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
1,000 miles · Nov 18, 2017
Fuel/propulsion System
THIS VEHICLE HAS DANGEROUS HESITATION ISSUES AT LOWER SPEEDS. I DRIVE IN HEAVY SLOW TRAFFIC FREQUENTLY AND CHANGING LANES OR ACCELERATING AT LOWER SPEEDS IS DANGEROUS AND I FEAR AN ACCIDENT COULD EASILY HAPPEN. WHEN TRAVELLING AT SPEEDS BELOW 20MPH AND THERE IS NEED TO ACCELERATE TO CHANGE LANES, THE VEHICLE HESITATES WHEN THE…
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THIS VEHICLE HAS DANGEROUS HESITATION ISSUES AT LOWER SPEEDS. I DRIVE IN HEAVY SLOW TRAFFIC FREQUENTLY AND CHANGING LANES OR ACCELERATING AT LOWER SPEEDS IS DANGEROUS AND I FEAR AN ACCIDENT COULD EASILY HAPPEN. WHEN TRAVELLING AT SPEEDS BELOW 20MPH AND THERE IS NEED TO ACCELERATE TO CHANGE LANES, THE VEHICLE HESITATES WHEN THE GAS IS APPLIED. IT CAN BE FOR 3 OR 4 SECONDS BEFORE THE VEHICLE ACTUALLY ACCELERATES, BY THIS TIME, THE CARS COMING UP IN THE LANE I'M MOVING INTO, HAVE TO SLOW DOWN TO AVOID HITTING ME. I'VE HAD IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAY NOTHING IS WRONG AND SUGGESTED THAT I TRY USING A DIFFERENT DRIVING MODE, WHICH I DID WITH THE SAME RESULT. THIS HAPPENS EVERYDAY UNDER THE SAME CIRCUMSTANCES AND HAS SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR. IT'S AN ON-GOING PROBLEM. THE DEALER IS OBVIOUSLY PLAYING DUMB WITH REGARDS TO THE ISSUE, BECAUSE THERE IS NO SHORTAGE OF COMMENTS ON THE INTERNET, ALL STATING THE SAME ISSUE. I SERIOUSY AM CONSIDERING SELLING THE CAR BECAUSE OF HOW DANGEROUS IT IS. SAD THAT HYUNDAI CAN'T ADMIT THE PROBLEM. NHTSA, PLEASE STEP IN AND MAKE THEM ACCOUNTABLE.
NHTSA ODI #11047184
300 miles · Nov 15, 2017
Power Train
I PURCHASED VEHICLE 5/25/17. NOTICED THAT SOMETIMES A DELAYED ACCELERATION FROM A STOP. IT HAS GOTTEN MUCH MORE FREQUENT AND IS A PROBLEM IN TRAFFIC OR MAKING A TURN. HAD COUPLE OF SCARY MOMENTS. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT, BUT NO ONE CALLS ME BACK AND GETTING VERY FRUSTRATED AS THIS…
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I PURCHASED VEHICLE 5/25/17. NOTICED THAT SOMETIMES A DELAYED ACCELERATION FROM A STOP. IT HAS GOTTEN MUCH MORE FREQUENT AND IS A PROBLEM IN TRAFFIC OR MAKING A TURN. HAD COUPLE OF SCARY MOMENTS. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT, BUT NO ONE CALLS ME BACK AND GETTING VERY FRUSTRATED AS THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. I LIVE 30 MILES FROM THE DEALER SO AM GOING TO HAVE TO MAKE A SPECIAL TRIP THERE.
NHTSA ODI #11046358
22,250 miles · Nov 14, 2017
Unknown Or Other
THE VEHICLE HESITATES WHEN COMING OUT OF TURNS AND ROLLING STOPS WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE. MORE FREQUENT WHEN IN ECO MODE, IS AN ISSUE TO A LESSER DEGREE IN OTHER DRIVING MODES.
