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
Mileage unknown · Jul 18, 2023
Engine
At ~126k miles, my 3.3L Santa Fe started knocking and then stopped running. There were no warning lights whatsoever. Regular service records are available to show oil changes/maintenance and all repairs done at the dealership. Mechanic says the engine is toast. Hyundai dealership told me no need to even bring it in bc it will no…
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At ~126k miles, my 3.3L Santa Fe started knocking and then stopped running. There were no warning lights whatsoever. Regular service records are available to show oil changes/maintenance and all repairs done at the dealership. Mechanic says the engine is toast. Hyundai dealership told me no need to even bring it in bc it will not be covered.
NHTSA ODI #11533016
Mileage unknown · Jul 18, 2023
Power Train
Not really an incident but my car has the same issue as the class action lawsuit from Hyundai for issues with the connector rods going out. I can’t get it fixed because of this issue. Hyundai says they can’t do anything about it and sent me your info! Can someone please help me? I still owe $23,000.00 on this car! Is there a way…
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Not really an incident but my car has the same issue as the class action lawsuit from Hyundai for issues with the connector rods going out. I can’t get it fixed because of this issue. Hyundai says they can’t do anything about it and sent me your info! Can someone please help me? I still owe $23,000.00 on this car! Is there a way to add the recall to my car? It is an almost $14,000.00 repair! It started knocking out of nowhere and isn’t drivable because of the issue.
NHTSA ODI #11532946
Mileage unknown · Jul 15, 2023
Engine
The engine failed in our 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe earlier this year (March). They replaced our engine after finding out it was part of the rod bearing engine failure recall. The check engine light came back on as soon as we got it back (April) and the car has not worked properly since. Shaking badly, it also died after I started it…
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The engine failed in our 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe earlier this year (March). They replaced our engine after finding out it was part of the rod bearing engine failure recall. The check engine light came back on as soon as we got it back (April) and the car has not worked properly since. Shaking badly, it also died after I started it. After them telling us for two months, they were too busy for us to bring it back to them. We finally brought it back this week and dropped it off for them to fix anyway (July). The Hyundai repair people told us the problem is not covered under the warranty (vcm motor on the side of the intake) and not related to the engine recall even though the problem happened immediately after they rebuilt the engine and now we must pay $1000 out of pocket.
NHTSA ODI #11532439
Mileage unknown · Jul 14, 2023
Engine
Engine started knocking pretty bad during a trip. Just over 80,000 miles not covering due to 2nd owner.
NHTSA ODI #11532388
Mileage unknown · Jul 14, 2023
Electrical SystemFire
On June 22, 2023, I went to start my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe in a shopping center parking lot. I had recently driven from the Pgh airport to Monroeville and stopped to run errands. Upon reentering my vehicle I used the push button start to start the car. The engine started and the center computer screen turned on, however the d…
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On June 22, 2023, I went to start my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe in a shopping center parking lot. I had recently driven from the Pgh airport to Monroeville and stopped to run errands. Upon reentering my vehicle I used the push button start to start the car. The engine started and the center computer screen turned on, however the dashboard did not light up and I was not able to shift into Reverse. I cycled the car ~5 times trying to get it going, but the same start-up happened. Upon calling husband (after trying to start another few times) he recommended that I look at the fuses. At this point I opened the driver side door and was outside looking at the fuse panel. This is when I heard someone shouting from the highway across from the parking lot that my car was on fire. I looked at the rear of my car and saw flames coming from the rear bumper. I quickly stepped away from the vehicle. The entire drivers side of the rear bumper was engulfed in flames. Both the police and fire departments came to the scene. We were collectively able to extinguish the flames and the car was totaled.
NHTSA ODI #11532234
Mileage unknown · Jul 14, 2023
Power Train
Camshaft actuator first thst costed over $4200 to fix and now engine needing to be rebuilt with an estimated cost of over $17 000
NHTSA ODI #11532203
Mileage unknown · Jul 13, 2023
EngineFuel/propulsion System
As I was driving my vehicle the car started to shake. I was able to make it to a gas station and then had difficulty getting the car to turn over. After several attempts the car turned over but the check engine light was flashing and the car had fumes coming out the back. I towed the car to the dealership I bought it at they det…
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As I was driving my vehicle the car started to shake. I was able to make it to a gas station and then had difficulty getting the car to turn over. After several attempts the car turned over but the check engine light was flashing and the car had fumes coming out the back. I towed the car to the dealership I bought it at they determined that the fuel injectors failed and caused the engine to be flooded with gas requiring an entirely new engine to be put in the car.
