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

What owners actually said

962 reports

Mileage unknown · Jan 27, 2025

Engine

The engine of my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe failed at 126,000 miles. Upon a prior oil change maintenance, metal shavings were found in the filter and discarded oil. Couple days after the oil change, the car stalled on the road. The car was thawed to a Hyundai dealership. The dealership identified that there were loose metallic parts …

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NHTSA ODI #11638945

Mileage unknown · Jan 25, 2025

Engine

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My vehicle has 84,000 miles and has regular maintenance done. On 1/20/24 my wife was driving the car when suddenly it started to make a terrible knocking sound, the oil light flashed for just a second and the check engine light came on. She was near an auto store and they checked the code, which said "replace engine block." I came with a trailer to tow it home and by then the check engine light is flashing when the car is turned on. I have done some research and calling to mechanics to find out that these vehicles have a major "oil consumption problem" that causes them to do this at relatively low miles and it has affected thousands of people. I also learned that as a second owner I am not within any warranty from Hyundai since I bought it 4 years ago, and I still owe $10k on the car. The estimated cost for a new engine is $10-12,000 and I can't afford to double what I owe on a car, especially when I have little faith in a new version of the same problematic engine. We are a family of 5 with small kids and jobs and are down to one vehicle. I don't understand why a recall hasn't been issued or why Hyundai isn't being held accountable for this. Thank you.

NHTSA ODI #11638556

Mileage unknown · Jan 23, 2025

Structure

The back passenger door will not open from outside or inside (driver side) which is safety issue that needs to be recalled immediately.

NHTSA ODI #11638130

Mileage unknown · Jan 21, 2025

Engine

2017 Santa Fe with 85k miles suddenly has engine failure. Come to find out this is a common problem in these vehicles specifically. Was stranded on the side of the freeway for over four hours. Told me there was practically nothing they could do for it. Never had an issue before and got regular oil changes before the 3k mile mark…

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NHTSA ODI #11637221

Mileage unknown · Jan 15, 2025

Electrical SystemEngineService BrakesFire

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While driving, the vehicle lost its brakes and rolled to a stop on [XXX] at that point the vehicle compartment began to fill up with black smoke and soot and flames started to come out of vents. My daughter immediately grabbed her dog and exited from the vehicle to a safe spot away from the car. Within 10 seconds the vehicle exploded and erupted into a 20 ft fireball. If my daughter would have hesitated she could have been killed. Hyundai inspected the vehicle and found nothing conclusive except that this problem has been documented in other Incidents. The vehicle was declared to be totaled. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11636163

131,000 miles · Jan 13, 2025

Engine

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The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. No warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road and the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had seized. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 131,000.

NHTSA ODI #11635737

Mileage unknown · Jan 11, 2025

Engine

Major oil consumption Metal fragments in oil engine shaking

NHTSA ODI #11635436

Mileage unknown · Jan 11, 2025

Engine

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I took my Hyundai Santa Fe sport to Central Valley Hyundai in Modesto, CA on 10/31/2024 to have a diagnosis done to the car since the car turned off on me while I was driving and after a week being at the dealership this was their response. Hello [XXX], sorry for the late reply! We are short handed today, and busy! Anyways, My technician had the chance to take a look at your vehicle. Your vehicle is going to need an engine due to it not passing the bearing clearance test. I submitted paperwork to Hyundai and I am currently waiting to hear back from them in regards to a decision. I will let you know as soon as I hear something. after another week went by this is what Hyundai had to say. I just checked, and they declined the coverage of your engine, this was their response: The vehicle is not eligible for extended warranty TXXI. Per the terms of the extended warranty, the campaign 953 software must have been installed on the vehicle prior to bearing malfunction. Our records indicate campaign 953 was not completed on this vehicle. For further clarification, the terms of the extended warranty and related settlement. Notice may be reviewed here. [XXX] . No goodwill assistance is being offered at this time I was never made aware of a recall that needed to be done to the engine. I never received a letter in the mail and also I spoke to Hyundai customer service and they said that I never received the notice due to being sent to the original owner which was a car rental business. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11635387

Mileage unknown · Jan 10, 2025

Engine

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While driving my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, I heard a knocking sound coming from the engine. Shortly afterward, the vehicle began moving jerkingly forward, and the oil, engine, and battery warning lights illuminated on the dashboard. The vehicle then shut off completely in the middle of a busy street. I attempted to restart it, but while the engine made a starting sound, it immediately shut back down. The electrical system remained functional (lights and radio), but the vehicle would not restart. Due to the failure, I had to exit the vehicle and physically push it to the side of the road in cold, rainy conditions with reduced visibility, creating a risk of being struck by oncoming traffic. Strangers who assisted in moving the vehicle also placed themselves at risk. A certified mechanic has since confirmed that the engine has locked up and identified this as a known issue with Hyundai engines. Prior to this incident, the only warning sign was the oil light briefly flashing while driving on an uneven road surface. At the time, I was on my way to have an oil change within the manufacturer-recommended time frame and assumed the light indicated routine maintenance was needed.

NHTSA ODI #11635201

Mileage unknown · Jan 8, 2025

Engine

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My wife and I bought a used 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe, and the car has performed admirably over the last 4 to 5 years. Within the last month, the car started having stuttering issues and we took the car to our local shop, where we asked for a quick check and an oil change. The local shop reported that we had a Crank Shaft Advance error code, and that the car did not have much oil in it. We have not seen major oil loss between oil changes before, which concerned me. Once the car was full on oil the error codes cleared and the car worked well over the next few weeks. Oil levels seemed good during that time, but my wife took the car out to New York and back, then a trip into Boston (around 600 miles overall). On the way back from Boston, the engine stalled and would not start. We sent the car to be checked at a local Pep Boys, they performed a borescope and believed that the engine needed replacement. I contacted Autofair Hyundai and had the car towed there to service under Hyundai TSB 24-EM-007H. [XXX] >> The dealership mentioned that the diagnostics would cost ~200 dollars and detailed a number of error codes (low fuel flow, crankshaft advance, etc.). They then quoted a $8,000 to make the repairs and then they could check to see if the car met any warranty requirements. I opened a ticket with Hyundai and the ticket was closed. I believe this falls under Docket No. [XXX] and should be covered under Hyundai Technical Service Bulletin (23-EM-007H) [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11634903

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.