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 1, 2023
Engine
The car started making a knocking sound, no service lights had been on prior to this or during this time, and within five minutes the car stopped working and shut down. I was able to get the car back on only to have it breakdown again within a minute. I was able to get it far enough into a parking spot to let it sit for about 15…
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The car started making a knocking sound, no service lights had been on prior to this or during this time, and within five minutes the car stopped working and shut down. I was able to get the car back on only to have it breakdown again within a minute. I was able to get it far enough into a parking spot to let it sit for about 15 minutes and when i turned it on again it had a horrible loud knocking sound, and yet still no service lights. The dealership said there was a bearing failure and that they are seeing it all the time and yet my make and model is not covered under the class action suits or engine repairs though they are seeing it in my make and model over and over again. Hyundai is refusing to assist.
NHTSA ODI #11524880
Mileage unknown · May 30, 2023
Engine
I purchased this vehicle only 9 months ago. After driving it for about 2 months I noticed that the engine oil level was so low that the dipstick was about dry. I added oil and chalked it up to the vehicle maybe just having some age to it as the mileage was approaching 100,000 miles at that time. I continued to drive the vehicle …
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I purchased this vehicle only 9 months ago. After driving it for about 2 months I noticed that the engine oil level was so low that the dipstick was about dry. I added oil and chalked it up to the vehicle maybe just having some age to it as the mileage was approaching 100,000 miles at that time. I continued to drive the vehicle checking the oil twice a week needing to add oil about a quart a week. About a month ago the car stalled on me and now i’m being told the engine has a cylinder number 4 failure.
NHTSA ODI #11524535
Mileage unknown · May 29, 2023
Engine
I am having excessive oil consumption, pinging of the engine and a delay in acceleration. 2 quarts in 700 miles
NHTSA ODI #11524329
Mileage unknown · May 27, 2023
Engine
Driving north on a southern California freeway at 65MPH and the engine lost complete power. The "Check Engine Light" immediately came on and I was able to safely coast off the freeway. I did not try to restart the car but instead had it towed to the nearest Hyundai dealer. The dealer replaced the spark plugs, performed a diagnos…
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Driving north on a southern California freeway at 65MPH and the engine lost complete power. The "Check Engine Light" immediately came on and I was able to safely coast off the freeway. I did not try to restart the car but instead had it towed to the nearest Hyundai dealer. The dealer replaced the spark plugs, performed a diagnostic test, and determined there was "low engine problem" and stated the engine needed to be replaced. They then said it might qualify for Hyundai's extended engine warranty program and submitted a claim. During this claim waiting period, I submitted a machanical breakdown claim to my auto insurance company who immediately sent a specialist to the dealer and reviewed the work done to date, and requested a compression test and determined it was a "top end problem". The insurance company specialist then requested the dealer remove valve cover and cylender head for further inspection and to confirm the car had been properly maintained. The dealer said the cost would be around $3,000 and the insurance company said this cost would be my responsibility. Days later, the dealer informed me Hyundai denied my extended engine warranty claim. In conclusion, I have self performed 90% of the oil and filter changes (using OEM filters) per manufactures recommendations and believe I have a valid claim under Hyundai's extended warranty. Please help. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA ODI #11524108
Mileage unknown · May 26, 2023
Engine
Back in January 2022 my car stalled, I took it to my mechanic and he said that I had no oil. My car has 33175 miles. He filled it up. Four months later it stalled again, I brought to the same mechanic again, he told me to take it to the dealer because the car is consuming oil. May 18 2022 dropped the car off at the Hyundai deale…
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Back in January 2022 my car stalled, I took it to my mechanic and he said that I had no oil. My car has 33175 miles. He filled it up. Four months later it stalled again, I brought to the same mechanic again, he told me to take it to the dealer because the car is consuming oil. May 18 2022 dropped the car off at the Hyundai dealer and they told me they were keeping it. After numerous phone calls to them they allowed me to pick up my car June 22 2002 and they did nothing, they told that my car had a consumption problem and that I need to drive it for one thousand miles and have the oil checked. July 12 2022 My milage now is 33397 he added oil. I came back after 510 miles and they had to put a quart of oil in, I have everything documented. Milage was 33685. September 