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

78,000 miles · Nov 11, 2020

Engine

THE CAR HAS ALWAYS RAN THROUGH OIL SINCE IT WAS FIRST PURCHASED, BUT RECENTLY THE CAR DEVELOPED A MAJOR OIL LEAK. IT IS ONLY 4 YEARS OLD WITH REGULAR MAINTENANCE. CHECKED SEALS OF OIL FILTER AND EVERYTHING CHECKED OUT OK.

NHTSA ODI #11374197

37,000 miles · Nov 10, 2020

SuspensionUnknown Or OtherWheels

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THE V6 2017 SANTA FE SUV IS ADVERTISED IN MANY CAR MAGAZINES AND BY HYUNDAI TO TOW 5,000. LBS. I TOLD THE SALES MANAGER THE SPECS OF MY CAMPER. HE SAID IT WOULD NOT HAVE A PROBLEM TOWING MY CAMPER THAT WEIGHS 3,200. I SAID IF YOU GET IT PREPARED FOR TOWING, MEANING, HITCH, BRAKE BOX AND WIRE FOR LIGHTS, I WILL BUY IT. THE DEAL WAS MADE. I TOWED A FEW TIMES THEN HAD A BAD SHAKING IN THE REAR. THE SERVICE MANAGER TRIED TO TELL ME I WAS TOWING TOO MUCH WEIGHT. IMPOSSIBLE. IT'S JUST ME AND A SMALL DOG. I ARGUED WITH ALLEN TURNER HYUNDAI IN PENSACOLA, FL AND THE CORPORATE OFFICE. THEY BELIEVED WHAT THE DEALERSHIP SAID. I TOLD THEM I CAN GO WEIGH IT ALL ON DOT SCALES TO PROVE IT. SO THEY ENDED UP FIXING IT THAT TIME. I DIDN'T TOW FOR AWHILE BECAUSE OF COVID. THE FIRST TIME I DID, ON THE WAY HOME IT STARTED SHAKING. I GO TO THE DEALER. HE TOLD ME THE RIGHT REAR PASSENGER TIRE WAS SEPARATING INSIDE. IT WOULD NEED ALIGNMENT AND STRUTS. THEY WERE NOT GOING TO PAY FOR IT EVEN WITH THE CAR WITH LOW MILES STILL UNDER WARRANTY. THEY OFFERED ME SOMETHING OFF THEIR USED LOT. WHICH I CONSIDERED IF IT HAD THE SAFETY FEATURES THAT I ORIGINALLY BOUGHT ON MY SANTA FE. NO, THEY OFFERED A BASIC SMALL TRUCK. I'M OLDER AND I HAVE GOTTEN USED TO THE SAFETY FEATURES. THE SALESMAN TALKED DOWN TO ME, TRIED TO INTIMIDATE ME AND PRACTICALLY CALLED ME STUPID. I WAS SUPPOSED TO SEE THE SERVICE MANAGER BUT HE DISMISSED ME . I'VE BOUGHT THREE CARS FROM THIS DEALER USING THE SAME SALESMAN. THEN WHEN I HAVE A PROBLEM THEY TREAT ME LIKE THIS. I HAVE TESTIMONIES FROM OTHER CAMPER TRAILER HAULERS WITH THE SAME CAR THAT EVEN TOW A HIGHER WEIGHT CAMPER. THEY HAVE NOT HAD ANY PROBLEMS. I WILL ATTACH PHOTOS OF THEIRS ALSO. THANK YOU [XXX] WHEN I'M TOWING IT ALL SOUNDS GOOD AND WORKS GOOD. I WOULDN'T KNOW THE CAMPER WAS BACK THERE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #11374023

48,500 miles · Nov 9, 2020

Fuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control

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WHILE DRIVING MY 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT 2.0T TO ENTER THE FREEWAY, THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE NORMALLY. IT STARTED TO SHAKE AND FELT LIKE THE ENGINE WAS "MISFIRING" AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES, I WAS ABLE TO GET UP TO 60MPH. I TRIED TAKING MY FOOT OFF OF THE ACCELERATOR AND PRESSING IT AGAIN BUT IT WOULD ONLY LOSE SPEED AND THEN I'D HAVE TO WORK MY WAY UP TO 60 MPH. I WAS TRAVELLING STRAIGHT AND ON A FLAT ROAD. ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON WHEN FOOT WAS ON ACCELERATOR, THEN IT WENT OFF. ONCE I WAS OFF THE FREEWAY AND TRIED TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN FROM A STOP, CAR WOULDN'T ACCELERATE GOING UP THE INCLINE AND THE CAR BEHIND ME ALMOST HIT MY TAIL END. FINALLY,I TURNED LEFT TO GO UP THE HILL TOWARD MY HOUSE, I COULD ONLY GET UP TO 15 MPH BUT RPMS WERE BETWEEN 3500-4000. LUCKILY THERE WAS NO TRAFFIC BEHIND ME BUT I WAS AFRAID I WASN'T GOING TO MAKE IT UP THE STREET OR THAT SOME CAR WOULD COME UP BEHIND ME AND MY CAR WOULD STOP. IN ORDER FOR A CAR TO BE SAFE IT NEEDS TO BE RELIABLE IN ACCELERATION AS MUCH AS BRAKING AND STEERING! I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT AT THE DEALERSHIP DAY AFTER TOMORROW.

