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2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 179.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

156 reports with mileage · 192 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 200 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 41 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 40 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

5 crash reports7 fire reports5 injury reports

Air Bags complaints

10 reports
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Mileage unknown · Aug 1, 2026
Air BagsSeatsUnknown Or Other

Airbag light illuminates on the dash and the seatbelt light illuminates intermittently as the seat electrical harness under the seat only connects in certain positions of the seat. My issue is associated with the passenger seat. This airbag light is associated with the airbag not firing or improperly firing. To avoid a recall…

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Airbag light illuminates on the dash and the seatbelt light illuminates intermittently as the seat electrical harness under the seat only connects in certain positions of the seat. My issue is associated with the passenger seat. This airbag light is associated with the airbag not firing or improperly firing. To avoid a recall, Hyundai has extended the warranty for vehicles for this issue but refuses to fix mine without payment.

NHTSA ODI #11754153

Mileage unknown · Feb 6, 2026
Air BagsCrashInjury

While driving on US-rt1 in Dinwiddie Va, in my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. I was in a collision where a vehicle pulled out in front of me at no fault of my own, and I hit that vehicle going about 47mph. the front nor rear/side air bags deployed. My body slammed into the steering wheel causing severe whiplash as well and contusi…

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While driving on US-rt1 in Dinwiddie Va, in my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. I was in a collision where a vehicle pulled out in front of me at no fault of my own, and I hit that vehicle going about 47mph. the front nor rear/side air bags deployed. My body slammed into the steering wheel causing severe whiplash as well and contusions to my left shoulder and neck, as well as my wife to be who also sustained injuries to her leg/knee. Had the airbags deployed i would have not made contact with the steering wheel though-out these events.

NHTSA ODI #11716272

Mileage unknown · Oct 27, 2025
Air BagsEngine

The light for the passenger airbag has been on for years. I have taken it in, and the only thing the service department determined is that there was a water bottle under the seat. I was rear-ended into another vehicle, and the airbag did not deploy. The engine burns the oil from an oil change in approximately two weeks. I add a…

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The light for the passenger airbag has been on for years. I have taken it in, and the only thing the service department determined is that there was a water bottle under the seat. I was rear-ended into another vehicle, and the airbag did not deploy. The engine burns the oil from an oil change in approximately two weeks. I add a quart of oil every two weeks. If the engine seizes while driving due to this condition, I could be injured in an accident.

NHTSA ODI #11695915

Mileage unknown · Apr 18, 2024
Air Bags

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the passenger’s side seat occupancy sensor. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer…

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The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the passenger’s side seat occupancy sensor. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI #11583872

Mileage unknown · Dec 14, 2023
Air BagsElectrical System

I believe it is a clock spring failure. The airbag light is on & the buttons on the steering wheel do not work. I searched it & have seen several posts of others having same issue. I really feel this should be looked into, cause this is highly unsafe to be driving around with what very well could be an airbag that doesn't deplo…

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I believe it is a clock spring failure. The airbag light is on & the buttons on the steering wheel do not work. I searched it & have seen several posts of others having same issue. I really feel this should be looked into, cause this is highly unsafe to be driving around with what very well could be an airbag that doesn't deploy & could seriously hurt drivers. Also, the contact stated the vehicle uses 5 quarts of oil within a 2 week period.

NHTSA ODI #11560220

Mileage unknown · Jan 20, 2022
Air Bags

Applied brakes rapidly and the air bag light came on. It became intermittently on and off after that. Took it to the dealership with the light off and asked them to investigate and this is their response. OCS MAT DEFECT PERFORMED OCS MAT RESET. RECOMMEND REPLACE OCS MAT IF CONDITION CONTINUES Airbag light is now on continuo…

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Applied brakes rapidly and the air bag light came on. It became intermittently on and off after that. Took it to the dealership with the light off and asked them to investigate and this is their response. OCS MAT DEFECT PERFORMED OCS MAT RESET. RECOMMEND REPLACE OCS MAT IF CONDITION CONTINUES Airbag light is now on continuously.

