IllustrationThe car stop running in the middle of the highway. Was taken to the dealership and they sled us to pay close to 700 for an inspection. Since then I have been part of numerous groups that report similar issues with certain types of engines.
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 reportsThe vehicle lost power and started making a knocking noise from the engine. The vehicle would not accelerate at all, then quickly increase in RPMs and throttle forward. The knocking sound increased in intensity and volume. The RPM's continued to jump as did the power and acceleration. No check engine lights ever showed. After ab…
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The vehicle lost power and started making a knocking noise from the engine. The vehicle would not accelerate at all, then quickly increase in RPMs and throttle forward. The knocking sound increased in intensity and volume. The RPM's continued to jump as did the power and acceleration. No check engine lights ever showed. After about a year of owning the vehicle we noticed it was burning through oil at an alarming rate. At a Hyundai dealership we were told that it was normal for that engine to require oil top offs between oil changes. We had it looked at by a local mechanic and was told it is total engine failure due to an internal component and will require a new engine.
***(NW Indiana)*** 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate FWD 3.3L - 64,000mi. Driven to and from work and around town. Purchased used with 31,000mi in July 2020 from Knauz Hyundai. On the afternoon of December 22nd, 2022 I went to accelerate from 35 mph at which point I heard "tick-tick-tick-tick-tick". I had never heard that sound be…
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***(NW Indiana)*** 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate FWD 3.3L - 64,000mi. Driven to and from work and around town. Purchased used with 31,000mi in July 2020 from Knauz Hyundai. On the afternoon of December 22nd, 2022 I went to accelerate from 35 mph at which point I heard "tick-tick-tick-tick-tick". I had never heard that sound before. I tried the accelerator again and the same "ticking" sound was there. It became progressively louder on the 15 minute ride home but only while accelerating. During this whole episode not once did any warning light come on. I got home and popped the hood to listen to it(I did video record the sound) and to check the oil. The oil was a bit low but I topped it off and then put a code reader on the vehicle. The only thing that came back was a low voltage on the battery. The next morning I started it up and the noise was even louder. After a few minutes the sound subsided a bit, albeit still loud. I was able to drive it to work so that our mechanics could hear it and all three said it sounded like a bearing went bad and that the engine might be a loss. I spoke to another friend that is a mechanic that hosts a local radio show and he said that he had a show recently about how he is seeing A LOT of Hyundai's coming in with the exact same problem. He told me about a recall from 9/19/2017 with the #17V578000. While I am not certain that this pertains to my vehicle, everyone that has read the recall says that can absolutely be the issue. I have tried calling Hyundai Consumer Affairs but sit on hold forever only to be finally disconnected from the call. I am taking it in to Hyundai on January 6th, 2023 for the ABS recall and they said they would charge me $199 to look at this issue. After reading through all of the complaints regarding this problem Hyundai needs to make it right for their "valued" customers.
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. There was no warning light illuminated. An unknown dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the…
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The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. There was no warning light illuminated. An unknown dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 64,500.
Car seems to stall on slow turns, then after 2 seconds its back to normal. Dangerous when turning to avoid oncoming traffic. This vehicle belongs to my granddaughter (Britney N. Smith) I'm driving it as it's too dangerous for her. Dealerships have no solution for this problem!
