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
967 reports, newest first.
Engine, Jun 12, 2024
Engine knocks when I try to accelerate, there is also a long hesitation and vibration when I accelerate, reduced power, engine is burning oil excessively and engine smokes.
Engine, Jun 8, 2024
Engine started to have knocking when starting engine after long sitting while off. Later, something with engine broke and it's at dealer to look at. We regularly changed the oil but started to have mass oil consumption. Had to get a tow.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 8, 2024
Personal vehicle. Engine light appears & at times goes away. Happens frequently. However, had it serviced and was told the dashboard sensor did not need replacing. Then told yes, my catalytic converter is bad. This is a real concern if I hadn’t been so diligent & concerned. My mechanic insisted the converter was on recall. Please confirm.
Engine, Jun 7, 2024
Driving on busy interstate no warning. No lights to indicate issue. Car stops. Looses all power. AAA towed. The engine had locked up. No oil none. Car maintained oil changes as recommended. Oil was just checked 3 days prior for long rode trip there were no oil. Leaks no Lights on dash indicating check engine There are thousands and thousands of consumers online stating the Same happened to them. The majority state Hyundai will not replace or fix repairs because of numerious reasons. The biggest is that a recall was issued to reset a code. Since purchased new in 2017 original owner , I have not received any recal notices. So if a owner does not receive notice. How is it our fault further damages aren’t covered? I am still traumitized from the car locking up on a 6 lane Highway surrounded by 70 mph plus cars trucks. Please do not allow deaths to occur before the Goverment steps in and forces Hyundai to take full responsibility for our safety. Thank you for your time
Engine, Jun 5, 2024
Total engine failure at 120,000 miles. Car shut down without warning while driving.
Engine, Jun 4, 2024
Oil consumption issue. the car was eating 2-2.5 qts per 1,000 miles of oil. Over numerous 1,000 mile tests, it was confirmed my care was eating oil. The dealership did a combustion chamber cleaning, but the car still eats almost 1qt of oil per 1,000. I was actually told by a service advisor not to refill the oil and let the engine blow while I was driving it which is a safety issue. In my research there is a known oil consumption issue and I want Hyundai to replace my engine. I've been trying to get this rectified for almost 8k miles and am at 85K. I feel like Hyundai is trying to get me limp to 100K so my warranty is over.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 3, 2024, crash
Purchased Vehicle 6/2022 has had an electrical problem since day one randomly does not start and must be jumped. I have taken in 2 times only to be told there is nothing wrong. I called Hyundai Corporate to see what steps I should take to resolve issues was told to take car in a third time and again told nothing wrong. A new battery was placed two months after my purchase date. And again this past February and issues still exist. Was given two option should problem not be resolved 1) Buy back vehicle 2) replace with different vehicle. Both options have been withdrawn. Explanation car has been on the road to long. I put $13500 down and have made payments for 2 years. There is still $12000 on the loan. Is there anything I can do to recoup at least my down-payment. I am a senior on social security and a part time job in which i am a caregiver and do not feel safe driving this vehicle. I and do not have a down payment to trade the car in. I do not want the vehicle there are other issues starting and with a parasitic draw there are bound to be additional issues down the road. Can you help please. Expected ResolutionHyundai take car back and return my down payment so I can purchase a reliable vehicle o Additionally just recently discovered vehicle was in 2 accidents which this information was never disclosed. I would not have purchased had I known.
Engine, May 30, 2024
My car's VIN has not been listed on the recall list for the engine, but the recall description is exactly what happened to me and my family while driving our vehicle. We have been going back-and-forth with Hyundai USA and BBBAuto for two years trying to get approval without any progress or success. We purchased our vehicle used with approximately 68k miles September of 2021, and the engine seized around 75k miles in February of 2022. Attached is the initial diagnosis reflecting the exact recall problem that happened with our engine. Hyundai confirmed the diagnosis when our car was towed there once they opened for business, but we did not receive approval for the engine replacement under the warranty. The car has been undriveable since as we await our VIN on the recall list as no one will give us approval that we've talked with about it. There is a Class Action in progress, but it has not been approved - meanwhile, our family has been without our car for years now. Any / all assistance you can offer is greatly appreciated, thank you!
