Engine. Review the 643 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 161 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 67 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

14 crash reports23 fire reports11 injury reports

Power Train complaints

161 reports

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7,000 miles · Nov 12, 2016

EnginePower Train

THE 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE LIMITED WILL BOG DOWN WHEN STARTING FROM A STOPPED OR LOW SPEED WHILE TRYING TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC OR TURNING. THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT HESITATION - ALMOST TO THE POINT OF STOPPING WHILE MERGING - VERY SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE. BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM SINCE BOUGHT 5/31/16

NHTSA ODI #10925594

356 miles · Nov 3, 2016

Power Train

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I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING INTERMITTENT HESITATION WITH ACCELERATION (ESPECIALLY WHEN RESUMING SPEED AFTER SLOWING DOWN). I HAVE TAKEN CAR BACK TO DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES. THEY PERFORMED A COMPUTER UPDATE TO "RELEARN MY DRIVING STYLE" AND THEN THEY REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION. NOTHING HAS HELPED. I HAD THE TECH TEST-DRIVE WITH ME. HE FELT THERE WAS A SHIFT-LAG FROM 3-2, BUT SAID IT WAS NORMAL. I'M TOLD NOTHING ELSE CAN BE DONE UNTIL A RECALL IS ISSUED. I'VE HAD MY CAR 2 MONTHS (4000 MILES) AND IT HAS NEVER DRIVEN RIGHT SINCE I BROUGHT IT HOME. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10924105

200 miles · Oct 28, 2016

Power Train

I HAVE HAD THE CAR 2.5 MONTHS AND AT LEAST ONCE A DAY THERE IS A MAJOR DELAY WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP OR ROLLING STOP. THE CAR JERKS, AND DOES NOT ACCELERATE FOR A FEW SECONDS. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN TURNING, GETTING ONTO THE FREEWAY, CHANGING LANES, ETC. I CAN NOT AFFORD TO HAVE MY CAR NOT ACCELERATE WHEN I PUSH ON…

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NHTSA ODI #10919947

Mileage unknown · Oct 16, 2016

Power Train

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VEHICLE HESITATES WHEN PULLING OUT IN TRAFFIC FROM A TURN OR STOP LIKE IT'S NOT IN GEAR MOMENTARILY. VERY DANGEROUS, PLEASE FIX BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED. ALSO I HAVE ONLY 2100 MILES ON THE CAR AND I NOTICED THE PAINT HAS CHIPS ALL OVER THE HOOD, FRONT BUMPER,QUARTER PANELS. I DON'T KNOW IF HYUNDAI IS USING VERY CHEAP CLEAR COAT OR IF IT'S JUST TOO THIN, BUT AT THIS RATE THE PAINT WILL BE GONE IN A YEARS TIME.I OWN A 2011 SORENTO (BOUGHT NEW) THAT HAS LESS CHIPS ON IT. COME ON HYUNDAI FIX THESE ISSUES OR GET YOUR CARS OUT OF THE USA. ALL BRANDS HAVE ISSUES BUT IT'S HOW YOU RESOLVE THEM THAT MATTERS.

NHTSA ODI #10916338

3,000 miles · Oct 9, 2016

Power Train

SANTA FE WILL STALL FROM A STOP WHEN MAKING A TURN ALSO WILL STALL AT A SLOW SPEED WHEN YOU TRY TO GIVE IT GAS THE DATE I PUT ON THIS FORM IS THE LAST TIME IT HAPPENED. THIS PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED BEFORE.

NHTSA ODI #10914993

1,250 miles · Sep 29, 2016

Power Train

I BOUGHT A 2017 HYUNDAI SANTE FE TORBO ULTIMATE AND FOUND ON EXCELLERATION THERE WAS A BAD HESITATION. I WAS ALMOST KILLED WHEN GOING ON TO THE HIGHWAY, A TRACTOR TRAILER WAS FAR ENOUGHT AWAY FROM ME TO PULL OUT, BUT UPON STEPPING ON THE GAS THE CAR HESITATED SO BAD IT ALMOST STALLED, THEN THE TACH SHOT TO 6000 RPM'S AND IT TOOK…

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NHTSA ODI #10910538

5,000 miles · Sep 27, 2016

EnginePower Train

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WE BOUGHT A 2017 SANTA FE SPORT WITH THE 2.0 T ENGINE IN JULY OF 2017. IT HAS ABOUT 5,000 MILES ON IT AND HAS NOW STARTED TO HESITATE BADLY WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE WHEN TURNING. IT SEEMS AS THOUGH IT EITHER LOSES POWER OR THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT IN THE CORRECT GEAR. THE RESULT IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION WHEN TRY TO TURN ONTO A ROAD WITH TRAFFIC. WE ARE GOING TO CALL THE DEALERSHIP WERE WE PURCHASED THE CAR TO SEE IF THERE IS ANY FIX. I SEE FROM OTHER COMPLAINTS THIS IS TURNING OUT TO BE A COMMON ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI #10910069

3,500 miles · Sep 26, 2016

Power Train

WHEN ACCELERATING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE DOES NOT SHIFT PROPERLY AND POSES DANGER. TOOK IT TO A DEALER AND CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE DOES NOT SHIFT PROPERLY. SINCE IT DOES NOT THROW CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, DEALER SPECIFIED THAT THEY ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO FIX IT WITHOUT ANY CODE. THIS LOOKS REALLY DANGER.

