← New search

2017 Hyundai Santa Fe

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Santa Fe years

Owner complaints for the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe are substantially higher than the model-year median of 212.5.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

268 reports with mileage · 694 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 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

Steering complaints

27 reports
Clear category filter
10,000 miles · Mar 6, 2020
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME UNRESPONSIVE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO CORRECT THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WOULD OVER STEER. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BOB BELL FORD LOCATED AT (7125…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME UNRESPONSIVE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO CORRECT THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WOULD OVER STEER. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BOB BELL FORD LOCATED AT (7125 RITCHIE HWY, GLEN BURNIE, MD 21061) AND WAS DIAGNOSED BUT THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO RETRIEVE A FAULT CODE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 10,000.

NHTSA ODI #11316544

14,000 miles · Feb 17, 2020
Seat BeltsSteering

1. STEERING= STICKING STEERING AND PROBLEMS KEEPING CAR STRAIGHT. DRIVING 2. NO WARNING CHIME FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. WHEN DRIVING

NHTSA ODI #11309720

Mileage unknown · Jan 8, 2020
Steering

WHILE DRIVING (VEHICLE IN MOTION) THE STEERING WHEEL SEEMS TO STICK REQUIRING ME TO EXERT EXTRA FORCE TO "BREAK" IT LOOSE IN ORDER TO KEEP THE CAR TRAVELING IN A STRAIGHT LINE. I KNOW IT ISN'T MECHANICAL STEARING LIKE I'M USED TO BUT THE SERVO MOTOR SEEMS TO PREVENT ME FROM TURNING THE WHEEL WHEN I NEED TO CORRECT. I CONTINUOUSL…

Read full complaint

WHILE DRIVING (VEHICLE IN MOTION) THE STEERING WHEEL SEEMS TO STICK REQUIRING ME TO EXERT EXTRA FORCE TO "BREAK" IT LOOSE IN ORDER TO KEEP THE CAR TRAVELING IN A STRAIGHT LINE. I KNOW IT ISN'T MECHANICAL STEARING LIKE I'M USED TO BUT THE SERVO MOTOR SEEMS TO PREVENT ME FROM TURNING THE WHEEL WHEN I NEED TO CORRECT. I CONTINUOUSLY HAVE TO OVERCORRECT FOR THE STICKING/NOTCHY STEERING. VERY ANNOYING AND TIRING AND COULD BE A SAFETY HAZARD UNDER THE RIGHT CONDITIONS. FOUND SEVERAL OTHER OWNERS ON THIS SITE WHO IS HAVING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. I TOTALLY AGREE THAT THERE IS DEFINITELY SOMETHING WRONG WITH THIS ELECTRONIC DRIVE-BY-WIRE STEERING MECHANISM. LIKE OTHERS HAVE SAID, PLEASE LET HYUNDAI KNOW THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM HERE. I NOTICE THIS MOSTLY WHILE DRIVING IN CITY TRAFFIC. I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE FOR OVER TWO YEARS AND I'M EXPERIENCING THE STEERING ISSUE MORE AND MORE NOW. IF MOST DRIVERS ARE NOT TRULY PAYING ATTENTION TO THERE DRIVING AND THIS STICKING THIS WILL LEAD TO CRASHES AND DEATHS.

NHTSA ODI #11297983

32,000 miles · Jan 8, 2020
Steering

CURRENTLY 42K MILES, "STICKY STEERING WHEEL" OR "ZIG-ZAG" PROBLEM STARTED ABOUT 10K MILES AGO. DEALER SERVICE TECHS I'VE DEALT WITH SEEM TO HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM. AFTER VERIFYING THAT MY DAUGHTER WAS REALLY EXPERIENCING THE ZIG-ZAG PROBLEM, I LIFTED THE FRONT OF HER CAR SO THAT BOTH FRONT WHEELS WERE OFF THE GROUND. …

