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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

What owners actually said

348 reports
84,000 miles · Mar 12, 2025
EngineSteering

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the oil pressure and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle lost motive power and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was started; however, the vehicle failed to start as intended. The contact stated that…

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The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the oil pressure and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle lost motive power and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was started; however, the vehicle failed to start as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle was stuck in the middle of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

NHTSA ODI #11647974

53,000 miles · Feb 14, 2025
Electrical SystemVisibility

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while her husband was driving approximately 65 MPH, he heard an abnormal banging sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the sunroof glass had shattered. The contact stated that the sunroof was not impacted by an object to have shattered. The …

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The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while her husband was driving approximately 65 MPH, he heard an abnormal banging sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the sunroof glass had shattered. The contact stated that the sunroof was not impacted by an object to have shattered. The contact stated that her husband had not noticed any warning lights being illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated there were multiple electrical failures with the vehicle. The contact stated that the cruise control was not functioning, and the tailgate was opening independently. The contact stated that the electrical failures were constant. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that there were no electrical failures found, and a new sunroof glass was ordered. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.

NHTSA ODI #11642685

Mileage unknown · Feb 7, 2025
Engine

On December 28th, 2024 I was driving my SUV on the highway at highway speeds. I bought the suv from a Manchester Acura dealer on November 9, 2024. I am the second owner. While driving, the check engine light came on. I was able to complete my drive, but the car idled very rough. After getting the car home, my father checked th…

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On December 28th, 2024 I was driving my SUV on the highway at highway speeds. I bought the suv from a Manchester Acura dealer on November 9, 2024. I am the second owner. While driving, the check engine light came on. I was able to complete my drive, but the car idled very rough. After getting the car home, my father checked the oil. It did not register on the dip stick. He put in about two quarts of oil. The check engine code was P0302, which is misfire in cylinder two. He proactively changed the spark plugs since the car had 92,000 miles on it. After changing the plugs, the code did not clear and the engine continued to idle rough. He did a compression test and confirmed that cylinder two had less than 50psi compression vs the other 3 cylinders which were at 170 psi. He also removed and inspected the new plugs after running the engine and cylinder 2 plug was already dark and oily whereas the other plugs were in as new condition. I opened a case with Hyundai Care America. They instructed me to take the suv to a Hyundai dealer for diagnosis. The verbal report of that diagnosis was burnt valves on cylinder two. The dealer stated that HCA would not cover a repair or engine replacement. Hyundai forums and NHSTA complaints are numerous around high oil consumption and burnt valves on Theta II engines. Hyundai needs to be held accountable.

NHTSA ODI #11641429

Mileage unknown · Feb 7, 2025
Engine

Car is using excessive oil

NHTSA ODI #11641281

Mileage unknown · Dec 26, 2024
Engine

My Engine malfunctioned while driving on the interstate at 70 mph. There were no lights that came on no notice just stopped excelerating. Thankfully after exiting the interstate I was able to get to a gas station safely and that is where the vehicle died altogether and would not start again. My husband and I checked the oil at t…

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My Engine malfunctioned while driving on the interstate at 70 mph. There were no lights that came on no notice just stopped excelerating. Thankfully after exiting the interstate I was able to get to a gas station safely and that is where the vehicle died altogether and would not start again. My husband and I checked the oil at that time and there was absolutely no oil in the engine. The worse part was that my husband had just put 3 quarts of oil in the engine on Sunday and this all happened on Friday of the same week. I work from home and had only traveled 300 miles that week total, so there was no reason for this to have happen. I had it towed to the car shop and they informed me that Cylinder 1 and 4 are not getting any compression at all. I just had the oil changed in this and am very good about keeping up on maintenance in my car. I have had problems with the oil pan cracking, got that fixed. I check my oil every time I put gas in the car due to the fact that I knew the engine was using oil but it was nothing this severe. I would only have to add one or two quarts of oil every other week and I drive a lot for my job. I have never had any lights come on to warn me, there were no noises that was coming from the engine, I did not have any discolored smoke from the back of the car when starting it. There was never any leaks on the ground either. I had a Hyundai Dealership in Springfield, IL look at it and they said it just eats oil nothing more. I had my mechanic look at it and he stated that I needed to keep a very close eye on it, so that is what I did. However, no one told me that this was going to happen. Now I am stuck with car and payment that I can not drive. No recall but several/hundreds of complaints on same thing? And NO RECALL????

