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, Nov 15, 2022
Is burning the engine oil, is bthe 2nd time I got engine oil light On in less than 1 month with this SUV. I brought in Enterprise Car Sales in Oct 2022 and they send me to a Hyundai's dealership to get some service but they said is normal in the car. Hoy is possible, mostly a brand new SUV is burning oil and i have to fill up every week with oil? So I am spending more money than I was expecting in a brand new car.
Engine, Nov 7, 2022
2017 Hyundai Santa Fe rod bearing failure occurred 10/09/22 without warning (no indicator lamp, messages or symptoms). The vehicle is currently at Keyes Hyundai in Van Nuys CA, Hyundai is refusing to cover the repair as the vehicle is over 100k miles. If the engine rod had blown while we were on the freeway this would have likely been fatal. Problem confirmed by Hyundai 11/3/22, the vehicle is available for inspection by NHTSA. Hyundai has a lengthy history of engine problems and my vehicle ought to be covered under this condition. I still owe over $4k on the vehicle and only owned it 5 years. Hyundai Corporate Care representative offered and then retracted coverage, we transported the vehicle with the assumption of coverage. Transcripts of her voicemails are attached. Please help.
Engine, Nov 6, 2022
While driving 25 mph the engine just stalled , initially it would not restart after about 30 minutes the vechile restarted but had missing sound and at this time the check engine light came on as able to drive vechile home which was 2 miles however would not go over 15-20 mph had a lot of smoke coming out of exhaust , had dealer check and stated it was engine failure and that certain 2017 Santa Fe had a recall for engine issue that was exactly like what’s wrong with this one but it isn’t included in recall is what I was told and that it would 15k to fix , I think if that make and model had a recall on the engines due to failure it should be for every 2017 3.3 l v6 engine as looking at the vechile history that is a very common issue the car had 125000 miles on that is not very many and all maintenance was maintained on this car
Engine, Nov 5, 2022
The engine suffered a bent valve resulting in engine failure and faulty motor. This problem was verified by the mechanic upon the car breaking down at a red light. The car started idling very rough and the engine light flashed. This was out of the blue and we had been getting regular service since purchasing the car less than a year ago. It only has 80000 miles. This was a safety risk considering that the car was regularly serviced and broke down at a red light putting us at risk of an accident with no warning. I am yet to get ahold of Hyundai but I will be attempting to get them to replace their faulty engine under good faith.
Engine, Nov 5, 2022
This engine has burned oil since 90,000 miles. Burning about a quart every 500 miles
Air bags, Oct 29, 2022
Airbag light stays in constantly in vehicle that is 5yrs old with less than 100,000 miles. Dealer wants $3,000+ to repair.
Engine, Oct 19, 2022
At ~114k miles, the engine failed without warning. While driving on the freeway in overdrive, at ~65 mph, the vehicle struggled to down shift or accelerate further. I exited the freeway in <quarter mile and pulled into a parking lot, putting the car in park. The oil light, check engine light, and oil pressure lights came on simultaneously, and the car shut off. A local mechanic diagnosed the issue as a thrown rod. No check engine light, oil pressure, or oil change light alerted me of an issue. All scheduled, routine oil changes were performed through the life of the vehicle.
Engine, Oct 19, 2022
2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO HIGH OIL LOSS AND ENGINE FAILURE.
Power train, Oct 18, 2022
Car engine failed at highway speeds in the middle of the road nearly causing an accident. Brought to hyundia dealeship who is refusing to pay for rental costs while engine is being replaced. Car only has 50,000 miles on it.