Engine, May 29, 2024
While highway driving a few hours from home, the car started shaking so I pulled over, turned the car off & called AAA. Prior to that, there were no warning lights or messages, until it died & the Check Engine light turned on. The car was towed to a Hyundai dealer in Wilmington, NC for diagnostics. They determined that the cause was a burned valve in cylinder 4 so it had no compression & the engine would not run. Their only repair option was to REPLACE THE ENTIRE ENGINE. Given that the car was inoperable, we had no choice but to do that. After further investigation, we discovered that this company has a widespread issue with their engines & also has a class-action lawsuit for similar problems. Hyundai mechanics have told us that they know their engines are problematic & they replace multiple ones every day of the week. A Facebook Group with discussions about Hyundai engine failures was formed & currently has over 26,000 members! Many of their experiences are similar to ours & it puts drivers at great risk as their car randomly dies on the road during normal driving. Our engine failure did not specifically meet the criteria of their lawsuit terms (naming rod bearings as the cause of engines failure) so Hyundai will not assist with any replacement costs. As a 2017 model with only 103,000 miles, the car is relatively young, compared to other better manufactured brands, especially for entire engine failure. Hyundai Mechanics and Service Personnel have told us that is typical lifespan for the Hyundai engine so if that is the case, the company should be required to reveal that information to consumers or cease making a product that has at least half the shelf-life of most auto manufacturers. The car was purchased for $21,000 & now requiring a $6,000 engine to be operable again (plus temporary car rentals) puts us underwater with the cost of this vehicle. It's reprehensible & should be illegal for car manufacturers like Hyundai to be able to treat customers this way.
Engine, May 29, 2024
Something in the engine failed while driving 55mph on a state highway my vehicle started knocking. I have also noticed metal shavings when I checked the oil. I have had a local mechanic look at my vehicle and told me that I need an engine replacement. There were no warnings or clues prior to this happening. I have been highly recommended to not drive the vehicle in the current condition.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, May 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that upon start the vehicle, there was an abnormal grinding noise coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled soon after while depressing the accelerator pedal. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to Bell Road Mitsubishi (1901 E Bell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85022) where the vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were both notified of the failure and instructed the contact to tow the vehicle to the dealer. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V578000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer where it was towed. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, May 27, 2024
Our car started making noises and hesitating while revving engine to increase speed. Two days later we took the car to our mechanic. No warning lights. They test drove the car but apparently couldn't replicate the issue. Tried again and couldn't start engine. They thought it may be the starter. A new starter did not solve issue. They called us back and said the engine has locked up. It wasn't a safety issue as the car was parked but I assume it could have been an issue if we were driving it when engine locked up. We regularly change the oil. We have approx. 109k miles on the car. An engine should last longer than that.
Fuel/propulsion system, May 27, 2024
1)When turning there is zero response from the gas pedal. 2)If turning where there is traffic the car can come to a complete stop in an intersection. 3)There have been numerous complaints to dealers and to the NHTSA. 4)My vehicle has not been inspected yet. 5)No warnings. 6)This is a serious situation that puts the driving public in danger
Engine, May 25, 2024
I just bought this car with only 58,000 miles on it back in October. The dealership I went to pressured me into buying this car for $5,000 more than the Toyota I went in for. I had a bad feeling from the start, but I’m young and easily taken advantage of. While driving a couple weeks ago, taking my [XXX] son home from the park, a check engine light came on. (First light to ever come on since getting the car) I was worried and took it easy trying to get home. The car didn’t make it home , it stalled, then wouldn’t start again. I got it towed to Hyundai and found out the engine has seized. I’m devastated. I’m a single mother and couldn’t afford this car very easily to begin with. Now I’m stuck with a car that I won’t be able to afford to fix and a payment. Why is Hyundai allowed to make & sell unsafe vehicles? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, May 23, 2024
In December 2023 while getting a routine oil change, the mechanic told me there was no oil in the car but it was common for these vehicles. They told me to start getting it checked at 3,000 miles and having it topped off. When I went again in March 2024, there was again no oil. (I barely drive the car as I work remotely from home and rarely leave my house.) I called a mobile mechanic who came out and checked out the vehicle and told me it was probably the turbo out. I paid to replace the turbo. While driving in April 2024 the car suddenly lost all power and I coasted into a gas station. It refused to start. When the mechanic came, there was again no oil. After towing it 20 miles home, I spent the next few weeks replacing fuel injectors, spark plugs, and everything I could think of with no luck. Finally took it in to Hyundai and was told there was no compression in the 4th cylinder and a new engine was going to cost me $8650. The engine barely has 117k miles on it and everything else is in excellent shape. There were no warning signs ever that my car was low on oil, never any indication anything was wrong in the 5 years I have owned it until suddenly it breaks on me out of nowhere. Now I find out, after buying a $40,000 vehicle, that this is common for these vehicles and Hyundai is doing nothing about it.
