IllustrationAll of a sudden my liftgate in the back will not stay up. The pistons for the liftgate are no longer working on either side, so kind of strange as they don't usually go like that Thank you [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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
What owners actually said
962 reportsDriving home from work loss engine power. Got it towed to my local shop and they informed me that my engine was seized.
The car started jerking and the check engine light came on. I had to have it towed to my house. We can't get the car to do anything now. We get it started for 5 seconds, the engine completely dies
The car has been experiencing significant problems with oil consumption. During a routine oil change on 2/27/25 I was told my oil was significantly low and I had it refilled. When I checked the following weekend [XXX] it was significantly low again after only 500 miles. I took it to Take 5 in Lebanon, Tennessee, weekly for 3…
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The car has been experiencing significant problems with oil consumption. During a routine oil change on 2/27/25 I was told my oil was significantly low and I had it refilled. When I checked the following weekend [XXX] it was significantly low again after only 500 miles. I took it to Take 5 in Lebanon, Tennessee, weekly for 3-4 weeks, near where I was working at the time, who topped off the oil again with 2 to 5 quarts weekly. On April 14, 2025, I brought the car to Hallmark Hyundai. They started an oil consumption test and a 20-point check when the mileage was 69,752. After 500 miles was driven, the oil tank was almost empty. Another check revealed the oil was leaking in 4 different places, that they (Hallmark Hyundai) reportedly fixed, including the valve cover gasket. On [XXX] while driving back to New Jersey from Nashville, I checked the oil after roughly 1000 miles of driving since the repair, and the dip stick was dry. (The service light did not go on.) Upon returning to New Jersey approximately 5/13/25, I took the car to Circle Hyundai in Shrewsbury, New Jersey, was told the valve cover gasket was still leaking, and replaced it again; I was charged a second time for this service. At another 500 miles I checked the oil, and it was again very low. Miguel at Circle Hyundai told me I needed to wait 500 more miles or when the service light comes on; I informed him the service light had stopped working (this was first noticed in Tennessee). On 6/2/25 I emailed Miguel again at 539 more miles and the dip stick registered oil halfway below the low line again. I was instructed to drop the car off and they would submit the claim to Hyundai; Hyundai reportedly responded that they were no longer responsible for a repair because the warranty had run out and I wasn't the original owner. I was told to continue to drive until an engine malfunction for my extended warranty with Assurance to cover repairs; I am concerned about the safety of the engine seizing. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INF
I bought this vehicle at Enterprise car sales back in [XXX] and it's been having issues for a while now recall after recall I bought this vehicle at 7745 Indiana avenue Riverside California 92504 I actually bought this vehicle without realizing that this car had a recall prior to buying it off the lot therefore in California law…
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I bought this vehicle at Enterprise car sales back in [XXX] and it's been having issues for a while now recall after recall I bought this vehicle at 7745 Indiana avenue Riverside California 92504 I actually bought this vehicle without realizing that this car had a recall prior to buying it off the lot therefore in California law this company should have not sold the vehicle with a recall as Hyundai has warned me about this as he advised they cannot sell a vehicle with a recall on it. When I had to Google search my recall as I have not received a letter Enterprise car sales gained the letter for the recall prior to my buy and did not mention anything as this recall was sent out on the letter way prior to buying ever since buying this vehicle I have had numerous recalls as to now there is a GDI issue with the engines as I have made many complaints through the financing company Santander consumer USA, Hyundai, Enterprise car sales, and it seems like no one has listened to me on the lemon I have gained as I'm sure it sounds just like a complaining customer. I pay a very high interest rate and very high monthly payments 523 a month is expensive let alone expensive to pay for a vehicle that I constantly have to put in maintenance and now my engine is gone my VIN number somehow is not on regards to the recall but yet my VIN number has been on every recall Hyundai has ever given out when it comes to my vehicle as the GDI 3.3 l should be really considered on regards to a recall as well as the 2.4. I'm not very happy as I would like to have a voice on to what is fair I am sick of this vehicle having issues after issues as I do take care of my vehicles with good maintenance routine all I can ask for is to have someone here my voice and to take action either from Enterprise car sales to Hyundai which I believe Enterprise car sales is more reliable at this point than Hyundai since Hyundai let me be aware of the California law they cannot sell a vehicle with recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
