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: engine
668 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Engine, Oct 19, 2023
Morning of October 16th, wife said engine "clicked" at start and then stopped at idle. I checked oil as it had been changed week prior and all levels were normal, then performed diagnostic with Carista tool and app, no codes. That evening while on the way to my 4 year olds practice, the car stopped in a lane of travel on a main cross town thoroughfare in Charlotte NC in rush hour, my wife, 4 year old, and 1 year old in the car. No light or indicators AT ALL ever came on NOTHING, no check engine light, nothing. Had it towed to local shop and he said this is the 10th or 11th Santa Fe we have seen with the V6, it most likely is the motor. So he does prelim diagnostic and suspects a thrown bearing and recommended we tow to Hyundai dealership, just at 70k, how is this possible? We are second owners and our VIN does not qualify for campaign 168. Shocking to now realize this appears to be an ongoing issues with this engine
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH the vehicle had begun to make an abnormal banging and knocking sound from the engine compartment. The contact pulled over, turned the vehicle off, and checked under the hood for any debris or loose engine parts that could account for the banging sounds. The contact turned the vehicle back on normally and there was no engine noise, however when he placed the vehicle into drive (D) and depressed the accelerator the loud banging noise started. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle back to his residence and checked the oil and noted that the dip stick showed no oil at the tip. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Engine, Oct 12, 2023
We were driving down the road with zero warning noises started to come from the car and the entire car shut down. We drifted to the side of the road from the momentum. Tow truck was called and the mechanic states the engine is completely blown. How may people need to report before this is addressed?
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated when checking his oil he observed that the level was very low. The contact stated that he had noticed that when he was accelerating he would hear an abnormal knocking sound from the engine. The contact stated that he checked the oil and again saw that the level was dangerously low. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the PCV valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle had been repaired, however, the heavy oil consumption continued. The contact had an oil consumption test run and was advised that the vehicle was not at the threshold for engine replacement. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.
Engine, Oct 12, 2023
Engine failure. The vehicle was towed to Crenshaw Hyundai in Burlington, NC. Crenshaw Hyundai advised me the engine needed to be replaced due to rod failure. I cannot confirm if the parts are available for inspection. Engine failure while driving causing a stall. The problem has been verbally confirmed to me by Crenshaw Hyundai. The problem has not been inspected by police, insurance representative, or anyone else other than Crenshaw Hyundai. There were no warning lamps displayed prior to failure of the engine.
Engine, Oct 10, 2023
I had just had my inspection done 8/31/23 (96,759 miles), they checked all fluid levels as a curtesy and engine oil was fine. on 9/17/23 my vehicle went into safety mode and would not go over 40 mph. No engine oil lights or check engine lights came on. I pulled over and checked the oil and there was barely any. I added two quarts of oil and it started running fine immediately. The next morning, I checked the oil again and added another quart. On 9/19/23 I took it to have the oil changed (99,534 miles). On 9/22/23 the car started making a funny noise, pulled off the freeway and as we were trying to reach a safe spot to stop the engine blew a rod (100,004 miles). Again, no engine oil lights or check engine lights came on. This is a reoccurring theme in the research I have since done. This could have blown while driving 70 mph on a freeway! It also left us in a bad part of town in the middle of the night. I owe $10k on the car, the dealership wants $14k to fix it, the car is only worth $15k when it's running.
Engine, Oct 10, 2023
I have had the 2017 hyundai santa fa for about 6 months. I've had regular maintenance on the vehicle and out of no where it got a loud knock and clunking noise. Upon researching I've found thousands or people with the same 3.3 engine as mine with the same exact problem. Maybe it's kind of the same deal going on as the 2016 engines. No there was not any lights on but now there is a engine light and loud knocking.
Power train, Engine, Oct 9, 2023
The engine of my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe started making a loud knocking sound on 9/29/2023. I took the car to a certified mechanic who said that the engine had “thrown a rod.” I researched the NHTSA website and found NHTSA Part 573 Safety Recall Report No. 17V-578 dated Sep 20, 2017. While I never received this notice, the Descriptive Information and Description Defect mirror the problem with my car exactly. The recall was for 3.3L “Lambda” engines produced at the Asan Plant (Korea) between January 26, 2017 and February 13, 2017. My car was produced February 7, 2017.
