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, Aug 10, 2023
My Santa Fe has just under 87,000 miles on the engine and has developed a knock. No check engine light was ever illuminated. We scheduled the vehicle for an inspection at the dealer. After a week, we were informed that we had a connecting rod bearing failure. We purchased this car second hand at 74,000 miles and have put 2 oil changes on it since owning it. This car is the primary vehicle for my wife and if this rod would have locked up while driving, it could have put my entire family at risk.
Engine, Aug 2, 2023
While driving uphill at 40 mph the car would not accelerate and the mph began slipping down to 30. There were no warning lights during or before this and no other changes while driving. A clicking/rattling noise became louder as I drove on. I made it up the hill and to the next stop light. When trying to accelerate, the vehicle would not go past 20mph and the clicking/rattling noise was very loud. I drove approximately 2 miles to get home. The next day at the dealership they stated I needed a new engine and there was no oil in the engine. I am up to date on my oil changes and never once was notified my engine had a problem during any of the inspections. We had to replace the the transmission around 90,000 miles. The car currently has approximately 113,000 miles.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 1, 2023
2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.4L automatic, took the car in for recall service. The following recall services were completed: (23-01-014H-5), (23-01-004H), (20-01-006H), (#17-01-050), (17-01-002). Service completed on 07/25/23, car was in perfect working order prior to recall service. Picked car up from dealer on the afternoon of 07/25/23, drove about 5 miles home. Next day (07/26/23), drove car about 20 miles and engine light came on. Took back to dealership 07/26/23 at about 3pm, stated nothing they did would cause engine light to come on and wanted me to leave with vehicle without checking it. Said 8/1/23 would be the earliest the could look at it to even check the code. Refused to leave with car in that state so they did check the code and stated it was a catalytic converter code and that mine might be going out. Stated that nothing was wrong with my car prior to recall services. Then they asked if my engine light was on before I brought it in for the recall service, I stated no. Then they said it could be the engine software update reading something wrong and cleared code. Told me to drive vehicle and if it came on again to bring it back. Drove car home again which is about a 5 mile distance. Did not drive car next day (07/27/23. Drove car on 07/28/23 for about 20 minutes and the engine light came back on. Called the dealership and they stated they would call me back but never did. Called the national Hyundai customer service number and explained the situation. Gave me a claim number and stated a case manager would contact me in 3-5 days. Called the dealership again on 07/31/23, and left another message with the service person but they did not return my call again. Called on 8/1/23 and asked for the service manager who stated earliest they can look at my car again is 8/7/23. Have not been contacted by a case manager yet as of 8/1/23. Hyundai forams online clearly state other owners having same issue as mine after having the Hyundai software updates completed.
Engine, Jul 31, 2023
This is an OIL CONSUMPTION & ENGINE FAILRE Car was being serviced by Hyundai for oil consumption test, and failed, 1 quart of oil consumed every 400 miles. On 7/23/23, engine failed on PA turnpike while travelling 70 MPH, and almost caused an accident. At 65k miles Hyundai agreed to to conduct oil consumption test, and submit for engine replacement, First part of oil consumption test failed, and car was set for engine under Hyundai warranty, but 2 days prior to cleaning engin failed. Engine has had high pressure fuel pump replaced, and I reported gas smell from oil Catalytic convertor was replaced @ 55k miles, as oil consumed burned out convertor. Now that the engine valves are burned, Hyundai is not honoring the good faith engine replacement.
Engine, Jul 31, 2023
The engine was making a knocking sound and the check engine light came on. I did not have the time to get it to a mechanic (approx 2 days of driving with knocking) before the knocking stopped and the engine stopped. The car stalled out in the middle of the street and I was able to coast to a complete stop on the side of the road and push it to safely back home.
Engine, Jul 30, 2023
Catastrophic engine failure at 86,200 miles. Engine making chugging and ticking sound and metal flakes in oil. Normal oils changes at Hyundai dealers every 5-6k miles (or 6 months). Hyundai wouldn’t cover because 2nd owner (should have covered up 100k power train.
Engine, Jul 28, 2023
Engine failure - Engine had failure while highway driving (approx 60mph). Complete loss of power in roadway. Mechanic diagnosis indicated piston rod had disconnected and caused hole in engine block.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 27, 2023
A knocking noise from the engine that increases in frequency as the engine rpm increases. Reduced power and/or hesitation and vibration. Illumination of the “check engine” light in the instrument cluster. Illumination of the “engine oil pressure” warning lamp. My car will drive up to maybe 37mph and then the engine will seize up and go into safety mode and it becomes inoperable. THIS is a death trap if we suddenly stall out on the highway or at a higher rate of speed!!!! The dealership is basically saying oh well, it is out of warranty. I just bought this car from Banister Nissan on 6/5/2023. Less than 60 days ago.