Engine, May 20, 2024
Driving car at highway speed down a mountain road with heavy traffic, A loud thump from motor and lost power, NO warning lamps PRIOR TO PROBLEM. No indication or odd noises from motor before complete failure. Oil had been replaced approximal two months before with no noticeable oil usage or burning. Oil changes completed every 3 to 4 months since purchase in 2019. Car required 2 quarts oil to fill to level. Without power assist to brakes, car was dangerous in heavy traffic. Car is available for inspection until paid off in two months and then will be scrapped. Independent machinic indicated noise sounds like rod journal had failed due low oil.
Engine, May 20, 2024
The engine has an oil consumption problem. In early April, the oil crankcase was empty between oil changes. I change the oil religiously every 5k miles. In early April, the engine had zero oil and examination showed no leaks. The key safety issue is that no engine warning lights came on. The only reason I discovered the issue was because I noticed it was not running properly and took it to my local Goodyear Service Center who confirmed. The engine could have very easily seized up while I or a family member was driving putting us in real danger of an accident. The issue has been confirmed by the dealer - they are WELL aware of this engine oil consumption issue. One Hyundai dealer inspected the car and tried to tell I had two leaks - valve cover and oil pan gaskets. Both my Goodyear Service Center and a SECOND Hyundai dealer confirmed I do not have leaks (and I pics to prove it). The second Hyundai dealer acknowledged the oil consumption issue and told me to bring the vehicle back if it does it again. They want to charge me $700 for a "compression chamber cleaning" that works 20% of the time! No warning lights - nothing. I only found out because of the way the car was running. It would go into limp mode and not accelerate. That's how I knew something was wrong. There is a Facebook group for this issue and multiple class action law suits. Hyundai refuses to accept responsibility for this engine defect. I asked the service manager at the dealership and he said Hyundai has not addressed this issue EVEN IN NEW CARS. They ignore it because the only remedy is a new engine and Hyundai doesn't want to pay for it. Dealers don't fight for consumers because Hyundai pays dealers a much lower rate to replace the engine then for other warranty work so dealers don't want to be bothered. Meanwhile, consumers are on the hook for an engine defect that Hyundai should fix. This is a crime and a rip-off.
Engine, May 17, 2024
Our 2017 Santa Fe experienced a completeengine failure back in February at 106k miles while driving on the highway. I was driving the SUV when it lost power. There were no check engine lights or any warning signs from the car beforehand. We kept up on all the maintenance and regular oil changes. The local Hyundai dealership told us the car had experienced a failure in the short block on the engine and that it would require a completely new engine. It has been in the shop for close to a month.
Engine, May 13, 2024
Engine failure while on the highway. There were no warnings or check engine lights. The mechanic at a local shop stated that the engine seized up. The car had received regular maintenance up to that point.