NHTSA ODI #11373894

19,271 miles · Oct 5, 2020

Visibility

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT BECAME AWARE THAT THE WINDSHIELD WAS CRACKED VERTICALLY AND HORIZONTALLY IN THE CENTER OF THE WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WAS REPLACED TWICE DUE TO BEING DAMAGED BY ROCKS. THE REPAIR WAS COMPLETED AT HER RESIDENCE BY SAFELITE AUTO GLASS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,271.

NHTSA ODI #11362774

Mileage unknown · Oct 2, 2020

Fuel/propulsion SystemPower TrainVehicle Speed Control

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DURING ACCELERATION FROM A STOP SIGN/RED LIGHT OR TURNING THE ENGINE HESITATES FOR APPROXIMATELY 5 SECONDS AFTER SEVERAL TRIES BEFORE REACHING DESIRED SPEED. WHEN USING CRUISE CONTROL ON FREEWAYS THERE IS A 10 TO 15 SECOND DELAY WHEN ACCELERATING OR PASSING ANOTHER VEHICLE WHICH IN ONE INSTANCE CAUSED A NEAR ACCIDENT ON A HIGH SPEED FREEWAY. MY VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN CAUSING OTHER VEHICLES GO AROUND ME PASSING FROM THE RIGHT SIDE LANE. THESE HESITATIONS HAVE CAUSED ME SEVERAL NEAR ACCIDENTS AND MAKES ME NOT FEEL CONFIDENT WHEN DRIVING THIS CAR. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP ON MANY OCCASIONS AND THEY REPORT NO ERROR CODES SHOW UP AND, THE MECHANIC CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THE DEALER REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION EARLIER THIS YEAR. THERE HAS BEEN NO IMPROVEMENT. I HAVE REVIEWED MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THIS HESITATION PROBLEM. WILL IT TAKE DEATH REPORTS TO HELP US OWNERS? MY ISSUE BEGAN IN 2018 RIGHT AFTER PURCHASE AND THE PROBLEM IS OCCURRING MORE OFTEN NOW. NO HELP IS IN SIGHT WHEN HYUNDAI AND THE DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO ADMIT THE PROBLEM AND MAKES ME AND OTHER OWNERS FEEL LIKE WE DON'T KNOW OUR VEHICLES OR OUR OWN MINDS!! WE NEED HELP BEFORE A DEATH OCCURS NOT AFTER!!

NHTSA ODI #11362328

3,325 miles · Sep 13, 2020

EnginePower Train

THIS VEHICLE HAS A INTERMITTENT ACCELERATION PROBLEM WHICH CAUSES A DELAY IN THE VEHICLE MOVEMENT. THE DEALER STATED THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM HOWEVER THE ISSUE DOES EXIST. MANY OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AS I READ ON LINE.

NHTSA ODI #11354753

Mileage unknown · Sep 9, 2020

Engine

BEEN LOSING OIL INBETWEEN OIL CHANGES AS DOCUMENTED BY FACILITIES THAT CHANGED IT AND NOTHING WAS SAID BY DEALER WHEN I ASKED IF IT WAS A PROBLEM AT THE MOST RECENT OIL CHANGE. TODAY MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND BLEW AND WAS BONE DRY. I WAS ON THE INTERSTATE AND IT STOPPED ACCELERATING AND KNOCKING. I HAD IT TOWED TO DEALERSHIP.

NHTSA ODI #11354069

35,000 miles · Jul 8, 2020

Engine

THE CAR IS SLUGGISH ON ACCELERATION. LOOKING UP FORUMS IT SEEMS THAT QUITE A FEW ARE EXPERIENCING THIS. I JUST READ "I JUST READ AN ARTICLE THAT SAID THAT HYUNDAI WILL BE REPLACING SOME ENGINES FOR THIS SAME ISSUE DUE TO A MANUFACTURING DEFECT WITH THE CRANKSHAFT PIN." ON A FORUM.

NHTSA ODI #11338280

32,000 miles · Jun 9, 2020

Electrical System

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VEHICLE LOSES ALL ELECTRICAL POWER, DESPITE HAVING A NEW BATTERY INSTALLED BY DEALER. BATTERY RUNS DOWN, SOMETIMES OVERNIGHT. DEALER CANNOT FIND ANY ISSUES, THOUGH SOMETHING CLEARLY IS DRAINING BATTERY POWER VERY QUICKLY. IT HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 5 TIMES IN THE PAST 3 MONTHS. VEHICLE IS OPERATED OFTEN ENOUGH TO PRECLUDE SUCH BATTERY DRAINAGE. I AM BRINGING IT BACK TO THE DEALER AGAIN ON 11 JUNE, AS THIS OCCURRED AGAIN TODAY (9 JUNE). I PURCHASED A PORTABLE MACHINE THAT JUMPS THE CAR BECAUSE THIS HAPPENS SO OFTEN. MY SPOUSE IS THE PRIMARY OPERATOR OF THIS VEHICLE AND I FEAR THAT THE ELECTRICAL WILL FAIL UNEXPECTEDLY AND POSE A SAFETY PROBLEM. THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW OR A LEMON! *TR

NHTSA ODI #11327960

49,000 miles · Apr 30, 2020

Power Train

WHEN ACCELERATING, MY VEHICLE HESITATES PRESENTING A SAFETY ISSUE WHEN MERGING ONTO HIGHWAYS OR MAKING LANE CHANGES. COULD ABSOLUTELY LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT, ESPECIALLY THE RISK OF BEING REAR ENDED. ALSO WHEN TURNING, HESITATES WHEN SPEEDING UP AFTER THE TURN. SAME WITH STOPS.

NHTSA ODI #11322832

Official recalls

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

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

Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.

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

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.