Engine, Jul 23, 2023
While driving on freeway there was a clicking sound coming from the engine area but no other strange sounds or sensations, no warning lights or changes in the dash gauges. Finished 30 mile trip back home. Next morning when starting the car the same noise was happening so we checked oil. Oil reservoir was empty so added 4 quarts and let it sit for awhile then idle before leaving. The clicking noise seemed be random, sometimes louder and faster and sometimes not clicking at all. Approximately 15-20 miles down the freeway (about 60 mph) the RPMs spiked so I moved to slow lane and braked. At this time a large commotion from the engine that shook the car with large amount of smoke coming from behind the car and an oil trail. Car was towed to mechanic where engine failure/hole in engine was diagnosed. Waiting for appointment now at dealership. Fortunately never lost control of the vehicle.
Engine, Jul 21, 2023
At 80,000 miles, transmission went out. Then, 91,000 miles the motor locked up. Hyundai refuses to repair
Engine, Jul 18, 2023
At ~126k miles, my 3.3L Santa Fe started knocking and then stopped running. There were no warning lights whatsoever. Regular service records are available to show oil changes/maintenance and all repairs done at the dealership. Mechanic says the engine is toast. Hyundai dealership told me no need to even bring it in bc it will not be covered.
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.
Engine, Jul 15, 2023
The engine failed in our 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe earlier this year (March). They replaced our engine after finding out it was part of the rod bearing engine failure recall. The check engine light came back on as soon as we got it back (April) and the car has not worked properly since. Shaking badly, it also died after I started it. After them telling us for two months, they were too busy for us to bring it back to them. We finally brought it back this week and dropped it off for them to fix anyway (July). The Hyundai repair people told us the problem is not covered under the warranty (vcm motor on the side of the intake) and not related to the engine recall even though the problem happened immediately after they rebuilt the engine and now we must pay $1000 out of pocket.
Engine, Jul 14, 2023
Engine started knocking pretty bad during a trip. Just over 80,000 miles not covering due to 2nd owner.
Electrical system, Jul 14, 2023, fire
On June 22, 2023, I went to start my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe in a shopping center parking lot. I had recently driven from the Pgh airport to Monroeville and stopped to run errands. Upon reentering my vehicle I used the push button start to start the car. The engine started and the center computer screen turned on, however the dashboard did not light up and I was not able to shift into Reverse. I cycled the car ~5 times trying to get it going, but the same start-up happened. Upon calling husband (after trying to start another few times) he recommended that I look at the fuses. At this point I opened the driver side door and was outside looking at the fuse panel. This is when I heard someone shouting from the highway across from the parking lot that my car was on fire. I looked at the rear of my car and saw flames coming from the rear bumper. I quickly stepped away from the vehicle. The entire drivers side of the rear bumper was engulfed in flames. Both the police and fire departments came to the scene. We were collectively able to extinguish the flames and the car was totaled.
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
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 13, 2023
As I was driving my vehicle the car started to shake. I was able to make it to a gas station and then had difficulty getting the car to turn over. After several attempts the car turned over but the check engine light was flashing and the car had fumes coming out the back. I towed the car to the dealership I bought it at they determined that the fuel injectors failed and caused the engine to be flooded with gas requiring an entirely new engine to be put in the car.
Engine, Jul 10, 2023
Since early 2022 I have been having oil consumption tests done on my vehicle, after having an oil change and 2 months later, during my inspection, being told my oil is completely dry (no warning lights came on at all). There was an oil combustion done, which the dealer had to keep my car and put me into a rental (after me pressing the issue of a rental or loaner). I am now on my 2nd round of oil consumption test. I had an oil change done the last week of May, took it back 932 miles later because my oil light quickly came on then went off, when turning corners and coming to a stop on level ground (the light did not stay on) and it burned 3.5 quarts in 932 miles. It has gone from burning 2.5 quarts in 1,000 miles on the very first oil consumption test in 2022, to now burning 3.5 quarts in less than 1,000 miles. Last summer there was oil on my spark plugs from the oil consumption, but I had to pay out of pocket to have them replaced. This last time I went in June, the dealer stated they will contact Hyundai about replacing the engine. It has been 2 weeks and I've heard nothing yet. This is a huge safety & fire concern that I feel Hyundai is taking way to lightly! It is a huge inconvenience as well to take off work, leave work early, go into work late, pay for rides to/from the dealer, put oil in my car, etc. I asked about a loaner for times they wanted to keep my vehicle, and they responded that they do not have any available. Rentals should be covered 100% if they do not have a loaner to give us. When I was put in a rental, I had to pay the deposit because that is not covered by Hyundai. Reading about all these issues, I am not sure why Hyundai has not put out a recall on this issue, instead they continue to put us and our families at a big time risk!!!
