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 · Oct 5, 2022
EnginePower Train
My 2017 Santa Fe's engine seized in 2019 at about 46K miles while I was going up a large hill. The entire vehicle began shaking, the oil light came on and then the vehicle lost power in bumper to bumper traffic. Fortunately a large truck behind me moved to act and nudged me up the rest of the hill with his truck so I could pull …
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My 2017 Santa Fe's engine seized in 2019 at about 46K miles while I was going up a large hill. The entire vehicle began shaking, the oil light came on and then the vehicle lost power in bumper to bumper traffic. Fortunately a large truck behind me moved to act and nudged me up the rest of the hill with his truck so I could pull over safely. Hyundai replaced that engine after a few months and then replaced the turbo because they noticed that was failing even after engine replacement. This was prior to the class action lawsuits. My vehicle is now at about 64K miles with less than 15 on the new engine and turbo. In Fall of 2022, I got an oil change, took a quick short road trip later that day and on the way back with my family, the engine oil light came on. We pulled over and saw that the oil had mostly leaked out so we found a good Samaritan who helped get us oil to top it off so we could get home safely. I took it back to the oil change location the next day, thinking they had made a mistake and they advised the leak was due to my turbo failing. They took several pictures of the source of the leak and told me to get it to the dealer ASAP to prevent further leak, risk of fire or engine seizure. I towed the vehicle in.Hyundai advised it would be 6 weeks before they take a look at my vehicle. In addition, they offered no recourse or alternative transport while waiting for a determination despite the extended warranties that apply to my situation. They sent me a form to allow them to start the repair with no estimate attached and with a total waiver of my rights to join a class action suit but they haven't even looked at the vehicle. Not only am I worried about my safety, with a second engine failure, I am also worried they are sneaking in clauses to strip consumers of their rights.
NHTSA ODI #11488108
Mileage unknown · Sep 28, 2022
Engine
On July 9th 2022, as I am headed out of town, with my daughter & her friend I was driving on back roads to another state. I went to pass a vehicle & as I did my car was not wanting to accelerate as it should to properly pass a vehicle. I made it in front of the other call, but it was getting sluggish & not wanting to accelerate.…
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On July 9th 2022, as I am headed out of town, with my daughter & her friend I was driving on back roads to another state. I went to pass a vehicle & as I did my car was not wanting to accelerate as it should to properly pass a vehicle. I made it in front of the other call, but it was getting sluggish & not wanting to accelerate. It actually started slowing down rather suddenly as I got in front of the car. I pulled over to check my oil, even though I recently had it changed. (This suv has an oil consumption issue that I have to top off often. I know to keep an eye on these things, due to driving older truck before. I even go back to the oil changing company, and they top off for free, but asking what I was doing with all the oil.) The oil was fine and there should have been no problem, so I proceeded to pull out and attempt to go again and barely made it to a place to pull over as it was jerking, and the lights were coming on and it did not want to accelerate. It was a very scary feeling with kids in the car as well. I had to wait 1 hour for help. I had to leave it overnight until I could get it towed to my mechanic. He said that it was my engine, & he did not want to mess with it because he knew there were recalls on these and I need to reach my dealership. Being that my dealership is 1 hour away I called several different ones & they were all full. I called the HYUNDAI service & they got me an appt at my dealership and I had it towed. It was towed in 7/19/2022 the 1 year anniversary of being bought.They told me 1st of September before they could even look at it. Now every week, they say they can't look at it until the next week. I have paid car & insurance payments. I do not have a dependable ride. Had to cancel 1 vacation and maybe another. I live an hour from work. With no help insight, no loaner or rental, it has been a struggle. I have seen several people with these cars having their engine seize as well. Asked about trade & they said its worth $500 owe14,000
NHTSA ODI #11486948
Mileage unknown · Sep 23, 2022
Engine
Vehicle had had excessive oil consumption dating back al least 2020. Engine seizure leading to traffic accident could have caused safety issue to me, my passengers and others. Excess usage has been documented by Conicelli Hyundai in Conshohocken, PA. On 5/17/22, I had my oil changed at Conicelli Hyundai with odometer reading …
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Vehicle had had excessive oil consumption dating back al least 2020. Engine seizure leading to traffic accident could have caused safety issue to me, my passengers and others. Excess usage has been documented by Conicelli Hyundai in Conshohocken, PA. On 5/17/22, I had my oil changed at Conicelli Hyundai with odometer reading at 45,952. I mentioned the excess oil usage and they set me up for an oil consumption study. On 7/11/22, odometer reading was 47,239 and vehicle consumed 2.7 quarts of oil. On 8/12/22, odometer reading was 48,168 and oil consumed was 2.7 quarts again. On 9/8/22, odometer was 49,098 and oil consumed was 3 quarts. On 9/18/2022, I had to add another quart of oil. Please note that I park on a concrete driveway, and there is no oil on the driveway. Next step was supposed to be engine cleaning under warranty, but I called 9/23/22 and was told a class action suit had been filed against Hyundai regarding excessive oil consumption and the engine cleaning was no longer being offered. My vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, other than Conicelli Hyundai, nor has it been inspected by police, insurance representatives or others. In 2020, a low oil warning lamp appeared. When I checked, there was no oil on the dipstick and 3 quarts of oil were added. When I mentioned this to my regular mechanic, he said Hyundais were using a lot of oil, and recommended checking oil every month. I would have to add 1 to 2 quarts each month, between oil changes every 3,000 miles
NHTSA ODI #11486016
Mileage unknown · Sep 22, 2022
Engine
Regarding repairs of the Hyundai Santa Fe 2.0T (2017 year) towed there dated 8/26/2022, I experienced engine failure because I drove only 2000 miles after my car got fixed due to the "engine check light" issue. I have a deep concern as my car occurred repeated problems before the engine warranty expired and in the end, I almost …
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Regarding repairs of the Hyundai Santa Fe 2.0T (2017 year) towed there dated 8/26/2022, I experienced engine failure because I drove only 2000 miles after my car got fixed due to the "engine check light" issue. I have a deep concern as my car occurred repeated problems before the engine warranty expired and in the end, I almost had a life-threatened accident due to an engine shutdown while driving on the speedway. Even after the car got fixed at the dealer service center several times including once warranty repair, I am very afraid of driving without guaranteeing certain safety when I am at the wheel. I contacted Hyundai Assistance Center to assist with this issue. However, they replied not to cover the warranty, even though I repaired it at my own cost several times, and in the end, the warranty expired while struggling to resolve engine issues so far.
