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
Engine, Jun 30, 2023
Was driving my 2017 Santa Fe Ultimate 3.3L v6 at a low speed on residential streets. With only 110,000 miles without warning or indicators the engine failed. Regular schedule oil changes were preformed. Hyundai wouldn't offer any goodwill financial help with a engine replacement, stuck with a car loan and work working vehicle.
Engine, Jun 29, 2023
Check engine light came on, made an appointment to bring to the mechanic. 1 mile into the trip, engine lost power. We had to tow to the mechanic. Synopsis: hole in block caused by catastrophic engine failure at 120,000 miles. When check engine light occurred, oil was at correct level; and vehicle has always been maintained properly.
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.
Engine, Jun 28, 2023
This car is using a quart to quart and a half of oil every thousand miles!
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 23, 2023
Engine failure occurred. Engine began making a knocking noise. The check engine light failed to initiate. No warning lights of any kind came on.
Engine, Jun 21, 2023
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe with the 3.3L Lambda engine. At 99,625 miles, while driving at highway speed, the engine suddenly sputtered with partial loss of power and a loud clicking/banging noise coming from the engine compartment. No warning lights/check engine lights/oil lights. Drove one mile and parked it in the driveway. Had it towed same day to dealer and after it was inspected it and found to have metal shavings in the oil pan and a catastrophic engine failure (again, NO warning lights on the dash!). Proved to the dealer that all maintenance and oil changes were performed correctly and within prescribed time periods/mileage. Dealer will replace the engine with a Hyundai remanufactured -- not new -- engine under warranty but this "new" engine will only be warrantied for 375 miles which the balance of the original 10 yr/100,000 mile warranty.
Engine, Jun 18, 2023
Driving 65mph, loss of power and cel light came on. Manged to get vehicle home. Did not notice any engine noise . Checked cel code. P1326. Did investigation on code and found long list of issues, including excessive oil consumption. Checked oil and found none on dipstick. No oil light was illuminated. Have had no issues with oil loss prior till today. Oil changes every 5000 miles. Bought vehicle in 2020 with 57000 miles(currently 110000) and was not aware of service code 953, so not sure if vehicle is updated. Vehicle is currently parked and will be towed to nearest dealership, but from reading prior complaints, and as Hyundai will not replace the motor, most likely a waste of time. Will join class action lawsuit over this. Aware of ABS recall and was going to schedule that service, but vehicle is currently not drivable.
Engine, Jun 17, 2023
Right after warranty was out. My car starting using oil. There are no leaks just horrible oil consumption. We did a consumption test and it showed my car using one quart of oil every 315.94 miles. The dealership wants to do a combustion chamber cleaning for $849.06. Then stated this may not fix it. If not a new engine is needed. I was wondering if there is a recall for this problem with my vehicle. I have tried to reach Hyundai but they have not returned my emails. I was supposed to hear from Hyundai costumer affairs in 3/5 days from June 3. Still have not heard from them. I need to get Hyundai to remedy this situation. It is outrageous, I have heard of several people across the nation having this problem. My case #[XXX] is what Hyundai gave me. Need to find out what I can do about this or if you can help me? Thank You for your time [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Engine, Jun 17, 2023
Car had excessive oil consumption so had to continually add oil. One day check engine light comes on and I drive it two blocks back home. Next time I start car check engine light is blinking. Told need new engine due to low to no compression in the cylinders but they do not know why there is no compression. No prior warnings..complete engine failure..130k miles.
Engine, Jun 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated intermittently. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that the engine consumed 1-quart of engine oil every 500 miles. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that there were metal shavings in the engine oil and that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the type of engine installed in the vehicle originally was discontinued. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Engine, Jun 14, 2023
2017 3.3V6 GDI engine. Suddenly lost power, knocking severely. No oil in engine, no signs of leaks or burning, never had any issues of oil consumption between changes. Oil last changed 2 months prior. No warning lights ever came on for low oil or low oil pressure. Hyundai blue link app indicates all systems normal with the vehicle. Safety risk of sudden loss of power while driving without warning and complete engine failure.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jun 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The contact was able to push the vehicle to the shoulder, where the vehicle failed to restart. Upon visual inspection, the contact observed an excessive amount of engine oil in the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that oil sludge had damaged the engine, requiring a replacement of the engine. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V578000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Engine, Jun 7, 2023
Car maintenanced regularly. Engine went completely bad at 116,000 miles. 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Xl 3.3l engine.
Engine, Jun 7, 2023
While Driving home the car just lost power while going 50mph. The engine started knocking then the engine light started flashing and the car wouldn't go above 37mph. This is definitely not good. I was holding up traffic trying to pull over while not being able to even do the speed limit. Also the oil consumption is outrageous! I have never owned a vehicle where I had to add oil as much as I do in this one.
Engine, Jun 2, 2023
Car is consuming oil quickly. After two thousand miles the entire tank is burned
Engine, Jun 1, 2023
The car started making a knocking sound, no service lights had been on prior to this or during this time, and within five minutes the car stopped working and shut down. I was able to get the car back on only to have it breakdown again within a minute. I was able to get it far enough into a parking spot to let it sit for about 15 minutes and when i turned it on again it had a horrible loud knocking sound, and yet still no service lights. The dealership said there was a bearing failure and that they are seeing it all the time and yet my make and model is not covered under the class action suits or engine repairs though they are seeing it in my make and model over and over again. Hyundai is refusing to assist.
