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: power train
164 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 15, 2023
Upon approaching stop sign, the vehicle stalled and after restart, the vehicle ceased acceleration at intervals. This caused the vehicle to impede/slow traffic during journey. Again, at stop light, the vehicle stalled and “all” warning lights appeared. The engine failed to restart and the vehicle was towed from traffic due to engine failure. The vehicle is a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.4 with 116,000 miles. An Engine Class Settlement has been established for the model years 2010-2012 with this same issue. The vehicle will be towed to a dealership for inspection, confirmation and repair. I felt the need to make an incident report thinking maybe other reports have been filed, also, and the manufacturer reusing to admit to problem issues.
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 10, 2023
The car is 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe with a defective crankshaft. The car is leaking oil. I called Hyundai and they noted that although they have recall 168 the VIN for my car doesn't match a recall that is on their website. I spoke to a Hyundai case manager today who said that even though my car has the defective crankshaft they will not repair the vehicle because it beyond 100,000 and the recall is expired. I am seeking help from the NHTSA as my car should be covered under this recall. I took it to an independent shop that noted that my car should be covered. I have photo and documents to prove that my car should be covered under this recall. My VIN just doesn't match their records and they are denying my claim.
Power train, Jul 18, 2023
Not really an incident but my car has the same issue as the class action lawsuit from Hyundai for issues with the connector rods going out. I can’t get it fixed because of this issue. Hyundai says they can’t do anything about it and sent me your info! Can someone please help me? I still owe $23,000.00 on this car! Is there a way to add the recall to my car? It is an almost $14,000.00 repair! It started knocking out of nowhere and isn’t drivable because of the issue.
Power train, Jul 14, 2023
Camshaft actuator first thst costed over $4200 to fix and now engine needing to be rebuilt with an estimated cost of over $17 000
Power train, Jul 7, 2023
The crankshaft broke due to abnormal wear the cars mileage is 102000 the check engine light never cam on it died in the middle of the freeway with no warning at all
Power train, Engine, May 17, 2023
Without any notification from a malfunction indicator light, there was a sudden knock followed by loss of power. Luckily I was on a country road and not on the highway 99 where congested traffic could have been a hazard. My mechanic said it was a rod bearing code causing catastrophic failure of the motor.
Power train, Engine, May 15, 2023
Rod bearing failure causing rod knocking. Engine needs rebuilt or replaced!
Power train, May 15, 2023
My 2017 Sante Fe had an engine seizure on April 28th and Thank God nobody was injured. Allowing people to drive around in this ticking time bombs, without any notification of a potential issue, is very concerning. Especially for someone who owns 2 Hyundai vehicles that are driven on dangerous highways in PA. My car is not only serviced on a regular basis, but I am exception who actually checks his oil in between oil-changes. Little did i know or suspect what was happening under my hood. I had AAA tow my car to Freysinger Hyundai on Friday 4/29/23 for what was diagnosed by a trained mechanic to be Engine Seizure. Since that time, I have been very patient as I know I didn't have an appointment but i do own two vehicles from the dealership and expect some decent level of service. Three calls last week to the service department and all I was told was it was in line to be diagnosed. My car has about 88k miles on it currently and I am the original owner and therefore the 100k Mile Powertrain warranty is in effect. I just finished talking to the service manager, [XXX], and he informed me that my car is still waiting in line to be diagnosed as they are backed up with vehicles having similar issues. I asked if the dealership should contact me and give me updates and inquired about a loaner car to utilize while my current $45k car is in the shop. He informed me to rent a car from Enterprise and if approved, would be reimbursed. If my car is under warranty what question is there, other than the question of another recall. The folks at Enterprise told me they are getting a ton of Hyundai owners with engine seizure issues, which is what the AAA driver told me, and the service department at Freysinger keeps telling me. Engine Seizure in an acceleration lane could kill someone and this issues needs to be made public: check your oil outside normal service levels, and have all vehicles brought in and examined for signs of overheating/seizure. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Power train, Engine, Mar 28, 2023
1. Over several documented and undocumented times since July 2021, this vehicle has consistently lost >1 quart of oil every 1k miles. 2. This issue has been confirmed by the dealerships involved several times. 3. It is identified as the Theta engine failure. It began in 2012-13 and has been a constant for Hyundai and Kia models for 7 years. 4. There were no warnings from the initial ignition vehicles system check or at any time while operating this vehicle. Even when the engine loss was measured at about 4 qts. 5. This vehicle has been through 2 complete "oil consumption" programs that measure the oil loss during three consecutive 1K mile periods. Also it has had 2 "combustion cleanings" after which a follow up 1k mile oil check found that it still lost >1 qt of oil. 6. The failure of this engine is always a concern. I have personal and anecdotal testimony of what can happen with the failure of this engine. My wife and I are both in our 70's. We are also helping our 26 year old grandson with various transportation requirements. He has spastic dysplasia cerebral palsy and is unable to walk without a cane or walker. Longer distances require a wheelchair. We cannot push that wheelchair, we cannot carry him. We are in trouble if this engine fails and we are miles from home. Also, the vehicle under went the required ECM UPDATE as required by the NHTSA at 39843 miles on January 11, 2019. This update required the installation of a module that would decrease the RPM'S of the engine if there was a failure. There are horror stories on various FB Group pages about the terror of being on a 70 mph road, in the middle lane, when the engine fails and goes immediately to 35 mph. I have a personal friend who experienced that on I-95 in Maryland and was petrified. 6. Finally, after speaking with various Hyundai Service employees, I feel that I was mistreated after the first process. When my SUV lost >1 qt after 1K miles after the cleaning, I should have gotten a new engine.
