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, Feb 4, 2023
The car lost all power in he middle of a busy 4 lane highway. Was able to coast to the shoulder. Engine light came on had car towed to mechanic. I then took car to Hyundai an they told me it had to do with update. Got car back an less the 6 hours later the car went into limp mode not exceeding 2000 rpm. Took the car back an now they are claiming the piston has dug into cylinder wall an need new engine.
Engine, Feb 3, 2023
On 11-12-22 my Sante Fe stuttered and came to a stop on a busy highway. On inspection we found there was no oil in the engine, there was no crack in the oil pan and otherwise no way for the oil to leak out. We did all the maintenance on schedule according the Hyundai's recommendations. My two young kids, my husband and I were stranded on the side of the highway for hours until we could get the car towed to the nearest dealership. Clearly, an engine seizing on the highway is very scary and unsafe. Hyundai is aware of the excessive oil consumption and did not inform consumers, putting lives at risk. The car is sitting dead in a dealership and in the mean time has been vandalized, the steering column was busted and the lift gate was disabled. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership and an insurance rep is scheduled to inspect it for the damage from the break-in. Insurance has already said the engine is our problem because it wasn't caused by an accident but by manufacturer defect. There was no warning that the engine was consuming excessive oil, it just seized. Hyundai is requesting a tear down of the engine so they can determine if the engine will be covered. I fear they will find a way to not cover a new engine, when it was clearly a manufacturing defect. My families lives were at risk because of Hyundai's disregard for their customers.
Engine, Feb 2, 2023
The vehicle suddenly lost power and acceleration while on the highway. The service engine light began flashing. I was able to drive it to a safe location, though only at a low rate of speed. I had the vehicle was towed to a local garage. The error code indicated a knock sensor error. Hyundai is aware of this error and problem, but will not address the issue until it reoccurs. Also, the garage indicated that the oil "looked dirty", so they changed it, though the vehicle was not yet due for an oil change.
Engine, Jan 31, 2023
Driving on the highway the engine started to knock, the oil and/or engine light did not come on. Then the vehicle was undrivable. The mechanic stated the engine popped and that this occurs with Hyundai's and Kia's.
Power train, Engine, Jan 26, 2023
I had been driving my 2017 Santa Fe SE (6cyl, 3.3L engine) for approximately three hours when the battery, oil, and engine lights all lit up and the engine shut down immediately. I'd had no prior warning of an issue and lost power/control of the vehicle in less than a minute. My vehicle was towed to my mechanic who determined a complete engine failure. Tranfer of vehicle to Hyundai dealership for evaluation for work under warranty confirmed the engine failure.
Engine, Jan 25, 2023
Was driving vehicle on highway at 70 MPH. No warning lights came on, vehicle began to decelerate with no warning. Vehicle has been maintained regularly, and was current, and full of oil at time of incident. Once noticed the vehicle was decelerating, with danger of surrounding traffic, I moved toward the shoulder to reach a somewhat safe place to come to a stop. Vehicle would not turn over after we came to a stop. There is a recall which other documentation from users online describe a similar occurrence. Hyundai dismissed the connection and currently is making it difficult to deal with issue.
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.
Engine, Jan 20, 2023
I was 3k miles out from an oil change and had no oil in the well. Took it to dealership and was told to come back in 1k. Went back in 1k was told everything was fine , no need to come back. 2k miles later , tamper seals in place oil light flashed and I went straight to dealership. Again, no oil in the well, seals in place. They changed the oil and told me I have to keep coming back every 1k miles for 4k more miles! There is no evidence of a leak. The engine is obviously burning oil and is unsafe at this rate.
Engine, Jan 18, 2023
Vehicle was being driven and there was sudden loss of power. While vehicle limped to side of road, check engine light turned on. Noticed oil leaking from beneath. Vehicle was towed to Hyundai dealer and they confirmed a new engine is needed but will not replace because mileage is 5,000 miles passed the 60,000 mile warranty for 2nd hand purchasers. Being quoted $14,000 to replace engine.
Engine, Jan 18, 2023
Vehicle had excessive oil consumption causing catastrophic engine failure. No check engine light came on. Engine stalled on interstate.