NHTSA ODI #11532026
Mileage unknown · Jul 10, 2023
Engine
Since early 2022 I have been having oil consumption tests done on my vehicle, after having an oil change and 2 months later, during my inspection, being told my oil is completely dry (no warning lights came on at all). There was an oil combustion done, which the dealer had to keep my car and put me into a rental (after me pressi…
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Since early 2022 I have been having oil consumption tests done on my vehicle, after having an oil change and 2 months later, during my inspection, being told my oil is completely dry (no warning lights came on at all). There was an oil combustion done, which the dealer had to keep my car and put me into a rental (after me pressing the issue of a rental or loaner). I am now on my 2nd round of oil consumption test. I had an oil change done the last week of May, took it back 932 miles later because my oil light quickly came on then went off, when turning corners and coming to a stop on level ground (the light did not stay on) and it burned 3.5 quarts in 932 miles. It has gone from burning 2.5 quarts in 1,000 miles on the very first oil consumption test in 2022, to now burning 3.5 quarts in less than 1,000 miles. Last summer there was oil on my spark plugs from the oil consumption, but I had to pay out of pocket to have them replaced. This last time I went in June, the dealer stated they will contact Hyundai about replacing the engine. It has been 2 weeks and I've heard nothing yet. This is a huge safety & fire concern that I feel Hyundai is taking way to lightly! It is a huge inconvenience as well to take off work, leave work early, go into work late, pay for rides to/from the dealer, put oil in my car, etc. I asked about a loaner for times they wanted to keep my vehicle, and they responded that they do not have any available. Rentals should be covered 100% if they do not have a loaner to give us. When I was put in a rental, I had to pay the deposit because that is not covered by Hyundai. Reading about all these issues, I am not sure why Hyundai has not put out a recall on this issue, instead they continue to put us and our families at a big time risk!!!
NHTSA ODI #11531319
Mileage unknown · Jul 9, 2023
Engine
While driving my 2017 Santa Fe, a ding from the instrument cluster preceded the vehicle stalling during a turn in a busy intersection. The vehicle would not respond to attempts to restart. I had the vehicle towed to the local Hyundai dealership for inspection. I authorized a teardown of the engine. They reported their findings t…
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While driving my 2017 Santa Fe, a ding from the instrument cluster preceded the vehicle stalling during a turn in a busy intersection. The vehicle would not respond to attempts to restart. I had the vehicle towed to the local Hyundai dealership for inspection. I authorized a teardown of the engine. They reported their findings to Hyundai Motors America (HMA) for authorization under an extended warranty. That request was denied. I have read the case, Davy Cho v. Hyundai Motor Company, Ltd., 8:22-cv-00448, (C.D. Cal.). My vehicle is in the correct year range and engine class represented in the suit. This vehicle is also under NHTSA investigation (DB22-003) for a separate defect that can cause the vehicle to stall without prior notice. The Hyundai dealership has now quoted $19,900 to repair. This is a gently driven and well maintained vehicle. I have reached out several times to HMA who states, the vehicle is beyond the original manufacturer's warrantee. I have tried several times to have the case reviewed. I'm told these decisions are final. HMA Case # 21352488 I was lucky to have had the traffic lights and traffic in a condition that I could drift through my turn, apply hazard lights and get assistance from the Police Dept. who closed the road allowing me to coast the vehicle backwards off the interstate bridge to place me and my vehicle in a safer place to manage. In different circumstances, this could have been catastrophic.
NHTSA ODI #11531209
Mileage unknown · Jul 7, 2023
Power Train
The crankshaft broke due to abnormal wear the cars mileage is 102000 the check engine light never cam on it died in the middle of the freeway with no warning at all
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
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