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 · Apr 19, 2023
Engine
I was driving about 20mph down a country road, having just pulled out from the driveway. The car sounded fine, had no trouble accelerating. There were no warning lights on. All of a sudden, the car just died. Everything shut down. The country road was very narrow and there was no shoulder, so all I could do was put on my hazard …
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I was driving about 20mph down a country road, having just pulled out from the driveway. The car sounded fine, had no trouble accelerating. There were no warning lights on. All of a sudden, the car just died. Everything shut down. The country road was very narrow and there was no shoulder, so all I could do was put on my hazard lights and hope I didn't get hit. The car would not turn back on. I had it towed to a Hyundai dealership and was told that the engine had failed and it would be close to 15-20k to replace it. There was no warning indication that something was wrong with the engine. The car has 108,000 miles on it, but should have lasted longer than this.
NHTSA ODI #11517839
Mileage unknown · Apr 18, 2023
Engine
Car Mileage approx 81,000 miles at time of incident. All records maintained for 7 years. Driving 70mph on highway. Pull of highway and lose power to engine. Engine has a complete failure. Luckily I was able to pull over to the shoulder, no smoke, oil spill. No check engine light ever came on. Hyundai replaced the engine, costs w…
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Car Mileage approx 81,000 miles at time of incident. All records maintained for 7 years. Driving 70mph on highway. Pull of highway and lose power to engine. Engine has a complete failure. Luckily I was able to pull over to the shoulder, no smoke, oil spill. No check engine light ever came on. Hyundai replaced the engine, costs were approx $19k covered by the warranty. Car was under repair for 5 weeks. Long blocks are no longer available so it was frankensteined with a shortblock. One week after getting car back developed an oil leak. Hyundai will not warranty this issue. Car is in the shop getting repairs. Seeing everyones posts here having the same issue for the same model year I referenced RECALL # 168 which appears to be the same issue in all of these cars but my vin did not fall under its vin range. Good luck out there.
NHTSA ODI #11517762
Mileage unknown · Apr 17, 2023
Structure
While just entering the freeway my hood flew open at approximately 65-70 mph, hit and broke the windshield, causing me to run off the road. The vehicle exhibited no prior indications that the hood could fly up. The vehicle was taken to a Hyundai dealership and we were told that we needed to contact Hyundai Customer Care that the…
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While just entering the freeway my hood flew open at approximately 65-70 mph, hit and broke the windshield, causing me to run off the road. The vehicle exhibited no prior indications that the hood could fly up. The vehicle was taken to a Hyundai dealership and we were told that we needed to contact Hyundai Customer Care that the dealership could not do anything until a Claims Manger contacted them. Upon contacting Customer Care a claim number was assigned and the Hyundai claims manger eventually called saying that this defect is not covered under the recall 163 (TSB# 17-01-050 for Secondary Latch Cable) because the manufacture date is 7/30/2016 and the recall dates are 7/12/2012 through 6/27/2016. This is only 33 days after the recall period ended and sounds like the Hyundai factory had an escape of a bad vehicle. I took pictures of the secondary latch cable, it shows corrosion, and uploaded to the Hyundai website at the advice of the Customer Care Representative. After a lengthy period time the Hyundai Clams Manager reported, on a recorded line as he stressed, that his management did not see this as a warranty or goodwill repair and suggested that I make an insurance claim for the repair and for a rental car. My wife, mother in law and children were not physically injured but emotionally rattled. We've had no choice but to drive the vehicle, with the hood secured alternate DIY means, as we awaited disposition by Hyundai. We now have no choice but to arrange both repair and loaner vehicle by ourselves. Again, the vehicle manufacture and recall date range are only 33 days apart - this smells of an escape from the Hyundai manufacturing plant. Also, isn't the purpose of the secondary latch to prevent the hood from flying up if the primary latch fails or is partially / false latched? Please contact me if you need any additional information i.e. Claim number, Claims Manager name, etc.
NHTSA ODI #11517504
Mileage unknown · Apr 17, 2023
Engine
This is second time happening to me. I was driving on us 212west and all of a sudden there was a huge jerk and I lost power. I got almost hit by car behind me. Blinking engine light came on and this is the same thing happened last time with recall 953, knock sensor. I have talked to hyundai customer support. They are playing wit…
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This is second time happening to me. I was driving on us 212west and all of a sudden there was a huge jerk and I lost power. I got almost hit by car behind me. Blinking engine light came on and this is the same thing happened last time with recall 953, knock sensor. I have talked to hyundai customer support. They are playing with peoples life.
NHTSA ODI #11517361
Mileage unknown · Apr 13, 2023
Engine
UNKNOWN but it appears the oil is leaking from my car but I am not sure where as there are no puddles and we checked it and dipstick didn't detect anything, 4 quarts were added and it showed it was more than full then after waiting 3 hours for a tow truck to take it to the shop the oil was basically empty per the mechanic and th…
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UNKNOWN but it appears the oil is leaking from my car but I am not sure where as there are no puddles and we checked it and dipstick didn't detect anything, 4 quarts were added and it showed it was more than full then after waiting 3 hours for a tow truck to take it to the shop the oil was basically empty per the mechanic and the engine was shot and needs to be replaced but there is no engines available due to engine fires and other scenarios like mine yet an investigation is still going on and I am out a car
NHTSA ODI #11516931
Mileage unknown · Apr 13, 2023
Engine
Engine started losing power with weird noises and after stopping would not start again and was smoking. Dealership said engine has to be replaced. No warning lights came on. Dealership says everything else on the car is working perfectly, just no compression in the engine.
NHTSA ODI #11516848
Mileage unknown · Apr 12, 2023
EngineService BrakesUnknown Or Other
It’s not a accident The car won’t start and brake and wheels keep locking by itself.
NHTSA ODI #11516659
83,000 miles · Apr 10, 2023
EngineVehicle Speed Control
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the accelerator pedal became inoperable when depressed and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that a unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle failed to accelerate and coasted downhill into a parking lot. The vehicle was to…
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The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the accelerator pedal became inoperable when depressed and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that a unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle failed to accelerate and coasted downhill into a parking lot. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
NHTSA ODI #11516337
Mileage unknown · Apr 6, 2023
Engine
Engine failure while driving the vehicle. My safety along with others on the road was put at risk due to the cars engine failing and making me at risk for someone to hit me. There were no warning or check engine lights on prior to the incident or after.
NHTSA ODI #11515822
Mileage unknown · Apr 6, 2023
Engine
Car is properly maintained and serviced. We were driving on Highway and I heard a rattle. I turned down the radio then the speedometer changed from 65MPH to 0. The car was just rolling and lost all power. Then, for the first time ever, the check engine and battery light came on. Lots of smoke from the back and from under hood. T…
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Car is properly maintained and serviced. We were driving on Highway and I heard a rattle. I turned down the radio then the speedometer changed from 65MPH to 0. The car was just rolling and lost all power. Then, for the first time ever, the check engine and battery light came on. Lots of smoke from the back and from under hood. They said it threw a rod through the back of the engine, and all the oil leaked out. I had it towed to a dealership
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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