Engine, May 11, 2024
While traveling to work about 1 mile before my exit, my 2017 Santa Fe Sport Ultimate 2.0T started sputtering and losing speed. I was scared to death traveling on a major highway (Rt 1). I immediately put the emergency blinkers on while continuing to lose speed. I barely made it off the highway before the car just STOPPED DEAD on the curve. NO POWER STEERING-NOTHING! THE CAR WOULDN'T MOVE! Terrified of tractor trailers and cars flying off the exit, I called the State Police to come as my protection from getting hit .While waiting, two Good Samaritans were concerned for my safety and stopped to help move the car partially out of the road (no steering). The state police arrived and waited while I got a tow truck seeing I was visibly upset. I later received a call from the auto shop telling me the engine was gone, The performed a compression test the next day, found no compression in cylinder 3. The mechanic suggested I tow the car to the dealer because it was a faulty engine and he knew of an extension on an extended warranty (from 100k-150K miles) Hyundai offered for this problem. I rented a car to go to work ($700) for the first 3 weeks because I couldn't get a loaner. I finally got a loaner after reaching out to Managers, and after 2 months they finally "worked" it in. Today, I get a message that it was indeed the engine and I would need to pay for the diagnostic test and new engine parts since the extended warranty I purchased when I bought my car was expired 9/8/23. I opened a case with Hyundai USA today 5/10/24, and will be speaking with the dealer on Monday but I'm at a loss. Hyundai should replace my engine considering these engines have a history of failing. It only has 103K miles on it. It was just in the shop a week before for the undercarriage coating, inspected and no major concerns. I ALMOST LOST MY LIFE WITH NO WARNING- ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! PLEASE HELP!!
Vehicle speed control, May 10, 2024
The traction control system engages too frequently and makes the vehicle unable to accelerate and far too long to disengage, endangering my family during right turns onto lanes with traffic. the traction control system will engage even when there is no loss of traction, only a moderate acceleration with some turn angle. this has caused near accidents about once a month, that both me and my wife experience. there are no active recalls. all recall work was completed last year. this issue has persisted for the length of my ownership, last occuring only about week ago, and about once to 2 times a month.
Engine, May 9, 2024
2017 Hyundai Santa Fe sport 2.0 purchased brand new on July 2016. A month ago with 73322km mileage, engine failure occurred on the highway. First, I heard a rattling sound, then car started to shake, engine light blinking, oil change light went off (which never) happens, and the car started to decelerate on the highway. Upon finding the next exit, as I was turning right at the lights, car shut off completely. Went to the nearest Hyundai dealership which was within 2kms. The car was moderately drivable up to the dealership, and was advised that it is unsafe for continuous use. The dealership's diagnostics were: piston or 2nd cylinder was not compressing and spark plug burned. Hyundai Streetsville, Mississauga advised me to pay $8000 for a new engine or sell them the car. Had the car towed from this dealership to my local dealership Schlueter Hyundai in Waterloo. Their diagnostics were: Vehicle has dead miss, cylinder #2 pulled plug and bore scoped cylinder found piston melted around the edge causing no compression. Hyundai Canada denied warranty as it is past 5 years despite low mileage and regular maintenance at their own dealership. Went to Hyundai Canada to determine if there is recall on this particular issue and now was filed. Another friend who owned a similar car with 140 000 mileage, engine caught on fire on the highway. My car is available for inspection. Thankfully, there were no accidents or injuries that occurred. My concern is the potential for accidents on the highway and other vehicles that have this issue & there is no recall on the Hyundai Canada website.
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.
Power train, Electrical system, May 4, 2024
I had just dropped my son off at the barbershop by my apartment. As I left the parking lot I proceeded to pull out into the street,as i tried to accelerate the car sputtered & lost all power. I then coasted into a nearby Wendy's. I parked & tried to crank the car to no avail. I then noticed a burning smell followed by some smoke. I had no dash lights prior to indicate any issues. I ended up calling my insurance to get help with the vehicle. Long story short the starter,coil pack & plugs along with the engine had to be replaced.2
Engine, May 3, 2024
I have 146k miles on it, engine has bad rod knock sound at the start and while driving. Fuel quality and engine oil replacement has not been compromised. There is no check engine light on, and vehicle runs at very low rpm.