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2017 Hyundai Santa Fe

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Santa Fe years

Owner complaints for the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe are substantially higher than the model-year median of 212.5.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

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 1, 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. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the rec…

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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. The local 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 #11459272

Mileage unknown · Mar 28, 2022
Engine

When driving the vehicle the check engine, battery and oil light came on when about 30 feet from a green light. Started to turn into a parking lot about two seconds later and the car stalled. Had no power or steering. Was able to stop with the break, but if had been going faster on on the main road may have crashed, with no thro…

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When driving the vehicle the check engine, battery and oil light came on when about 30 feet from a green light. Started to turn into a parking lot about two seconds later and the car stalled. Had no power or steering. Was able to stop with the break, but if had been going faster on on the main road may have crashed, with no throttle or steering control. Was able to stop the car as soon as entered the parking lot. Put vehicle in park, but it started rolling back into traffic once took the foot of the brake. Had to wait in vehicle with the brake until tow truck arrived. The vehicle was towed to a dealership and and it was determined that engine had excessive bearing wear. I was told by the dealership Hyundai that based on miles that Hyundai was not going to assist with any financial support to fix the vehicle. I called Hyundai 1(800) 633-5151 and spoke with Lindsey (supervisor) who said that she would not look up recalls from the NHTSA and that my specific vin number was not identified in any current recall for that issue. I asked her to look up to see how many vehicles were affected with the safe issue year and engine size safety recall 17V578000 from the NHTSA. She said that if not in her computer linked to a specific vehicle she would not help and then hung up. We feel blessed could have been a lot worse at high speeds. The main issue is the Hyundai representative showed no concern for the safety issue once I informed them that there may be more vehicles with a similar issue to the current recall. It appears the issue is a lot larger than the initial number of vehicles recalled and will probably lead to severe injury or death if not looked into. I am hopeful they report this issue themselves, but know that they are probably more concerned about profits than consumer safety.

NHTSA ODI #11458745

120,000 miles · Mar 25, 2022
Engine

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled with an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from the hood however, there was no evidence of a fire. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer to be…

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The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled with an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from the hood however, there was no evidence of a fire. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

NHTSA ODI #11458377

Mileage unknown · Mar 24, 2022
Engine

On January 11, 2021 I was on my way to work. I work for Kia. My car stalled out and my engine light began blinking perfusly. I made an illegal turn to get to my job where I was told to pull into service where it was diagnosed with a knock sensor code. It was towed to south Towne Hyundai of Newnan where it still is and has yet to…

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On January 11, 2021 I was on my way to work. I work for Kia. My car stalled out and my engine light began blinking perfusly. I made an illegal turn to get to my job where I was told to pull into service where it was diagnosed with a knock sensor code. It was towed to south Towne Hyundai of Newnan where it still is and has yet to be diagnosed. I have been getting lies saying I was next over 3 weeks. I have lost a job, exhausted all of my funds on rentals and my calls are being ignored. I filed a claim for reimbursement but at this time. I no longer want to deal with Hyundai. I would just like them to buy the vehicle back from my finance company as I completely am utterly disgusted by the policies, practice, and procedure that they refuse to honor. The case workers give false information but when you go read the website they have not adhered to anything they offer.

NHTSA ODI #11458190

Mileage unknown · Mar 22, 2022
Engine

The Oil has been burning black for years, the oil has been burning up in between scheduled oil changes, there has been a knocking sound for years, we have advised the Hyundai dealerships and they always said it was the fuel pump or gas cap or spark plugs, these were the only items they advised they fixed and the problem persiste…

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The Oil has been burning black for years, the oil has been burning up in between scheduled oil changes, there has been a knocking sound for years, we have advised the Hyundai dealerships and they always said it was the fuel pump or gas cap or spark plugs, these were the only items they advised they fixed and the problem persisted. Independent repair shops advised it was either the seal of the piston rings or engine issue. Hyundai dealers refused to advise if it was an issue with the engine, they also refused to perform a compression test unless it was first authorized by Hyundai corp. The engine finally died and now the car will not run, an independent shop advised there was no compression on Cylinder 2. We opened a case 18967436 with Hyundai Motor Corp since Nov 11, 2021 and to date nothing has been done.

NHTSA ODI #11457866

Mileage unknown · Mar 21, 2022
Engine

Vehicle will abruptly begin to stall and/or shut off. Vehicle will begin to stutter and start to shut down. Engine light will turn on and remain on. Vehicle will shut off and not turn on again. Oil lamp will flash on and off as vehicle begins to stall. Levels were checked and all oil is at correct range. Problem has been on go…

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Vehicle will abruptly begin to stall and/or shut off. Vehicle will begin to stutter and start to shut down. Engine light will turn on and remain on. Vehicle will shut off and not turn on again. Oil lamp will flash on and off as vehicle begins to stall. Levels were checked and all oil is at correct range. Problem has been on going for a month. Consumer have been experiencing most of the known recalls for this car but vin number comes back as no active recalls.

