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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 · Jul 14, 2021
Engine

Broken cam shaft lifter arm caused engine to stall and break down

NHTSA ODI #11424803

79,000 miles · Jul 8, 2021
Engine

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while his wife was driving and approaching a red traffic light, the light turned green and the driver depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle started shaking abnormally and loss motive power, and stalled without warning. The driver attempted to restart the vehi…

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The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while his wife was driving and approaching a red traffic light, the light turned green and the driver depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle started shaking abnormally and loss motive power, and stalled without warning. The driver attempted to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle would not restart. The contact arrived at the scene and attempted to jump-start the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to start up. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer who inspected the vehicle and diagnosed the failure as bearing failure which caused the shaking and stalling of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost of the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.

NHTSA ODI #11423948

Mileage unknown · Jul 2, 2021
Unknown Or OtherCrash

Location: Apartment complex , driveway This morning I went to drop off my son at my parents place and when I made a U turn to turn around, the car accelerated on it’s own, I stepped on the brakes and it was too late, I hit the neighbors car on the corner and my right tire was on top of the sidewalk. Keep in mind the speed limit …

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Location: Apartment complex , driveway This morning I went to drop off my son at my parents place and when I made a U turn to turn around, the car accelerated on it’s own, I stepped on the brakes and it was too late, I hit the neighbors car on the corner and my right tire was on top of the sidewalk. Keep in mind the speed limit in the apartment complex is 5mph. I was going at 6mph and when the car accelerated it felt like if it was going 20mph! I bought my car last year on August 2020, since then my car has been giving signs of hesitations on the acceleration but never would of thought my car would actually drive off on its own. I have a 1yr old son and after this accident happen I don’t feel safe driving my car at all or even trust it at this point, I don’t want to be driving and it happens again and it could be worse.

NHTSA ODI #11423230

18,000 miles · Jun 17, 2021
Power Train

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle stalled with no warning lights illuminated. The contact also stated that the vehicle had been stalling from the time of purchase when making a right or left turn. The vehic…

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The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle stalled with no warning lights illuminated. The contact also stated that the vehicle had been stalling from the time of purchase when making a right or left turn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 18,000.

NHTSA ODI #11421282

Mileage unknown · Jun 5, 2021
EnginePower Train

The engine is consuming oil. After 1500 miles since my last oil change the oil DOES NOT show up on the oil stick. I have bought 3 brand new Hyundai Santa Fe's and 1 used Sonata, and NEVER had problems, except for my 2017 Santa Fe Sport, which I purchased at Dondelinger Hyundai in Baxter, Minnesota. I have also had to replace the…

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The engine is consuming oil. After 1500 miles since my last oil change the oil DOES NOT show up on the oil stick. I have bought 3 brand new Hyundai Santa Fe's and 1 used Sonata, and NEVER had problems, except for my 2017 Santa Fe Sport, which I purchased at Dondelinger Hyundai in Baxter, Minnesota. I have also had to replace the backup camera. I have been to this dealer 4 times with no resolve! Please help!!

NHTSA ODI #11419748

Mileage unknown · May 30, 2021
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion SystemFire

Smelled smoke at a stop light. Continued when light turned green. Pulled over about 30 car lengths later because smoke was coming in the vents. Jumped out of car and ran. Within 2 minutes, entire front engine was completely engulfed in flames. No indicator light came on before. Car was driving perfect.

NHTSA ODI #11419067

40,000 miles · May 25, 2021
EngineSeats

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle shifted into limp mode, causing the speed to be reduced to 20 mph. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The mechanic was unable to …

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The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle shifted into limp mode, causing the speed to be reduced to 20 mph. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The mechanic was unable to retrieve a fault code. Additionally, while driving at speeds above 60 mph, the 2nd-row captain seats shook and vibrated abnormally. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.

NHTSA ODI #11418439

75,000 miles · May 3, 2021
Engine

VEHICLE BEGAN BURNING THROUGH 3-4 QUARTZ OF OIL EVERY 1,000 MILES AFTER VEHICLE GOT CLOSE TO 75K MILES. WHEN THE ISSUE FIRST BEGAN, THE CAUSE WAS UNKNOWN. AFTER RUNNING MULTIPLE OIL CONSUMPTION TESTS, IT IS NOW BELIEVED TO BE AN ENGINE DEFICIENCY.

