle to dealer and P1326 was the code. Vehicle needs new engine. BCT test failed. Hyundai not helpful even when documentation provided.
The engine in my 2017 Santa Fe failed without notice. Upon starting the vehicle on 12/12/23 it would not run and upon checking had burned through oil leaving none in engine. This resulted is burned out spark plugs and leaving the car no longer able to drive. I took vehicle to dealership where spark plugs were replaced and eng…
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The engine in my 2017 Santa Fe failed without notice. Upon starting the vehicle on 12/12/23 it would not run and upon checking had burned through oil leaving none in engine. This resulted is burned out spark plugs and leaving the car no longer able to drive. I took vehicle to dealership where spark plugs were replaced and engine failed again on test drive with technician. Hyundai contacted multiple times and refused to asssit with repairs despite multiple engine failures.
Official recalls
622V056000 · 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
3DP24001 · 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.