NHTSA ODI #11457589

Mileage unknown · Mar 17, 2022
Engine

Engine has bearing wear issue and connecting rod issue related to manufacturer fault. hyundai will not replace engine until it seizes. My wife was driving 65 mph on highway when it went into low-power mode because of knock sensor reducing speed to 20 mph. I had it towed to dealer and again they said although the engine has life…

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Engine has bearing wear issue and connecting rod issue related to manufacturer fault. hyundai will not replace engine until it seizes. My wife was driving 65 mph on highway when it went into low-power mode because of knock sensor reducing speed to 20 mph. I had it towed to dealer and again they said although the engine has lifetime warranty Hyundai will not warranty the engine until it seizes. They changed the knock sensor, and a day later codes came up for catalytic converter damage. Catalytic converter is damaged because of excessive oil burning about a quart every 600 miles. i filled a claim with Hyundai but was told issues not related to having a bad engine. Now i fear the knock sensor putting the engine in low power mode while driving because of stated engine problem that they will not fix.

NHTSA ODI #11457168

101,000 miles · Mar 16, 2022
Engine

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving at 35 MPH, The vehicle stopped abruptly. The check engine warning light, the battery warning light and the low oil warning light illuminated. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The contact stated while the towing …

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The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving at 35 MPH, The vehicle stopped abruptly. The check engine warning light, the battery warning light and the low oil warning light illuminated. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The contact stated while the towing company was jumpstarting the vehicle, they noticed smoke coming out of the engine compartment and the engine oil was leaking on the ground. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the engine was locked; however, the independent mechanic could not replicate the failure. The vehicle was towed to a another independent mechanic who advised as the previous one. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine was locked due to the connecting rod bearing failure. The dealer associated the failure with an unknown recall. The dealer sent a claim with the diagnostic report to the manufacturer; however, the manufacturer declined to cover the repair of the vehicle as the manufacturer Service campaign 953 Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software was not completed on the vehicle prior to the failure. The contact stated that she did not received a notification from the manufacturer regarding Service Campaign 953. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.

NHTSA ODI #11456969

Mileage unknown · Mar 15, 2022
Steering

While driving the steering wheel stutters and moves the vehicle all over the road. Does this at all speeds. Worse was on the interstate and I nearly ran off the road at 70 mph. Dealer says the vehicle needs a new steering column on March 3, 2022. Under 40,000 miles. This is not due to normal wear and tear or operator use. They c…

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While driving the steering wheel stutters and moves the vehicle all over the road. Does this at all speeds. Worse was on the interstate and I nearly ran off the road at 70 mph. Dealer says the vehicle needs a new steering column on March 3, 2022. Under 40,000 miles. This is not due to normal wear and tear or operator use. They claim this is not a warranty issue or recall. This vehicle is unsafe to drive.

NHTSA ODI #11456751

Mileage unknown · Mar 8, 2022
Electrical SystemEngineService Brakes

Icalled my dealer where I purchase my Hyundai & I called Hyundai customer care as well. Both p;laces told me since they do not have a remedy to cure this default there is nothing they can do. They both advised me to park my car away from other vehicles & structures as a fire could be triggered in the engine that could damage the…

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Icalled my dealer where I purchase my Hyundai & I called Hyundai customer care as well. Both p;laces told me since they do not have a remedy to cure this default there is nothing they can do. They both advised me to park my car away from other vehicles & structures as a fire could be triggered in the engine that could damage the surrounding area. This is preposterous that they recommended me to continue to drive the car but not keep it next to anything. I am a young mother with an 8 month old baby & I am petrified to drive the car & they will not provide me with a substitute car or rental car until they can fix the issue, which they have no timeframe to complete. The recall number for Hyundai is 22V056. Hyundai has it as 218. Please let me know what I can do to expedite this issue & feel safe. Thanks.

NHTSA ODI #11455729

Official recalls

6

22V056000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

Feb 3, 2022

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.

17V578000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

Sep 20, 2017

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.

17V358000 · Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch

Jun 5, 2017

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.

17V142000 · Tires:pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems

Mar 6, 2017

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.

16V842000 · Electrical System:wiring; Trailer Hitches

Nov 21, 2016

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.

16V145000 · Seat Belts:front:warning Light/devices

Mar 10, 2016

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.