NHTSA ODI #10909759

4,500 miles · Sep 25, 2016

Power Train

WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP AND ENTERING TRAFFIC, WHEN YOU PRESS ON ACCELERATOR THE TRANSMISSION DIS ENGAGES AND LEAVES YOU IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION WITH NO POWER AND PUTTING YOU IN DANGER OF BEING HIT. ONCE TRANSMISSION KICKS BACK IN, THE ENGINE REVS AND VEHICLE JOLTS. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND WILL GET SOMEONE K…

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NHTSA ODI #10909499

Mileage unknown · Sep 16, 2016

Power Train

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I HAVE A 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE LIMITED ULTIMATE AND LIKE MANY PEOPLE ACROSS THE USA THE CAR HAS HESITATION WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE AT SPEEDS BELOW 20 MPH. I HAD THE RECALL / REFLASH OF THE COMPUTER DONE ON 08/10/16 AND THE HESITATION IN TURNS IS A LITTLE LESS ABRUPT BUT STILL PRESENT AND INTERMITTENT. I NEVER HAD HESITATION WHEN 4TH GEAR DOWN SHIFTED TO 3RD GEAR GOING STRAIGHT BUT I NOW HAVE IT ALONG WITH HESITATION WHEN THE CAR DOWN SHIFTS FROM 3RD TO 2ND. I'VE CALLED HYUNDAI CUSTOMER SERVICE AND ASKED FOR A BUY BACK AND THEY TOLD ME CHRIS FROM REGIONAL WILL CALL ME BACK IN 3 TO 5 BUSINESS DAYS I'VE CALLED CUSTOMER SERVICE TWICE AND ASKED FOR AN UPDATE ON MY CASE ( CASE NUMBER 9309476) AND THEY JUST KEEP TELLING ME REGIONAL WILL CALL ME THAT WAS TWO WEEKS AGO. I HAVE NEVER ASKED FOR A BUY BACK ON ANY CAR AND I HAVE BEEN VERY PATIENT AS MANY PEOPLE HAVE BEEN ACROSS THE COUNTRY BUT AT THIS POINT I FEEL I AM GOING TO HAVE TO CONTACT A LAWYER THAT HANDLES LEMON LAWS TO GET ANY RESULTS. IN ADDITION HYUNDAI HAS NEVER ADDRESSED THE LACK OF AUDIBLE WARNING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WHEN THE OCCUPANT DOES NOT FASTEN THEIR SAFETY BELT . GOOD LUCK TO ALL WITH SAME ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI #10907211

Official recalls

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.

17V578000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

Sep 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: The engine bearing wear may cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

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.

17V142000 · Tires:pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems

Mar 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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An underinflated inflated tire can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

16V842000 · Electrical System:wiring; Trailer Hitches

Nov 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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Trailer Hitches

Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

Electrical System:wiring

Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.

16V145000 · Seat Belts:front:warning Light/devices

Mar 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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

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

DP24001 · 3.3L Engine Loss Of Motive Power (lomp)

Opened Feb 8, 2024 · Closed May 16, 2024

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a petition on February 2, 2024, requesting a defect investigation into an alleged defect of the "engine" on the following vehicle model: 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles equipped with the 3.3L V-Shaped GDI Lambda-II engines. The petition cites allegations of a loss of motive power, often resulting in an engine seizure. The stall is preceded by a knocking sound, decreased performance and no warning lights. An analysis of the subject vehicle population was undertaken using complaints submitted to ODI along with manufacturer data. It was determined that the frequency of events is low for the subject population, while those that specifically report a loss of motive power event have a high mileage at the time of incident. The 2017 Santa Fe is equipped with a service interval reminder for the consumer that must be set by the consumer themselves or at a dealership. A Technical Service Bulletin (19-EM-002H) instructs the dealership to set the maintenance reminder at the completion of routine maintenance service or anytime a repair is performed that requires new engine oil. This maintenance reminder will help reinforce the need for proper oil maintenance intervals. Additionally, the Santa Fe vehicles with 3.3L V-shaped Lambda-II engines will be added to Hyundai’s existing Technical Service Bulletin (23-EM-007H) related to combustion chamber cleaning. These actions will help limit negative consumer incidents related to loss of motive power. Lastly, Hyundai has extended the limited engine warranty for MY 2013-2019 Santa Fe vehicles equipped with 3.3L V-shaped Lambda-II engines included in the Petition. The updated coverage is 15 years, or 150,000 miles and details are contained in Technical Service Bulletin 24-EM-003H. In view of the service interval reminder, combustion chamber cleaning, and extended warranty actions being taken by Hyundai, ODI is denying this Defect Petition. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the report cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

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.