Read full complaint

CURRENTLY 42K MILES, "STICKY STEERING WHEEL" OR "ZIG-ZAG" PROBLEM STARTED ABOUT 10K MILES AGO. DEALER SERVICE TECHS I'VE DEALT WITH SEEM TO HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM. AFTER VERIFYING THAT MY DAUGHTER WAS REALLY EXPERIENCING THE ZIG-ZAG PROBLEM, I LIFTED THE FRONT OF HER CAR SO THAT BOTH FRONT WHEELS WERE OFF THE GROUND. WITH THE ENGINE NOT RUNNING, SLOWLY TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL RIGHT AND LEFT WOULD REVEAL THE "STICKY" SYMPTOM, WHICH IS ACTUALLY AT SOME POINT THE STEERING WHEEL HANGS FOR SOME REASON AND THEN IT TAKES INCREASINGLY MORE TORQUE APPLIED TO THE STEERING WHEEL UNTIL IT BREAKS FREE. IF THIS HAD OCCURRED DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, THE RESULT WOULD BE A SUDDEN CHANGE OF DIRECTION. THIS BEHAVIOR IN THE STEERING SYSTEM SHOULD NEVER OCCUR, BUT SHOULD BE SILKY SMOOTH LOCK TO LOCK. THE ATTACHED IMAGE SHOWS THE SYSTEM FROM THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE BOTTOM OF THE CONNECTING SHAFT. I HAVE READ REPORTS THAT THE U-JOINTS IN THE CONNECTING SHAFT ARE THE PROBLEM, OR THAT THE MDPS (MOTOR DRIVEN POWER STEERING) UNIT IS THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM. IF I WERE WORKING THIS PROBLEM, I WOULD DISCONNECT THE UPPER U-JOINT AND RERUN THE STEERING WHEEL TEST. IF THE HANGING PROBLEM WAS STILL THERE, THEN THE MDPS UNIT (OR PERHAPS THE STAR SHAPED COUPLING WITHIN THE MDPS) SHOULD BE REPLACED. OTHERWISE, THE COUPLING SHAFT SHOULD BE INSPECTED FOR BINDING OF THE U-JOINTS. IF THE JOINTS ARE STICKING, THEN A REPLACEMENT SHAFT IS IN ORDER. IF NEITHER THE MDPS UNIT NOR COUPLING SHAFT ARE AT FAULT, THEN THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM MUST BE SOMEWHERE BELOW THE CONNECTING SHAFT. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THAT MANY OWNERS HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT, AND HYUNDAI DOES NOT SEEM TO HAVE ANY DESIRE TO ACKNOWLEDGE OR TO EVEN ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. I AM A FORMER ASE L1 MASTER AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN.

NHTSA ODI #11297914

56,000 miles · Dec 24, 2019
Steering

NOTCHY STEERING, FEELS LIKE THE STEERING WHEEL STICKS, REQUIRING YOU TO USE ADDITIONAL FORCE TO TURN THE WHEEL. THIS CAUSES OVER-CORRECTING WITH THE POTENTIAL TO SWERVING INTO OTHER LANES OR OFF THE ROAD.

NHTSA ODI #11291079

13,200 miles · Apr 1, 2019
Steering

STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO GET HARD LIKE STICKY WHEN TURN IT OVER RIGHT OR LEFT, NEEDING MORE POWER TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AND PUTTING ME IN RISK WHEN REACH 60 MILES PER HOUR

NHTSA ODI #11193004

15,000 miles · Jan 4, 2019
Steering

STICKY STEERING WHEEL WHEN TRAVELING ON STRAIGHT ROADWAYS AND HIGHWAYS ABOVE 40 MPH. I NOTICED A SLIGHT STICK TO THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE TRAVELING ON THE FREEWAY OR ON A STRAIGHT ROAD ABOVE 40 MPH. THIS PROBLEM STARTED AT 15,000 MILES. THE STEERING WHEEL TENDS TO STICK WHEN TRYING TO TRACK STRAIGHT WHICH CAUSES ME TO CONSISTENT…

