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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

Engine complaints

643 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jan 27, 2022
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

Car has repeatedly lost power or hesitated when making turns. Now it lost power and decelerated over 10 mph abruptly while driving on I-65. After deceleration the car would not accelerate to in a normal fashion. Took minutes to get up to speed. Upon a test drive at the dealership, Terry Lee Hyundai, I was told nothing was wrong …

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Car has repeatedly lost power or hesitated when making turns. Now it lost power and decelerated over 10 mph abruptly while driving on I-65. After deceleration the car would not accelerate to in a normal fashion. Took minutes to get up to speed. Upon a test drive at the dealership, Terry Lee Hyundai, I was told nothing was wrong with the car. I refused to believe that after my highway driving incident and made them test it again. It produced a dTC code of P0088. After having my car for four days they tried to return it to me again saying nothing was wrong with it. I was dumbfounded. How can I have a drastic highway incident and DTC codes emailed to me via bluelink and nothing be wrong. I feel this car is unsafe for highway driving. May cause a wreck due to the losing power while turning issue and now this highway driving issue. The car drove normal under 60 mph. The turning issue happens when the car makes quick 90 degree turns. Also the engine was replaced due to electrical interference issues at 96000 miles. Car has always had loss of power issues followed by the lack of the ability to accelerate properly. Please help!!!!

NHTSA ODI #11449080

Mileage unknown · Jan 23, 2022
Engine

My Santa Fe’s verified oil consumption by the dealership is 5 qts every 3148 miles. I was told the oil consumption rate is within specification. I’ve had 3 oil consumption tests done, had pistons soaked and cleaned over 24 hour period, injectors cleaned, and had the engine cleaned with BG engine cleaner. There is black soot com…

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My Santa Fe’s verified oil consumption by the dealership is 5 qts every 3148 miles. I was told the oil consumption rate is within specification. I’ve had 3 oil consumption tests done, had pistons soaked and cleaned over 24 hour period, injectors cleaned, and had the engine cleaned with BG engine cleaner. There is black soot coming out the tailpipe, and no power when accelerating. I’m concerned the vehicle will fail while I’m driving and cause an accident. I have contacted Hyundai Customer Service and have a case number. I’m unable to get Hyundai to repair or replace this engine. Thank you for your assistance.

NHTSA ODI #11448495

Mileage unknown · Jan 16, 2022
Engine

Engine starting acting up and consuming oil. Engine light came on @ 107000 miles. I'm first owner and have warranty until 150000. Need a whole new engine and have taken care of my vehicle since day one. My father is a mechanic and has taught us since we were little you have to take care of your maintenance and car. They are sayi…

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Engine starting acting up and consuming oil. Engine light came on @ 107000 miles. I'm first owner and have warranty until 150000. Need a whole new engine and have taken care of my vehicle since day one. My father is a mechanic and has taught us since we were little you have to take care of your maintenance and car. They are saying it was not taken care of and is normal wear and tear. One cylinder just does not go out. It would be all the cylinder misfiring at once. Mistreated as a women and also military family. No loaner offer and still waiting to see what will happen to my car since middle of December. I have all oil change records and maintenance done. I keep reports.

NHTSA ODI #11447661

Mileage unknown · Jan 13, 2022
Engine

Driving started to smoke pulled over check oil full stick had a mechanic check the car said the engine has locked up

NHTSA ODI #11447426

Mileage unknown · Jan 10, 2022
Engine

Motor was using way too much oil between engine oil changes. The vehicle only had 76,000 miles on it. My wife was driving to work when it stopped working. My mechanic said Hyundai was aware of poor engines. My wife was driving it and engine stopped working. Now have to replace the motor.

