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 reports
Mileage unknown · Mar 16, 2024
Engine
My 2017 Santa Fe experienced a catastrophic engine failure while driving on the highway. My [XXX] son was on his way home when the car began to make what he described as a knocking. He began to merge so he could exit the highway. By the time he made it over 1 lane, the vehicle began losing power and smoking. He barely made it …
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My 2017 Santa Fe experienced a catastrophic engine failure while driving on the highway. My [XXX] son was on his way home when the car began to make what he described as a knocking. He began to merge so he could exit the highway. By the time he made it over 1 lane, the vehicle began losing power and smoking. He barely made it to the shoulder before hearing a "loud bang" and thick, black smoke blocking his vision. Him and my [XXX] , fearing the vehicle was on fire, immediately exited the vehicle into the median. No warning lights ever came on in the vehicle, no warning, nothing. When my husband and I arrived, we found several pieces of the engine along the roadway and the oil pooled under the front passenger tire. We had the vehicle towed the next morning to the dealership, 50 miles away and a cost of $188. After almost 2 weeks we were informed by the dealership that our Engines For Life warranty denied the claim because we did not get all of our oil changes there, even though we have NEVER missed an oil change. We were quoted $21,000 for a new engine. Our service advisor informed us the point of failure for the vehicle determined to be "Cylinder 6 rod bearing failure causing rod bearing to exit vehicle at high velocity creating a hole in the block". We were also informed that this is a VERY well known issue with these engines but Hyundai had chosen to only extend warranties to select vehicles, ours was not one of them. A claim has since been filed with our extended warranty and we were told it would be an additional $600 to drop the oil pan to allow the inspection by the extended warranty company. Something has to be done. We are beyond thankful that our children were not injured but had this happened at a different time of day we could have had a significantly different outcome. There were on a highway that is very busy during the day. The undue financial hardship we have faced as a result has only further added to the stress of the situation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (F
NHTSA ODI #11577737
Mileage unknown · Mar 16, 2024
Engine
Catastrophic engine failure on a major highway. Just over 113k miles on it. 1 day prior, the car sounded louder than usual but otherwise, was working fine. I drove several places the next day and the check engine light came on towards the afternoon (yellow, not flashing, no other lights) 30 minutes before this issue occurred. I …
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Catastrophic engine failure on a major highway. Just over 113k miles on it. 1 day prior, the car sounded louder than usual but otherwise, was working fine. I drove several places the next day and the check engine light came on towards the afternoon (yellow, not flashing, no other lights) 30 minutes before this issue occurred. I was accelerating on a busy highway and all of the sudden it completely downshifted, oil light and battery light came on. I pulled to the shoulder and white smoke was coming from the engine, horrible smell in the cabin. Car was dripping oil. I was told it was a broken rod that punctured the engine. I could have been in a major accident after decelerating so quickly on this particular highway and I was stranded on a very small shoulder fearing the car or myself getting hit for hours. As of right now, the engine is still available to be inspected.
NHTSA ODI #11577722
Mileage unknown · Mar 15, 2024
Engine
While driving car engine slowed down/lost power engine light came on, pulled over and it shutdown,. It would even try to start back up. Next day it started and made rattling noise from the engine. Towed vehicle to dealer, dealer said had a bad rod bearing and needed a new engine. Dealer and /or Hyundai would not repair this …
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While driving car engine slowed down/lost power engine light came on, pulled over and it shutdown,. It would even try to start back up. Next day it started and made rattling noise from the engine. Towed vehicle to dealer, dealer said had a bad rod bearing and needed a new engine. Dealer and /or Hyundai would not repair this when we just paid to fix a similar issue (see below) Seems a lot of the 3.3L engines have these issues. We had a similar problem less than a year earlier, car slowed down while on interstate and would only go 35 mph. Engine would rev up but not go faster. (Danger for us and other drivers). Message came up said to take to dealer. Took to dealer said timing slipped need timing chain guides and cams' etc. $4,000 in repair. This seamed similar (Slow down etc.) to what happened this time. Seems a lot of the 3.3L engines have these issues and the dealer and Hyundai want to ignore the safety and quality issues with this engine.