The engine is experiencing excessive oil consumption. A Hyundai dealership performed an oil consumption test 8 months ago and confirmed the vehicle is burning around 2 quarts of oil every 500 miles, which is far beyond normal operating limits. The engine is still installed in the vehicle and available for inspection upon request…
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The engine is experiencing excessive oil consumption. A Hyundai dealership performed an oil consumption test 8 months ago and confirmed the vehicle is burning around 2 quarts of oil every 500 miles, which is far beyond normal operating limits. The engine is still installed in the vehicle and available for inspection upon request. This level of oil consumption puts the engine at high risk of failure while driving, which could result in a sudden loss of power, stalling, or even engine fire. The need to constantly monitor and refill oil creates an ongoing stressor and safety concern. There was no warning light or indicator before the oil levels dropped dangerously low. The Hyundai dealership that inspected the vehicle (Maguire Hyundai in Ithaca, NY) verified that the engine is burning oil at a rate consistent with known defects in Theta II engines, but stated the vehicle does not qualify for engine replacement under current recall or warranty guidelines because I am the second owner — despite the fact that I purchased it Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) through Hyundai in 2019 and I'm still under 100,000 miles.
From the day we purchased this used vehicle, the check engine light came on. We had to have the catalytic converter replaced next. Now we’re having oil leak issues. Multiple oil leaks have been repaired, and I’ve most recently paid over $700 to have this issue resolved. A week after the Hyundai dealership repaired it, the vehicl…
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From the day we purchased this used vehicle, the check engine light came on. We had to have the catalytic converter replaced next. Now we’re having oil leak issues. Multiple oil leaks have been repaired, and I’ve most recently paid over $700 to have this issue resolved. A week after the Hyundai dealership repaired it, the vehicle is leaking oil again. We have to add oil about every 5-7 days. Today we were told that my [XXX] daughter needs to drive it until the engine goes out, and not to add any oil. This is not only unacceptable, it’s also unsafe! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The engine had no oil. No indication was given by the dashboard lights. I heard a ticking noise soon after I started my car. My husband checked the oil; it was bone dry. I still had 200 more miles before my next oil change. Needless to say, the engine would have blown up if I hadn’t payed attention to the noise coming from …
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The engine had no oil. No indication was given by the dashboard lights. I heard a ticking noise soon after I started my car. My husband checked the oil; it was bone dry. I still had 200 more miles before my next oil change. Needless to say, the engine would have blown up if I hadn’t payed attention to the noise coming from the vehicle. In fact, this happened about a year ago, I just thought it was a fluke. Since this is the second incident, this is not a fluke and something needs to be done. We can’t afford to have a vehicle blow up on us. There was no sign of leaking on the driveway.
The act is consuming all the engine oil only after 500-700 miles. It has been recored and tested at Town Hyudnia dealership in Danville, NJ after it failed 2 engine oil composition tests but the dealership did not replace the engine nor put in a. request to Corporate Hyundai to replace the engine as it should be covered by the 2…
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The act is consuming all the engine oil only after 500-700 miles. It has been recored and tested at Town Hyudnia dealership in Danville, NJ after it failed 2 engine oil composition tests but the dealership did not replace the engine nor put in a. request to Corporate Hyundai to replace the engine as it should be covered by the 2.4L engine lawsuit a fe years ago.
Engine failed and yes available for inspection. Car stalled and stuttered while driving. Problem was confirmed by an independent service center. Vehicle component has not been inspected yet. Check engine light came on two days ago
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.