Engine, Jan 16, 2023
While driving, my engine with less than 59,000 miles and under 5 years old seized, as I was approaching a left hand turn across 2 lanes of traffic in morning rush hour traffic. I had lost power I had nothing. Miraculously, I was able to navigate my vehicle to a safe area. When I got out of my car to determine why I had lost everything, I discovered oil pouring from the underside of the vehicle. I has no indication that there was a serious issue brewing. My check engine light has come on 2 weeks before. I made an appointment immediatly with Hyundai the soonest they could look at my car was almost a month out. I took my car to Autozone and they hooked my car to the diginostic computer and it showed the ABS issue that is currently recalled. I had the car towed to Hyundai and they determined the engine had completely failed and refereed the loss of power as Limp Mode. The engine failed due to the faulty components that Hyundai has been knowingly using for years. These components break down and cause metal to flood the engine eventually causing the engine to seize. I could have been killed and others could have been killed as well due to the negligence of Hyundai. The vehicle still sits a dealership, as of today, My warranty company has approved a full engine replacement no thanks to any help or concern of Hyundai.
Power train, Engine, Jan 16, 2023
Passenger airbag constantly coming on when there is a passenger, and when no one is on the passenger seat. Oil light has been flashing/ lighting up and going off. I told several service members about this problem, they all shrug it off. One said I could pay $150 for diagnostic test, but why should I pay when they know what’s going on with it? This seems to be a common issue with this vehicle, so why can’t I just get my car repaired and the company do right by consumers who have trusted them?! I thought the oil light coming on meant time for an oil change- even though it’s only been 2-3 weeks -because no one at my dealership where I get my car serviced mentioned it meant something more serious, like I’m LOW on oil... CONSTANTLY! This has been happening and my records at the dealership show I’ve been coming almost every two months for an oil change. I recently spoke with someone from the dealership in Daphne, Al and they told me they couldn’t help me AT ALL, not even the oil consumption tests because I’m not the original owner. Basically denied me of a service! How rude and inconsiderate, especially when I’m still paying for a car that potentially has engine problems. I paid for the extended warranty as well. Now all of a sudden, yesterday morning, on my way to work, my car was jerking/ missing like it doesn’t want to accelerate… and also when I was reversing! This is my only means of transportation to and from work. Thanks for reviewing my complaint and I hate I have to complain bc I love my little car. Just wish the dealership/ Hyundai would understand this isn’t right and might need to take these cars off the market or recall and fix! Please help!
Engine, Jan 12, 2023
*The crankshaft failed while driving causing the car to stop in traffic. This part is available for inspection but it still is in the car. * As stated this caused the car to shut down on the roadway during heavy traffic. * The dealer confirmed that the crankshaft did fail. * Only the dealer inspected the car. * There were no warning signs, light or massages from the car prior to the failure.
Engine, Jan 11, 2023
two large holes in engine block, now the engine is dead, they are charging me $5000 to replace it.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled while making ticking sounds. The engine overheats message was displayed, and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact parked the vehicle in a parking space, where it remained. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that an independent mechanic had previously replaced the battery and performed an oil change for the recurring failure, and the vehicle had not been driven for 5-months. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V578000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 130,099.
Engine, Jan 8, 2023
OIL EXCESSIVE CONSUMPTION PROBLEM I BOUGHT IT WITH 65,000 MILES AND I NOTICED THE PROBLEM WHEN I SERVICE THE CAR THAT DID NOT HAVE OIL HYUNDAI KNOWS THAT THE 2017 SANTA FE SPORT HAVE THOSE FACTORY PROBLEM I ADDRESS THAT POBLEM TO HYUNDAI AND THEY DO NOT WANT TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. THAT 2.4 L ENGINE CEASED SUDDENLY AND THAT IS A DANGEROUS PROBLE THAT COULD HAPPEN WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY I NEED HYUNDAI TO BE REPONSIBLE AND RESOLVE THE ISSUE BY REPLACING THE ENGINE. PS. I NEED HELP ON THIS PROBLEM
Engine, Jan 6, 2023
At approximately 94,000 miles, our 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate AWD with the 3.3L V6 exhibited ticking sounds from the engine and a loss of power, 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 Hyundai dealership, where a diagnostic revealed that a connecting rod had punched a hole through the engine block, necessitating 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 had been regularly performed with synthetic oil and was within recommended intervals.
Engine, Jan 6, 2023
The engine is burning about a quart of oil every 100 miles. Taken our call to the repair shop, which found no leaks, and then a Hyundai dealership that confirmed no leaks but said everything looked good and gave no explanation as to why my oil light kept going on and we had to add oil non-stop.
