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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.

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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

What owners actually said

962 reports
Mileage unknown · Jan 2, 2025
EngineFuel/propulsion System

My 2017 Hyundai Santa fe sport burns through 2qts of oil between oil changes (every 3000 miles). I check my oil once a week to make sure I have adequate oil to ensure my engine doesn't blow, Hyundai has open recalls on the 2017 models of my vehicle but my VIN number is not included...I have complained to Hyundai corporate and al…

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My 2017 Hyundai Santa fe sport burns through 2qts of oil between oil changes (every 3000 miles). I check my oil once a week to make sure I have adequate oil to ensure my engine doesn't blow, Hyundai has open recalls on the 2017 models of my vehicle but my VIN number is not included...I have complained to Hyundai corporate and also the dealer and they state that I have to do an oil consumption test, at cost to me, to prove that their engine is defective...I first noticed this issue about 1 month after I purchased my vehicle, I was driving and my oil light flashed on for less than a second, I stopped at my sisters house and let my engine cool down and checked my oil and there was absolutely none... I refilled it and then began checking my oil weekly. I add at least 1/4-1/2 quart per week between oil changes. Every time I take my car in for an oil change they have to add an extra quart and make me aware that my vehicle is burning a significant amount of oil... This is my everyday car, I use it to get back and forth to work, I transport my children in this vehicle. There is a 953 Recall and also 218 but my VIN is not included.

NHTSA ODI #11633645

Mileage unknown · Dec 29, 2024
Forward Collision AvoidanceLane DepartureService Brakes

The brakes and rotors need to be replaced every 3-6 months. They have been fixed at least 4 times under warranty. Every time I take the car in I get asked if I drove through the mountains because they are fried. This vehicle has never been in the mountains because I fear what will happen if it really were driven through the moun…

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The brakes and rotors need to be replaced every 3-6 months. They have been fixed at least 4 times under warranty. Every time I take the car in I get asked if I drove through the mountains because they are fried. This vehicle has never been in the mountains because I fear what will happen if it really were driven through the mountains. However, no excessive braking occurs to cause them to be ruined every 3-6 months. I am at the point I’m curious if automatic braking is causing it to heat up and burn them. The incident below is the last time I had them replaced. I’m currently looking to sell the vehicle because of the number of times I’ve had to go in and get them replaced.

NHTSA ODI #11632995

Mileage unknown · Dec 26, 2024
EnginePower Train

T3G Campaign 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport AWD, 116000 miles. Purchased from a dealer in VA [XXX]. Never would have purchased if engine issues had been disclosed. The letter re:T3G campaign went out to dealers/service managers from Hyundai (of which I have a copy) is dated for October 2019. We never received any information reg…

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T3G Campaign 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport AWD, 116000 miles. Purchased from a dealer in VA [XXX]. Never would have purchased if engine issues had been disclosed. The letter re:T3G campaign went out to dealers/service managers from Hyundai (of which I have a copy) is dated for October 2019. We never received any information regarding a T3G campaign. We took my car to the dealership on 12/16/24. (Valdese, NC). In 5 hours, they said they ran diagnostics & found the P0302 Misfire code. Without running further tests, they adamantly claimed there was a dead cylinder & the only fix was to replace the engine. Note: Spark plugs were replaced 2 weeks before this visit on Dec 1, 2024. They refused to listen to my concerns about the T3G campaign. Said vehicle didn't have that issue. That they couldn't run the tests because the P1326 code wasn't present (but it was in Sept). They didn't do anything about the current open recalls. They said they didn't have time. Corporate confirmed that my vehicle has had the correct service campaigns completed to qualify for the T3G campaign. I have called corporate twice-No response. We are very upset over the lack of care and solutions. We gave consent for work & nothing was done. The service manager was practically shouting that this car would leave me stranded, it wasn’t safe to drive, & that the only option to fix was to replace the engine/get rid of it. I was basically told it wasn't worth fixing. Putting a new engine in would equal than the car is worth at trade in value. No one can give me a guarantee that a new engine (even brand new from the factory) would not have the same problem that is happening now. Make this right by immediately authorizing an engine replacement for my vehicle to include a loaner vehicle & tow charge cover. I am aware of the class action lawsuit from 2021. Hyundai refuses to issue a recall for this engine issue. Please see attached letter for more information. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11632465

Mileage unknown · Dec 22, 2024
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