NHTSA ODI #11415031

96,500 miles · Apr 28, 2021
Engine

CAR STARTED TO WHINE WHEN STARTED, THEN I WAS AT ABOUT 30 MPH IT MADE A HIGH PING NOISE LIKE SOMETHING FELL OUT AND THE CAR SHUT OFF, NEVER STARTED AGAIN, MECHANIC SAID ENGINE BLOWN

NHTSA ODI #11414251

102,568 miles · Apr 21, 2021
Engine

LET ME SAY MY HYUNDAI SANTA FE LIMITED ULTIMATE 3.3L AWD IS A VERY GOOD AND RELIABLE VEHICLE NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES OR PROBLEMS. ALWAYS KEPT IT MAINTAINED. WELL ABOUT A MONTH AGO I HAPPEN TO START MY HYUNDAI WITH THE DOOR OPEN AND I HEARD A SOUND JUST FOR A FEW SECONDS. THE SOUND OF A ENGINE LOW ON OIL WHAT COULD NOT BELIEVE IT, …

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LET ME SAY MY HYUNDAI SANTA FE LIMITED ULTIMATE 3.3L AWD IS A VERY GOOD AND RELIABLE VEHICLE NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES OR PROBLEMS. ALWAYS KEPT IT MAINTAINED. WELL ABOUT A MONTH AGO I HAPPEN TO START MY HYUNDAI WITH THE DOOR OPEN AND I HEARD A SOUND JUST FOR A FEW SECONDS. THE SOUND OF A ENGINE LOW ON OIL WHAT COULD NOT BELIEVE IT, IT CAN'T BE. SO I CHECKED IT AND SURE ENOUGH IT NEEDED OIL, DUMBFOUNDED NO OIL PUDDLES ANYWHERE ON THE GROUND I WAS KINDA IN SHOCK THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED DIDN'T NEED TO WORRY ABOUT THAT ITS NEVER LEAKED OIL AND NONE OF THE GENTLEMEN THAT CHANGES THE OIL NEVER SAID ANYTHING OIL ABOUT THE OIL BEING LOW OR OIL ON THE ENGINE. SO I FOUND OUT WHAT KINDA OF OIL IT TOOK AND PUT ABOUT 3 1/2 QUARTERS. OK ALL BETTER BUT STILL WONDERING HOW THAT HAPPEND JUST RECENTLY HAD THE OIL CHANGED. WELL THE NEXT MORNING I HAD TO DRIVE TO SAN DIEGO FROM LONG BEACH CHECKED OIL OK NO PROBLEM ALL GOOD. SO IM ON THE FREEWAY DRIVING THROU OCEANSIDE CAMP PENDLETON AND WAS GETTING HUNGRY SO THE FIRST EXIT AFTER DRIVING THROUGH OCEANSIDE I WAS GOING TO STOP AND GET SOMETHING MIND YOU NO LIGHTS NO SMELLS NO SMOKE. SO I STARTED TO EXIT STILL EVERYTHING JUST FINE AND WHEN I SLOWED DOWN COMING TO THE LIGHT THE ENGINE STALLED AGAIN NO SMOKE NO LIGHTS NO SMELLS. I WAS VERY SUPRISED I TRIED TO START IT AND NOTHING TRIED AGAIN AND NOTHING. SO I CALLED AAA THEY LOOKED AT IT AND DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING WRONG BUT WOULD NOT START. SO I HAD THEM TAKE IT ON A FLAT BED TO HYUNDAI HARBOR OFF OF CHERRY WHERE IT SITS NOW. THEY LOOKED AT IT AND SAID THE ENGINE HAS SEIZED UP IT WILL NOT ROTATE. TOOK OIL PAN OFF AND FOUND METAL PIECES AND SAID THE BEARINGS WENT BAD IN TURN BURNING UP THE OIL AND SEIZED THE ENGINE. THAT PRETTY MUCH IT SO IS THEIR ANYTHING THAT CAN BE DONE TO HELP ME. I STILL OWE AROUND $19,000 ON IT AND DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO I'M GLAD I FOUND THAT LITTLE ARTICLE BECAUSE I NEED HELP.

NHTSA ODI #11413155

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.