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: service brakes
59 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Service brakes, Mar 26, 2026
Bottom brake lights will not work but top high brake light works. I was stopped by police three times. They state all three brake lights must operate.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Mar 20, 2026
After performing regular oil changes, and even a new fuel pump sensor, I experienced an issue. Last oil change was within the past two weeks. Driving home from the mountains, I heard a knocking sound from the engine bay. I narrowed it down to all gears above 2500RPM, increasing knocking with RPM speed. I took it easy on the engine, mostly coasting down the mountain. Suddenly during acceleration on an uphill, a pop sounded, and copious white smoke started coming from the engine bay. I pulled over despite having no power brakes but I was fortunate to be near an off ramp in a rural area. Trying to troubleshoot roadside, i noticed fluid on the tie rod, but I wasnt able to determine what kind of fluid it was. When I try to start the car, there is one single click, the engine wont even attempt to turn over. Oil, battery and check engine lights are all on. After towing, I found that the fluid leaking from the vehicle is oil. The vehicle is currently at a transmission shop, but from my research, this isnt a transmission issue but a blown rod bearing the Hyundai engines are know for. I will be contacting a dealership to see if they will at least confirm my diagnosis.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 21, 2025
ABS doesn't work, traction control doesn't work, while it was raining the sensor lights came on and I began to hydroplane almost causing a wreck while driving on the highway. The sensors go off and on the emergency brake won't engage while this sensor is on also. Acceleration stall pulling out in traffic. I'm scared to even drive the suv
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Jan 15, 2025, fire
While driving, the vehicle lost its brakes and rolled to a stop on [XXX] at that point the vehicle compartment began to fill up with black smoke and soot and flames started to come out of vents. My daughter immediately grabbed her dog and exited from the vehicle to a safe spot away from the car. Within 10 seconds the vehicle exploded and erupted into a 20 ft fireball. If my daughter would have hesitated she could have been killed. Hyundai inspected the vehicle and found nothing conclusive except that this problem has been documented in other Incidents. The vehicle was declared to be totaled. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Service brakes, Lane departure, Forward collision avoidance, Dec 29, 2024
The brakes and rotors need to be replaced every 3-6 months. They have been fixed at least 4 times under warranty. Every time I take the car in I get asked if I drove through the mountains because they are fried. This vehicle has never been in the mountains because I fear what will happen if it really were driven through the mountains. However, no excessive braking occurs to cause them to be ruined every 3-6 months. I am at the point I’m curious if automatic braking is causing it to heat up and burn them. The incident below is the last time I had them replaced. I’m currently looking to sell the vehicle because of the number of times I’ve had to go in and get them replaced.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Dec 1, 2024
My complaint is the dealership that said had completed the recall on my brake systems according to both your and state records was not completed. They gave me a service notice stating the work was done. Since then the braked have continued to act up and the vehicle as a strange acceleration problem. The dealership is Don Wood Hyundai in Athens Ohio.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Oct 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle lost automotive power and the vehicle failed to stop while depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was allowed to decelerate and come to a stop. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the engine was previously replaced and the contact was concerned that the warning lights on the instrument panel might not properly display because the check engine warning light had not illuminated during the previous failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000.
Service brakes, May 6, 2024
Complete failure of brake system. After the vehicle parked, a significant puddle of brake fluid formed under the rear axle area (mid between rear wheels. It appears that a break line failed. An internet search revealed that Canada has issued a recall regarding corrosion of brake lines on this vehicle. Extremely dangerous situation. Fortunately, the failure happened when driving in a residential neighborhood at speeds less than 25 mph.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 26, 2024
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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Service brakes, Nov 8, 2023
When driving front right brake caliper locked up and would not release, after replacing brake pads, rotors and calipers on both front right brakes. I drove my car about a week and car brakes locked up again…I then had to have my car towed to the mechanics. Where they discovered that the ABS module was bad, this is the same part that is causing fires in many others Hyundai vehicles but somehow my car was exempt from the recall and after having issues with getting the part and having to rent a car and borrow a car for several weeks I finally got my car fixed almost $3000.00 later. Seems to me this part is a common problem for many people. Thankfully I was not in an accident due to the brake locking up, I will say I had a little fear when driving my car for several weeks after the 2 incidents.
Service brakes, Engine, Sep 29, 2023
The oil leaks every time I brake, and car engine and brakes get hot.
Service brakes, Sep 9, 2023
All safety lights AEB, TMPS, ABS, on. The car breaking as driven due to this issue. Reported to Hyundai Headquarters. They said it was a major safety issue but not willing to pay for repairs especially since it's a safety issue.There many reports online of people experiencing the same issue with new cars as well. Having to pay for this is not very noble of Hyundai.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, May 5, 2023
I bought this vehicle and there was a complete break down malfunction due to the ABS module system! This lack of due diligence caused both myself and my 7 year old to unwillingly enter a vehicle that put our lives at risk and a near death experience that still traumatizes my daughter until this day who refuses to enter any vehicle! This is an unfortunate mistake on your end and there is no where near enough compensation that will ever withdraw the fear from my innocent child’s eyes anytime I need to drive her to school, or basketball practice, or anywhere to run our daily errands and live a normal life! I have nothing else to add except I expect compensation for a safe vehicle and compensation necessary to help my child, my innocent child to get through this fear!
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Engine, Apr 12, 2023
It’s not a accident The car won’t start and brake and wheels keep locking by itself.
Service brakes, Apr 1, 2023
The left rear brake caliper broke off and was hanging next to the wheel. The brake fluid was leaking and had leaked out. it is available for inspection. This occurred while driving home from an errand. Had it occurred earlier on a steep hill down the mountain, the results would have been catastrophic, probably resulting in loss of life. The vehicle has yet to be inspected by the manufacturer but will be soon. No warning lights just noise of caliper banging against car and loss of brakes. Event occurred close to home problem discovered there.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 24, 2023, crash
My lane departure and collision warning did not work when I crashed into a car head on and totallled my vehicle. I had not yet received my recall maintenance, nor did I know about both recalls. Only the first. Not only that but lane assist did not work and the airbag did not go off. Despite totaling the car, how did they not go off?????
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that upon purchasing the vehicle, she was given a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V056000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and was informed by the dealer that the parts for the recall were available according to the NHTSA website. The dealer was notified about the recall but informed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer had been notified of the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
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".
Service brakes, Air, Sep 22, 2022
2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO ANTI LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME COMPLETING THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. *JS
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 8, 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. An unknown dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Service brakes, Aug 17, 2022
My dealer, Crain Hyundai, North Little Rock, AR, has not performed the recall notices on my 2017 Santa Fe (recall 961 Auxilary Canister Kit and recall 218 ABS system). I have taken the vehicle in three times and they say they don't have the parts. I would like to file a complaint in this regard. Michael Barron
Electrical system, Service brakes, Aug 15, 2022
The rear hatch closes automatically even if somebody is under the hatch putting items in the trunk without going back up. This is dangerous especially if children are near the hatch. It also at times opens when the button on the hatch is pushed but does not close automatically. The Hyundai Dealership Alexandria (1707 Mount Vernon Avenue) was uninterested in the issue and said they would charge $370 to look at the problem. Also for the safety recall of the ABS system, the earliest appointment at the same dealership was September 7 even though this sounded like a serious recall.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 12, 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 not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time to complete the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available. The consumer stated was finally able to make an appointment and repairs were made on 01/04/2023.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 27, 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
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.