2017 Hyundai Santa FE
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 967 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 25 Santa FE model years with reports.
Of the 2017 reports, 14 involved a crash and 23 involved a fire. 18 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/modulePark outsideFeb 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.
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 22V056000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engineSep 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.
The engine bearing wear may cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 17V578000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, hood, latchJun 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 17V358000 on NHTSA.gov
Tires, pressure monitoring and regulating systemsMar 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."
An underinflated inflated tire can increase the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 17V142000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiringNov 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."
If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 16V842000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, front, warning light/devicesMar 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."
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.
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.
Campaign 16V145000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
67 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 12, 2023
On May 2023, while my husband was taking my daughter to go to school with 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe, he noticed engine knocking noises emanating from the engine compartment. Shortly after, the vehicle's performance significantly deteriorated, and the check engine light illuminated on the dashboard, and the engine shut down. Get the car towed to the nearest auto service, the mechanic told me that there’s an engine failure as result of abnormal oil consumption causing internal damage and need to be fixed by Hyundai. I called Hyundai USA, and was told that in order to have it covered under the warranty, it needed to be repaired by an authorized dealer. However, no authorized dealer had an available appointment for at least 2 months. Finally after 2 months, I had the car towed to the authorized Hyundai service center for diagnosis and repairs. Upon examination by the certified technicians at the Hyundai service center, I was informed that it needs and engine replacement that will cost around $20,000. I called Hyundai Corporation and had escalated my case to the case manager, but the manager never called back to give me an update. Their customer service department is also frustrating to deal with. They just sort of repeat the same phrases over and over again rather than having any sort of actual conversation with you. It's been more than 2 months after the incident and they finally they can’t do anything about it because it’s outside of warranty. It’s very frustrating
Electrical system, Jul 14, 2023, fire
On June 22, 2023, I went to start my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe in a shopping center parking lot. I had recently driven from the Pgh airport to Monroeville and stopped to run errands. Upon reentering my vehicle I used the push button start to start the car. The engine started and the center computer screen turned on, however the dashboard did not light up and I was not able to shift into Reverse. I cycled the car ~5 times trying to get it going, but the same start-up happened. Upon calling husband (after trying to start another few times) he recommended that I look at the fuses. At this point I opened the driver side door and was outside looking at the fuse panel. This is when I heard someone shouting from the highway across from the parking lot that my car was on fire. I looked at the rear of my car and saw flames coming from the rear bumper. I quickly stepped away from the vehicle. The entire drivers side of the rear bumper was engulfed in flames. Both the police and fire departments came to the scene. We were collectively able to extinguish the flames and the car was totaled.
Electrical system, Jul 4, 2023
Hyundai Safety Concerns. The details of the incidents are as follows I own a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe sport turbo on Saturday June 24th while driving down the palmetto expressway at about 70 mi an hour the vehicle suddenly stopped. It was a very dangerous situation with my family aboard we were lucky to have Florida highway patrol toys to a safety location. The car was completely dead and the vehicle was told to homestead Hyundai dealership for repairs 4 days after delivering we received a call letting us know that the computer had been damaged due to a oil leak in the engine that was repaired by them 10 months prior. It has come to our attention that there are recalls for this vehicle for crankshaft problems it is a concern that this is a safety hazard for us and that the dealership is not being transparent with us is the consumer. We have emailed Hyundai Motors Corporation and filed a complaint. I kindly request your immediate attention to this matter, as the safety of my family and other drivers is at stake. I trust that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will conduct a thorough examination of the reported incidents, the dealership's actions, and the potential risks associated with the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Turbo. Your intervention and expertise are vital in ensuring consumer safety and holding accountable those responsible for any negligence or lack of transparency. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. I eagerly await your response and hope for a swift resolution to this alarming situation.