Engine, Oct 6, 2023
At approximately 74,000 miles, our 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate with the 3.3L V6 exhibited a total loss of power from the engine, while driving at non-highway speeds. As the vehicle decelerated to pull off the road, a catastrophic engine failure occurred with loss of all power and drivability. The vehicle was towed to our local repair shop, where it was diagnosed to need a full engine replacement. Maintenance was regularly performed on the vehicle, with no check engine lights or other diagnostic codes or warnings at the time of the incident. Oil changes and all other maintenance had been performed regularly by me or at the local dealership.
Engine, Oct 5, 2023
During normal acceleration, the vehicle lost all power. I was able to coast to a safe stop. However, this occurred while accelerating to merge on to a major highway. Fortunately, I was able to navigate the vehicle safely to the shoulder. The vehicle would not turn on again. After towing the vehicle to a Hyundai dealership, it was determined that the engine had seized. This vehicle has been maintained regularly according to manufacturer recommendations, and has never had any negative symptoms or issues prior to this engine seizing up. No engine warning lights, no messages, nor any abnormal noises during engine operation prior to the event.
Engine, Oct 5, 2023
When driving vehicle it turns off while driving. It simply cuts off. It has done this at least 3 times already.
Engine, Oct 2, 2023
On interstate 77 in west virginia when vehicle slowed, whent into Beckley, WV. Stopped at Autozone checked oil was OK, check engine light 0018 ( crankshaft position sensor), started to go to Beckley Hyundai about 2 miles away. Engine quit before getting there. Got tow to dealer who said engine seized and needs new motor. (Car has 78,000 miles) Apparently this has happened to a lot of 2017 Santa fe. Hyundai will not pay for repairs. The 3.3L G6DF motor has been discontinued, and rebuilt motors are in short supply, as so many other Santa Fe are waiting for motors. Hyundai had a recall of 2017 Santa Fe built between Jan. 26 - Feb. 13 because of engine failures, but problem appears to be wider than that.
Service brakes, Engine, Sep 29, 2023
The oil leaks every time I brake, and car engine and brakes get hot.
Engine, Sep 28, 2023
Paid off my vehicle at the end of 2022. Beginning of 2023, it started knocking. Had it towed to the Dealership and come to find out, the engine needed to be replaced. Well we had them replace it while I tried working with Hyundai. Explained that my 2017 has the 3.3 engine. Only 420 vehicles were recalled. However, mine was not one of them. It’s the exact thing that was happening with the recall vehicles. Now they want to charge me another $11,000 to get it back from the dealership. This is clearly a problem but they won’t assist.
Engine, Sep 26, 2023
After changing my oil, engine started knocking and now car has faulty engine that is very expensive to replace.
Engine, Sep 23, 2023
Engine failure, crankshaft sensory did not go off and it will need a brand new engine. Only 94k miles
Engine, Sep 20, 2023
In June, I was driving my Santa Fe down the highway with my children when it suddenly died. I had no control over the vehicle. There were no warning lights on, my engine temp was not high. I was able to get it off to the side of the road. I found that the oil was almost completely empty even though I have regular oil changes and have had no leaks. I took my vehicle to Vern Eddy on Sioux City, IA, where I originally bought this vehicle. (I bought this new) They confirmed it was the rod bearings. Which is a known manufacturers defect in many of their engines that are being recalled however, not in this particular model so, they are refusing to fix it. I've looked online and seen hundreds of others with this exact engine having the exact same issue. I just want them to fix it. My children could have been seriously injured.
Engine, Sep 1, 2023
I was driving the car and then all of a sudden I was getting a lot vibrations. It was very hard to control the car. I pulled over and had it tow to the dealer I bought it from, Herb Chambers Honda of Westborough, Massachusetts. They told me it was the fuel injection system. I had replaced, and then the same thing happened again, they sent me to Herb Chambers Hyundai of Auburn. They told me it is the engine. They refused to replace it.
