Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
650–25K
2125–50K
1450–75K
2475–100K
26100–150K
6150K+
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
What owners actually said
348 reports
Mileage unknown · Oct 31, 2024
Engine
My engine failed going 70mph on the highway with myself, husband and [XXX] child in the car 3.5 hours away from home. A Hyundai dealership in the state the car broke down in has the car. There is a recall on 2017 Sante Fe's; however, my VIN number is not included - even though the symptoms of our engine are exactly the same. Th…
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My engine failed going 70mph on the highway with myself, husband and [XXX] child in the car 3.5 hours away from home. A Hyundai dealership in the state the car broke down in has the car. There is a recall on 2017 Sante Fe's; however, my VIN number is not included - even though the symptoms of our engine are exactly the same. The car has been maintained and has less than 80,000 miles on it. The check engine light never came on until minutes before the engine failed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11622892
Mileage unknown · Oct 26, 2024
Engine
The engine is burning oil excessively despite on time maintenance. The engine was completely out of oil when I noticed because the oil light and other warning lights never came on.
NHTSA ODI #11622084
Mileage unknown · Oct 15, 2024
Engine
Excessive oil consumption burned off by engine despite registered oil changes by the dealership. No warning laps prior to issue being noticed by owner which can put risk of driver and passengers in danger of engine failure.
NHTSA ODI #11619985
10,000 miles · Oct 7, 2024
EnginePower Train
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while depressing the accelerator pedal and attempting to overtake another vehicle, the vehicle failed to immediately respond, and the vehicle decelerated. Additionally, the vehicle suddenly lost automotive power while driving at various speeds and decelerated. Th…
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The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while depressing the accelerator pedal and attempting to overtake another vehicle, the vehicle failed to immediately respond, and the vehicle decelerated. Additionally, the vehicle suddenly lost automotive power while driving at various speeds and decelerated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who could not duplicate the failure or determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 10,000.
NHTSA ODI #11618542
Mileage unknown · Sep 22, 2024
Engine
Engine failure - Yes, vehicle is available for inspection. Car started shaking violently and would hesitate or not move at all when trying to accelerate. I was left in a few dicey situations when it would hesitate while trying to accelerate. Hyandai will not confirm there is a problem with this particular engine problem, how…
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Engine failure - Yes, vehicle is available for inspection. Car started shaking violently and would hesitate or not move at all when trying to accelerate. I was left in a few dicey situations when it would hesitate while trying to accelerate. Hyandai will not confirm there is a problem with this particular engine problem, however I’ve read there are many other people with the same car, same problem- Excessive oil consumption which causes damage to the pistons, which can cause compression problems and eventually engine failure. I believe this is what happened to my car. Hyandai has done a diagnostic but failed to cover it under their extended engine warranty. Their claim is that they extended the engine warranty for rod bearing failure only which they could not find in my vehicle. My vehicle has had regular maintenance and only has 95k on it. Yes the engine light came on and I took it to my mechanic and then to All Star Hyandai, Pittsburg Ca
NHTSA ODI #11615845
85,000 miles · Sep 10, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while merging onto the freeway at approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact was depressing the accelerator pedal however, the vehicle was not accelerating as needed. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was …
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The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while merging onto the freeway at approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact was depressing the accelerator pedal however, the vehicle was not accelerating as needed. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the fuel pump gasket and fuel line needed to be replaced. The dealer checked the oil and found that there were metal shavings inside the oil pan. The contact was informed over 2 quarts of engine oil needed to be added. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred; however, the vehicle had not been taken back to the dealer. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
NHTSA ODI #11613778
124,000 miles · Aug 22, 2024
Engine
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The veh…
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The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the engine. The contact was informed there was no compression in the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 124,000.
NHTSA ODI #11610204
62,521 miles · Jul 22, 2024
Electrical SystemEngine
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the garage, the contact became aware of oil stains underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for an oil change however, oil was added instead. The vehicle was not diagnosed, and the contact was not provided a…
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The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the garage, the contact became aware of oil stains underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for an oil change however, oil was added instead. The vehicle was not diagnosed, and the contact was not provided a cause for the oil leak. The vehicle was drivable however, a week later while the vehicle was parked, the oil light illuminated, and the vehicle was making an abnormal sound. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and informed the contact that an oil change was needed. Additionally, the contact was informed that the spark plugs needed to be replaced due to an excessive amount of oil on the spark plugs. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 62,521.
NHTSA ODI #11603841
Mileage unknown · Jul 20, 2024
Engine
I am the second owner of the car bought Oct of 2023. Car was burning through oil thought I needed an oil change and did this ( should not have needed it since it was done just before buying) and days later check engine light came on Hyundai said it was a knock sensor. They replaced it and exactly a month later check engine light…
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I am the second owner of the car bought Oct of 2023. Car was burning through oil thought I needed an oil change and did this ( should not have needed it since it was done just before buying) and days later check engine light came on Hyundai said it was a knock sensor. They replaced it and exactly a month later check engine light came on again. Now they are saying engine is shot and will cost $20,000 to fix. Car had great maintenance records. These cars are not safe as the engine can blow or the car will come to a stop at any minute while driving down the road putting not only the vehicle occupants in danger but also anyone driving near them. First started December of 2023 and sencond problems was January of 2024. I will be uploading all the files I have related to all the times it has been looked over.
NHTSA ODI #11603512
Mileage unknown · Jul 12, 2024
EngineUnknown Or Other
Engine oil consumption test at 1,000 miles after oil change. All oil gone. Happened for two oil changes. Engine light came on. I paid 5k in repairs for catalytic converter/manifold. Dealer contacted Hyundai to do combustion cleaning they said no. Dealer told me keep checking oil as my engine will seize on me. I'm terrified and t…
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Engine oil consumption test at 1,000 miles after oil change. All oil gone. Happened for two oil changes. Engine light came on. I paid 5k in repairs for catalytic converter/manifold. Dealer contacted Hyundai to do combustion cleaning they said no. Dealer told me keep checking oil as my engine will seize on me. I'm terrified and this is dangerous to me and others. Hyundai knows of this oil engine problem still no recall.
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.
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.
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.
2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year