In June 2024, my vehicle suddenly lost power while I was driving on the freeway, almost causing a serious accident. I managed to restart the car after being stuck on the shoulder of the freeway for several minutes. The same issue occurred the following day, prompting me to have the vehicle towed to the dealership. Hyundai Motor …

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In June 2024, my vehicle suddenly lost power while I was driving on the freeway, almost causing a serious accident. I managed to restart the car after being stuck on the shoulder of the freeway for several minutes. The same issue occurred the following day, prompting me to have the vehicle towed to the dealership. Hyundai Motor was contacted since the vehicle is still under warranty. The dealership informed me they would conduct an oil consumption test three times to diagnose the issue. However, they also stated that for the test to be successful, I needed to replace unrelated parts, including the brakes and transmission oil, among other items. Reluctantly, I agreed and spent $1,800 on these replacements. After completing the first oil consumption test, I returned for the second test. However, the dealership informed me that no further tests were necessary and returned the car to me without addressing the underlying issue. I emailed the case manager assigned by Hyundai to report this, but I never received a response. A few months later, the car failed to start. I contacted Hyundai again, and they dispatched a tow truck. The tow truck driver managed to start the car. A few days later, the issue recurred, and the roadside assistance tow driver suggested it might be the battery. Out of frustration, I paid $300 to replace the battery. Despite this, the car continued to make unusual noises at startup, a problem I had repeatedly mentioned to the dealership and in my communications with Hyundai. The situation reached a critical point today when my wife was driving the vehicle on the freeway with our five children inside. While traveling at 60 miles per hour, the car suddenly lost power again, putting their lives in danger. This is the third time this hazardous issue has occurred, and I fear for the safety of my family.

NHTSA ODI #11632030

Mileage unknown · Dec 20, 2024
Engine

Problems with oil consumption/oil burning. Engine noise - mechanic said the timing chain socket is coming apart. Hyundai has had multiple issues with vehicles that have GDI LAMBDA II engine. In 2019, they recalled several makes with Lambda engine however my vehicle wasn’t one of them. Mechanic said it would cost $6200 to repair.…

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Problems with oil consumption/oil burning. Engine noise - mechanic said the timing chain socket is coming apart. Hyundai has had multiple issues with vehicles that have GDI LAMBDA II engine. In 2019, they recalled several makes with Lambda engine however my vehicle wasn’t one of them. Mechanic said it would cost $6200 to repair. Just to diagnose the issue was $440.

NHTSA ODI #11631808

Mileage unknown · Dec 16, 2024
EnginePower Train

Catastrophic engine failure without warning. Rod bearings blew car unable to produce power.

NHTSA ODI #11630860

Mileage unknown · Dec 11, 2024
EngineUnknown Or Other

The engine on my car was consuming oil at a rapid rate. The dealer service department gave me the run around for many month. Stating they could never duplicate the issue. when clearly the whitish blue smoke pouring out of tailpipe and horrible combustion fumes inside cabin of car. At some point bluish smoke turned to black smoke…

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The engine on my car was consuming oil at a rapid rate. The dealer service department gave me the run around for many month. Stating they could never duplicate the issue. when clearly the whitish blue smoke pouring out of tailpipe and horrible combustion fumes inside cabin of car. At some point bluish smoke turned to black smoke and that when the $800 combustion test was suggested. Which they say will tell me if the engine is bad. how do they not know the signs of a bad engine. my car sat in service department for 2 months for them to say it's not covered under warranty. I tried everything to hold the manufacture responsible and they was unwilling to budge and help. The car has the extended warranty and my car was under the mileage and years. My car been sitting in my driveway since May 2024 needing a engine replacement. The fumes in cabin of vehicle was unbearable which cause me to have to drive with window down. Vehicle never show any warning lights when engine oil was low or empty. another incident was with the radio not turning off even after the battery went died. The radio continue to work and connect to phone when battery was died. After charging battery radio would again kill battery and not shut off. The only way it would shut off is to disconnect radio. How dealer explained the issue was that of a modem. That the car probably need to be reset when radio was disconnected it worked. But after that it happen 3 more times. these cars need to be recalled and all customer should get there money back. To own a 2005 Santa Fe with over 216,000 miles with no oil burning / leaking or smoke out tailpipe say a lot on the manufacturing of this vehicle. I have no mechanical issues with this car and that was the reason i wanted to upgrade to 2017. Now I wish I had never brought the 2017. Beware before buying this brand because they are no good.

