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.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jun 28, 2022
2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. While driving, the vehicle stopped accelerating. The vehicle operated appropriately until half way through the drive. At stops, it would take several seconds (30ish) for the car to go about 20 mph (rough estimate). The car would not go above 50mph, and this took a few minutes to reach with the gas pedal all the way down. I parked the car and had it towed. After approximately a month at the dealership, the dealership text that there was a hole in the valve cover and that the engine would also need to be replaced. They did not say what was wrong with the engine and later stated, also via text, that to do a diagnostic it would be $350. I purchased the car used with approximately 45000 miles 10 months prior. At the time of the incident, there were 62000 miles on the vehicle. They stated that it would not be covered under warranty because I was not the original owner. I purchased the extended warranty at the time of purchase. They then filed a claim with that policy and we are awaiting an inspector to look at the vehicle. There were no warning lights prior to the issue. My family, husband and 3 children were in the car and it was dangerous because we were on a busy road and the car would not go to the speed of traffic. We are awaiting an inspector to look at the vehicle. The vehicle is currently still at the dealership. If requested, I am willing to have the car inspected. The incident occurred 5/12/2022.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V056000 (Service Brakes; Hydraulics); however, the parts for the repair were unavailable. The dealer had been notified about the recall and confirmed 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 repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Engine, Jun 21, 2022
My wife was driving down Hwy 105 west in Montgomery, Texas on a 6 lane highway when all of a sudden our 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe lost power at 65mph. She could not accelerate or maintain speed and noticed several light quickly flash and then shut off. She steered into the center median and stopped in order to try and restart the car. There was no warning to this issue and the Santa Fe could not be restated and had to be towed to Weisner Hyundai in Conroe Texas to be diagnosed. It was revealed the knock sensor that was supposed to put the vehicle in safe mode so engine damage would not occur, failed with no warning which caused excessive bearing and rod wear causing the engine failure which could have caused an wreck on the road. The Weisner Hyundai in Conroe inspected the Santa Fe and mentioned the state of the engine showed it was well maintained and no signs of sludge in the engine. There were no warning lamps on the dash or symptoms with the engine leading up to this issue. This is a major safty risk is due to the immediate loss of engine power which other cars had to quickly swerve to miss my wife as she steered to the middle median. Weisner Hyundai elected to process a PA claim with Hyundai with photos and a full report. As of today, I have do not have the full report as the service center was still in the process to filing their report.
Engine, Jun 20, 2022
My family was driving down the interstate at approximately 78mph when the engine light came on and the vehicle began to rumble intensely. After letting off the gas to approximately 50mph and touching the gas once more we realized the vehicle was not operable. We pulled to the side of an active interstate and awaited towing. We were in this spot for almost an hour hoping my wife and children were not struck by a vehicle. Additionally, as the vehicle broke we were concerned about being hit on the active interstate. Oil had been recently changed, maintenance was always kept up-to-date, no dash lights were on, and we had experienced no prior problems with the vehicle or engine. Vehicle has been inspected by a mechanic shop and a warranty representative, both of which stated the engine was dead. It now sits with a Hyundai dealership for further diagnostics testing.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V056000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN was not available.
Service brakes, Jun 16, 2022
Recall 22V056000 has been open and unresolved since Feb2022 and the recall remains incomplete four months later.
Engine, Jun 14, 2022
The check engine light came on one day and then before I could take it in to be checked, about two days, the light had turned back off again so I thought it was fine. Then, I was driving 2 hours from my home and on the way back the engine started to make a terrible knocking and screeching noise. It seemed like it was going to break down. I was on a country road so I quickly turned around and made my way back to a truck stop about a mile away. I had to pay to get the car towed to my local dealership an hour away. While at the dealership, after inspection, I was told it was a Rod Bearing Failure in my engine. This absolutely put me at risk as I was driving a far distance and an hour from my home. The dealership then got my service records and gave them to my extended warranty carrier- Assurant. They agreed to cover the over $10,000 cost with just my $50 copay. The car now has a different, used motor in it. My concern now is that I have had the same problem that other Santa Fe's have had in prior years but this one doesn't have a recall. Now, I'm driving with another one of these motors with worries that I'll have the same problem as before and be responsible for the fix. I asked the dealership and Hyundai USA case manager if they would warranty this new to me, used motor AND reimburse me for the 40 days that I had to pay for a rental vehicle and was told NO.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 13, 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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 13, 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 unavailable. The dealer had been notified about the recall and confirmed 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 repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 13, 2022, fire
My O2 sensor failed and is under my insurance investigation due to engine light that came on and upon inspection it was determined to have caught on fire under the vehicle. My safety and my children's were at risk potentially may have gone up in flames. Currently the insurance is pending review of any recalls for O2 sensor to determine if Hyundai is handling damages. At this time Hyundai has not taken responsibility.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 10, 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 unavailable. The dealer had been notified of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer had been notified of the issue. 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, Jun 10, 2022
While on a road trip, the engine light came on. A further check at a Hyundai authorized mechanic showed the engine had suffered from high oil consumption and ran low on oil. There was no obvious oil leak. As a result, I must replace the engine and I am unsure if Hyundai will cover the cost.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jun 9, 2022
Just received another letter from Hyundai (First one in Feb./March this one in June) telling me about the same problem with the ABS System and how it might short out and cause an engine fire. STILL NO REMEDY! The letter said I'd receive a second notice ...I guess they meant a third notice! What's taking so long to find a fix??? I'm supposed to be confident taking this vehicle on a trip knowing it may short out and cause a fire at any time while driving or parked!?? This is not acceptable.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine, Jun 8, 2022
My 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe with approximatelh 118,000 suffered a catastrophic engine failure. According to the dealer where the car was towed, CVVT on the camshaft caused further damage to the engine. Recommended solution is engine replacement. Dealer is quoting approximately $13,000 + taxes and fees for this replacement. I have opened a case with Hyundai and contacted my insurance company regarding possible recourse. The dealer has indicated the 10 year/100,000 mile Powertrain warranty will not cover the engine replacement as the care has 118,000 miles. There were no preliminary warning signs of engine failure. Just minutes before the car starting leaking a ton of oil, the Check Engine and Oil indicator lights went on. Car has been meticulauly maintained and serviced over the years. The car is currently at the dealer, and I have no replacement transportation provided for this vehicle. While there were no injuried, I can imagine that had I not been in a position to have the car towed, the engine failure may have resulted in dangerous driving conditions.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V056000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue. 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. The contact has stated that the dealer addressed the recall issue and the vehicle works fine.