Engine, Aug 31, 2023
Car stopped suddenly and when I went to check, the oil had been completely depleted. The shop says the engine failed, most likely because the oil had evaporated. Low mileage, well maintained, so the car has a defect that can be life threatening. Thankfully, for me, it stopped in a quiet road and had to be towed. This could have happened in busy traffic and caused a bad accident.
Engine, Aug 29, 2023
I've owned my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe 3.3L V6 since late 2021. I haven't noticed it using oil. Stopped at a traffic light, the engine lost power. It was so scary! No warning lights were on my dash. I was thankful to not be rear-ended...although I could have filed an insurance claim if I had been. As it is, my insurance says it is a 'mechanical failure.' The car would not start but luckily some strangers pushed me out of the highway. I tried two different jumper cables and was able to roll up my windows but not much else. The car was towed back to hometown. At a repair shop, the mechanic told me the engine was locked. It has 97,000 miles on it and I'm the second owner so the 100K warranty doesn't apply to me. I called Hyundai and they instructed me to have the car towed to a Hyundai dealership where they 'might' help. The car sat for 2 weeks before anyone looked at it. This week, I heard from the repair shop that the engine is seized and not repairable. This model has no open engine recalls. I don't understand how this engine isn't being recalled like the other Hyundai models. I have to say that I will no longer purchase Hyundai's or recommend them to anyone else! As I still owe quite a bit on this car, I still don't know what I am going to do. The shop said they would look for an used engine with lower miles. I still haven't heard anything additional. Seems like the hens are guarding the henhouse pretty tight!
Engine, Aug 22, 2023
Driving down the highway and vehicle just shut off at a stop light. No lights of any kind on the dashboard. Started it up stayed running, checked all the gages, everything was normal. Was waiting at the red light and it turned off again. When I started it up again noticed that the oil light was on longer than the other lights, but it went out. Pulled over and checked the oil, no oil on the dip stick. Put 2 quarts of oil in it and tried to limp home. Turned off again and wouldn't restart. No warning lights. Took it to a dealership and was told the engine was seized and they knew about the oil consumption issue, but they told me that 3.3L engines weren't covered. No I still have half my car to pay for and engine replacement costs as much as the car is worth. I currently still have the vehicle and trying to figure things out.
Engine, Aug 21, 2023
I've owned my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe 3.3L V6 since 2017, the last year, the engine has been consuming oil at a higher rate than normal. Performed an oil change in early June, it has burned 3 quarts of oil in two months. Last Thursday, 08/17/2023, the engine started knocking bad, and it lost power as the vehicle was being parked. Towed to a repair shop, waiting on inspection but it sounds like a camshaft knock, but it's terrible. It has 103,000 miles on it and I just paid it off last year. I don't understand how this engine isn't being recalled like the other Hyundai models. I have to say that I will no longer purchase Hyundai's or recommend them to anyone else.
Power train, Engine, Aug 21, 2023
My ‘17 Santa Fe has been well taken care of with regular oil changes and we have kept up with the recommended maintenance. While driving on 8/17/2023 the car started to struggle to accelerate and I heard a knocking sound. Within moments there was total engine and power failure and I had to quickly get the vehicle off the road to avoid being rear ended. There were no warning lights on until the moment it was dying. The battery light, check engine light, and oil light came on, but then the vehicle had quickly lost all power immediately after. Once it was towed to Meineke and looked over by the mechanics there it was determined that it needs a new engine and that it had very, very little oil in it.
Engine, Aug 18, 2023
Blown engine in the middle of the highway. The car have been consuming excessive amounts of oil. I though that, if the car has the oil change done more often, the engine would be fine, but that was not the case.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 16, 2023
Had oil changed July 5, 2023, Aug. 14 check engine light came on. Took it to shop and was told Hyundai vehicles are burning oil in the engine and the diagnostic code came back as Catalytic Convert and had to add oil. Have oil spots all over my drive so was told to check oil and make sure it's not low and see if light comes back on. Repair shop checked for recalls and found none for this car, yet. Daughter has 2013 Kia Rio with same problem for past couple of years. Why do recalls take so long?