NHTSA ODI #11448170

23,800 miles · Jan 1, 2020
Air BagsStructureCrashInjury

INVOLVED IN A CRASH ON 12/30 TOTALLY MY VEHICLE BEING HIT IN THE FRONT RIGHT. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. NOT HAPPY AT ALL , SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI #11292430

Mileage unknown · Jun 20, 2019
Air Bags

MY WIFE IS SHORT AND NEEDS TO SIT ON A CUSHION, WHILE RIDING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. UNFORTUNATELY, THE CAR INTERPRETS THIS CUSHION AS A CHILD RESTRAINING SEAT AND SHUTS OFF THE PASSENGER AIR BAG. THIS PRESENTS A DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR HER. WE BOUGHT THIS CAR NEW IN 2017. WE RECENTLY WERE GOING TO BUY A NEW HYUNDAI, BU…

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MY WIFE IS SHORT AND NEEDS TO SIT ON A CUSHION, WHILE RIDING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. UNFORTUNATELY, THE CAR INTERPRETS THIS CUSHION AS A CHILD RESTRAINING SEAT AND SHUTS OFF THE PASSENGER AIR BAG. THIS PRESENTS A DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR HER. WE BOUGHT THIS CAR NEW IN 2017. WE RECENTLY WERE GOING TO BUY A NEW HYUNDAI, BUT THE SAME PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO SEVERAL HYUNDAI DEALERSHIPS, BUT THEY HAVE NO SOLUTIONS. WE HAVE TESTED THIS SAME SITUATION ON NEW HYUNDAI CARS WITH THE SAME RESULTS.

NHTSA ODI #11221512

29,264 miles · Oct 5, 2018
Air BagsFuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other

1.) ON APRIL 20, 2018 STOPPED ON A HILL FOR A RED LIGHT WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN AND I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE AND PUT ON THE GAS, THE CAR WENT BACKWARDS. THIS HAPPENED ON A BUSY CITY/HOSPITAL DISTRICT AND THANKFULLY NO ONE WAS BEHIND US. 3.) IT HAPPENED AGAIN ON JULY 21, 2018 ON A CITY STREET WITH NO ONE BEHIND US. DEAL…

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1.) ON APRIL 20, 2018 STOPPED ON A HILL FOR A RED LIGHT WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN AND I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE AND PUT ON THE GAS, THE CAR WENT BACKWARDS. THIS HAPPENED ON A BUSY CITY/HOSPITAL DISTRICT AND THANKFULLY NO ONE WAS BEHIND US. 3.) IT HAPPENED AGAIN ON JULY 21, 2018 ON A CITY STREET WITH NO ONE BEHIND US. DEALERSHIP SAID THEY COULDN'T RECREATE THIS. 2.) WHEN SOMEONE PUTS A PILLOW UNDER THEM ON THE PASSENGER SEAT THE AIR BAG DOES NOT WORK. THIS HAPPENS IF THE CAR IS STATIONARY AND IN MOTION.

NHTSA ODI #11133547

5,000 miles · Mar 19, 2018
Air BagsCrashInjury

MVA 11/4/17 AND THE DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY ALTHOUGH THE DOOR AIRBAGS DID DEPLOY ON RT AND LT SIDES. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON ROUTE 611 PIKEVILLE, KY WHEN THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED.

NHTSA ODI #11080261

Official recalls

3

22V056000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

Feb 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: 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.

17V358000 · Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch

Jun 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

17V365000 · Seat Belts:front:anchorage

Jun 5, 2017

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolt for the driver's seat belt anchor might not have been sufficiently tightened during assembly.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the bolt was not sufficiently tightened, driver's seat belt may come unanchored in a collision, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners and dealers will verify that the driver's seatbelt anchor is properly secured, free of charge. The recall began July 7, 2017. Owner's may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for the recall is 165.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

2

AQ23002 · Hyundai And Kia Abs Module Fires

Opened Nov 17, 2023 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power

Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing.  There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.