Power train, Engine, Feb 21, 2023
We were traveling down the road 12/08/22 and a clanging noise started. we were only a few miles from the Hyundai place in Orlando so we drove there. They put us in a rental and said most likely it threw a rod and would need the Engine replaced. It had about 95500 miles on it. Universal Hyundai called and said Hyuandi would replace the engine as goodwill with a rebuilt engine and It will cost me 1300.00. after 65 days in the shop they said I can pick it up. Drove it 11 miles and it broke down again. got it towed back to Universal Hyundai. They said it was the start and alternator and it will cost me 2000.00. My car is 4.5 hours away from where I live. The month before I had to have both sensor assy- oxygen replaced, they changed me for that also. In February of 2022 the Catiliyst Convertor was replaced, which was covered under warranty. I maintained my oil changes.
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.
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!
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.
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Nov 28, 2022, fire
I was accelerating on the highway and my RMPS shot the whole way up over 7,000 then bottomed out. I lost speed so I pulled over. Another car pulled over to inform me my car was on fire. I turned the car off and the fire went out. The car was towed to Blaise Alexander (dealership) in Altoona, PA. The mechanic reported that a connector rod went through the oil pan, engine block, and brake starter. He kept repeating to me "I've never seen anything like this before". He reached out to Hyundai to ask if they would cover repairs (starting at $13,790). Hyundai said no. I believe this incident was more than mechanical, and is related to the open recall. I attempted twice to have my car repaired under the recall but the dealership "didn't have the part".
Power train, Engine, Nov 18, 2022, fire
On November 14, 2022 at approximately 0800 while traveling 495N in Massachusetts from Cape Cod my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe with 109,000 miles experienced catastrophic engine failure. I was maintaining a speed of approximately 70 MPH when without waring the 3.3L V6 engine stalled and made loud clunking noises while smoke filled up the cabin of the vehicle causing me to cough and choke, my visibility was also diminished. I was fortunate enough to pull the vehicle to the right side of the highway and did cut someone off because I panicked and could not see almost causing a serious crash. The vehicle was then towed to a Hyundai dealership in Raynham, MA. The service advisors tried helping me with getting a new engine replacement from Hyundai Corporate, Corporate would not honor their demands and now I'm without a vehicle for myself to get to and from work and for my family so they can attend school, doctors appointments and social events.
Power train, Air bags, Engine, Nov 16, 2022
With no warning lights, no unusual sounds coming from engine (knocking, or otherwise) - complete engine shutoff. Driving on highway at 55-60mph during acceleration. I was able to coast to the side. Unable to restart engine for about 30 minutes. Engine able to restart, then shutoff again a few minutes later at 45mph. There have been reports of unusually high motor oil consumption with the Theta 2 engine. There are no leaks, smells, smoke (from engine or exhaust) however, I must continuously add motor oil and check levels about every 100 miles. Oil level will reduce from max line to almost empty very quickly, maybe 1-3 weeks after refilling. All service maintenance is timely and done at authorized shops (Goodyear and Hyundai dealership). Dealership will perform oil consumption test to determine if eligible for powertrain warranty. Further research shows Hyundai denied many claims related to this issue.
Power train, Oct 18, 2022
Car engine failed at highway speeds in the middle of the road nearly causing an accident. Brought to hyundia dealeship who is refusing to pay for rental costs while engine is being replaced. Car only has 50,000 miles on it.
