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 · Feb 28, 2023
Engine
On the incident date listed, we were driving in Denison, Texas, going southbound on US Hwy 75. Traveling at 70mph, the vehicle started to have a loss of power and the vehicle started to shake, as if we were traveling on uneven pavement. Thankfully, we were able to pull to the side of the road to avoid being struck by traffic fol…
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On the incident date listed, we were driving in Denison, Texas, going southbound on US Hwy 75. Traveling at 70mph, the vehicle started to have a loss of power and the vehicle started to shake, as if we were traveling on uneven pavement. Thankfully, we were able to pull to the side of the road to avoid being struck by traffic following behind us. Approximately 7 miles ahead, road construction is being performed, and there is no shoulder. If this incident would have happened in this area, we would certainly have been killed, because there was no place to move the vehicle. After having the vehicle towed to the dealership, the engine no longer had fire in the first and third cylinders. This was due to no oil in the engine. An oil change had been performed on the car on 11/19/2022, at 115,323 miles. So we had traveled 1205 miles since the oil change. When the oil was checked, no oil showed on the dipstick and there were only 2 quarts of oil in the reservoir. 5 quarts of oil had to be put into the engine to attempt to start the vehicle. After doing research on an issue we did not know existed prior to purchase, Hyundai has shown to have an unusual instance of burning oil in their engines. Leaking is not a sign of trouble, or we would have seen this and had it addressed. We are outside of the warranty by 16k miles and the dealership is unwilling to work with us. We believe this should be brought to the NHTSA's attention, to prevent a potentially deadly incident from happening in the near future.
NHTSA ODI #11509426
Mileage unknown · Feb 26, 2023
Visibility
The panoramic sunroof on our 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe unexpectedly and without warning, exploded during a leisurely drive through our town this morning. At a speed not exceeding 40 mph, we were suddenly met with a loud, gunshot like sound that instantly frightened us. We immediately put our hazards on and pulled off to the side of …
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The panoramic sunroof on our 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe unexpectedly and without warning, exploded during a leisurely drive through our town this morning. At a speed not exceeding 40 mph, we were suddenly met with a loud, gunshot like sound that instantly frightened us. We immediately put our hazards on and pulled off to the side of the road to find that the sunroof had completely shattered. Thank goodness we had just closed the sun shade or else our three year old and family pet would have been covered in glass shards, shards that would have most definitely caused serious injuries had that sun shade not been closed. We were on a paved road where no other vehicles were present, leaving no chance for a rock or any sort of debris to have impacted the vehicle. There has been no prior glass work done on the sunroof and we have not experienced any sort of major temperature differential in our area recently. There were no chips or hairline cracks present prior to this incident. We have contacted our insurance company but are waiting to file a claim until we reach out to the dealership (it is currently a Sunday and all dealerships are closed here). Had we been on a major highway or road, this could have most definitely caused an accident as the noise was incredibly loud and shocking. Again, what is most concerning is the fact that had we not just closed the sun shade, our toddler could have been seriously injured by the glass shards.
NHTSA ODI #11509168
Mileage unknown · Feb 24, 2023
Engine
Driving car when suddenly all the dash lights came on and car started sputtering. Pulled over to side of road where car completely died. Could not restart with jump. Towed to mechanic where he informed me the engine appears to be ruined. Maintain regular oil changes since purchasing car in 2020.
My lane departure and collision warning did not work when I crashed into a car head on and totallled my vehicle. I had not yet received my recall maintenance, nor did I know about both recalls. Only the first. Not only that but lane assist did not work and the airbag did not go off. Despite totaling the car, how did they not g…
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My lane departure and collision warning did not work when I crashed into a car head on and totallled my vehicle. I had not yet received my recall maintenance, nor did I know about both recalls. Only the first. Not only that but lane assist did not work and the airbag did not go off. Despite totaling the car, how did they not go off?????
NHTSA ODI #11508838
Mileage unknown · Feb 23, 2023
Engine
The engine seized while driving. It will be available to inspect if requested. No warning signs whatsoever. Not a light on the dash. 117,xxx or so miles on it. We were driving in the left lane on the interstate when it happened. No noise, just completely shut off. In ST. Louis traffic. We couldn’t get to the right side so it wa…
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The engine seized while driving. It will be available to inspect if requested. No warning signs whatsoever. Not a light on the dash. 117,xxx or so miles on it. We were driving in the left lane on the interstate when it happened. No noise, just completely shut off. In ST. Louis traffic. We couldn’t get to the right side so it was extremely dangerous. I’m unsure if this is a common issue or not. The vehicle has only had diagnostics so far, no further inspections. I was due for an oil change that week, there were zero warnings signs that I noticed but I’m not a mechanic. No lights prior to incident, but when it occurred the following lights came on: key undetected light, oil pressure light, engine malfunction light, power steering light, battery light, and I believe there was one more unknown light. My vehicle engine just shut off completely and wouldn’t restart.
