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, Sep 23, 2022
Vehicle had had excessive oil consumption dating back al least 2020. Engine seizure leading to traffic accident could have caused safety issue to me, my passengers and others. Excess usage has been documented by Conicelli Hyundai in Conshohocken, PA. On 5/17/22, I had my oil changed at Conicelli Hyundai with odometer reading at 45,952. I mentioned the excess oil usage and they set me up for an oil consumption study. On 7/11/22, odometer reading was 47,239 and vehicle consumed 2.7 quarts of oil. On 8/12/22, odometer reading was 48,168 and oil consumed was 2.7 quarts again. On 9/8/22, odometer was 49,098 and oil consumed was 3 quarts. On 9/18/2022, I had to add another quart of oil. Please note that I park on a concrete driveway, and there is no oil on the driveway. Next step was supposed to be engine cleaning under warranty, but I called 9/23/22 and was told a class action suit had been filed against Hyundai regarding excessive oil consumption and the engine cleaning was no longer being offered. My vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, other than Conicelli Hyundai, nor has it been inspected by police, insurance representatives or others. In 2020, a low oil warning lamp appeared. When I checked, there was no oil on the dipstick and 3 quarts of oil were added. When I mentioned this to my regular mechanic, he said Hyundais were using a lot of oil, and recommended checking oil every month. I would have to add 1 to 2 quarts each month, between oil changes every 3,000 miles
Engine, Sep 22, 2022
Regarding repairs of the Hyundai Santa Fe 2.0T (2017 year) towed there dated 8/26/2022, I experienced engine failure because I drove only 2000 miles after my car got fixed due to the "engine check light" issue. I have a deep concern as my car occurred repeated problems before the engine warranty expired and in the end, I almost had a life-threatened accident due to an engine shutdown while driving on the speedway. Even after the car got fixed at the dealer service center several times including once warranty repair, I am very afraid of driving without guaranteeing certain safety when I am at the wheel. I contacted Hyundai Assistance Center to assist with this issue. However, they replied not to cover the warranty, even though I repaired it at my own cost several times, and in the end, the warranty expired while struggling to resolve engine issues so far.
Engine, Sep 21, 2022
Engine is experiencing oil consumption issues. Nearing the end of first 1,000 mile oil consumption test.
Engine, Sep 14, 2022
After a road trip from NJ to KY, the low oil pressure light came on during stops. A quick check at the mechanic shows that my oil was low though I was not due for a scheduled oil change. I was informed that the car might be burning oil. The low oil light still came on during stops even after toping the oil. I was later informed that the engine cannot maintain the oil pressure when the car is idling after a follow-up visit in a couple of days. A quick check online showed that Hyundai has been having issues with car engines related to 'metallic oil' which could lead to this issue. My mechanic informed me that the dealership has refused to change my motor since it is not included in the ongoing engine replacement program. I was also informed that the company no longer makes the engine even if I want to purchase a replacement! I wish to request the NHTSA to institute a wider review to study if other Hyundai and Kia engines have oil burning/metallic oil issues and if these could be looped into the engine replacement program as it is unfathomable that a 5 yr car's motor should be damaged after a road trip under normal use conditions. Thanks for looking into this.
Engine, Sep 14, 2022
Driving on the Interstate with my kids on our way to see family, when we heard a rattling sound and within in a minute or two, then heard a thud sound and the car died. I was barely able to make it to the side of the Interstate. We first had it towed to a local mechanic, who explained that it had thrown a piston through the engine block. We were quoted at that time around $11,000 for engine replacement. In order to submit anything to Hyundai, we had to tow it to the nearest dealership, which confirmed the local mechanic's diagnosis, only to be denied coverage because of warranty. They quoted us approximately $14,000 for an engine replacement. Even though this is not the specific issue outlined in the massive recall, they KNOW they have a serious issue with their engine production during this timeframe. They really need to something to help those of use with blown engines. Mileage is roughly 102,000 and we have service records to prove we have not neglected maintenance.
Engine, Sep 8, 2022
I have had my vehicle in for the same sputtering/lack of acceleration problem 5times. The check engine light is flashing, yet, the tech says there is nothing wrong. It is frightening to drive when I cannot accelerate and it jerks horribly between 0-20. When I reach 64mph, it starts deceleration and drops even though my foot is on the gas pedal. I also have a known oil consumption problem they have not been helpful with. I did contact the National care line and they have accelerated the problem to a safety concern.my car has been at the dealer for 5 weeks and I just got a message stating nothing is wrong with the car.