Engine, Jun 6, 2022
Losing about 1QT of oil every 1k miles. The local Hyundai dealer acknowledged the issue but has no remedy. Their suggestion is to add a QT of oil at every 3k and check the level every 1k mile. I do not feel safe driving this vehicle as the engine also makes loud noises
Engine, Jun 4, 2022
I was driving the vehicle at highway speeds, when I attempted to pass a vehicle, the engine started making a knocking sound. I had the vehicle towed to the Hyundai dealership. When they did their initial inspection, there was no oil in the engine. The engine oil had been changed by a reputable dealer within 3,000 miles. The vehicle is well maintained and regularly maintained. No warning lights came on to indicate low oil or any other warning light to indicate any problems with the engine at all. Manufacturer has 10yr 100,000 mile warranty for first vehicle owner, but the warranty for second owner is 5 yr 60,000 mile. There are known issues with this engine and other Hyundai GDI engines. Dealership gave me a repair bill for a used engine replacement with labor of $12,650. Manufacturer says they are not responsible for the engine since it is out of warranty (although within original manufacturer warranty). The GDI engine is faulty and dangerous. A 5 year old vehicle burning 4 quarts of oil within 3,000 miles is not user error, thats manufacturer fault and they should be held accountable for it.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V056000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine, May 31, 2022
Engine failure due to "rod failing". Car lost power and RPMs. Mileage was 119325. Car always serviced at dealership. Dealership recognized the issue and referred me to customer service. Case File #1959318 was files with Hyundai Customer Service. They rejected any assistance in replacing engine citing that it was more than 10% over 100,000 miles. Replaced used engine cost $10,146.04. Thomas Cumberland Invoice 6035219 (Mar 28, 2022)
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V056000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Service brakes, May 20, 2022, fire
The contact owned a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while coming off the highway ramp she saw smoke coming from the hood of the vehicle. A witness stated there was fire coming from the hood. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled over to the parking lot and the vehicle would not stop. The contact let the vehicle slow down until she hit a bump and safely jumped out of the vehicle. There were no injuries and there was no medical attention needed. The fire and police were there to file a report. The fire department extinguished the fire. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The vehicle was towed to a city pound. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V056000 ( Engine Compartment Fire) was referenced. The failure mileage was 124,000.
Engine, May 10, 2022
While driving to work on the highway. My car begin to stall and hesitated. There were no warning lights no indication that anything was wrong with my car. I’ve been pretty good about keeping up with the maintenance on my car. I creep into work and ask one of my mechanics to look over my car because of what happened on the highway. The mechanic checked it out and found there was no oil in the car. It was not time for my scheduled oil change. He asked if any lights came on, if there was any way the oil could have leaked out. No lights came on and I park in my garage everyday, no oil leaks. I told him this isn’t the first time it happened. He put some oil in my car and I told him I was scheduled for an oil change later that week. He said ok. On my way home the engine to knock and again stall. I didn’t take the highway home. My car shut off on me just before I made it home. I decidedly to call the dealership the next day. I parked it in the garage. The next morning I was letting my dog out and there was a strong gas/engine smell in my breezeway. I opened the garage to check to see if something was visibly wrong with my car still no leakage. I brought my car to the dealership, explain what happened. While waiting I was checking on recalls and discovered this is a serious on going problems with the 2017 Santa Fe’s. The dealership quoted me at $12000 to replace the engine. I’m a single parent where am I gonna get $12000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 9, 2022
Engine light came on took it to the dealer they told me that it had been looked at when they pulled the vehicle up to inspect the bottom the vehicle showed melted parts from the vehicle that are on sure what caused it
Engine, May 7, 2022
Engine started using excessive oil. Monitored and refilled as needed. On Sept 15, 2021, Engine completely seized while driving. Took over a month to get appointment at local Hyundai dealership. Towed to dealership and confirmed engine needed to be replaced and possible AWD system damage (can’t confirm until engine is replaced). At dealer since Oct 25, 2021 (now May 2022). Hyundai refused warranty coverage as we are second owners. Dealer advised delay to repairs due to numerous similar engine failures and lack of parts.