19 2022 Mike added 1/2 quart of oil, milage was 34109. November 25 2022 milage was 34870 they added 2 1/2 quarts of oil. On January 23 2023 I called corporate and got a case number #20630111, not satisfied dealing with the dealer anymore. All the time I was going to the dealer no one documented anything that happened with the car. On February 24 2023 I brought the car back to the dealer and the oil consumption problem has been approved they put a tamper seal for the oil filter and drain plug to start the oil consumption test. My milage was 36129. I am petrified to drive the car for fear that I am going to stall out and get hit, I am 75 years old, I work, pick up grandkids and take care of my 101 year old mother, they don’t seem to care. I drove the car 1000 miles and on May 5 2023 I brought it back for an oil check up, it was 2 1/2 quarts short. I have a paper that says “time line of the recall” it says “the TSB instructed dealers to inspect and repair if the oil consumption was over 1 quart/ 1000 miles “ Every time I went to the dealer I took a picture of the dipstick and the milage. I was hoping you would be able to see that my car is not safe on the road and that I am petrified to drive it. Please help
NHTSA ODI #11524080
Mileage unknown · May 25, 2023
Engine
Changed the oil in my 2017 Hyundai Sante Fe Sport in Dec of 2022. Two months later my check engine light came on. I took it in for service and found out I was completely out of oil. Three months later I ran into the same issue and received another oil change. I contacted Hyundai who told me there was nothing they can do and no e…
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Changed the oil in my 2017 Hyundai Sante Fe Sport in Dec of 2022. Two months later my check engine light came on. I took it in for service and found out I was completely out of oil. Three months later I ran into the same issue and received another oil change. I contacted Hyundai who told me there was nothing they can do and no explanation for the burning of oil. Please note that I work from home so vehicle usage was and has not been a concern. 6 weeks after my second oil change in five months, my oil was once again below the L level almost non-visible. Went back to Hyundai and was told once more that there was nothing they can do and to potentially consider getting a new vehicle. They wanted me to pay out of pocket for a fuel consumption test that I’ve technically been running myself already for the last 6 months. Three oil changes and a top off. There is clearly an issue and I am fearful for my safety and others while driving my vehicle on the highways and streets. As we are transitioning back to the office in a couple of weeks I am in need of reliable transportation.
NHTSA ODI #11523855
Mileage unknown · May 25, 2023
Engine
Car started knocking in April we parked the car until we could get it towed to Hyundai of Norman! Get it over there for them to tell us then crankshaft has caused an issue with the bearing and it's worn. We do some research to find out that recall 168 by the NHTSA is just that! On our exact year make and model of our vehicle but…
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Car started knocking in April we parked the car until we could get it towed to Hyundai of Norman! Get it over there for them to tell us then crankshaft has caused an issue with the bearing and it's worn. We do some research to find out that recall 168 by the NHTSA is just that! On our exact year make and model of our vehicle but out VIN was not one flagged for the issue! Hyundai of Norman is RUDE when I asked for them to fill out a.PA for goodwill consideration. The tell us that Hyundai denied.our claim. Now we're going to have to pay 13k to get it fixed!
NHTSA ODI #11523761
Mileage unknown · May 24, 2023
Engine
My wife was driving our 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA fe to an appointment. When she pulled into parking spot the engine check light came on and the engine stopped running. She coasted to a stop and went to her appointment. When she returned to the car it would not turn over. The battery was OK but car would not turn over. Car was towed to…
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My wife was driving our 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA fe to an appointment. When she pulled into parking spot the engine check light came on and the engine stopped running. She coasted to a stop and went to her appointment. When she returned to the car it would not turn over. The battery was OK but car would not turn over. Car was towed to a local garage. They said car had little oil and the engine was sezied. We had the vehicle towed to a Hyundai dealer who confirmed the engine was sezied. The car had 104,000 on it. We had an extended bumper to bumper extended warranty to 100,000 miles. Dealer said they would contact Hyundai about about a new engine. But could not make any promises and for some reason they were hard to find. Last time I checked this site there were 388 similar seized engine reports. We had all maintenance checkes and oil changes at proper intervals.
NHTSA ODI #11523644
Mileage unknown · May 24, 2023
Engine
Excessive oil consumption. Add 1 quart about every 900 miles.
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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