Engine, Aug 20, 2022
what I was told by the dealer my engine has failed / locked up due to the crankshaft being locked up. I was put at risk because as I was driving at 45mph on the road and the vehicle just shutoff no power, I was able to get to the side of the road and pull into a parking lot. I tried to start the vehicle while after waiting an hour and a half but all i got was a clicking noise. The vehicle is currently at the dealership where the technician has told me there was a recall on the engine of 2017 santa fe acouple years ago and this is exactly the same thing that happened then. waiting for approval for repair. There were not any warning lights prior to this happening. My vehicle only has around 86,000 miles on it
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while the daughter was driving approximately 70 MPH, she heard an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment and the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that an internal engine failure had occurred, involving the rod bearing and the crankshaft. The dealer diagnosed that the short block of the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number 17v578000(Engine And Engine Cooling). However, the contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 72,000.
Power train, Engine, Aug 10, 2022
From what I was told by the dealer my engine has failed / locked up due to the low bearings. I was put at risk because as I was driving at 45mph on a dry road and the vehicle acted as if I hit the brake and skid, luckily I was able to get to the side of the road and noticed lights on my dash, I tried to start the vehicle while parked and it sounded like marbles so I immediately turned it off. The vehicle is currently at the dealership, waiting for approval for repair. There were not any warning lights prior to this happening. My vehicle only has around 56,000 mile on it. I am aware of the open recall, I received 2 notices about it, but was never notified there was a remedy and to make an appointment. I don't think my recent issue has anything to do with the current open recall. I mentioned to the dealership I was aware of the open recall and I was told they would take care of it while working on my engine issue.
Power train, Engine, Aug 9, 2022
car was in shop for recall on wheel sensor ,next day the engine stopped working properly .ran really ruff and hesitated .took back to dealer and told 2 cylinders were not running correctly. i was told they would submit the Hyundai for engine replacement. Hyundai denied its under warranty or there problem ,when there is a history or engines failing in the 2017 year .class action lawsuits against them for it.
Engine, Aug 7, 2022
I was driving the vehicle. Engine started pecking then a loud pop noise came from the vehicle. I stopped beside the road. I saw it was leaking engine oil. I drove it to the nearest mechanic. I was told the valve cover had a hole in it. When the valve cover came in. The mechanic took the cover off and checked the engine . He said a bolt or pin came lose on the crankshaft and broke off pieces of the engine on the inside. I was quoted for a new engine at 11,000 dollars. I said I can't afford that and I was would have it towed home. I had it towed to a hyundai dealer inside at the beginning of June. I told them what happened and left it there. I also filed a claim on the hyundai website. Mid July I got a call saying it was the timing chain and since I had no warranty, and hyundai was not going to cover it. The cost would be about 1,500. I asked them are you sure the mechanic took it apart and checked because I had it looked at already and I was told the crankshaft did it. Two days later I got a call back at was told it was the crankshaft that caused the problem. I needed a new engine. They quoted me a engine replacement from 14,500. I told them I can't afford that and had it towed home. I dont believe they sent the problem to hyundai to see it it would be covered. I bought that vehicle less than a year a go. I have been without that vehicle since May, and I have been out of town for 2 months unable to come up with a solution. I believe this is the same recall that is on the sport additions and think it should be added to the current engine recall as the sport models.
Engine, Aug 3, 2022
When I first purchased the SFS I noticed the shift change was always inconsistent. RPM would jump no matter what the speed was. It slowly started to lose MPG and power. The major issue began with a tapping sound coming from the engine. Shortly after, the CE light came on. Had the sensor replaced and soon after- engine stalls again. Days later, the car stalls while excelerating on the Delaware Memorial bridge. The most horrific detail about this incident is that my 5 year old was in the car and it was 5pm rush hour traffic. We were “lucky” enough to coast to the end of the bridge to be able to pull over. Without a proper place to pull over, we were almost hit by a semi who noticed my vehicle seconds before ramming into us. It was the most helpless feeling to not be able to get out of your vehicle and walk to safe location. I will not risk driving my vehicle even a mile. I fear that my vehicle will be the cause of an accident and I can’t bear to think of what would happen. I still do not have an answer to what is causing this issue. Scanners do not pick up any issues and the CE light is not on. All fluids are good and battery was replaced 6 months ago. I’m at a complete loss.
