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 · Nov 15, 2022
Engine
Is burning the engine oil, is bthe 2nd time I got engine oil light On in less than 1 month with this SUV. I brought in Enterprise Car Sales in Oct 2022 and they send me to a Hyundai's dealership to get some service but they said is normal in the car. Hoy is possible, mostly a brand new SUV is burning oil and i have to fill up …
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Is burning the engine oil, is bthe 2nd time I got engine oil light On in less than 1 month with this SUV. I brought in Enterprise Car Sales in Oct 2022 and they send me to a Hyundai's dealership to get some service but they said is normal in the car. Hoy is possible, mostly a brand new SUV is burning oil and i have to fill up every week with oil? So I am spending more money than I was expecting in a brand new car.
NHTSA ODI #11493730
Mileage unknown · Nov 7, 2022
Engine
2017 Hyundai Santa Fe rod bearing failure occurred 10/09/22 without warning (no indicator lamp, messages or symptoms). The vehicle is currently at Keyes Hyundai in Van Nuys CA, Hyundai is refusing to cover the repair as the vehicle is over 100k miles. If the engine rod had blown while we were on the freeway this would have likel…
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2017 Hyundai Santa Fe rod bearing failure occurred 10/09/22 without warning (no indicator lamp, messages or symptoms). The vehicle is currently at Keyes Hyundai in Van Nuys CA, Hyundai is refusing to cover the repair as the vehicle is over 100k miles. If the engine rod had blown while we were on the freeway this would have likely been fatal. Problem confirmed by Hyundai 11/3/22, the vehicle is available for inspection by NHTSA. Hyundai has a lengthy history of engine problems and my vehicle ought to be covered under this condition. I still owe over $4k on the vehicle and only owned it 5 years. Hyundai Corporate Care representative offered and then retracted coverage, we transported the vehicle with the assumption of coverage. Transcripts of her voicemails are attached. Please help.
NHTSA ODI #11492583
Mileage unknown · Nov 6, 2022
Engine
While driving 25 mph the engine just stalled , initially it would not restart after about 30 minutes the vechile restarted but had missing sound and at this time the check engine light came on as able to drive vechile home which was 2 miles however would not go over 15-20 mph had a lot of smoke coming out of exhaust , had dealer…
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While driving 25 mph the engine just stalled , initially it would not restart after about 30 minutes the vechile restarted but had missing sound and at this time the check engine light came on as able to drive vechile home which was 2 miles however would not go over 15-20 mph had a lot of smoke coming out of exhaust , had dealer check and stated it was engine failure and that certain 2017 Santa Fe had a recall for engine issue that was exactly like what’s wrong with this one but it isn’t included in recall is what I was told and that it would 15k to fix , I think if that make and model had a recall on the engines due to failure it should be for every 2017 3.3 l v6 engine as looking at the vechile history that is a very common issue the car had 125000 miles on that is not very many and all maintenance was maintained on this car
NHTSA ODI #11492492
Mileage unknown · Nov 5, 2022
Engine
The engine suffered a bent valve resulting in engine failure and faulty motor. This problem was verified by the mechanic upon the car breaking down at a red light. The car started idling very rough and the engine light flashed. This was out of the blue and we had been getting regular service since purchasing the car less than a …
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The engine suffered a bent valve resulting in engine failure and faulty motor. This problem was verified by the mechanic upon the car breaking down at a red light. The car started idling very rough and the engine light flashed. This was out of the blue and we had been getting regular service since purchasing the car less than a year ago. It only has 80000 miles. This was a safety risk considering that the car was regularly serviced and broke down at a red light putting us at risk of an accident with no warning. I am yet to get ahold of Hyundai but I will be attempting to get them to replace their faulty engine under good faith.
NHTSA ODI #11492450
Mileage unknown · Nov 5, 2022
Engine
This engine has burned oil since 90,000 miles. Burning about a quart every 500 miles
NHTSA ODI #11492422
Mileage unknown · Oct 29, 2022
Air Bags
Airbag light stays in constantly in vehicle that is 5yrs old with less than 100,000 miles. Dealer wants $3,000+ to repair.
NHTSA ODI #11491436
Mileage unknown · Oct 19, 2022
Engine
At ~114k miles, the engine failed without warning. While driving on the freeway in overdrive, at ~65 mph, the vehicle struggled to down shift or accelerate further. I exited the freeway in <quarter mile and pulled into a parking lot, putting the car in park. The oil light, check engine light, and oil pressure lights came on simu…
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At ~114k miles, the engine failed without warning. While driving on the freeway in overdrive, at ~65 mph, the vehicle struggled to down shift or accelerate further. I exited the freeway in <quarter mile and pulled into a parking lot, putting the car in park. The oil light, check engine light, and oil pressure lights came on simultaneously, and the car shut off. A local mechanic diagnosed the issue as a thrown rod. No check engine light, oil pressure, or oil change light alerted me of an issue. All scheduled, routine oil changes were performed through the life of the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI #11490069
Mileage unknown · Oct 19, 2022
Engine
2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO HIGH OIL LOSS AND ENGINE FAILURE.
NHTSA ODI #11489952
Mileage unknown · Oct 18, 2022
Power Train
Car engine failed at highway speeds in the middle of the road nearly causing an accident. Brought to hyundia dealeship who is refusing to pay for rental costs while engine is being replaced. Car only has 50,000 miles on it.
NHTSA ODI #11489891
Mileage unknown · Oct 9, 2022
Engine
THE ENGINE AT 65,000 MILE CONSUME OIL THAT LEADS TO ENGINE FAILIER I REPORT IT TO HYUNDAI USA AMERICA THEY GIVE ME A CASE NUMBER GOT BACK TO ME AND TOLD ME THAT IT WAS A NORMAL ISSUE I TOOK THE CAR TO THE NEW ROCHELLE HYUNDAY NEW YORK THAT DEALER DID 3 TEST EVERY TEST AT 1000 MILE THE CAR CONSUME 2 QUARTS OF OIL THE DEAL…
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THE ENGINE AT 65,000 MILE CONSUME OIL THAT LEADS TO ENGINE FAILIER I REPORT IT TO HYUNDAI USA AMERICA THEY GIVE ME A CASE NUMBER GOT BACK TO ME AND TOLD ME THAT IT WAS A NORMAL ISSUE I TOOK THE CAR TO THE NEW ROCHELLE HYUNDAY NEW YORK THAT DEALER DID 3 TEST EVERY TEST AT 1000 MILE THE CAR CONSUME 2 QUARTS OF OIL THE DEALER REPORT IT TO HYUNDAI DENIED TO REMEDY THE ISSUE NOW THE CAR AT 90,000 THE CAR CONSUME 3 QUART HYUNDAI HAVE REPLACE THE ENGINE TO OTHER HYUNDAI CONSUMERS THEY DO NOT WANT TO REPLACE THE ENGINE I NEED HELP ON THIS PROBLEM
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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