NHTSA ODI #11632485

Mileage unknown · Dec 20, 2024
Power Train

The engine in my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, specifically the 2.4L Theta II engine, failed and is available for inspection upon request. This failure caused the vehicle to stall unexpectedly while driving, creating a serious safety hazard due to the sudden loss of power and control. The issue has been diagnosed by a Hyundai dea…

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The engine in my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, specifically the 2.4L Theta II engine, failed and is available for inspection upon request. This failure caused the vehicle to stall unexpectedly while driving, creating a serious safety hazard due to the sudden loss of power and control. The issue has been diagnosed by a Hyundai dealership, which confirmed the engine requires replacement due to internal failure. The manufacturer has denied warranty coverage, alleging maintenance neglect by the previous owner. Prior to the failure, the Check Engine light illuminated, the vehicle began making knocking noises, and it experienced a loss of power before stalling.

NHTSA ODI #11631850

Mileage unknown · Dec 16, 2024
Engine

The crank shaft failed leading to total engine failure. It's currently sitting at my mechanic's shop until I can get this sorted out, it can be inspected upon request. My engine failed while driving 75 mph on an interstate and could have lead to serious injury/death of myself, my passengers, and other drivers around me. The prob…

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The crank shaft failed leading to total engine failure. It's currently sitting at my mechanic's shop until I can get this sorted out, it can be inspected upon request. My engine failed while driving 75 mph on an interstate and could have lead to serious injury/death of myself, my passengers, and other drivers around me. The problem has been confirmed by my mechanic, an independent service center. I had complained to my local dealership service department a year or so ago about the amount of oil my car was going through, and was simply told "that's just an issue with this make/model" so was essentially told to live with it. The vehicle has not been inspected by law enforcement or an insurance company. I had the oil changed on 11/30/23 to ensure it was full while travelling. The oil light never came on. The check engine light had come on about a year prior, was checked at my local dealership service center via computer scan, and was told they couldn't find an issue. When I had my vehicle taken over to the mechanic, his reaction was "Oh geez, not another one." Apparently he has had to replace several of these Theta II 2.4L MIP engines recently.

NHTSA ODI #11631105

114,000 miles · Nov 26, 2024
Engine

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was…

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The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 114,000.

NHTSA ODI #11627503

Mileage unknown · Nov 14, 2024
Engine

I am reporting a Theta engine problem. This is a well documented problem across the nation. My car started knocking and losing oil after I bought it. At one point, I had to tow it to the dealership because the check engine light was flashing and the car was knocking and shuddering so bad, they told me not to drive the car any…

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I am reporting a Theta engine problem. This is a well documented problem across the nation. My car started knocking and losing oil after I bought it. At one point, I had to tow it to the dealership because the check engine light was flashing and the car was knocking and shuddering so bad, they told me not to drive the car any further. I have had the car back in the dealership several more times since then. The car currently has 110,000 miles on it, but the problems started before 100,000. I have contacted Hyundai, and they have told me that they won't do anything. They told me that I have a Theta engine and I have to go through the lawsuit. When I contacted the lawsuit, my car wasn't on the list of cars in the law suit even though Hyundai says that my car is one that could have the Theta engine. I had to continue to drive the vehicle and it is a safety issue at this point. The dealership said I had to drive it until the engine completely failed. That is a huge problem with safety. If my engine fails as I'm going up and down the mountains, it could cause me to be in an accident and it could cause me to hurt others. According to the articles that I have read, an engine failure can cause the rod to go through the engine and cause a fire! I know that cars can fail at any time....but when you know that your engine could fail at any time because of a manufacturer defect, that is a safety issue! I have done regular oil changes and done all the maintenance on this vehicle. My mom has let me borrow her car so that I don't have to drive an unsafe vehicle. I don't think that I should be financially responsible to replace this engine. Please let me know if you have any questions. The car is available for inspection.

NHTSA ODI #11625283

Mileage unknown · Nov 13, 2024
Service Brakes

All the ABS, Traction Control lights come on at various times. They will stay on for hours to days and then go off. I asked Hyundai to fix it, even took a pic with me when I was there last, and they said there was nothing wrong with it. It still does it. I don't know if anything is actually wrong, a bad sensor, or what. It has b…

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All the ABS, Traction Control lights come on at various times. They will stay on for hours to days and then go off. I asked Hyundai to fix it, even took a pic with me when I was there last, and they said there was nothing wrong with it. It still does it. I don't know if anything is actually wrong, a bad sensor, or what. It has been doing it for 2 years. The speed of the vehicle does not matter. When it comes on, it can be from start or during driving. Sometimes restarting will solve it. Not always.

NHTSA ODI #11624993

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.