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 28, 2023
The engine seized without warning or notice. No warning lamps came on to indicate anything wrong with the oil pressure, engine, or anything else. I received notices for low gas from time to time, but never anything concerning the engine. I heard engine noises the day before the engine seized. The next day it failed. The car was inspected by the dealership and Hyundai to determine whether the cost would be covered by them and this is what was reported to me in the cost for repair: “Engine Rebuild/Replace: 3.3L LONG BLOCK, GASKETS, AND FLUIDS This is the entire process needed to either rebuild or replace the vehicle's engine. This is a process needed when the vehicle's engine is in need of serious repair.” I was denied coverage because my VIN number was not on the recall list for 2017 Hyundais. I believe it was recall 168. When I looked into it, I read exactly what happened to mine. My safety was a concern because the engine stopped while I was driving and I had to coast into a safe area without causing an accident. I was told by the dealership that this was a common problem for 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe’s but the recall is not for all of the Hyundais this problem has happened to. I was told by a former employee of Take5 that Hyundais burn oil quicker than most cars. I can’t confirm that the issue was from a lack of oil, but from what I’ve read, that could be the main issue. I believe a warning on the quickness of oil consumption should be put out as well as an improved warning system/sensors for this make and model.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, May 5, 2023
I bought this vehicle and there was a complete break down malfunction due to the ABS module system! This lack of due diligence caused both myself and my 7 year old to unwillingly enter a vehicle that put our lives at risk and a near death experience that still traumatizes my daughter until this day who refuses to enter any vehicle! This is an unfortunate mistake on your end and there is no where near enough compensation that will ever withdraw the fear from my innocent child’s eyes anytime I need to drive her to school, or basketball practice, or anywhere to run our daily errands and live a normal life! I have nothing else to add except I expect compensation for a safe vehicle and compensation necessary to help my child, my innocent child to get through this fear!
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 25, 2023, fire
Car began to smoke from engine compartment. Stopped car in a driving lane on interstate 78 where construction barriers had closed both shoulders. Car then burst into flames. Car was a total loss before fire trucks were able to arrive. Just prior to the fire the Warning light for the abs system malfunction appeared on the dashboard.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Aug 15, 2022
The rear hatch closes automatically even if somebody is under the hatch putting items in the trunk without going back up. This is dangerous especially if children are near the hatch. It also at times opens when the button on the hatch is pushed but does not close automatically. The Hyundai Dealership Alexandria (1707 Mount Vernon Avenue) was uninterested in the issue and said they would charge $370 to look at the problem. Also for the safety recall of the ABS system, the earliest appointment at the same dealership was September 7 even though this sounded like a serious recall.
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 30, 2022, fire
This will be my second report to the NHTSA. I was originally told my car needed a new engine, but then it was confirmed that was not the issue since the car started and drove just fine, the recall for the ABS mod was brought up to two different Hyundai dealerships and their corporate office, I requested if it could not be fixed to buy back my car. It was denied. My car then caught fire while driving, resulting in my husband almost dying on the highway. Fire shot from the bottom of the car up into engulfed flames within seconds…and then blew. Determined it was an electrical engine fire. All could have been avoided if Hyundai had just listened to my concerns and checked my ABS. However due their refusal to do so, and refusal to inspect my engine for the recall, my family, kids included were put at risk. It seems to be happening all over the world with these cars and NOTHING is being done.