Power train, Engine, Oct 5, 2022
My 2017 Santa Fe's engine seized in 2019 at about 46K miles while I was going up a large hill. The entire vehicle began shaking, the oil light came on and then the vehicle lost power in bumper to bumper traffic. Fortunately a large truck behind me moved to act and nudged me up the rest of the hill with his truck so I could pull over safely. Hyundai replaced that engine after a few months and then replaced the turbo because they noticed that was failing even after engine replacement. This was prior to the class action lawsuits. My vehicle is now at about 64K miles with less than 15 on the new engine and turbo. In Fall of 2022, I got an oil change, took a quick short road trip later that day and on the way back with my family, the engine oil light came on. We pulled over and saw that the oil had mostly leaked out so we found a good Samaritan who helped get us oil to top it off so we could get home safely. I took it back to the oil change location the next day, thinking they had made a mistake and they advised the leak was due to my turbo failing. They took several pictures of the source of the leak and told me to get it to the dealer ASAP to prevent further leak, risk of fire or engine seizure. I towed the vehicle in.Hyundai advised it would be 6 weeks before they take a look at my vehicle. In addition, they offered no recourse or alternative transport while waiting for a determination despite the extended warranties that apply to my situation. They sent me a form to allow them to start the repair with no estimate attached and with a total waiver of my rights to join a class action suit but they haven't even looked at the vehicle. Not only am I worried about my safety, with a second engine failure, I am also worried they are sneaking in clauses to strip consumers of their rights.
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.
Power train, Engine, Mar 7, 2022
I purchased a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe June 2021 Upon completion of my oil change 12/1 I was told there was a oil leak and the oil wasn't going to stay in, I drove home under 20mph because my engine wouldn't allow me to go any faster. The next day it was towed to a Hyundai dealership close to home, Hyundai denied the first claim because they said it was the oil change companies fault. I then called the warranty company and the adjuster came out examined the car he found out that wasn't the case, it was internal damage cause by the manufacturer. Botls came loose that cracked something and metal chips got into my engine. My extended warranty denied covering it because it wasn't basic engine failure it was cause by the production of the vehicle and the faulty bolts that internally damage itself. I resubmitted the claim to Hyundai for repairs since we know now it wasnt outside negligence and the extended warranty company wasn't going to cover it. The advisor told me the second claim was denied as well , after speaking to the consumer affairs department myself they still denied having any part and the faulty engine. I'm in a Facebook community group and these people are going through this daily with Hyundai they are putting bad engines in cars once the original owner finds out they're trading them in and the second owner buys them in the car fails we aren't covered under the powertrain warranty because it only applies to the first owner. Hyundai is ripping people off and stealing our hard worked for money and getting away with it! They're picking and choosing who the engine failure class action lawsuit applies to even though we all have bad failed engines! I have been stuck making payments on a car for 3 months that I cannot drive and I owe $18,000 on a totaled car and they care nothing about goodwill and helping their customers who have spent thousands on their cars.
Power train, Engine, Jan 29, 2022
2017 Santa Fe Ultimate with 70,000 miles experienced known oil consumption problem which we monitored and topped off regularly. While driving at approx. 35 MPH, car went into limp mode. Towed (flat bed) to local garage where they confirmed metal shavings in the oil and suggested repairs based on computer diagnostic. Replaced timing chain and some other engine parts. Car driven approx. 100 miles after repairs when engine completely seized (again at low speed in neighborhood). Towed to local dealership for diagnostic on Oct 26, 2021. Dealer confirm engine was seized and needed to be replaced. They also indicated possible AWD differential damage but not able to confirm as car is not currently drivable. 10yr/100,000 powertrain warranty not honored as we were not the original owners. Hyundai offered to cover 65% of engine cost (good will offer), but we are required to pay at least $8,100 of the engine repairs (dealer verbal quote) plus any cost related to differential repairs needed. Est 3 months to complete engine replacement and stated zero warranty on the replacement engine. As of Jan 29, 2022 still no update from dealership as to when car will be available.
Power train, Jun 17, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle stalled with no warning lights illuminated. The contact also stated that the vehicle had been stalling from the time of purchase when making a right or left turn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 18,000.
Power train, Engine, Jun 5, 2021
The engine is consuming oil. After 1500 miles since my last oil change the oil DOES NOT show up on the oil stick. I have bought 3 brand new Hyundai Santa Fe's and 1 used Sonata, and NEVER had problems, except for my 2017 Santa Fe Sport, which I purchased at Dondelinger Hyundai in Baxter, Minnesota. I have also had to replace the backup camera. I have been to this dealer 4 times with no resolve! Please help!!
Power train, Engine, Apr 15, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY FAILED TO ACCELERATE WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. AFTER TURNING OFF AND RESTARTING THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS INTENDED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER PARKWAY HYUNDAI LOCATED AT 5920 MARKET ST A, WILMINGTON, NC 28405 BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED AND THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT YET DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT YET NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.