NHTSA ODI #11446885

Mileage unknown · Jan 6, 2022
Engine

I was driving on the interstate with my 2 kids in the car and my car started losing power. I was able to coast off the exit and the car died. No warning lights, no smoke, no noises, nothing. The engine seized up. We provided maintenance records but Hyundai is denying its their fault or a faulty engine. They quoted us $18,00…

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I was driving on the interstate with my 2 kids in the car and my car started losing power. I was able to coast off the exit and the car died. No warning lights, no smoke, no noises, nothing. The engine seized up. We provided maintenance records but Hyundai is denying its their fault or a faulty engine. They quoted us $18,000 for new engine

NHTSA ODI #11446553

Mileage unknown · Jan 5, 2022
Engine

On Oct. 25, 2021 my family and I were returning from a day trip. I stopped to re-fuel my car and when I got out the engine was making a horrible noise. No lights came on, nothing indicated any kind of issue. I asked my husband and he said it is the engine and told me to turn the car off. We pushed the car to a safe space and too…

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On Oct. 25, 2021 my family and I were returning from a day trip. I stopped to re-fuel my car and when I got out the engine was making a horrible noise. No lights came on, nothing indicated any kind of issue. I asked my husband and he said it is the engine and told me to turn the car off. We pushed the car to a safe space and took an Uber home. The following day I had the vehicle towed to the local Hyundai dealership. Within a few days I was told the vehicle failed a rod bearing test and that it was being submitted to Hyundai for review and hopeful assistance with replacement because the engine was done. It was indicated that because I had the larger engine and there were no recalls on that one it wasn't likely Hyundai would help but it was worth a shot to try. It took several weeks but Hyundai finally responded and said they would not assist. I was advised by the dealership to file my own claim and argue so I did. It took over a month to get a response from Hyundai despite multiple calls from me and Hyundai basically told me I was on my own. So, I have a blown engine in a vehicle I owe over $16,000 on that only has 103,000 miles. I have taken appropriate care of the vehicle and it has NEVER run low on oil. This is a catastrophic failure with no recourse. Hyundai does not make the engine any longer (gee I wonder why? ) and a remanufactured engine with a 1 year warranty will cost me between $8,000 and $11,000. I have been told by every junk yard within a 200 mile radius that the engine I am looking for is hard to find because they are generally purchased as they come in the door because of such a high need for replacement engines.

NHTSA ODI #11446381

Mileage unknown · Jan 4, 2022
Engine

I have a 2017 Hyundai Santa FE Sport 2.4 Liter engine. On December 16th at 3am i was on the highway and the gas would not go above 65mph after i herd a clunk, but i did not hit anything in the road. 4 miles after that it started slowing down with all the warning lights going off. 3 miles after that off the highway onto a city st…

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I have a 2017 Hyundai Santa FE Sport 2.4 Liter engine. On December 16th at 3am i was on the highway and the gas would not go above 65mph after i herd a clunk, but i did not hit anything in the road. 4 miles after that it started slowing down with all the warning lights going off. 3 miles after that off the highway onto a city street and 4 miles away from home the vehicle made a sudden down shift (it seemed) started to slow down after a sound of my engine clinking and sounded as some parts fell off. A half mile away from home it slowed to a walking pace and shut down. I looked under the vehicle, oil was everywhere, i looked under the hood and seen the same thing. After a half mile tow my mechanic of 12 years who inspects the vehicle and does all the repairs and oil changes three to four times a year stated the pins and rods under the engine fell apart and blew a hole in the bottom of the engine. My mechanic T.J.Burns at Burns Automotive, CarMax mechanic and Precision Auto all in Greenville, South Carolina said the 2.4 Liter engines from this manufacturer are known for blowing out and dying after 100,000 miles regardless of proper maintenance and this IS a a manufacturer's defect in their professional opinion.

NHTSA ODI #11446246

Mileage unknown · Dec 29, 2021
Engine

Excessive build up of sludge, even with proper maintenance.

NHTSA ODI #11445375

Mileage unknown · Nov 27, 2021
EngineFire

The owner had just left the driveway and was driving up the neighborhood block at low speed in the vehicle when another driver motioned that there was a problem with the car, pointing at the driver's side wheel well. The owner immediately pulled to the curb, exited the vehicle, and saw smoke pouring from the vehicle. Grabbed pur…

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The owner had just left the driveway and was driving up the neighborhood block at low speed in the vehicle when another driver motioned that there was a problem with the car, pointing at the driver's side wheel well. The owner immediately pulled to the curb, exited the vehicle, and saw smoke pouring from the vehicle. Grabbed purse and moved a safe distance away. Spontaneously the car caught fire under the engine before the fire truck arrived 8 minutes later. Huge flames shooting from under the hood were captured on both video and photos. The car is a total loss. Had been well maintained.

NHTSA ODI #11441826

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.