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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 · Oct 29, 2021
Engine

Dealership suspects "Rod Bearing Failure" due to knocking, loss of power and metal flakes in oil. Just 400 miles before oil was changed at dealership with no mention of issue. Technician claimed it just didn't happen, its been going on for some time. There is no mention in any service history of 4 years between the 2 dealers tha…

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Dealership suspects "Rod Bearing Failure" due to knocking, loss of power and metal flakes in oil. Just 400 miles before oil was changed at dealership with no mention of issue. Technician claimed it just didn't happen, its been going on for some time. There is no mention in any service history of 4 years between the 2 dealers that it was happening. Total engine failure will happen (engine will seize). It matches the recall done in November 2017, #168 by Hyundai on a "certain" Santa Fe with the 3.3L engines. If the engine seized while driving, it could have caused an accident. Hyundai Corporate said I was the 2nd owner, warranty ended at 60,000 miles... I am owed nothing. No warning light or knocking happened until the afternoon of 8/9/21. Then the dealership took possession at 1st available date 2 days later and inspected it.

NHTSA ODI #11438711

Mileage unknown · Oct 29, 2021
Engine

While driving the vehicle on a major city street at approximately 40 mph the stopped running not allowing me to move out of the roadway and almost rear ended by another vehicle. The vehicle was moved out of the road way and towed to my residence. It was found that the check engine light showed code P0014 and P0024 crank shaft…

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While driving the vehicle on a major city street at approximately 40 mph the stopped running not allowing me to move out of the roadway and almost rear ended by another vehicle. The vehicle was moved out of the road way and towed to my residence. It was found that the check engine light showed code P0014 and P0024 crank shaft issues which caused the vehicle engine to lose power. Vehicle was taken to dealer ship and manufacture was contacted. Note that there had been a prior recall for engine and crank shaft issues. Manufacture advised that the vehicle was out of warranty and that the VIN number was not part of the recall. Manufacture was not willing to take any other action to resolve the problem with the engine issues.

NHTSA ODI #11438666

Mileage unknown · Oct 5, 2021
Engine

Had oil changed on June30 2021 and on July 3 2021 the engine seized without oil in it. Had it towed to St. Augustine Hyundai and put a claim for replacement engine and Hyundai denied fixing it 3 months later with no explanation. Anyone I talked to in Hyundai Corporate they couldn't tell me why it was denied. This is the only veh…

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Had oil changed on June30 2021 and on July 3 2021 the engine seized without oil in it. Had it towed to St. Augustine Hyundai and put a claim for replacement engine and Hyundai denied fixing it 3 months later with no explanation. Anyone I talked to in Hyundai Corporate they couldn't tell me why it was denied. This is the only vehicle we have and now we have no vehicle to drive.

NHTSA ODI #11435553

Mileage unknown · Sep 27, 2021
Engine

This is a Santa Fe Ultimate AWD with the 3.3 l engine. We were driving home and in our neighborhood when the car suddenly stopped with no warning. We had it towed to a local shop and were told the engine had completely seized and needs to be replaced. It was not low on oil and has been regularly maintained. Only 60,000 miles.

NHTSA ODI #11434505

Mileage unknown · Sep 25, 2021
Engine

Even though my check engine light wasn’t on my vehicle began to stall while I was merging on a major highway. A mile later the car began to smoke from behind made a weird noise and it completely stopped. Me and my 7 yr old stayed stranded on the shoulder of a highway while semis whizzed by at 80 mph. Called roadside assistance …

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Even though my check engine light wasn’t on my vehicle began to stall while I was merging on a major highway. A mile later the car began to smoke from behind made a weird noise and it completely stopped. Me and my 7 yr old stayed stranded on the shoulder of a highway while semis whizzed by at 80 mph. Called roadside assistance but no longer covered so couldn’t be helped while me and my families life was in danger. Case manager at the national office rude unsympathetic and hung up on me. My car is still with the dealer even though it is under warranty and has been with the dealer since September 8,2021 every time I call they give me the run around as I pay $1200 for a rental because they refuse to provide me with one.

NHTSA ODI #11434327

80,000 miles · Sep 23, 2021
Engine

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle loss power. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine had seized. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where they confirmed the diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was …

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The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle loss power. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine had seized. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where they confirmed the diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

NHTSA ODI #11434003

74,400 miles · Sep 15, 2021
Engine

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, a knocking noise was present coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine bearings had failed, and metal particles were discovered in the engine. The contact was informed t…

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The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, a knocking noise was present coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine bearings had failed, and metal particles were discovered in the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V578000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 74,400.