NHTSA ODI #11045909
150 miles · Nov 10, 2017
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control
I BOUGHT MY CAR IN JULY OF 2016. SINCE THEN I HAD ISSUE WITH THE ACCELERATION. SOMETIMES CAR TAKES LONGER TO START FROM THE STOP POSITION AND WHEN IT STARTS, IT JUST ACCELERATES. ON OTHER OCCASIONS, THE CAR FEELS LIKE STALLING WHILE DRIVING AND THEN PICK UP THE SPEED AGAIN. THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE AND I HAD BOUGHT TO THE SALES …
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I BOUGHT MY CAR IN JULY OF 2016. SINCE THEN I HAD ISSUE WITH THE ACCELERATION. SOMETIMES CAR TAKES LONGER TO START FROM THE STOP POSITION AND WHEN IT STARTS, IT JUST ACCELERATES. ON OTHER OCCASIONS, THE CAR FEELS LIKE STALLING WHILE DRIVING AND THEN PICK UP THE SPEED AGAIN. THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE AND I HAD BOUGHT TO THE SALES PERSON'S KNOWLEDGE AT THE BEGINNING, WHEN HE DROVE AROUND TO FEEL ABOUT THE SAME, IT DIDN'T OCCUR AT THAT TIME. BUT, EVERY NOW AND THEN THIS SEEMS TO BE THE ISSUE WITH ME.
NHTSA ODI #11045155
5,600 miles · Oct 18, 2017
Vehicle Speed Control
I'M HAVING A RANDOM PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE WHICH RELATES TO THE ACCELERATION. THE CAR SOMETIMES FAILS TO RESPONDS TO THE ACCELERATOR WHEN PRESSED. I HAVE NOTICED THIS WHEN THE CAR IS IN ECO DRIVE MODE AND THE REVS SEEM OK AND THE ENGINE FAILS TO RESPOND TO THE ACCELERATOR BUT ALL OF SUDDEN THE CAR JERKS FORWARD WITH DRIVER HA…
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I'M HAVING A RANDOM PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE WHICH RELATES TO THE ACCELERATION. THE CAR SOMETIMES FAILS TO RESPONDS TO THE ACCELERATOR WHEN PRESSED. I HAVE NOTICED THIS WHEN THE CAR IS IN ECO DRIVE MODE AND THE REVS SEEM OK AND THE ENGINE FAILS TO RESPOND TO THE ACCELERATOR BUT ALL OF SUDDEN THE CAR JERKS FORWARD WITH DRIVER HAVING LITTLE CONTROL UNTIL IT EVENS OUT AGAIN. THERE DOES NOT SEEM TO BE ANY PATTERN TO IT AND AS A RESULT IT NEAR IMPOSSIBLE TO DUPLICATE. I HAVE TALKED TO HYUNDAI USA AND ALSO WITH MY LOCAL DEALER AS OF YET I HAVE NO FIX. WILL BRING IT INTO DEALER ONCE MORE AND TAKE IT FROM THERE. I FIRMLY BELIEVE THIS A SAFETY ISSUE AND AS A FATHER OF TWO YOUNG CHILDREN THIS IS OF GREAT CONCERN AND WORRY
NHTSA ODI #11034437
10 miles · Oct 18, 2017
Unknown Or Other
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY ABOUT 70 MPH APPROXIMATELY 4:45 AM WHEN I HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSION. MY MIDDLE PANEL OF MY PANORAMIC SUNROOF EXPLODED CAUSING A CIRCULAR HOLE IN THE SUNROOF INITIALLY WHICH EVENTUALLY CAUSED THE ENTIRE MIDDLE PANEL TO BREAK A PART. THERE WERE NO MOTOR VEHICLES AROUND ME AT THE TIME. I HAVE ATTACHED TH…
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I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY ABOUT 70 MPH APPROXIMATELY 4:45 AM WHEN I HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSION. MY MIDDLE PANEL OF MY PANORAMIC SUNROOF EXPLODED CAUSING A CIRCULAR HOLE IN THE SUNROOF INITIALLY WHICH EVENTUALLY CAUSED THE ENTIRE MIDDLE PANEL TO BREAK A PART. THERE WERE NO MOTOR VEHICLES AROUND ME AT THE TIME. I HAVE ATTACHED THE REPAIRS FOR MY AUTOMOBILE.