Read full complaint

STICKY STEERING WHEEL WHEN TRAVELING ON STRAIGHT ROADWAYS AND HIGHWAYS ABOVE 40 MPH. I NOTICED A SLIGHT STICK TO THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE TRAVELING ON THE FREEWAY OR ON A STRAIGHT ROAD ABOVE 40 MPH. THIS PROBLEM STARTED AT 15,000 MILES. THE STEERING WHEEL TENDS TO STICK WHEN TRYING TO TRACK STRAIGHT WHICH CAUSES ME TO CONSISTENTLY SWERVE WHILE TRYING TO CORRECT. WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY WERE ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE ISSUE AS A BAD MDPS UNIT (STEERING COLUMN SHAFT ASSEMBLY) PART#56310-2W840. WHILE AT THE SHOP, I DECIDED TO DO SOME RESEARCH ON MY OWN AND FOUND THAT THIS UNIT HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED IN OTHER MAKES AND MODELS AS A BAD UNIT DUE TO A RUBBER COUPLER INSIDE THE MDPS AND HYUNDAI HAS EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON THESE PARTS. I BELIEVE THAT THERE SHOULD BE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THIS PART BEYOND THE FACTORY WARRANTY FOR THE 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WE HAVE OWNED THIS CAR FOR 1 YEAR 11 MOS AND IT CURRENTLY HAS 16261 MILES. NOTES FROM DEALERSHIP TECH: " THE STEERING WAS STICKING. THE COLUMN WAS AT FAULT INTERNAL FAILURE. I WAS UNABLE TO ISOLATE WHAT PART OF THE MOTOR DRIVEN STEERING UNIT WAS THE ROOT CUASE OF THE STICKING. ALL PARTS TESTED GOOD BUT I STILL HAD THE ISSUE. I PERFORMED A STEERING WHEEL CALIBRATION AND RESET THE STEERING FEEL ZERO. I REDROVE THE CAR AND NOTED AFTER DRIVING ON A STRAIGHT LEVEL ROAD AND 40-60 MPH SPEEDS THAT WHEN I MOVED THE STEERING LEFT OR RIGHT THAT THERE WAS A NOTICABLE STICKING. BEFORE THE STEERING FELT LIKE IT HAD ASSIST. I REPLACED THE MDPS COMPLETE UNIT RESET THE TOW VARIANT CODED AND DROVE THE CAR AGAIN"

NHTSA ODI #11165253

22,000 miles · Dec 2, 2018
Steering

WHILE GOING DOWN THE INTERSTATE, THE STEERING BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. IT WAS IF THE POWER STEERING HAD DISAPPEARED. VERY SCARY. UNFORTUNATELY, THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE. SINCE THAT TIME IT HAS HAPPENED REPEATEDLY. WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP IN SAVANNAH GEORGIA, THEY WERE NOT VERY RESPONSIVE. GOING TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO …

Read full complaint

WHILE GOING DOWN THE INTERSTATE, THE STEERING BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. IT WAS IF THE POWER STEERING HAD DISAPPEARED. VERY SCARY. UNFORTUNATELY, THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE. SINCE THAT TIME IT HAS HAPPENED REPEATEDLY. WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP IN SAVANNAH GEORGIA, THEY WERE NOT VERY RESPONSIVE. GOING TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THIS FIXED. A GOOGLE SEARCH INDICATED THERE ARE OTHERS THIS HAPPENED TO AS WELL.

NHTSA ODI #11155481

70,000 miles · Nov 23, 2018
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD RATTLING, ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ROGER BEASLEY HYUNDAI (24795 I-35, KYLE, TX 78640, (512) 262-2020) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. T…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD RATTLING, ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ROGER BEASLEY HYUNDAI (24795 I-35, KYLE, TX 78640, (512) 262-2020) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

NHTSA ODI #11153314

26,000 miles · Nov 17, 2018
Steering

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT SPEEDS OVER 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE DRIFTS TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT. I HAVE TO OVER CORRECT THE STEERING AND FORCE THE VEHICLE TO STAY STRAIGHT. THE DEALER PERFORMED AN ALIGNMENT. HOWEVER; IT DID NOT CORRECT THE ISSUE. I'M AFRAID FOR OUR SAFETY.

NHTSA ODI #11152140

Official recalls

6

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

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: 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

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: 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.

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

3

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.