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 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000. The VIN was not available.
Engine, Sep 12, 2024
The engine in my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe malfunctioned due to issues with the connecting rod bearings, a known defect for this model. While driving on the highway, the engine began to slow down and fail, creating a hazardous situation that jeopardized my safety and that of other road users. A diagnostic performed at World Car Hyundai South confirmed that the problem was with the connecting rod bearings. Despite the severity of the issue and the fact that it is a documented problem with this model, Hyundai's Goodwill Program and warranty did not cover the engine replacement. The manufacturer cited missing maintenance records from previous owners as the reason for denial. I provided comprehensive service records for the vehicle from the time it was in my possession. The refusal to cover the repair based on the absence of previous records on Carfax overlooks that previous owners may have used service providers not reporting to Carfax. Additionally, there were no warning lamps or messages before the engine failure. Hyundai's decision to deny coverage, given the known defect in this model, suggests an attempt to avoid responsibility.
Engine, Sep 5, 2024
The engine is suffering from excessive oil consumption that might result in the engine blowing up. Hyundai is aware of the issue with many reports filed but has refused to address the issue.
Engine, Sep 5, 2024
I was driving along 55mph on a 2 lane road when suddenly the car shut off. I was fortunate that it died at the top of a hill and I was able to coast to the safety of a side street. I was in a remote part of michigan and 20 miles from any service stations with my 3 children. The car would not restart. I was able to contact a tow truck who took it to my mechanic who said the engine had failed and I would need a new engine.
Engine, Sep 4, 2024
3.3l engine with 120k miles began making a noise and suddenly failed while driving at interstate speeds. No warning lights or messages appeared prior to this incident. All occupants, two adults and child, were placed in danger while attempting to exit the highway and were left stranded with an inoperable vehicle.
Engine, Aug 24, 2024
Complete engine failure at 150,000. No check engine or warning lights prior to failure. I was traveling at 75 mph on the freeway when the engine lost power and locked up. I was barely able to make it safely to an exit before it fully shut down. After stopping, oil was profusely leaking out of the vehicle. When levels were checked it was completely empty. I know for a fact the oil was full before driving because I checked it and topped it off. Vehicle has been inspected by the dealership it was purchased from and they confirmed engine failure.
Engine, Aug 21, 2024
Engine failed due to metal shavings and oil consumption issue. CHeck engine light came on and I immediatley took for service. IT has been examined by car dealer who got approval for 90% of engine replacement. Feel it should be 100% and fall under 11006230 and be covered 100%
Engine, Aug 18, 2024
car started doing a weird noise. car checked at dealership, mentioned that it was probably the engine but that there was no engine light on. Car released back to us since no warning light was on. Engine died about a week later while driving (luckily, we were in a parking lot and our kids were not in the car). vehicle has been at dealership for more than 3 months.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 17, 2024
Current mileage is 80,000. For the last 30,000 miles the engine oil burns or leaks within a month of it being changed. When I return to the shop to get yet another oil change. They investigate for leaks and find nothing. They end up topping it off vs charging me. As I barely put a hundred miles on the vehicle since the last change. Even when I barely drive between oil changes, I end up checking the stick frequently to ensure it’s not leaking or burning oil until the next change. Yet it always does. It also randomly acts like it doesn’t want to start. Doesn’t matter if it’s cold, hot or normal kind of day. Take it to dealer or auto repair shop for a diagnostic check and nothing is found. They check the starter, circuits, battery, and alternator. Nothing. This happens multiple times a yr. I’ve never owned a vehicle that does this before. Even my old 200+ mile vehicle never did this. This Hyundai is only 7 yrs old and under 85,000 miles. It’s baffling.
Engine, Aug 12, 2024
My 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe has roughly 120,000 miles on it and an engine light came on. I brought the vehicle into an automotive shop where they stated the vehicle was very low on oil, they checked the code and then reset it. After they drove the vehicle, it began "knocking" and the code came back on. They stated in the paperwork, "[t]his code is caused by the ecm getting a response from the solenoids that the camshaft is off; engine is not timed properly. This can be caused by a stretched timing chain or if the chain jumps a tooth." The oil has been changed less than 2,500 miles prior, no light ever came on to indicate that it was low, there was no indication that it was burning excessive amounts of oil, and I park in the same spot each day with no sign of oil leakage. There were no warning signs that the oil was low or that there were issues with the engine. This engine easily could have overheated and seized with absolutely no warning that it was coming. I was set to drive with my family across the country right before this happened and we easily could have been driving on the highway if/when the engine seized. The automotive repair shop quoted $9,149.01 to fix the issues and I owe a little more than $10,000 on it. I don't want to risk repairing it since the faulty engine will likely have this issue again in the near future and I am at a loss for how to proceed, especially with many having the same issue.