Engine, Jan 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact had to add an additional 4-quarts of oil each week. There were no warning lights illuminated. There was no indication of an oil leak. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who confirmed that the oil level was low. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Engine, Jan 5, 2023
Internal engine failure! I still owe 16,000 on the car and only had it for a little over a year before it gave out. Haven't even had it for 20,000 miles. The final two maintenance is when the trouble began. After the oil change the service manager informed me that it looked as if someone had taken a hammer to the side of the block. Because there was not a previous oil leak prior to taking it for the oil change, they repaired the issue, but by the very next oil change we were told there was so much metal shavings in the oil, it indicated to them that the engine was failing. Not even 3 days latter while driving the power went out while driving it would remain cranked, but pushing the gas would not cause the car to move.
Engine, Jan 4, 2023
Car had engine major repair back in April at the Hyundai dealership. Now it threw a rod bearing and I'm being told it needs a new engine. I'm being told that what is wrong with my vehicle was the same problem that has a recall on the same model and year, just different engine size but there's no recall. Can we follow recall procedure number 168 please.
Engine, Jan 3, 2023
Vehicle was purchased used for my teenage daughter's first vehicle and the vehicle was purchased from a reputable used car dealership with the vehicle having a very good Carfax vehicle history report and appeared to be mechanically sound. After two months of normal use and no mechanical warnings ever appearing, my teenage daughter was driving on the highway at night when the vehicle engine suddenly stopped with vehicle losing all power and being disabled on the highway in a hazardous location that could have caused a serious vehicle accident with my daughter being seriously injured or killed by passing highway motorists due to the sudden engine malfunction. The vehicle was towed to a Hyundai dealership for inspection, and I was advised that the crankshaft was immobilized, and that the vehicle will need a new engine. With no warning lights ever being displayed or any other signs of self-evident mechanical problems, I suspect that this particular model vehicle has a serious engine defect that needs to be investigated to prevent a loss of engine power vehicular accident that could result severe property damage and serious bodily injury to the vehicle operator, passengers, and other motorists. The vehicle is still disabled at a Hyundia dealership and available for inspection.
Engine, Dec 30, 2022
The car stop running in the middle of the highway. Was taken to the dealership and they sled us to pay close to 700 for an inspection. Since then I have been part of numerous groups that report similar issues with certain types of engines.
Engine, Dec 28, 2022
The vehicle lost power and started making a knocking noise from the engine. The vehicle would not accelerate at all, then quickly increase in RPMs and throttle forward. The knocking sound increased in intensity and volume. The RPM's continued to jump as did the power and acceleration. No check engine lights ever showed. After about a year of owning the vehicle we noticed it was burning through oil at an alarming rate. At a Hyundai dealership we were told that it was normal for that engine to require oil top offs between oil changes. We had it looked at by a local mechanic and was told it is total engine failure due to an internal component and will require a new engine.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 28, 2022
***(NW Indiana)*** 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate FWD 3.3L - 64,000mi. Driven to and from work and around town. Purchased used with 31,000mi in July 2020 from Knauz Hyundai. On the afternoon of December 22nd, 2022 I went to accelerate from 35 mph at which point I heard "tick-tick-tick-tick-tick". I had never heard that sound before. I tried the accelerator again and the same "ticking" sound was there. It became progressively louder on the 15 minute ride home but only while accelerating. During this whole episode not once did any warning light come on. I got home and popped the hood to listen to it(I did video record the sound) and to check the oil. The oil was a bit low but I topped it off and then put a code reader on the vehicle. The only thing that came back was a low voltage on the battery. The next morning I started it up and the noise was even louder. After a few minutes the sound subsided a bit, albeit still loud. I was able to drive it to work so that our mechanics could hear it and all three said it sounded like a bearing went bad and that the engine might be a loss. I spoke to another friend that is a mechanic that hosts a local radio show and he said that he had a show recently about how he is seeing A LOT of Hyundai's coming in with the exact same problem. He told me about a recall from 9/19/2017 with the #17V578000. While I am not certain that this pertains to my vehicle, everyone that has read the recall says that can absolutely be the issue. I have tried calling Hyundai Consumer Affairs but sit on hold forever only to be finally disconnected from the call. I am taking it in to Hyundai on January 6th, 2023 for the ABS recall and they said they would charge me $199 to look at this issue. After reading through all of the complaints regarding this problem Hyundai needs to make it right for their "valued" customers.