Engine, Jul 9, 2023
While driving my 2017 Santa Fe, a ding from the instrument cluster preceded the vehicle stalling during a turn in a busy intersection. The vehicle would not respond to attempts to restart. I had the vehicle towed to the local Hyundai dealership for inspection. I authorized a teardown of the engine. They reported their findings to Hyundai Motors America (HMA) for authorization under an extended warranty. That request was denied. I have read the case, Davy Cho v. Hyundai Motor Company, Ltd., 8:22-cv-00448, (C.D. Cal.). My vehicle is in the correct year range and engine class represented in the suit. This vehicle is also under NHTSA investigation (DB22-003) for a separate defect that can cause the vehicle to stall without prior notice. The Hyundai dealership has now quoted $19,900 to repair. This is a gently driven and well maintained vehicle. I have reached out several times to HMA who states, the vehicle is beyond the original manufacturer's warrantee. I have tried several times to have the case reviewed. I'm told these decisions are final. HMA Case # 21352488 I was lucky to have had the traffic lights and traffic in a condition that I could drift through my turn, apply hazard lights and get assistance from the Police Dept. who closed the road allowing me to coast the vehicle backwards off the interstate bridge to place me and my vehicle in a safer place to manage. In different circumstances, this could have been catastrophic.
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
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 7, 2023
Hyundai corporate's engines on some vehicles has oil dissipating out of thin air. 2 to 3 quarts of oil can vanish between regular interval oil changes. Hyundai is lying saying that this is "normal." It is not. The other issue is the oil indicator light may just pop on and off but it does not stay on when the vehicle has several quarts of oil that dissipated not warning the driver they have a serious problem. This leads to a safety concern because the vehicle could just stop working because the driver has no idea the oil is low. I urge the NHTSA to take action on this since so many vehicles with Hyundai are affected. Thank you.
Other or unspecified, Visibility, Jul 7, 2023
While driving down a California freeway, the sunroof of my wife's 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport exploded without warning. Glass rained down on my niece and nephew in the backseat and caused my wife to swerve a bit in surprise. Luckily there was no one else on the road and no one was hurt by the glass. She was not near anyone or anything, plus nothing fell into the backseat so we know that it wasn't anything that impacted the glass causing it to break. Upon further review, this is a problem with Hyundai vehicles and it looks like they are the subject of multiple class-action lawsuits for it. This is the second time something like this has happened. In 2016, my wife was leasing a Sonata and the sunroof exploded unprovoked. The dealership took responsibility that time and one of the mechanics stated that it was "a known issue".
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 6, 2023
Hello. I don't know if this is even something you look into, but I wanted to see. Yesterday when I came home from work my oil light came on and all of my oil suddenly dumped in the driveway. I am thankful I was at home because this could have been a nightmare somewhere else. I had my car towed and was advised that the rear main seal needs replaced as well as the oil pan gasket. I don't know if this is a safety issue, but if my engine would have seized on the highway that could have been a nightmare. Oil maintenance has been at regular intervals. There was no warning until my light came on in the driveway and then the immediate dump of oil. I'm happy to answer any other questions. Thank you. Brooke
Engine, Jul 5, 2023
While driving, approximately 3 miles from home the engine catastrophically failed by throwing a rod through the engine block, dumping oil on the road in a cloud of smoke.
Electrical system, Jul 4, 2023
Hyundai Safety Concerns. The details of the incidents are as follows I own a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe sport turbo on Saturday June 24th while driving down the palmetto expressway at about 70 mi an hour the vehicle suddenly stopped. It was a very dangerous situation with my family aboard we were lucky to have Florida highway patrol toys to a safety location. The car was completely dead and the vehicle was told to homestead Hyundai dealership for repairs 4 days after delivering we received a call letting us know that the computer had been damaged due to a oil leak in the engine that was repaired by them 10 months prior. It has come to our attention that there are recalls for this vehicle for crankshaft problems it is a concern that this is a safety hazard for us and that the dealership is not being transparent with us is the consumer. We have emailed Hyundai Motors Corporation and filed a complaint. I kindly request your immediate attention to this matter, as the safety of my family and other drivers is at stake. I trust that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will conduct a thorough examination of the reported incidents, the dealership's actions, and the potential risks associated with the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Turbo. Your intervention and expertise are vital in ensuring consumer safety and holding accountable those responsible for any negligence or lack of transparency. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. I eagerly await your response and hope for a swift resolution to this alarming situation.