Engine, Aug 9, 2024
On 7/24/24 I was driving off the expressway near my home when as I was switching lanes the vehicle made a loud clunk noise (it was like the sound of a lock turning but louder) and stopped accelerating, eventually coming to a full stop in the middle of the lane. Since I was blocking the lane, and it was during rush hour, I called the police to have them escort me out of the lane and into the middle divide. I had my vehicle towed to my home where my personal mechanic showed up to do an inspection. He tried turning on the car, but it only made a single-clicking noise. Next, he checked the oil and discovered that the dipstick was completely dry. He advised that the engine was seized due to no oil and suggested that I reach out to the location I had my last oil change at. An independent inspector completed a diagnostic on the vehicle and concluded the following: The top of this engine was dry and there were no oil stains on the underside of the hood or pooled in the engine compartment to suggest this engine leaked or displaced oil from the fill hole area. The oil fill cap was in the valve cover, tight and properly orientated. The oil pan drain plug was tight in the pan and not leaking. No torque seal or paint had been used on the drain plug or the oil pan. There was no impact damage to the oil pan. The inspector verified the oil filter housing and cover were dry with no signs of an active leak. The inspector verified the engine had been leaking oil to an active drip from the rear main engine oil seal, valve cover gaskets and from the oil pan gasket. There was also an excessive amount of soot and wetness in the tailpipes consistent with excessive oil consumption and the inspector observed a film of oil was present on the rear of the vehicle at both sides further indicating excessive oil consumption. The inspector attempted to start the engine and verified there was only a single clunk noise audible in the engine it could not be rotated indicating it was internally seized.
Engine, Aug 8, 2024
My 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport has less than 100,000 miles and has been regularly serviced. On [XXX], the vehicle stopped suddenly and dangerously on the highway. No warning light engaged. Fortunately, I was able to roll to the breakdown lane without causing an accident. The vehicle had traveled 2,828 miles since its last oil change on March 30, 2024. My mechanic, Todd's Auto Repair in Beverly, Massachusetts, looked for leaks and performed an oil change. The vehicle traveled 894 miles before requiring another 5 quarts of oil on June 11, 2024. The vehicle traveled another 969 miles since last service and required 3 quarts of oil on July 25, 2024. The mechanic is therefore confident that the engine is burning through the oil at an alarming rate, with no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms present to protect the driver. I have an appointment for the vehicle to be inspected by a Hyundai dealer on August 12, 2024. The service center scheduler was resolute that there is nothing the Hyundai corporation will do for oil over-consumption. Hyundai customer Facebook groups indicate that this is a very common problem, putting drivers in peril. We welcome an inspection should you request one. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Aug 6, 2024
My stepson was driving the car and it stopped running while at a red light in a left turn lane on a busy intersection. When he went to try to start it, it wouldn't turn over. Fortunately 2 officers showed up on scene to protect my stepson and his friends from an accident by blocking the lane behind the car. I arrived at the site of the incident and tried to start the car. When it wouldn't turn over I checked the oil and there was none on the dipstick. We just had numerous seals replaced on the engine within the last 8000 miles. We had it towed to a trusted shop that we frequent. They said that the motor was seized and there was no evidence of leaks. I called the local Hyundai dealer and I was told there was no coverage for the engine. Looking online I found many complaints from other people that have had the same issue with the same 3.3 liter engine. The engine was resealed due to leakage, however I had never needed to top off the oil since I bought the car. I have the oil changed every 3,000 miles or so. The shop that resealed the engine never took the heads off and stated that they did not see any evidence of major engine issues when they had the oil pan off. According to my stepson, there was never any warning and no lights on the dash.
Engine, Aug 5, 2024
head gasket blown without prior warning and rapid engine oil consumption. Car will power down in the middle of Hight speed traffic potentially causing an accident. Car less than 7year old.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle was making an abnormal knocking sound with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact exited the highway and stopped at an auto parts store. The contact was advised by the store employee to have the vehicle towed to a repair shop. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that prior to the engine failure the vehicle had been consuming oil and that she had been adding oil monthly. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Engine, Jul 25, 2024
2017 Santa Fe 2.4 L bought at 70,000 miles. We stalled on the highway which was terrifying. We could have been hit or caused an accident. Check engine light went on at this time and there was a knocking sound. Took to Firestone mechanic right away, they said they found metal shavings within the engine and that we would need a total engine replacement which would be up to $10,000. We did a google search and there are thousands of other Hyundai Santa Fe 2017 owners with the same issue. This happened at random the car was running perfectly. This is a safety issue and needs to be recalled. We are devastated having only bought this car 6 months ago and it’s only at 80,000 mile's!!! We can’t afford another car but it is a basic need where we live.