Engine, Oct 9, 2022
THE ENGINE AT 65,000 MILE CONSUME OIL THAT LEADS TO ENGINE FAILIER I REPORT IT TO HYUNDAI USA AMERICA THEY GIVE ME A CASE NUMBER GOT BACK TO ME AND TOLD ME THAT IT WAS A NORMAL ISSUE I TOOK THE CAR TO THE NEW ROCHELLE HYUNDAY NEW YORK THAT DEALER DID 3 TEST EVERY TEST AT 1000 MILE THE CAR CONSUME 2 QUARTS OF OIL THE DEALER REPORT IT TO HYUNDAI DENIED TO REMEDY THE ISSUE NOW THE CAR AT 90,000 THE CAR CONSUME 3 QUART HYUNDAI HAVE REPLACE THE ENGINE TO OTHER HYUNDAI CONSUMERS THEY DO NOT WANT TO REPLACE THE ENGINE I NEED HELP ON THIS PROBLEM
Power train, Engine, Oct 5, 2022
My 2017 Santa Fe's engine seized in 2019 at about 46K miles while I was going up a large hill. The entire vehicle began shaking, the oil light came on and then the vehicle lost power in bumper to bumper traffic. Fortunately a large truck behind me moved to act and nudged me up the rest of the hill with his truck so I could pull over safely. Hyundai replaced that engine after a few months and then replaced the turbo because they noticed that was failing even after engine replacement. This was prior to the class action lawsuits. My vehicle is now at about 64K miles with less than 15 on the new engine and turbo. In Fall of 2022, I got an oil change, took a quick short road trip later that day and on the way back with my family, the engine oil light came on. We pulled over and saw that the oil had mostly leaked out so we found a good Samaritan who helped get us oil to top it off so we could get home safely. I took it back to the oil change location the next day, thinking they had made a mistake and they advised the leak was due to my turbo failing. They took several pictures of the source of the leak and told me to get it to the dealer ASAP to prevent further leak, risk of fire or engine seizure. I towed the vehicle in.Hyundai advised it would be 6 weeks before they take a look at my vehicle. In addition, they offered no recourse or alternative transport while waiting for a determination despite the extended warranties that apply to my situation. They sent me a form to allow them to start the repair with no estimate attached and with a total waiver of my rights to join a class action suit but they haven't even looked at the vehicle. Not only am I worried about my safety, with a second engine failure, I am also worried they are sneaking in clauses to strip consumers of their rights.
Engine, Sep 28, 2022
On July 9th 2022, as I am headed out of town, with my daughter & her friend I was driving on back roads to another state. I went to pass a vehicle & as I did my car was not wanting to accelerate as it should to properly pass a vehicle. I made it in front of the other call, but it was getting sluggish & not wanting to accelerate. It actually started slowing down rather suddenly as I got in front of the car. I pulled over to check my oil, even though I recently had it changed. (This suv has an oil consumption issue that I have to top off often. I know to keep an eye on these things, due to driving older truck before. I even go back to the oil changing company, and they top off for free, but asking what I was doing with all the oil.) The oil was fine and there should have been no problem, so I proceeded to pull out and attempt to go again and barely made it to a place to pull over as it was jerking, and the lights were coming on and it did not want to accelerate. It was a very scary feeling with kids in the car as well. I had to wait 1 hour for help. I had to leave it overnight until I could get it towed to my mechanic. He said that it was my engine, & he did not want to mess with it because he knew there were recalls on these and I need to reach my dealership. Being that my dealership is 1 hour away I called several different ones & they were all full. I called the HYUNDAI service & they got me an appt at my dealership and I had it towed. It was towed in 7/19/2022 the 1 year anniversary of being bought.They told me 1st of September before they could even look at it. Now every week, they say they can't look at it until the next week. I have paid car & insurance payments. I do not have a dependable ride. Had to cancel 1 vacation and maybe another. I live an hour from work. With no help insight, no loaner or rental, it has been a struggle. I have seen several people with these cars having their engine seize as well. Asked about trade & they said its worth $500 owe14,000
Engine, Sep 23, 2022
Vehicle had had excessive oil consumption dating back al least 2020. Engine seizure leading to traffic accident could have caused safety issue to me, my passengers and others. Excess usage has been documented by Conicelli Hyundai in Conshohocken, PA. On 5/17/22, I had my oil changed at Conicelli Hyundai with odometer reading at 45,952. I mentioned the excess oil usage and they set me up for an oil consumption study. On 7/11/22, odometer reading was 47,239 and vehicle consumed 2.7 quarts of oil. On 8/12/22, odometer reading was 48,168 and oil consumed was 2.7 quarts again. On 9/8/22, odometer was 49,098 and oil consumed was 3 quarts. On 9/18/2022, I had to add another quart of oil. Please note that I park on a concrete driveway, and there is no oil on the driveway. Next step was supposed to be engine cleaning under warranty, but I called 9/23/22 and was told a class action suit had been filed against Hyundai regarding excessive oil consumption and the engine cleaning was no longer being offered. My vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, other than Conicelli Hyundai, nor has it been inspected by police, insurance representatives or others. In 2020, a low oil warning lamp appeared. When I checked, there was no oil on the dipstick and 3 quarts of oil were added. When I mentioned this to my regular mechanic, he said Hyundais were using a lot of oil, and recommended checking oil every month. I would have to add 1 to 2 quarts each month, between oil changes every 3,000 miles
Engine, Sep 22, 2022
Regarding repairs of the Hyundai Santa Fe 2.0T (2017 year) towed there dated 8/26/2022, I experienced engine failure because I drove only 2000 miles after my car got fixed due to the "engine check light" issue. I have a deep concern as my car occurred repeated problems before the engine warranty expired and in the end, I almost had a life-threatened accident due to an engine shutdown while driving on the speedway. Even after the car got fixed at the dealer service center several times including once warranty repair, I am very afraid of driving without guaranteeing certain safety when I am at the wheel. I contacted Hyundai Assistance Center to assist with this issue. However, they replied not to cover the warranty, even though I repaired it at my own cost several times, and in the end, the warranty expired while struggling to resolve engine issues so far.