Suspension, Electrical system, Engine, Jul 30, 2022
Sway bar and struts continuously malfunctioning causing brake system to fail quickly.Engine more than 5qts a biweekly causing the maintenance numbers to malfunction.Seat belt light keeps going on and off even when in use.These problems are causing a safety risk due to them failing and can cause harm to driver/drivers on the road.Electrical issue has the brake lights malfunctioning and cause harm to others as well.Vehicle has been inspected by Hyundai dealership .Seat belt light continuously come on and off.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 13, 2022, fire
My O2 sensor failed and is under my insurance investigation due to engine light that came on and upon inspection it was determined to have caught on fire under the vehicle. My safety and my children's were at risk potentially may have gone up in flames. Currently the insurance is pending review of any recalls for O2 sensor to determine if Hyundai is handling damages. At this time Hyundai has not taken responsibility.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jun 9, 2022
Just received another letter from Hyundai (First one in Feb./March this one in June) telling me about the same problem with the ABS System and how it might short out and cause an engine fire. STILL NO REMEDY! The letter said I'd receive a second notice ...I guess they meant a third notice! What's taking so long to find a fix??? I'm supposed to be confident taking this vehicle on a trip knowing it may short out and cause a fire at any time while driving or parked!?? This is not acceptable.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Apr 11, 2022, crash
I went to a drive through car wash. Put my car in neutral and it drives your car through the wash. Once it was done I changed to drive and tapped lightly to get out. I was going to have the car wash attendant wipe down my car. As I approached him my brakes wouldn’t work and the car continued to accelerate despite not pressing down on the gas pedal. None of my electrical lights were working. It took me onto a busy street in Chicago and kept accelerating at full speed. I was trying to brake, put it into neutral or drive, use emergency brake system and nothing was working. I was swerving to avoid hitting other cars or pedestrians. I erratically drove about 1.5 blocks until I hit another SUV. All my airbags deployed. My full trauma work up was negative at the hospital. I am not sure if anyone sustained major injuries in the other car. I filed an insurance claim and my car was deemed a total loss. Insurance company thinks there was definitely an electrical shortage but did not further investigate. They said it would take more money to investigate the cause rather than paying a lump sum for car. I filed a claim case with Hyundai 2 days after the accident. The initial representative said a case manager would call within 5-7 business days and would like the car preserved in case of investigation. I have called over 5 times and have never received a call back nor an initial call from the case manager assigned. There was no active recalls out at the time and the car was serviced a month prior at a Hyundai dealership. Since the accident occurred we received a new recall that the anti-lock brake system could malfunction and cause an electrical short. But according to recall notice there is still no remedy available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Apr 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that since owning the vehicle, the vehicle intermittently failed to start-up as needed. The ABS warning light would be illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact also stated that the infotainment screen would intermittently go blank causing the backup camera to be inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions however, despite several repairs, the failure persisted. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Recall Number: 22V056000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the dealer confirmed parts were not available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 3,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Mar 8, 2022
Icalled my dealer where I purchase my Hyundai & I called Hyundai customer care as well. Both p;laces told me since they do not have a remedy to cure this default there is nothing they can do. They both advised me to park my car away from other vehicles & structures as a fire could be triggered in the engine that could damage the surrounding area. This is preposterous that they recommended me to continue to drive the car but not keep it next to anything. I am a young mother with an 8 month old baby & I am petrified to drive the car & they will not provide me with a substitute car or rental car until they can fix the issue, which they have no timeframe to complete. The recall number for Hyundai is 22V056. Hyundai has it as 218. Please let me know what I can do to expedite this issue & feel safe. Thanks.