Engine, Jul 22, 2024
This vehicle has been well serviced. On 06.24.2024, with 55,857 odometer reading, it was being taken to the dealer because it was making engine noise but it seized on the way. I had just gotten on the interstate and up to 65mph when I lost all power and had to coast to the shoulder of the road and call a tow truck to get it the rest of the way. Stayed at the dealer for a couple of weeks before we received a call to tell us it wasn't covered under warranty because of time...understandable but not acceptable. So we reached out to Hyundai ourselves and got a representative to look into why it wouldn't be covered if there were obvious (what we have come to find out) issues.There are already TSBS indicating timing chain issues but in order to determine what the cause of failure was would require taking it apart which they weren't willing to do. It appears this will be the next class action lawsuit as there are too many having similar problems and Hyundai isn't willing to stand up.
Engine, Jul 20, 2024
went in for a routine oil change on vehicle at bob king hyundai in Winston salem, NC. Left home a few days later and home is 4hrs away roughly. When i got back home my Oil pressure light came on so i parked and checked the situation. There was no oil on my dipstick at all. Called dealer and asked why i'm empty if they just put oil in vehicle and they said they put in the right amount but my suv was saying another story. I literally had to fight with them to get a oil consumption test done free of charge for them to tell me what i already knew it was consuming or leaking, however they failed to tell me where it was going. Didn't want to honor the warranty that i bought into after i brought up the issues before it ran out and they denied my claim. i'm losing 1.5 - 2 qtrs. a week this is unacceptable by the manufacture to put bad equipment in or mess up a service and not take responsibility for their own actions! I had a trash bag full of empty oil jugs and i have had to make multiple trips to get my oil changed in that first week of not knowing why my motor was going through oil. My pressure light comes on during crank up to start and then goes away after i reach i certain speed on the rd and will come back off on on during rides. I also field multiple cases with BBB.
Engine, Jul 15, 2024
My engine ceased without warning. I had to purchase a used engine for 16K and it just ceased without warning exactly the same way.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 10, 2024
I bought this vehicle back in 2022 hearing how great Hyundai is wanting to make a long time purchase with a for my family. I’ve had different models vehicles but I wanted something reliable. Now hearing this is possibly a fire hazard I need all this taking care of immediately . I am dependent on my car to get to work, for food, and I take my kids to school an to practice and just everyday life. I will take my vehicle to the dealership immediately to attempt to get this taking care of this week an hopes this company can make it right. Thanks for your time
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary, the vehicle started shuddering and the stalled. The vehicle was able to be restarted; however, the Emission System Fault warning light started blinking. The contact was able to safely take the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V578000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Engine, Jul 9, 2024
Vehicle stalled while driving and began knocking
Engine, Jul 4, 2024
knocking noise, check engine light, and then complete engine failure in one week. There is a recall on the engine but only for a month period and we don't fall in that manufacture date.
Engine, Jul 1, 2024
(Feb 2022) As with all the years before, vehicle passed inspection without issue. (April 2022) 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe went in to the dealership to have fixed the recalled Auxiliary Canister Kit at 73k miles. Before this, there were no issues ever with my vehicle. (June 2022) Within a month and a half of the fixed recall, my car started to exhibit issues—without warning while driving on the highway, vehicle stalled and lost control of all functions. Luckily I was able to coast to the safety of the breakdown lane. Vehicle was towed to dealership who replaced battery and alternator. Vehicle seemed better for a short time after this, but ultimately around 6mo later trouble began again (January 2023) This time throwing codes, car stalling when accelerating on highway. Dealer replaced multi fuse, changed oil & filter, reset reminders and topped off fluids. Told us to drive for a few thousand miles to determine how much oil is burning. Brought back in May 2023. Engine light is on now. When on highway vehicle misfires. Had VCTS replaced, Crankshaft & Camshaft sensors replaced, spark plugs 2,4 & 6 replaced Oil level checked and was deemed “ok”. Ultimately, dealership recommended engine replacement, engine failed completely rendering vehicle inoperable/useless. Reached out to Hyundai for help, as well to make aware of engine problem, met with “not our problem”. Researched heavily for other vehicle owners with similar issues, found many actually! Hoping this reaches the right people for more help.
Engine, Jun 28, 2024
I was driving my vehicle on the highway and I heard that it making noise and knocking and I immediately pulled over in the highway and saw the oil came out of the engine. I took the vehicle to Hyundai dealership and they said the issue for vertical square and scoring. I have an extended warranty to repair the engine, but when I want to use it, they denied and said it is not covered by warranty.