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
Engine, Sep 21, 2022
Engine is experiencing oil consumption issues. Nearing the end of first 1,000 mile oil consumption test.
Engine, Sep 14, 2022
After a road trip from NJ to KY, the low oil pressure light came on during stops. A quick check at the mechanic shows that my oil was low though I was not due for a scheduled oil change. I was informed that the car might be burning oil. The low oil light still came on during stops even after toping the oil. I was later informed that the engine cannot maintain the oil pressure when the car is idling after a follow-up visit in a couple of days. A quick check online showed that Hyundai has been having issues with car engines related to 'metallic oil' which could lead to this issue. My mechanic informed me that the dealership has refused to change my motor since it is not included in the ongoing engine replacement program. I was also informed that the company no longer makes the engine even if I want to purchase a replacement! I wish to request the NHTSA to institute a wider review to study if other Hyundai and Kia engines have oil burning/metallic oil issues and if these could be looped into the engine replacement program as it is unfathomable that a 5 yr car's motor should be damaged after a road trip under normal use conditions. Thanks for looking into this.
Engine, Sep 14, 2022
Driving on the Interstate with my kids on our way to see family, when we heard a rattling sound and within in a minute or two, then heard a thud sound and the car died. I was barely able to make it to the side of the Interstate. We first had it towed to a local mechanic, who explained that it had thrown a piston through the engine block. We were quoted at that time around $11,000 for engine replacement. In order to submit anything to Hyundai, we had to tow it to the nearest dealership, which confirmed the local mechanic's diagnosis, only to be denied coverage because of warranty. They quoted us approximately $14,000 for an engine replacement. Even though this is not the specific issue outlined in the massive recall, they KNOW they have a serious issue with their engine production during this timeframe. They really need to something to help those of use with blown engines. Mileage is roughly 102,000 and we have service records to prove we have not neglected maintenance.
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.
Engine, Sep 8, 2022
I have had my vehicle in for the same sputtering/lack of acceleration problem 5times. The check engine light is flashing, yet, the tech says there is nothing wrong. It is frightening to drive when I cannot accelerate and it jerks horribly between 0-20. When I reach 64mph, it starts deceleration and drops even though my foot is on the gas pedal. I also have a known oil consumption problem they have not been helpful with. I did contact the National care line and they have accelerated the problem to a safety concern.my car has been at the dealer for 5 weeks and I just got a message stating nothing is wrong with the car.
Structure, Sep 2, 2022
The back hatch does not stay up when you open it falls down with no warning
Engine, Aug 20, 2022
what I was told by the dealer my engine has failed / locked up due to the crankshaft being locked up. I was put at risk because as I was driving at 45mph on the road and the vehicle just shutoff no power, I was able to get to the side of the road and pull into a parking lot. I tried to start the vehicle while after waiting an hour and a half but all i got was a clicking noise. The vehicle is currently at the dealership where the technician has told me there was a recall on the engine of 2017 santa fe acouple years ago and this is exactly the same thing that happened then. waiting for approval for repair. There were not any warning lights prior to this happening. My vehicle only has around 86,000 miles on it
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.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while the daughter was driving approximately 70 MPH, she heard an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment and the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that an internal engine failure had occurred, involving the rod bearing and the crankshaft. The dealer diagnosed that the short block of the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number 17v578000(Engine And Engine Cooling). However, the contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 72,000.