Engine, May 30, 2023
I purchased this vehicle only 9 months ago. After driving it for about 2 months I noticed that the engine oil level was so low that the dipstick was about dry. I added oil and chalked it up to the vehicle maybe just having some age to it as the mileage was approaching 100,000 miles at that time. I continued to drive the vehicle checking the oil twice a week needing to add oil about a quart a week. About a month ago the car stalled on me and now i’m being told the engine has a cylinder number 4 failure.
Engine, May 29, 2023
I am having excessive oil consumption, pinging of the engine and a delay in acceleration. 2 quarts in 700 miles
Engine, May 27, 2023
Driving north on a southern California freeway at 65MPH and the engine lost complete power. The "Check Engine Light" immediately came on and I was able to safely coast off the freeway. I did not try to restart the car but instead had it towed to the nearest Hyundai dealer. The dealer replaced the spark plugs, performed a diagnostic test, and determined there was "low engine problem" and stated the engine needed to be replaced. They then said it might qualify for Hyundai's extended engine warranty program and submitted a claim. During this claim waiting period, I submitted a machanical breakdown claim to my auto insurance company who immediately sent a specialist to the dealer and reviewed the work done to date, and requested a compression test and determined it was a "top end problem". The insurance company specialist then requested the dealer remove valve cover and cylender head for further inspection and to confirm the car had been properly maintained. The dealer said the cost would be around $3,000 and the insurance company said this cost would be my responsibility. Days later, the dealer informed me Hyundai denied my extended engine warranty claim. In conclusion, I have self performed 90% of the oil and filter changes (using OEM filters) per manufactures recommendations and believe I have a valid claim under Hyundai's extended warranty. Please help. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Engine, May 26, 2023
Back in January 2022 my car stalled, I took it to my mechanic and he said that I had no oil. My car has 33175 miles. He filled it up. Four months later it stalled again, I brought to the same mechanic again, he told me to take it to the dealer because the car is consuming oil. May 18 2022 dropped the car off at the Hyundai dealer and they told me they were keeping it. After numerous phone calls to them they allowed me to pick up my car June 22 2002 and they did nothing, they told that my car had a consumption problem and that I need to drive it for one thousand miles and have the oil checked. July 12 2022 My milage now is 33397 he added oil. I came back after 510 miles and they had to put a quart of oil in, I have everything documented. Milage was 33685. September 19 2022 Mike added 1/2 quart of oil, milage was 34109. November 25 2022 milage was 34870 they added 2 1/2 quarts of oil. On January 23 2023 I called corporate and got a case number #20630111, not satisfied dealing with the dealer anymore. All the time I was going to the dealer no one documented anything that happened with the car. On February 24 2023 I brought the car back to the dealer and the oil consumption problem has been approved they put a tamper seal for the oil filter and drain plug to start the oil consumption test. My milage was 36129. I am petrified to drive the car for fear that I am going to stall out and get hit, I am 75 years old, I work, pick up grandkids and take care of my 101 year old mother, they don’t seem to care. I drove the car 1000 miles and on May 5 2023 I brought it back for an oil check up, it was 2 1/2 quarts short. I have a paper that says “time line of the recall” it says “the TSB instructed dealers to inspect and repair if the oil consumption was over 1 quart/ 1000 miles “ Every time I went to the dealer I took a picture of the dipstick and the milage. I was hoping you would be able to see that my car is not safe on the road and that I am petrified to drive it. Please help
Engine, May 25, 2023
Changed the oil in my 2017 Hyundai Sante Fe Sport in Dec of 2022. Two months later my check engine light came on. I took it in for service and found out I was completely out of oil. Three months later I ran into the same issue and received another oil change. I contacted Hyundai who told me there was nothing they can do and no explanation for the burning of oil. Please note that I work from home so vehicle usage was and has not been a concern. 6 weeks after my second oil change in five months, my oil was once again below the L level almost non-visible. Went back to Hyundai and was told once more that there was nothing they can do and to potentially consider getting a new vehicle. They wanted me to pay out of pocket for a fuel consumption test that I’ve technically been running myself already for the last 6 months. Three oil changes and a top off. There is clearly an issue and I am fearful for my safety and others while driving my vehicle on the highways and streets. As we are transitioning back to the office in a couple of weeks I am in need of reliable transportation.
Engine, May 25, 2023
Car started knocking in April we parked the car until we could get it towed to Hyundai of Norman! Get it over there for them to tell us then crankshaft has caused an issue with the bearing and it's worn. We do some research to find out that recall 168 by the NHTSA is just that! On our exact year make and model of our vehicle but out VIN was not one flagged for the issue! Hyundai of Norman is RUDE when I asked for them to fill out a.PA for goodwill consideration. The tell us that Hyundai denied.our claim. Now we're going to have to pay 13k to get it fixed!
Engine, May 24, 2023
My wife was driving our 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA fe to an appointment. When she pulled into parking spot the engine check light came on and the engine stopped running. She coasted to a stop and went to her appointment. When she returned to the car it would not turn over. The battery was OK but car would not turn over. Car was towed to a local garage. They said car had little oil and the engine was sezied. We had the vehicle towed to a Hyundai dealer who confirmed the engine was sezied. The car had 104,000 on it. We had an extended bumper to bumper extended warranty to 100,000 miles. Dealer said they would contact Hyundai about about a new engine. But could not make any promises and for some reason they were hard to find. Last time I checked this site there were 388 similar seized engine reports. We had all maintenance checkes and oil changes at proper intervals.
Engine, May 24, 2023
Excessive oil consumption. Add 1 quart about every 900 miles.
Engine, May 23, 2023
Oil pan leak