NHTSA ODI #11577707
Mileage unknown · Mar 15, 2024
Engine
My mil lamp light came on and all of a sudden my vehicle would not accelerate had scanner out I. My car and was told I need a new engine. Researched the theta crankahaft issues could that have caused my engine to fail? I had no warning whatsoever
NHTSA ODI #11577590
104,000 miles · Mar 15, 2024
Engine
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an indepe…
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The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed failures with the engine and catalytic converter and informed the contact that the engine had no compression. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, who confirmed the diagnosis and informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 104,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA ODI #11577570
Mileage unknown · Mar 13, 2024
Engine
Driving on the interstate and the engine seized up. I was driving with three little children and we barely made it to an off ramp. This was extremely dangerous. After looking up the issue, I found there were 1000's of unhappy customers that drive similar models that had the same exact issue happen to them. I keep up to date all …
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Driving on the interstate and the engine seized up. I was driving with three little children and we barely made it to an off ramp. This was extremely dangerous. After looking up the issue, I found there were 1000's of unhappy customers that drive similar models that had the same exact issue happen to them. I keep up to date all oil changes, as many other customers, but Hyundai says it's not their fault? How can companies like Hyundai sell a car that have numerous engine failures and not have a recall? I am terrified not only with the expense of the repair, but putting my children in another Hyundai, with the fear of it happening once again.
NHTSA ODI #11577224
Mileage unknown · Mar 12, 2024
Engine
My vehicle experienced catastrophic engine failure while driving on the freeway. It had just over 100k miles. I heard a repetitive clicking sound when pressing on the accelerator. After 2 minutes, the car shuddered and black smoke filled the cabin. When I pulled over, oil was s pouring onto the road. The car was serviced 2 weeks…
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My vehicle experienced catastrophic engine failure while driving on the freeway. It had just over 100k miles. I heard a repetitive clicking sound when pressing on the accelerator. After 2 minutes, the car shuddered and black smoke filled the cabin. When I pulled over, oil was s pouring onto the road. The car was serviced 2 weeks prior including oil change by a certified mechanic with no problems identified. I never had a check engine light. I initially had the vehicle towed to my local mechanic who found 3 ruptured holes in the bottom of the engine block. I was told that it looked like "rod failure". When I notified Hyundai corp, I was told that the vehicle was no longer under warranty due to it being purchased pre-owned and because I had surpassed 100k miles. They told me that I could file a "goodwill" claim, but that it could only be submitted via my local dealership. So I went to local dealership to discuss my situation. While there, I inquired about the projected costs of engine repair/replacement if the claim was denied and was given a copy of an estimate in the amount of $8500 prepared for another customer with the same make/model/year vehicle with similar problem - catastrophic engine failure. I decided to proceed with claim and paid to have vehicle towed to the dealership. It was only then that I was told that an initial inspection fee of approximately $200 would be assessed if repairs were not completed. Once the initial inspection was done, I was given an estimate of repairs exceeding $18,000! They also told me that Hyundai corp was requiring additional diagnostic tests in order to complete its review of my good will claim that could be performed at an additional cost of $600! At this point, I'm being asked to throw money away. This car is a lemon. My family has endured undue hardship due to this incident. I am angered that a company would not go through the effort to make things right. People do not spend $49,000 on a vehicle expecting this to happen.
NHTSA ODI #11577006
Mileage unknown · Mar 11, 2024
Engine
I have always kept up on my oil changes. Driving down the road all of a sudden my engine turned off. No check engine lights or anything. Toed it to the dealer and the said the motor seized. Looking online this is a known problem. Vehicle no longer coverd by warranty.
NHTSA ODI #11576512
Mileage unknown · Mar 10, 2024
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System
Vehicle has intermittent engine stalling, but is still running. Possible dangerous situation if making left turn with oncoming traffic. This has happened to many times since my owner ship. Bought this car used. I am 2nd owner. 33k mi when purchased in 3-2021
NHTSA ODI #11576499
Mileage unknown · Mar 8, 2024
EngineUnknown Or Other
I was driving down the highway when my vehicle shut off. After pulling off on the highway and opening the hood, there was a notice that the engine had overheated. Upon inspection, there was no oil nor any coolant left in the engine. I have records to demonstrate regular maintenance, and oil changes every 5000 miles
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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