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 · Jun 21, 2023
Engine
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe with the 3.3L Lambda engine. At 99,625 miles, while driving at highway speed, the engine suddenly sputtered with partial loss of power and a loud clicking/banging noise coming from the engine compartment. No warning lights/check engine lights/oil lights. Drove one mile and parked it in the driveway. Had it …
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2023 Hyundai Santa Fe with the 3.3L Lambda engine. At 99,625 miles, while driving at highway speed, the engine suddenly sputtered with partial loss of power and a loud clicking/banging noise coming from the engine compartment. No warning lights/check engine lights/oil lights. Drove one mile and parked it in the driveway. Had it towed same day to dealer and after it was inspected it and found to have metal shavings in the oil pan and a catastrophic engine failure (again, NO warning lights on the dash!). Proved to the dealer that all maintenance and oil changes were performed correctly and within prescribed time periods/mileage. Dealer will replace the engine with a Hyundai remanufactured -- not new -- engine under warranty but this "new" engine will only be warrantied for 375 miles which the balance of the original 10 yr/100,000 mile warranty.
NHTSA ODI #11528115
Mileage unknown · Jun 18, 2023
Engine
Driving 65mph, loss of power and cel light came on. Manged to get vehicle home. Did not notice any engine noise . Checked cel code. P1326. Did investigation on code and found long list of issues, including excessive oil consumption. Checked oil and found none on dipstick. No oil light was illuminated. Have had no issues with …
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Driving 65mph, loss of power and cel light came on. Manged to get vehicle home. Did not notice any engine noise . Checked cel code. P1326. Did investigation on code and found long list of issues, including excessive oil consumption. Checked oil and found none on dipstick. No oil light was illuminated. Have had no issues with oil loss prior till today. Oil changes every 5000 miles. Bought vehicle in 2020 with 57000 miles(currently 110000) and was not aware of service code 953, so not sure if vehicle is updated. Vehicle is currently parked and will be towed to nearest dealership, but from reading prior complaints, and as Hyundai will not replace the motor, most likely a waste of time. Will join class action lawsuit over this. Aware of ABS recall and was going to schedule that service, but vehicle is currently not drivable.
NHTSA ODI #11527637
Mileage unknown · Jun 17, 2023
Engine
Right after warranty was out. My car starting using oil. There are no leaks just horrible oil consumption. We did a consumption test and it showed my car using one quart of oil every 315.94 miles. The dealership wants to do a combustion chamber cleaning for $849.06. Then stated this may not fix it. If not a new engine is needed.…
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Right after warranty was out. My car starting using oil. There are no leaks just horrible oil consumption. We did a consumption test and it showed my car using one quart of oil every 315.94 miles. The dealership wants to do a combustion chamber cleaning for $849.06. Then stated this may not fix it. If not a new engine is needed. I was wondering if there is a recall for this problem with my vehicle. I have tried to reach Hyundai but they have not returned my emails. I was supposed to hear from Hyundai costumer affairs in 3/5 days from June 3. Still have not heard from them. I need to get Hyundai to remedy this situation. It is outrageous, I have heard of several people across the nation having this problem. My case #[XXX] is what Hyundai gave me. Need to find out what I can do about this or if you can help me? Thank You for your time [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA ODI #11527514
Mileage unknown · Jun 17, 2023
Engine
Car had excessive oil consumption so had to continually add oil. One day check engine light comes on and I drive it two blocks back home. Next time I start car check engine light is blinking. Told need new engine due to low to no compression in the cylinders but they do not know why there is no compression. No prior warnings..co…
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Car had excessive oil consumption so had to continually add oil. One day check engine light comes on and I drive it two blocks back home. Next time I start car check engine light is blinking. Told need new engine due to low to no compression in the cylinders but they do not know why there is no compression. No prior warnings..complete engine failure..130k miles.
NHTSA ODI #11527511
100,000 miles · Jun 16, 2023
Engine
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated intermittently. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amou…
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The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated intermittently. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that the engine consumed 1-quart of engine oil every 500 miles. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that there were metal shavings in the engine oil and that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the type of engine installed in the vehicle originally was discontinued. The failure mileage was 100,000.
NHTSA ODI #11527365
Mileage unknown · Jun 14, 2023
Engine
2017 3.3V6 GDI engine. Suddenly lost power, knocking severely. No oil in engine, no signs of leaks or burning, never had any issues of oil consumption between changes. Oil last changed 2 months prior. No warning lights ever came on for low oil or low oil pressure. Hyundai blue link app indicates all systems normal with the vehic…
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2017 3.3V6 GDI engine. Suddenly lost power, knocking severely. No oil in engine, no signs of leaks or burning, never had any issues of oil consumption between changes. Oil last changed 2 months prior. No warning lights ever came on for low oil or low oil pressure. Hyundai blue link app indicates all systems normal with the vehicle. Safety risk of sudden loss of power while driving without warning and complete engine failure.
NHTSA ODI #11527024
100,000 miles · Jun 12, 2023
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The contact was able to push the vehicle to the shoulder, where the vehicle failed to restart. Upon visual inspection, the contact observed an excessive amount of engine oil in the engine compartment. The vehicle…
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The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The contact was able to push the vehicle to the shoulder, where the vehicle failed to restart. Upon visual inspection, the contact observed an excessive amount of engine oil in the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that oil sludge had damaged the engine, requiring a replacement of the engine. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V578000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 100,000.
NHTSA ODI #11526540
Mileage unknown · Jun 7, 2023
Engine
Car maintenanced regularly. Engine went completely bad at 116,000 miles. 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Xl 3.3l engine.
NHTSA ODI #11525908
Mileage unknown · Jun 7, 2023
Engine
While Driving home the car just lost power while going 50mph. The engine started knocking then the engine light started flashing and the car wouldn't go above 37mph. This is definitely not good. I was holding up traffic trying to pull over while not being able to even do the speed limit. Also the oil consumption is outrageous! …
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While Driving home the car just lost power while going 50mph. The engine started knocking then the engine light started flashing and the car wouldn't go above 37mph. This is definitely not good. I was holding up traffic trying to pull over while not being able to even do the speed limit. Also the oil consumption is outrageous! I have never owned a vehicle where I had to add oil as much as I do in this one.
NHTSA ODI #11525830
Mileage unknown · Jun 2, 2023
Engine
Car is consuming oil quickly. After two thousand miles the entire tank is burned
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