NHTSA ODI #11630016

Mileage unknown · Dec 10, 2024
Engine

Over the past year, the engine light continues to come on. The first time this happened, there was no oil in the reservoir even though it had recently had an oil change. They did another oil change and sent us on our way. The next time.[XXX], the check engine light came there was a loud clanking sound and low oil again. This was…

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Over the past year, the engine light continues to come on. The first time this happened, there was no oil in the reservoir even though it had recently had an oil change. They did another oil change and sent us on our way. The next time.[XXX], the check engine light came there was a loud clanking sound and low oil again. This was the code the dealership said it was: Code P0021 [XXX] . He suggested a tune-up at this time. He says the engine light should stay off. We just need to continue to check the oil. [XXX]. Check engine light came on again as my son was driving. He lost pressure is the gas pedal. When he pushed it, the vehicle would not accelerate. We has it towed to the same dealership On 10/2/24, they were finally able to tell us what Hyundai felt was wrong: Timing components will need to be replaced- the timing tensioner or chain has failed $4363.20. We pushed back because our personal mechanic said the following: We were told by our mechanic and some of the research that we did that the breaking of the timing chain is connected to the loss of oil pressure that has been happening because of the default in the engine which is part of the recall for that vehicle. What can they tell us about that? Those timing chains are supposed to last a long time and not go out at 130,000 miles or whatever the odometer reading is now. Can this be considered in the recall information for replacing the engine? It does not seem that they're really working with us or helping us on this. Our contact person went back to his shop foreman who went back to Hyundai to ask about this. He then said his shop foreman said it doesn't seem to be directly related to that warranty extension TXX8 - but we will submit all information to Hyundai prior approval and see what they say. It then took him until October 14 to say the following: Hyundai is asking my master technician to remove the valve valve cover and inspect timing parts closer. We took it to another INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S

NHTSA ODI #11630004

Mileage unknown · Dec 9, 2024
Engine

[XXX] this engine was replaced under the Hundai Theta Engine Settlement at 91,654 miles. I am the original owner. This problem first started when oil light was on and my regular mechanic sent me to Hyundai because engine required excessive amts of oil. Oil usage test conducted, engine replaced under the NATIONAL RECAL…

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[XXX] this engine was replaced under the Hundai Theta Engine Settlement at 91,654 miles. I am the original owner. This problem first started when oil light was on and my regular mechanic sent me to Hyundai because engine required excessive amts of oil. Oil usage test conducted, engine replaced under the NATIONAL RECALL. I have maintained car with regular service before and since that time. 10-14/2024 Good Year Center did my routine oil change at 190,027 on this replacement engine. At time of service, this second engine had 91,463 miles since being replaced in 2022. I did service in readiness for upcoming Thanksgiving vaca. 11/29/29. on [XXX] [XXX] at Greenville, Ala...check engine light began flashing... car was vibrating, shaking, making noise...oil light also went on, I began losing power . I pulled off hwy at [XXX} exit..still making noise, slowing down.. got to bottom of ramp was able to coast into parking lot of station/rest. 189 miles from home. Checked oil...none on dipstick, still vibrating and making noise. man from station came to help and told me to shut it off. he checked oil, looked under car. nothing running out, filter on tight. He worked at restaurant was also a mechanic... Got his meter and read the codes...saying that spark plugs 3 &4 were bad. Spark plugs changed 1/18/24 at Good year service center. He put in 4 qts of oil. tried to start car, oil light and check engine light still flashing. When he removed 3 and 4 plug tips were burnt and singed black. replaced plugs, started car... both check in light (now steady on) and oil light still on. still idling very rough and vibrating with noise. checked spark plugs again.. when he removed plug, it was coated in oil. Car towed 189 miles. dealer said burnt valve, not related to oil all over engine. Engine cost at 7000-9000. Not warranty issue per dealer. reported to corporate, still no response INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.

NHTSA ODI #11629713

Mileage unknown · Dec 5, 2024
Unknown Or Other

Backup camera and it is available for inspection. I had the car in the dealership for 2 recalls July 3. When I picked up the car backup camera was blank. Dealership states it was a coincidence and nothing they did. Immediately took the car back for repair. I was told they don't know what's wrong., they checked the wiring all goo…

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Backup camera and it is available for inspection. I had the car in the dealership for 2 recalls July 3. When I picked up the car backup camera was blank. Dealership states it was a coincidence and nothing they did. Immediately took the car back for repair. I was told they don't know what's wrong., they checked the wiring all good, replaced the camera and it still didn't work. I've been in contact for weeks with Hyundia they don't have any answers yet.

NHTSA ODI #11629059

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.