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!
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
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.
Fuel/propulsion System complaints
59 reportsLEAKED TANK OF GAS. GAS LINE RUPTURED
When I pull into traffic the car has a big hesitation before it starts to go. Almost feels like it is going to stall. Hyundai dealers said it is not a problem. Looked on a Hyundai blog site and found alot of people have complained about the same problem. Thus has been a chronic problem for me.
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!!!!
We consistently had issues with losing power on turns. My wife questioned Hyundai many times. They took it for a test drive and said they could not duplicate the issue and that they did not receive any complaints from anyone. We believed them until I saw many complaints on various websites including this site. Then the major…
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We consistently had issues with losing power on turns. My wife questioned Hyundai many times. They took it for a test drive and said they could not duplicate the issue and that they did not receive any complaints from anyone. We believed them until I saw many complaints on various websites including this site. Then the major issue occurred. I was merging onto an interstate making a big right hand loop and while I was in the middle of the right turn loop, the car lost power and then it did not come back. I had multiple cars behind me and many on the highway with nowhere to pull over. Top speed was 45 mph. It turned out to be a blown Turbo. The car is under warranty. That was in July of 2021. It is now December 2021 and I still do not have my car with no idea of when it will be fixed. After telling us they would have the part in August (which didn't happen) then September (which didn't happen) then November (which again did not happen) they said they didn't even show a ship order any longer for the part. We were told to call customer affairs. I called them on 11/22 and again on 12/8 - still no one is calling back. I'm stuck driving a small car while I'm paying for an SUV that no one will give any feedback. There were many cars at the dealer lot which appeared to be the same issue - same model. This has to qualify for the lemon law. The loss of power suddenly is extremely dangerous so if you have one, be careful.
Smelled smoke at a stop light. Continued when light turned green. Pulled over about 30 car lengths later because smoke was coming in the vents. Jumped out of car and ran. Within 2 minutes, entire front engine was completely engulfed in flames. No indicator light came on before. Car was driving perfect.
VEHICLE ACCELERATES VERY SLUGGISHLY ON TAKE OFF & IS VERY UNRESPONSIVE UNDER LOAD LIKE GOING UP A HILL.
TAKING A RIGHT TURN INTO OUR DRIVEWAY ,THE VEHICLE HESITATED THEN SURGED AT A HIGH SPEED AND CRASHED INTO OUR HOME.BRAKES WERE BEING APPLIED BUT COULD NOT STOP THE IMPACT.BELIEVE THE SURGE MAY BE RELATED TO THE TURBO ENGINE ACCELERATING.
WHILE DRIVING MY 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT 2.0T TO ENTER THE FREEWAY, THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE NORMALLY. IT STARTED TO SHAKE AND FELT LIKE THE ENGINE WAS "MISFIRING" AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES, I WAS ABLE TO GET UP TO 60MPH. I TRIED TAKING MY FOOT OFF OF THE ACCELERATOR AND PRESSING IT AGAIN BUT IT WOULD ONLY LOSE SPEED AND T…
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WHILE DRIVING MY 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT 2.0T TO ENTER THE FREEWAY, THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE NORMALLY. IT STARTED TO SHAKE AND FELT LIKE THE ENGINE WAS "MISFIRING" AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES, I WAS ABLE TO GET UP TO 60MPH. I TRIED TAKING MY FOOT OFF OF THE ACCELERATOR AND PRESSING IT AGAIN BUT IT WOULD ONLY LOSE SPEED AND THEN I'D HAVE TO WORK MY WAY UP TO 60 MPH. I WAS TRAVELLING STRAIGHT AND ON A FLAT ROAD. ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON WHEN FOOT WAS ON ACCELERATOR, THEN IT WENT OFF. ONCE I WAS OFF THE FREEWAY AND TRIED TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN FROM A STOP, CAR WOULDN'T ACCELERATE GOING UP THE INCLINE AND THE CAR BEHIND ME ALMOST HIT MY TAIL END. FINALLY,I TURNED LEFT TO GO UP THE HILL TOWARD MY HOUSE, I COULD ONLY GET UP TO 15 MPH BUT RPMS WERE BETWEEN 3500-4000. LUCKILY THERE WAS NO TRAFFIC BEHIND ME BUT I WAS AFRAID I WASN'T GOING TO MAKE IT UP THE STREET OR THAT SOME CAR WOULD COME UP BEHIND ME AND MY CAR WOULD STOP. IN ORDER FOR A CAR TO BE SAFE IT NEEDS TO BE RELIABLE IN ACCELERATION AS MUCH AS BRAKING AND STEERING! I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT AT THE DEALERSHIP DAY AFTER TOMORROW.
DURING ACCELERATION FROM A STOP SIGN/RED LIGHT OR TURNING THE ENGINE HESITATES FOR APPROXIMATELY 5 SECONDS AFTER SEVERAL TRIES BEFORE REACHING DESIRED SPEED. WHEN USING CRUISE CONTROL ON FREEWAYS THERE IS A 10 TO 15 SECOND DELAY WHEN ACCELERATING OR PASSING ANOTHER VEHICLE WHICH IN ONE INSTANCE CAUSED A NEAR ACCIDENT ON A HI…
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DURING ACCELERATION FROM A STOP SIGN/RED LIGHT OR TURNING THE ENGINE HESITATES FOR APPROXIMATELY 5 SECONDS AFTER SEVERAL TRIES BEFORE REACHING DESIRED SPEED. WHEN USING CRUISE CONTROL ON FREEWAYS THERE IS A 10 TO 15 SECOND DELAY WHEN ACCELERATING OR PASSING ANOTHER VEHICLE WHICH IN ONE INSTANCE CAUSED A NEAR ACCIDENT ON A HIGH SPEED FREEWAY. MY VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN CAUSING OTHER VEHICLES GO AROUND ME PASSING FROM THE RIGHT SIDE LANE. THESE HESITATIONS HAVE CAUSED ME SEVERAL NEAR ACCIDENTS AND MAKES ME NOT FEEL CONFIDENT WHEN DRIVING THIS CAR. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP ON MANY OCCASIONS AND THEY REPORT NO ERROR CODES SHOW UP AND, THE MECHANIC CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THE DEALER REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION EARLIER THIS YEAR. THERE HAS BEEN NO IMPROVEMENT. I HAVE REVIEWED MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THIS HESITATION PROBLEM. WILL IT TAKE DEATH REPORTS TO HELP US OWNERS? MY ISSUE BEGAN IN 2018 RIGHT AFTER PURCHASE AND THE PROBLEM IS OCCURRING MORE OFTEN NOW. NO HELP IS IN SIGHT WHEN HYUNDAI AND THE DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO ADMIT THE PROBLEM AND MAKES ME AND OTHER OWNERS FEEL LIKE WE DON'T KNOW OUR VEHICLES OR OUR OWN MINDS!! WE NEED HELP BEFORE A DEATH OCCURS NOT AFTER!!
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.
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