NHTSA ODI #11034376
10,000 miles · Oct 17, 2017
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemSuspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING AT A STOP SIGN AND A STOP LIGHT, IT SHOOK AND VIBRATED SEVERELY. WHILE ACCELERATING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ABOVE 55 MPH, THE SUSPENSION WAS UNSTABLE. IN ADDITION, THE FUEL TANK WOULD BE FULL AT 381 GALLONS AND WOULD DECREASE TO 360 GALLONS. THE DEALER (P…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING AT A STOP SIGN AND A STOP LIGHT, IT SHOOK AND VIBRATED SEVERELY. WHILE ACCELERATING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ABOVE 55 MPH, THE SUSPENSION WAS UNSTABLE. IN ADDITION, THE FUEL TANK WOULD BE FULL AT 381 GALLONS AND WOULD DECREASE TO 360 GALLONS. THE DEALER (PANTILI HYUNDAI, 720 OAKVALE RD, PRINCETON, WV 24740, (304) 425-8203) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO REPLICATE AND DIAGNOSE THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.
NHTSA ODI #11034102
4,475 miles · Sep 27, 2017
Seat BeltsService BrakesSuspension
THE 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT SEAT BELTS DO NOT RETRACT . THEY JAMMED IN THE DOORS AND HAVE RIPPED THE RUBBERS ON THE DOORS AND DO NOT RETRACT BACK WHEN GETTING OUT OF VEHICLE. . ALSO IN AN EMERGENCY BRAKING SITUATION THE SEAT BELTS DO NOT LOCK UP. SUSPENSION IS LOUSY AND IT FEELS AS IF IT HAS NO SUSPENSION. I WAS TOLD BY HY…
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THE 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT SEAT BELTS DO NOT RETRACT . THEY JAMMED IN THE DOORS AND HAVE RIPPED THE RUBBERS ON THE DOORS AND DO NOT RETRACT BACK WHEN GETTING OUT OF VEHICLE. . ALSO IN AN EMERGENCY BRAKING SITUATION THE SEAT BELTS DO NOT LOCK UP. SUSPENSION IS LOUSY AND IT FEELS AS IF IT HAS NO SUSPENSION. I WAS TOLD BY HYUNDAI'S ZONE REP RANDY 1-800-633-5151 ON SEPTEMBER 26TH 2017 THREE MORE COMPLAINTS OF THIS SITUATION HAVE BEEN REPORTED. MY LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALER FEELS FOR $250 A MONTH THIS IS AS GOOD AS IT GETS AND I SHOULD ACCEPT THE VEHICLE WITH ITS FAULTY SEAT BELTS. VEHICLE HAS BEEN LOOKED AT AT MY LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALER SINCE SEPTEMBER 18TH 2017 AND WAS NOTIFIED IN AUGUST OF 2017... .UPDATED 11/09/17 *BF UPDATED 7/20/18*JB *TR
NHTSA ODI #11030080
2,000 miles · Sep 20, 2017
EnginePower Train
VEHICLE SHAKES AND JERKS AT 50 MPH ON A 30% UP GRADE. UNKNOWN ANSWER BY DEALERSHIP. DEALERSHIP HAS SEEN VEHICLE 3 TIMES FOR THIS AND ALL THEY SAID THEY DID WAS RESET SENSORS. THIS DID NOT REMEDY THE ISSUE. I AM NOT PLEASED OR SATISFIED WITH RESULTS.
NHTSA ODI #11024622
20,000 miles · Sep 17, 2017
Vehicle Speed Control
VEHICLE HESITATES WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE WHEN NOT FULLY WARMED UP. DEALER CAN DUPLICATE THE SITUATION ON THIS VEHICLE AND OTHERS IN THEIR INVENTORY.
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
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