I am a 2017 SantaFe Sport owner. I purchased my Santa Fe in Florida in December 2016 to include all the premium options, including a 10-year powertrain warranty. I believed I was investing in a vehicle that I would have for years to come, at least 10 years. I have always taken my car to be serviced at the Hyundai Service Center …
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I am a 2017 SantaFe Sport owner. I purchased my Santa Fe in Florida in December 2016 to include all the premium options, including a 10-year powertrain warranty. I believed I was investing in a vehicle that I would have for years to come, at least 10 years. I have always taken my car to be serviced at the Hyundai Service Center and paid for all the recommended services. Earlier this year, I was about to take a long distance trip in my trusted car with my son and elder mother. As I checked my vehicle to make sure it was road ready, to my surprise, it had no engine oil although there was over 1K miles till the next oil change! The oil stick was completely dry. Feeling unsure about my car, I ended up having to make an unnecessary expense and rent a vehicle. After seeing my service advisor at Hyundai, he recommended we start an oil consumption test. After several failed tests, car rental expenses, time away from work, purchase of engine oil and oil funnels, and a recommended Combustion Chamber Cleaning, my car is still consuming the oil with over 4K miles (4 months) till the next oil change. My car was back again at the dealer for the past 3 weeks for another oil consumption test and another submission for an engine replacement. Yet, Hyundai refuses to replace the engine stating my vehicle is operating at standard. I personally don’t know of a vehicle, not even a race car, that consumes oil at the rate my Hyundai SantaFe is consuming oil. I have spoken with Hyundai, the service manager, and have proof of all of my documentation. It has been a week since I picked up my car from the service center and it consumed all 4 quarts and the oil stick is dry again. I have also done my research and learned this a known problem that have cause people’s cars to stall while driving in the highway and also causing fires. There are thousands of people worldwide affected by this same issue.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine failed and started losing power. It is available at the dealership it was towed to. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I was driving with my family and had just accelerated onto the highway onramp …
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What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine failed and started losing power. It is available at the dealership it was towed to. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I was driving with my family and had just accelerated onto the highway onramp when the engine started rattling and started losing power. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? The dealer has confirmed the issue. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The dealer technician has looked over the engine to determine the issue and claimed the engine's rod bearing(s) had failed and that they did not see signs of maintenance neglect to have caused it. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? At the time, no, there weren't any warning lamps until when the engine problem actually happened and the check engine light came on. There had been a couple check engine lights over the past 2 years where the car went into limp mode temporarily. The first one a dealer couldn't reproduce as the engine light had cleared itself. The second time they replaced a sensor which may have been causing it.
The engine failed and is available for inspection upon request. The failure caused the vehicle to stall dangerously on the interstate and almost crashed. The problem was due to engine bearing (as diagnosed by third party repair shop) and matches a safety recall (17V578000) for Hyundai 2017 Santa Fes. The VIN, however, does n…
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The engine failed and is available for inspection upon request. The failure caused the vehicle to stall dangerously on the interstate and almost crashed. The problem was due to engine bearing (as diagnosed by third party repair shop) and matches a safety recall (17V578000) for Hyundai 2017 Santa Fes. The VIN, however, does not fall under this safety recall. But it should and I wish to dispute. The vehicle now is at the Courtesy Hyundai of Tampa. No warning messages appeared before stalling to my knowledge. This happened 4-5 weeks ago and has been in the shop since. There was a delay in reporting a safety problem because I tried working with the manufacturer directly. There was miscommunication and they submitted a case on my behalf to check the car for warranty but not to investigate the safety recall. Repair invoices yet to be provided. Courtesy Hyundai of Tampa should have more information: 813-356-7576
Cvvt timing malfunction causing over advanced bank 1 shaft to blow
Vehicle: 2017 Hyundai Sante Fe Sport - While driving down the highway, the day before Thanksgiving, 11/23/22, the Sante Fe began to knock and immediately began to decelerate leaving my youngest sister stranded on a dark backroad in NC in the middle of the night! She pulled over into a local church that was thankfully in the ar…
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Vehicle: 2017 Hyundai Sante Fe Sport - While driving down the highway, the day before Thanksgiving, 11/23/22, the Sante Fe began to knock and immediately began to decelerate leaving my youngest sister stranded on a dark backroad in NC in the middle of the night! She pulled over into a local church that was thankfully in the area and had to wait alone for a while. This is extremely dangerous as the road she was on was a winding road, 55 mph speed limit, steep shoulders, and the vehicle gave her no warning prior that something was wrong. After getting the car towed to a repairman we got the news that the engine has failed and that the engine rebuild alone is $10,000 (low estimate). This is not the Hyundai that I know and something must be done to rectify this.
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.