Electrical system, Engine, Lane departure, Mar 4, 2022
Engine failed within 3 years of having the car so did transmission. Always having other issues with this vehicle. Recently the alternator now the blind spot warning system. This vehicle was purchased new and has had so many problems.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 27, 2022
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!!!!
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 30, 2021, fire
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.
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 16, 2021
MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE ENGINE STALLING WHILE DRIVING AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS CAUSING VERY DANGEROUS SITUATIONS THE VEHICLE LOOSES POWER STEERING AND PROPER BRAKING MINE HAS DONE THIS ONCE SO FAR AND I HAVE SEEN MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS ONLINE OF THE SAME THIS HAPPENING TO OTHERS WHO OWN THE SAME YEAR MAKE MODEL OF THE VEHICLE
Electrical system, Jun 9, 2020
VEHICLE LOSES ALL ELECTRICAL POWER, DESPITE HAVING A NEW BATTERY INSTALLED BY DEALER. BATTERY RUNS DOWN, SOMETIMES OVERNIGHT. DEALER CANNOT FIND ANY ISSUES, THOUGH SOMETHING CLEARLY IS DRAINING BATTERY POWER VERY QUICKLY. IT HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 5 TIMES IN THE PAST 3 MONTHS. VEHICLE IS OPERATED OFTEN ENOUGH TO PRECLUDE SUCH BATTERY DRAINAGE. I AM BRINGING IT BACK TO THE DEALER AGAIN ON 11 JUNE, AS THIS OCCURRED AGAIN TODAY (9 JUNE). I PURCHASED A PORTABLE MACHINE THAT JUMPS THE CAR BECAUSE THIS HAPPENS SO OFTEN. MY SPOUSE IS THE PRIMARY OPERATOR OF THIS VEHICLE AND I FEAR THAT THE ELECTRICAL WILL FAIL UNEXPECTEDLY AND POSE A SAFETY PROBLEM. THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW OR A LEMON! *TR
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Oct 10, 2019
OVER ONE MONTH AGO, MY GPS VIEWER SHOWED A WRONG TIME. I RESET THE CLOCK AND EXITED THE FEATURE. THE CLOCK QUIT APPEARING ON THE SCREEN. AT FIRST I DIDN'T NOTICE IT. THEN WHEN I DID, I WASN'T ABLE TO ENTER THE PROGRAM TO SET THE CLOCK: IT WAS ALL DARK ON THE CHOICES. I READ BOTH MY MANUALS AND NOTHING IN THEM TALKED ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. I HAD SEVERAL FRIENDS READ THE MANUAL AND THEY COULDN'T FIND ANY INFORMATION TO FIX THIS EITHER. I WENT TO THE DEALER AND HAVE IT FIXED AND THEY SAID THERE IS NO FIX FOR THIS. THE SECOND TIME I CAME TO THE DEALER, THE TECHNICIAN ORDERED THE WHOLE HEAD UNIT AND THEY SAID I HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE ORDER. IT'S ABOUT 4-5 WEEKS NOW AND I STILL HAVEN'T HEARD ANYTHING. I CALLED LAST WEEK AND THEY SAID THERE IS NO ETA FOR IT. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO ANYMORE.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Sep 24, 2019, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD WHILE PARKED AND UNOCCUPIED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS PRESENT, EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE, AND STATED THAT THE FIRE INITIATED AROUND THE BATTERY AREA. A FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT A NEW BATTERY WAS INSTALLED A WEEK PRIOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 10, 2019
WRONG TIRE PRESSURE READING
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 3, 2019
MY CAR WOULDN'T START HAD MY CAR FOR SERVICE. I WAS CHARGED A SERVICE FEE WHICH THEY WOULD TELL ME WHATS WRONG WITH THE CAR. I WAS ONLY TOLD THE BATTERY WAS AN ISSUE. THAT WAS REPLACE. THE PERSON WHO ATTEND ME DID NOT TELL ME ANYTHING ABOUT GETTING AN OIL CHANGE OR ANY OTHER PROBLEMS IN FEBRUARY. WENT BACK IN APRIL BECAUSE MY CAR STOP RUNNING TURNED OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. WENT BACK TO THE SAME DEALER I NOT FIX CARS SO WHEN I GET SERVIVE FOR THE VEHICLE. I WOULD THINK SOMEONE WOULD TELL ME OTHERWISE BUT NO. I TOKE IT BACK I WAS TOLD THE VEHICLE DOESNT HAVE WARRANTY. THAT IT EXPIRED BUT IN THE SYSTEM THERE WAS NO WARRANTY EVEN RECORDED. NOW I AM STUCK WITH HARASSMENT CALLS ABOUT A VEHICLE I NO LONGER HAVE DUE TO LACK OF MAINTENANCE. I PURCHASE THE VEHICLE LAST YEAR IN JUNE 2019. I DIDNT HAVE THE CAR FOR THEN A YEAR.
Electrical system, Seat belts, May 27, 2019
MY CAR JUST TURNED OFF. WHILE I WAS DRIVING UNDER 15 MILES, IT TURNED OFF, THIS HAS HAPPENED 3!TIMES SINCE I GOT THE CAR. THE SEATBELT IN THE 2ND ROW BEHIND THE PASSENGER SEAT SOMETIMES DOESN'T WANT TO LOCK. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT THEY WEREN'T ABLE TO RECREATE THE PROBLEMS SO THERE'S NOTHING THAT THEY COULD DO ABOUT IT. I SPOKE TO THEIR CORPORATE OFFICE AND SENT EMAILS AND NO ONE CAN FIX THE ISSUES.
Electrical system, May 3, 2019, fire
CAN WAS SITTING FROM 7:00 PM ON 5/2 AND WE WOKE TO FULL ON FIRE FROM REAR OF VEHICLE AT 4:50 AM ON 5/3 - FIRE CO BELIEVES ELECTRICAL