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, Feb 28, 2023
On the incident date listed, we were driving in Denison, Texas, going southbound on US Hwy 75. Traveling at 70mph, the vehicle started to have a loss of power and the vehicle started to shake, as if we were traveling on uneven pavement. Thankfully, we were able to pull to the side of the road to avoid being struck by traffic following behind us. Approximately 7 miles ahead, road construction is being performed, and there is no shoulder. If this incident would have happened in this area, we would certainly have been killed, because there was no place to move the vehicle. After having the vehicle towed to the dealership, the engine no longer had fire in the first and third cylinders. This was due to no oil in the engine. An oil change had been performed on the car on 11/19/2022, at 115,323 miles. So we had traveled 1205 miles since the oil change. When the oil was checked, no oil showed on the dipstick and there were only 2 quarts of oil in the reservoir. 5 quarts of oil had to be put into the engine to attempt to start the vehicle. After doing research on an issue we did not know existed prior to purchase, Hyundai has shown to have an unusual instance of burning oil in their engines. Leaking is not a sign of trouble, or we would have seen this and had it addressed. We are outside of the warranty by 16k miles and the dealership is unwilling to work with us. We believe this should be brought to the NHTSA's attention, to prevent a potentially deadly incident from happening in the near future.
Visibility, Feb 26, 2023
The panoramic sunroof on our 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe unexpectedly and without warning, exploded during a leisurely drive through our town this morning. At a speed not exceeding 40 mph, we were suddenly met with a loud, gunshot like sound that instantly frightened us. We immediately put our hazards on and pulled off to the side of the road to find that the sunroof had completely shattered. Thank goodness we had just closed the sun shade or else our three year old and family pet would have been covered in glass shards, shards that would have most definitely caused serious injuries had that sun shade not been closed. We were on a paved road where no other vehicles were present, leaving no chance for a rock or any sort of debris to have impacted the vehicle. There has been no prior glass work done on the sunroof and we have not experienced any sort of major temperature differential in our area recently. There were no chips or hairline cracks present prior to this incident. We have contacted our insurance company but are waiting to file a claim until we reach out to the dealership (it is currently a Sunday and all dealerships are closed here). Had we been on a major highway or road, this could have most definitely caused an accident as the noise was incredibly loud and shocking. Again, what is most concerning is the fact that had we not just closed the sun shade, our toddler could have been seriously injured by the glass shards.
Engine, Feb 24, 2023
Driving car when suddenly all the dash lights came on and car started sputtering. Pulled over to side of road where car completely died. Could not restart with jump. Towed to mechanic where he informed me the engine appears to be ruined. Maintain regular oil changes since purchasing car in 2020.
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?????
Engine, Feb 23, 2023
The engine seized while driving. It will be available to inspect if requested. No warning signs whatsoever. Not a light on the dash. 117,xxx or so miles on it. We were driving in the left lane on the interstate when it happened. No noise, just completely shut off. In ST. Louis traffic. We couldn’t get to the right side so it was extremely dangerous. I’m unsure if this is a common issue or not. The vehicle has only had diagnostics so far, no further inspections. I was due for an oil change that week, there were zero warnings signs that I noticed but I’m not a mechanic. No lights prior to incident, but when it occurred the following lights came on: key undetected light, oil pressure light, engine malfunction light, power steering light, battery light, and I believe there was one more unknown light. My vehicle engine just shut off completely and wouldn’t restart.
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.
Engine, Feb 11, 2023
My family was driving down a busy state road at around 45 mph when the engine stalled. Seconds before the engine stalled the check engine light came on leaving no time to react.There were no other warning lights to indicate a problem leading up to the incident. Thankfully with what control we had left of the vehicle we were able to maneuver into a shopping center. Though we were able to stop safely we found ourselves facing the wrong direction in the shopping center right of way. The police arrived to direct traffic in the area around our vehicle as we waited for the tow truck causing major congestion leading out into the main road. The car was towed to the Hyundai dealership for inspection. They diagnosed the problem as a rod bearing failure in the engine. At only 65,000 miles this type of engine failure without any warning from the cars systems is unacceptable and dangerous.
Engine, Feb 10, 2023
Oil consumption bulletin, piston slap, engine failure causing vehicle to shift into limp mode while driving at 70 miles per hour.
Engine, Feb 4, 2023
The car lost all power in he middle of a busy 4 lane highway. Was able to coast to the shoulder. Engine light came on had car towed to mechanic. I then took car to Hyundai an they told me it had to do with update. Got car back an less the 6 hours later the car went into limp mode not exceeding 2000 rpm. Took the car back an now they are claiming the piston has dug into cylinder wall an need new engine.
Engine, Feb 3, 2023
On 11-12-22 my Sante Fe stuttered and came to a stop on a busy highway. On inspection we found there was no oil in the engine, there was no crack in the oil pan and otherwise no way for the oil to leak out. We did all the maintenance on schedule according the Hyundai's recommendations. My two young kids, my husband and I were stranded on the side of the highway for hours until we could get the car towed to the nearest dealership. Clearly, an engine seizing on the highway is very scary and unsafe. Hyundai is aware of the excessive oil consumption and did not inform consumers, putting lives at risk. The car is sitting dead in a dealership and in the mean time has been vandalized, the steering column was busted and the lift gate was disabled. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership and an insurance rep is scheduled to inspect it for the damage from the break-in. Insurance has already said the engine is our problem because it wasn't caused by an accident but by manufacturer defect. There was no warning that the engine was consuming excessive oil, it just seized. Hyundai is requesting a tear down of the engine so they can determine if the engine will be covered. I fear they will find a way to not cover a new engine, when it was clearly a manufacturing defect. My families lives were at risk because of Hyundai's disregard for their customers.