NHTSA ODI #11433028

Mileage unknown · Sep 5, 2021
Engine

The engine warning light came on and Oil leak from engine, I have taken the vehicle to the dealership and they thought it was an oil cap plug not put in correctly, they put it back in back in July 2021. But oil leak still happen and the engine warning light keeps turn on. Every day i have to check oil level to make sure it not g…

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The engine warning light came on and Oil leak from engine, I have taken the vehicle to the dealership and they thought it was an oil cap plug not put in correctly, they put it back in back in July 2021. But oil leak still happen and the engine warning light keeps turn on. Every day i have to check oil level to make sure it not go below the minimum and I keep on adding oil. I have go to the dealership and they unable to help me. I made repair issues know to them, and schedule several appointments and they keep cancel it, they say at this time they do not take any serious engine issues. The last appointment was made on August for September 4, and the Huyndai auto repair center cancel the day before, say that i have to find other repair shop to work on my engine problem. My car buy in October 2016, and currently sit at under 41,000 miles. The Engine warning light came up back in June 2021.

NHTSA ODI #11431773

112,000 miles · Sep 3, 2021
EngineFire

The engine in our 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 3.3L V6 has always had problems with lag/ hesitation when accelerating from a stop from the very beginning of ownership (first owner). This was always dismissed by Hyundai's mechanics as not actually existing, although it did lag constantly. I know many other have reported similar issue…

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The engine in our 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 3.3L V6 has always had problems with lag/ hesitation when accelerating from a stop from the very beginning of ownership (first owner). This was always dismissed by Hyundai's mechanics as not actually existing, although it did lag constantly. I know many other have reported similar issues so, I include this only that it could potentially be an early sign of a manufacturers defect leading to larger problems later? Now, we regularly change the oil in our Santa Fe and have never seen a single warning light outside of tire pressure warnings. But on 7/29/21, with our vehicle just out of warranty at 112k miles, while accelerating to freeway speed from an on ramp at 60 mph multiple warning lights came and at the same time there was a very large bang from the engine and a large amount of smoke came from under the hood, enough to seriously affect the vision of drivers behind me. There was a very rapid lose of speed and I also observed things falling from the vehicle in the rearview. I luckily managed the vehicle to the shoulder and quickly got out. I thought vehicle was on fire, it may have been, the smoke kept up for 5-10 minutes. At this point the car would not start or run and a large pool of oil and or coolant formed underneath. It was towed to a Hyundai dealer and the prognosis was a broken connecting rod that had blew a large maybe 5" diameter hole through the bottom of the engine. And now, despite providing proof of recent oil changes, Hyundai has dismissed any manufacturing issues from causing the issue and sighting the problem was from lack of maintenance because of sludge in the engine. Although to my understanding sludge can also be produced rapidly when contaminants, like coolant, from bad valves or head gaskets, enter the oil. When I asked about this the technician literally just didn't answer. So, now we currently owe $7k on a vehicle needing repairs at the quoted price of $8-$14k and Hyundai has closed our case.

NHTSA ODI #11431571

Mileage unknown · Sep 1, 2021
Engine

The engine lite came on, there was a lost of acceleration, the vehicle stalled when slowing down for a stop light or stop sign, There was a ping noise evident with the engine. I didnt trust the vehicle had it towed to the mechanic. The mechanic noted you have only two quarts of oil in the engine. This mechanic performed all rout…

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The engine lite came on, there was a lost of acceleration, the vehicle stalled when slowing down for a stop light or stop sign, There was a ping noise evident with the engine. I didnt trust the vehicle had it towed to the mechanic. The mechanic noted you have only two quarts of oil in the engine. This mechanic performed all routine maintenance, rotations, oil changes, checking fluids etc. There were no signs of oil leaks and or burning of oil with the exhaust. I then sent the car to the dealership for their own review. They confirmed the engine failure and the ping noise was the rod due to lack of oil. The dealership files a claim with Hyundai #PA102790, the claim was denied and still has not provided a reason for the oil loss which was the reason for the failure of the engine. There were no indicator lights noting low oil pressure or the engine is overheating, the engine lite came on in the morning and just like in A MANNER OF COUPLE OF HRS the engine started the symptoms noted above. The dealer ship gave Hyundai's complaint line, but after reading the problems associated with the Engines with the sante fe what is the point to call them?

NHTSA ODI #11431383

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.