NHTSA ODI #11485948
Mileage unknown · Sep 22, 2022
Service Brakes, Air
2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO ANTI LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME COMPLETING THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. *JS
NHTSA ODI #11485802
Mileage unknown · Sep 21, 2022
Engine
Engine is experiencing oil consumption issues. Nearing the end of first 1,000 mile oil consumption test.
NHTSA ODI #11485603
Mileage unknown · Sep 14, 2022
Engine
After a road trip from NJ to KY, the low oil pressure light came on during stops. A quick check at the mechanic shows that my oil was low though I was not due for a scheduled oil change. I was informed that the car might be burning oil. The low oil light still came on during stops even after toping the oil. I was later informed…
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After a road trip from NJ to KY, the low oil pressure light came on during stops. A quick check at the mechanic shows that my oil was low though I was not due for a scheduled oil change. I was informed that the car might be burning oil. The low oil light still came on during stops even after toping the oil. I was later informed that the engine cannot maintain the oil pressure when the car is idling after a follow-up visit in a couple of days. A quick check online showed that Hyundai has been having issues with car engines related to 'metallic oil' which could lead to this issue. My mechanic informed me that the dealership has refused to change my motor since it is not included in the ongoing engine replacement program. I was also informed that the company no longer makes the engine even if I want to purchase a replacement! I wish to request the NHTSA to institute a wider review to study if other Hyundai and Kia engines have oil burning/metallic oil issues and if these could be looped into the engine replacement program as it is unfathomable that a 5 yr car's motor should be damaged after a road trip under normal use conditions. Thanks for looking into this.
NHTSA ODI #11484531
Mileage unknown · Sep 14, 2022
Engine
Driving on the Interstate with my kids on our way to see family, when we heard a rattling sound and within in a minute or two, then heard a thud sound and the car died. I was barely able to make it to the side of the Interstate. We first had it towed to a local mechanic, who explained that it had thrown a piston through the engi…
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Driving on the Interstate with my kids on our way to see family, when we heard a rattling sound and within in a minute or two, then heard a thud sound and the car died. I was barely able to make it to the side of the Interstate. We first had it towed to a local mechanic, who explained that it had thrown a piston through the engine block. We were quoted at that time around $11,000 for engine replacement. In order to submit anything to Hyundai, we had to tow it to the nearest dealership, which confirmed the local mechanic's diagnosis, only to be denied coverage because of warranty. They quoted us approximately $14,000 for an engine replacement. Even though this is not the specific issue outlined in the massive recall, they KNOW they have a serious issue with their engine production during this timeframe. They really need to something to help those of use with blown engines. Mileage is roughly 102,000 and we have service records to prove we have not neglected maintenance.
NHTSA ODI #11484374
Mileage unknown · Sep 8, 2022
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V056000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. An unknown dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the re…
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The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V056000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. An unknown dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA ODI #11483564
Mileage unknown · Sep 8, 2022
Engine
I have had my vehicle in for the same sputtering/lack of acceleration problem 5times. The check engine light is flashing, yet, the tech says there is nothing wrong. It is frightening to drive when I cannot accelerate and it jerks horribly between 0-20. When I reach 64mph, it starts deceleration and drops even though my foot is o…
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I have had my vehicle in for the same sputtering/lack of acceleration problem 5times. The check engine light is flashing, yet, the tech says there is nothing wrong. It is frightening to drive when I cannot accelerate and it jerks horribly between 0-20. When I reach 64mph, it starts deceleration and drops even though my foot is on the gas pedal. I also have a known oil consumption problem they have not been helpful with. I did contact the National care line and they have accelerated the problem to a safety concern.my car has been at the dealer for 5 weeks and I just got a message stating nothing is wrong with the car.
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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