Engine, Feb 2, 2023
The vehicle suddenly lost power and acceleration while on the highway. The service engine light began flashing. I was able to drive it to a safe location, though only at a low rate of speed. I had the vehicle was towed to a local garage. The error code indicated a knock sensor error. Hyundai is aware of this error and problem, but will not address the issue until it reoccurs. Also, the garage indicated that the oil "looked dirty", so they changed it, though the vehicle was not yet due for an oil change.
Engine, Jan 31, 2023
Driving on the highway the engine started to knock, the oil and/or engine light did not come on. Then the vehicle was undrivable. The mechanic stated the engine popped and that this occurs with Hyundai's and Kia's.
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.
Engine, Jan 25, 2023
Was driving vehicle on highway at 70 MPH. No warning lights came on, vehicle began to decelerate with no warning. Vehicle has been maintained regularly, and was current, and full of oil at time of incident. Once noticed the vehicle was decelerating, with danger of surrounding traffic, I moved toward the shoulder to reach a somewhat safe place to come to a stop. Vehicle would not turn over after we came to a stop. There is a recall which other documentation from users online describe a similar occurrence. Hyundai dismissed the connection and currently is making it difficult to deal with issue.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 25, 2023, fire
Car began to smoke from engine compartment. Stopped car in a driving lane on interstate 78 where construction barriers had closed both shoulders. Car then burst into flames. Car was a total loss before fire trucks were able to arrive. Just prior to the fire the Warning light for the abs system malfunction appeared on the dashboard.
Engine, Jan 20, 2023
I was 3k miles out from an oil change and had no oil in the well. Took it to dealership and was told to come back in 1k. Went back in 1k was told everything was fine , no need to come back. 2k miles later , tamper seals in place oil light flashed and I went straight to dealership. Again, no oil in the well, seals in place. They changed the oil and told me I have to keep coming back every 1k miles for 4k more miles! There is no evidence of a leak. The engine is obviously burning oil and is unsafe at this rate.
Engine, Jan 18, 2023
Vehicle was being driven and there was sudden loss of power. While vehicle limped to side of road, check engine light turned on. Noticed oil leaking from beneath. Vehicle was towed to Hyundai dealer and they confirmed a new engine is needed but will not replace because mileage is 5,000 miles passed the 60,000 mile warranty for 2nd hand purchasers. Being quoted $14,000 to replace engine.
Engine, Jan 18, 2023
Vehicle had excessive oil consumption causing catastrophic engine failure. No check engine light came on. Engine stalled on interstate.
Engine, Jan 16, 2023
While driving, my engine with less than 59,000 miles and under 5 years old seized, as I was approaching a left hand turn across 2 lanes of traffic in morning rush hour traffic. I had lost power I had nothing. Miraculously, I was able to navigate my vehicle to a safe area. When I got out of my car to determine why I had lost everything, I discovered oil pouring from the underside of the vehicle. I has no indication that there was a serious issue brewing. My check engine light has come on 2 weeks before. I made an appointment immediatly with Hyundai the soonest they could look at my car was almost a month out. I took my car to Autozone and they hooked my car to the diginostic computer and it showed the ABS issue that is currently recalled. I had the car towed to Hyundai and they determined the engine had completely failed and refereed the loss of power as Limp Mode. The engine failed due to the faulty components that Hyundai has been knowingly using for years. These components break down and cause metal to flood the engine eventually causing the engine to seize. I could have been killed and others could have been killed as well due to the negligence of Hyundai. The vehicle still sits a dealership, as of today, My warranty company has approved a full engine replacement no thanks to any help or concern of Hyundai.
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!
Engine, Jan 12, 2023
*The crankshaft failed while driving causing the car to stop in traffic. This part is available for inspection but it still is in the car. * As stated this caused the car to shut down on the roadway during heavy traffic. * The dealer confirmed that the crankshaft did fail. * Only the dealer inspected the car. * There were no warning signs, light or massages from the car prior to the failure.
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.
Engine, Jan 11, 2023
two large holes in engine block, now the engine is dead, they are charging me $5000 to replace it.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled while making ticking sounds. The engine overheats message was displayed, and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact parked the vehicle in a parking space, where it remained. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that an independent mechanic had previously replaced the battery and performed an oil change for the recurring failure, and the vehicle had not been driven for 5-months. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V578000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 130,099.
Engine, Jan 8, 2023
OIL EXCESSIVE CONSUMPTION PROBLEM I BOUGHT IT WITH 65,000 MILES AND I NOTICED THE PROBLEM WHEN I SERVICE THE CAR THAT DID NOT HAVE OIL HYUNDAI KNOWS THAT THE 2017 SANTA FE SPORT HAVE THOSE FACTORY PROBLEM I ADDRESS THAT POBLEM TO HYUNDAI AND THEY DO NOT WANT TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. THAT 2.4 L ENGINE CEASED SUDDENLY AND THAT IS A DANGEROUS PROBLE THAT COULD HAPPEN WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY I NEED HYUNDAI TO BE REPONSIBLE AND RESOLVE THE ISSUE BY REPLACING THE ENGINE. PS. I NEED HELP ON THIS PROBLEM