NHTSA ODI #11508827
Mileage unknown · Feb 21, 2023
EnginePower Train
We were traveling down the road 12/08/22 and a clanging noise started. we were only a few miles from the Hyundai place in Orlando so we drove there. They put us in a rental and said most likely it threw a rod and would need the Engine replaced. It had about 95500 miles on it. Universal Hyundai called and said Hyuandi would rep…
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We were traveling down the road 12/08/22 and a clanging noise started. we were only a few miles from the Hyundai place in Orlando so we drove there. They put us in a rental and said most likely it threw a rod and would need the Engine replaced. It had about 95500 miles on it. Universal Hyundai called and said Hyuandi would replace the engine as goodwill with a rebuilt engine and It will cost me 1300.00. after 65 days in the shop they said I can pick it up. Drove it 11 miles and it broke down again. got it towed back to Universal Hyundai. They said it was the start and alternator and it will cost me 2000.00. My car is 4.5 hours away from where I live. The month before I had to have both sensor assy- oxygen replaced, they changed me for that also. In February of 2022 the Catiliyst Convertor was replaced, which was covered under warranty. I maintained my oil changes.
NHTSA ODI #11508368
Mileage unknown · Feb 11, 2023
Engine
My family was driving down a busy state road at around 45 mph when the engine stalled. Seconds before the engine stalled the check engine light came on leaving no time to react.There were no other warning lights to indicate a problem leading up to the incident. Thankfully with what control we had left of the vehicle we were able…
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My family was driving down a busy state road at around 45 mph when the engine stalled. Seconds before the engine stalled the check engine light came on leaving no time to react.There were no other warning lights to indicate a problem leading up to the incident. Thankfully with what control we had left of the vehicle we were able to maneuver into a shopping center. Though we were able to stop safely we found ourselves facing the wrong direction in the shopping center right of way. The police arrived to direct traffic in the area around our vehicle as we waited for the tow truck causing major congestion leading out into the main road. The car was towed to the Hyundai dealership for inspection. They diagnosed the problem as a rod bearing failure in the engine. At only 65,000 miles this type of engine failure without any warning from the cars systems is unacceptable and dangerous.
NHTSA ODI #11506729
Mileage unknown · Feb 10, 2023
Engine
Oil consumption bulletin, piston slap, engine failure causing vehicle to shift into limp mode while driving at 70 miles per hour.
NHTSA ODI #11506694
Mileage unknown · Feb 4, 2023
Engine
The car lost all power in he middle of a busy 4 lane highway. Was able to coast to the shoulder. Engine light came on had car towed to mechanic. I then took car to Hyundai an they told me it had to do with update. Got car back an less the 6 hours later the car went into limp mode not exceeding 2000 rpm. Took the car back an now …
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The car lost all power in he middle of a busy 4 lane highway. Was able to coast to the shoulder. Engine light came on had car towed to mechanic. I then took car to Hyundai an they told me it had to do with update. Got car back an less the 6 hours later the car went into limp mode not exceeding 2000 rpm. Took the car back an now they are claiming the piston has dug into cylinder wall an need new engine.
NHTSA ODI #11505554
Mileage unknown · Feb 3, 2023
Engine
On 11-12-22 my Sante Fe stuttered and came to a stop on a busy highway. On inspection we found there was no oil in the engine, there was no crack in the oil pan and otherwise no way for the oil to leak out. We did all the maintenance on schedule according the Hyundai's recommendations. My two young kids, my husband and I were st…
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On 11-12-22 my Sante Fe stuttered and came to a stop on a busy highway. On inspection we found there was no oil in the engine, there was no crack in the oil pan and otherwise no way for the oil to leak out. We did all the maintenance on schedule according the Hyundai's recommendations. My two young kids, my husband and I were stranded on the side of the highway for hours until we could get the car towed to the nearest dealership. Clearly, an engine seizing on the highway is very scary and unsafe. Hyundai is aware of the excessive oil consumption and did not inform consumers, putting lives at risk. The car is sitting dead in a dealership and in the mean time has been vandalized, the steering column was busted and the lift gate was disabled. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership and an insurance rep is scheduled to inspect it for the damage from the break-in. Insurance has already said the engine is our problem because it wasn't caused by an accident but by manufacturer defect. There was no warning that the engine was consuming excessive oil, it just seized. Hyundai is requesting a tear down of the engine so they can determine if the engine will be covered. I fear they will find a way to not cover a new engine, when it was clearly a manufacturing defect. My families lives were at risk because of Hyundai's disregard for their customers.
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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