Engine, Aug 3, 2022
Excessive oil consumption since May 2022. Recently, stalling, misfiring, and engine light just came on. Yes it is available for inspection if needed. Safety risk - leaving me stranded on the side of the road, causing an accident which could possible end in injury or death of myself or someone else, engine fire. Yes, the dealer has identified there is an oil consumption problem by doing 4 oil consumption tests, which 2.5-3.5 quarts of oil have burned within 1,000 miles. No, corporate has not inspected anything, they tell me to contact the dealer. The dealer had performed oil consumption tests but nothing else has been planned. I have had this problem since May 2022, the engine light just came on August 1st, which is because the spark plug has heavy deposits of oil and ash on it from the oil consumption.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Aug 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power, then started jerking before independently accelerating. The contact also stated there were times when the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power and stopped. The contact would then restart the vehicle and continue driving. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was diagnosed with no failure being found. The failure reoccurred often. The vehicle was also taken to another local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle but also found no failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 73,399.
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.
Engine, Jul 26, 2022
When accelerating onto the freeway the vehicle made a clunk sound and lost speed by going into limp mode when the check engine light flashed. Thankfully I was close to my exit and was able to safely get off the freeway. I called the Hyundai dealer service and they said to have it towed to them at my cost. The dealership looked it over and said I need a new engine due to oil spilling into all the cylinders. It has 87,000 miles on a 2017. Regular oil changes and just did the 80,000 miles service and spark plugs with this dealer a month before. Hyundai is refusing to pay for the remanufactured engine replacement of $7,000. No loaner car is available either. It has been 3 weeks and still isn't done.
Engine, Jul 25, 2022
Saturday June 25th: Driving on I-495 North in Middleboro, MA and heard a loud clunk. All dashboard lights went on and I immediately pulled off the exit. By the time I got off the ramp, my steering and brakes had locked up and I barely made it through the intersection and pulled to the side of the road. Immediately the car started smoking and a puddle of oil formed under my car. The car was towed to a local car lot. Saturday June 25th PM: I filed a claim with USAA Insurance. Monday June 27th - July 1st: USAA in touch and sending an adjuster to the lot. Tuesday July 5th: I signed a release for the car to be towed to Hyundai of Auburn, MA Wednesday July 6th: Car towed to Herb Chambers Hyundai in Auburn, MA Friday July 8th: Hyundai dealership calls and reports that accident was likely due to a rod being released from the engine and causing damage to the rest of the engine and oil pan. They report they have “100 cars on the lot with the same problem and anticipate 4-5 months at least until the car is diagnosed and fixed.” They report they have no cars to loan or rent to me. They suggest I call Hyundai USA.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine, Jul 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V056000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the rod bearings replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called a second local dealer, Pearson Hyundai (11701 Midlothian Turnpike, Richmond, VA 23113: (804) 276-0300) and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.
Engine, Jul 19, 2022
Oil consumption excessively after every few hundred miles; caused engine to stall. Engine knock heard. Caused engine to fail.
Engine, Jul 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made loud knocking noises. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer for a diagnostic test. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Engine, Jul 9, 2022
My vehicle has been consuming oil. I have had to put quarts of oil in my car weekly. The vehicle isn't leaking oil, but is burning oil. Contacted dealer and was informed that it's the type of engine and no redemdy. Car smells like it's burning. This has been an ongoing problem for the last two years.
Engine, Jul 6, 2022
Engine burns oil.
Engine, Jul 1, 2022, fire
Engine lost power while on freeway and a piston fired through the engine producing a hole and causing fire to travel through the exhaust system.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jun 28, 2022
2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. While driving, the vehicle stopped accelerating. The vehicle operated appropriately until half way through the drive. At stops, it would take several seconds (30ish) for the car to go about 20 mph (rough estimate). The car would not go above 50mph, and this took a few minutes to reach with the gas pedal all the way down. I parked the car and had it towed. After approximately a month at the dealership, the dealership text that there was a hole in the valve cover and that the engine would also need to be replaced. They did not say what was wrong with the engine and later stated, also via text, that to do a diagnostic it would be $350. I purchased the car used with approximately 45000 miles 10 months prior. At the time of the incident, there were 62000 miles on the vehicle. They stated that it would not be covered under warranty because I was not the original owner. I purchased the extended warranty at the time of purchase. They then filed a claim with that policy and we are awaiting an inspector to look at the vehicle. There were no warning lights prior to the issue. My family, husband and 3 children were in the car and it was dangerous because we were on a busy road and the car would not go to the speed of traffic. We are awaiting an inspector to look at the vehicle. The vehicle is currently still at the dealership. If requested, I am willing to have the car inspected. The incident occurred 5/12/2022.