Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
1470–25K
3625–50K
2450–75K
2675–100K
32100–150K
3150K+
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
115,000 miles · Jun 25, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving 35–40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact noticed there were metal shavings in the oil. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no…
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The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving 35–40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact noticed there were metal shavings in the oil. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no assistance. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V578000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
NHTSA ODI #11596409
Mileage unknown · Jun 19, 2024
Power Train
The car has intermittent hard upshift from 1st to 2nd gear. It feels as if the transmission seems to slip for a moment then jolts the car, making a hard bang noise and jerking forward, and at times spinning the rear wheels. If I stop the car, turn off the engine and restart it clears the issue. It does not throw off any codes. I…
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The car has intermittent hard upshift from 1st to 2nd gear. It feels as if the transmission seems to slip for a moment then jolts the car, making a hard bang noise and jerking forward, and at times spinning the rear wheels. If I stop the car, turn off the engine and restart it clears the issue. It does not throw off any codes. I have taken it to the Hyundai Dealer several times and they have verified it with me while in the car but since it does not give a code or warning lights they tell me they cannot fix it. Hyundai corporate has also been made aware. This started at 77K miles and has been occurring for the last 3 years. I have brought it into hyundai over a dozen times for the concern. I have several videos of the issue
NHTSA ODI #11595345
Mileage unknown · Jun 19, 2024
Unknown Or Other
While getting up to speed on the freeway the full sunroof exploded. IT sounde like a bomb was going off and the entire sunrrof broke.
NHTSA ODI #11595315
Mileage unknown · Jun 14, 2024
Engine
My 2017 Sante Fe has recently started consuming oil at a very alarming rate. From doing research, there is ALOTA of hyundai owners having the same issue. There is no oil level indication light on the vehicle. Hyundai is aware of these problems. From what I have researched, this has been an issue since 2012. Every 500 miles, the …
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My 2017 Sante Fe has recently started consuming oil at a very alarming rate. From doing research, there is ALOTA of hyundai owners having the same issue. There is no oil level indication light on the vehicle. Hyundai is aware of these problems. From what I have researched, this has been an issue since 2012. Every 500 miles, the car is short 2 quarts of oil. Did an oil consumption test with the crappy hyundai of metairie dealership. Hyundai immediately denied any work to be done before a physical inspection was even conplete. Now having to fight with the extended warranty people to try and fix the issue. Running an engine low on oil is dangerous! Not only because it puts us customers in danger of going bankrupt trying to pay the car off while having to pay for new engine that I'm sure will have the same issue, but also can cause break downs which puts the drivers and kids at risk for injury or death due to an accident happening while being broke down onside of the road. Serious thought needs to be put in about recalling these cars or engines or before hyundai continues to manufacture cars with this issue.
NHTSA ODI #11594431
Mileage unknown · Jun 13, 2024
EnginePower Train
The vehicle suddenly shut down while driving and the wheels locked up. There were no warning indicators at all. The failure happened to occur on a residential street, but if at speed on a highway this likely would have resulted an an accident. Upon inspection at the dealership it was determined that a connecting rod bearing f…
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The vehicle suddenly shut down while driving and the wheels locked up. There were no warning indicators at all. The failure happened to occur on a residential street, but if at speed on a highway this likely would have resulted an an accident. Upon inspection at the dealership it was determined that a connecting rod bearing failed and the rod had created a nearly 3 inch split in the engine block.
NHTSA ODI #11594222
Mileage unknown · Jun 12, 2024
Engine
Engine knocks when I try to accelerate, there is also a long hesitation and vibration when I accelerate, reduced power, engine is burning oil excessively and engine smokes.
NHTSA ODI #11593836
Mileage unknown · Jun 8, 2024
Engine
Engine started to have knocking when starting engine after long sitting while off. Later, something with engine broke and it's at dealer to look at. We regularly changed the oil but started to have mass oil consumption. Had to get a tow.
NHTSA ODI #11593249
Mileage unknown · Jun 8, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling
Personal vehicle. Engine light appears & at times goes away. Happens frequently. However, had it serviced and was told the dashboard sensor did not need replacing. Then told yes, my catalytic converter is bad. This is a real concern if I hadn’t been so diligent & concerned. My mechanic insisted the converter was on recall. Pleas…
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Personal vehicle. Engine light appears & at times goes away. Happens frequently. However, had it serviced and was told the dashboard sensor did not need replacing. Then told yes, my catalytic converter is bad. This is a real concern if I hadn’t been so diligent & concerned. My mechanic insisted the converter was on recall. Please confirm.
NHTSA ODI #11593214
Mileage unknown · Jun 7, 2024
Engine
Driving on busy interstate no warning. No lights to indicate issue. Car stops. Looses all power. AAA towed. The engine had locked up. No oil none. Car maintained oil changes as recommended. Oil was just checked 3 days prior for long rode trip there were no oil. Leaks no Lights on dash indicating check engine There are t…
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Driving on busy interstate no warning. No lights to indicate issue. Car stops. Looses all power. AAA towed. The engine had locked up. No oil none. Car maintained oil changes as recommended. Oil was just checked 3 days prior for long rode trip there were no oil. Leaks no Lights on dash indicating check engine There are thousands and thousands of consumers online stating the Same happened to them. The majority state Hyundai will not replace or fix repairs because of numerious reasons. The biggest is that a recall was issued to reset a code. Since purchased new in 2017 original owner , I have not received any recal notices. So if a owner does not receive notice. How is it our fault further damages aren’t covered? I am still traumitized from the car locking up on a 6 lane Highway surrounded by 70 mph plus cars trucks. Please do not allow deaths to occur before the Goverment steps in and forces Hyundai to take full responsibility for our safety. Thank you for your time
NHTSA ODI #11593006
Mileage unknown · Jun 5, 2024
Engine
Total engine failure at 120,000 miles. Car shut down without warning while driving.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year