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
33,000 miles · Aug 31, 2019
EnginePower Train
THERE IS A FEW SECONDS OF HESITATION WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE AT TIMES. FROM A DEAD STOP OR A SLOW ROLL WHEN TURNING, THE CAR WILL MOVE IN SLOW MOTION ONLY AND THE ANTI SLIP INDICATOR COMES ON LIKE YOU ARE ON A SLIPPERY SURFACE EVEN WHEN IT'S DRY. THEN IT ACCELERATES SUDDENLY. WE HAVE COME CLOSE TO HAVING SEVERAL ACCIDENTS B…
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THERE IS A FEW SECONDS OF HESITATION WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE AT TIMES. FROM A DEAD STOP OR A SLOW ROLL WHEN TURNING, THE CAR WILL MOVE IN SLOW MOTION ONLY AND THE ANTI SLIP INDICATOR COMES ON LIKE YOU ARE ON A SLIPPERY SURFACE EVEN WHEN IT'S DRY. THEN IT ACCELERATES SUDDENLY. WE HAVE COME CLOSE TO HAVING SEVERAL ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THIS. WE HAVE TAKEN OUR VEHICLE IN OVER 5 TIMES AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENTS AT TWO DEALERSHIPS SAY THEY CANNOT REPLICATE IT AND BRUSH US OFF. THIS IS A HUGE ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED.
NHTSA ODI #11252620
10 miles · Aug 29, 2019
Engine
CAR DIED WHILE DRIVING ON ROAD. ENGINE KNOCKING. NO INDICATOR LIGHTS TO WARN ME THAT SOMETHING WAS GOING TO HAPPEN. ENGINE FILLED WITH SLUDGE EVEN WITH OIL CHANGES. ENGINE KNOCKING AND FAILED.
NHTSA ODI #11252291
Mileage unknown · Aug 10, 2019
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
WRONG TIRE PRESSURE READING
NHTSA ODI #11243023
79,816 miles · Aug 5, 2019
Power Train
ON MARCH , 19 2019 AROUND 5:00AM I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK LIKE NORMAL. AS I WAS GETTING ON THE 60 FREEWAY AT ABOUT 45 MILES PER HOUR MY CAR SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. I HAD NO POWER STEERING BUT I COASTED TO A STOP IN THE RIGHT LANE OF FREEWAY TURNED MY CAR BACK ON AND DROVE ABOUT 500 FEET AND THE SAME THING HAPPEN BUT THIS TIME IT…
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ON MARCH , 19 2019 AROUND 5:00AM I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK LIKE NORMAL. AS I WAS GETTING ON THE 60 FREEWAY AT ABOUT 45 MILES PER HOUR MY CAR SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. I HAD NO POWER STEERING BUT I COASTED TO A STOP IN THE RIGHT LANE OF FREEWAY TURNED MY CAR BACK ON AND DROVE ABOUT 500 FEET AND THE SAME THING HAPPEN BUT THIS TIME IT WOULD NOT TURN BACK ON.
NHTSA ODI #11241901
21,000 miles · Jun 18, 2019
Engine
THE VEHICLE SHIFTS EXTREMELY HARD FROM A STOP AND WHEN IN LOWER GEARS IN MOTION. YOU PUSH THE ACCELERATOR TO GO AND IT SLOWLY RESPONDS AND THEN IT SHIFTS VIOLENTLY SOUNDING LIKE SOMETHING FELL OFF THE BOTTOM OF VEHICLE AND JERKS THE WHOLE VEHICLE AND PASSENGERS INSIDE. VEHICLES BEHIND US COME VERY CLOSE TO HITTING US WHEN THIS O…
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THE VEHICLE SHIFTS EXTREMELY HARD FROM A STOP AND WHEN IN LOWER GEARS IN MOTION. YOU PUSH THE ACCELERATOR TO GO AND IT SLOWLY RESPONDS AND THEN IT SHIFTS VIOLENTLY SOUNDING LIKE SOMETHING FELL OFF THE BOTTOM OF VEHICLE AND JERKS THE WHOLE VEHICLE AND PASSENGERS INSIDE. VEHICLES BEHIND US COME VERY CLOSE TO HITTING US WHEN THIS OCCURS AND THE VEHICLE HAS NOT MOVED YET AS NORMALLY EXPECTED.
NHTSA ODI #11220861
50,000 miles · Jun 5, 2019
Unknown Or Other
WHILE DRIVING WESTBOUND ON I-80 ON SUNDAY, JUNE 2, 2019, AT 2:33 PM THE FRONT PORTION OF THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF EXPLODED WITH THE SOUND OF A 12 GAUGE SHOTGUN. THE GLASS WENT FLYING AND CAME INTO THE VEHICLE. NO PRIOR DAMAGE TO THE SUN ROOF AND THE AIR TEMPERATURE WAS 64 DEGREES. WE WERE TRAVELING AT 65 MPH.
NHTSA ODI #11218117
33,000 miles · Jun 3, 2019
Electrical SystemEngine
MY CAR WOULDN'T START HAD MY CAR FOR SERVICE. I WAS CHARGED A SERVICE FEE WHICH THEY WOULD TELL ME WHATS WRONG WITH THE CAR. I WAS ONLY TOLD THE BATTERY WAS AN ISSUE. THAT WAS REPLACE. THE PERSON WHO ATTEND ME DID NOT TELL ME ANYTHING ABOUT GETTING AN OIL CHANGE OR ANY OTHER PROBLEMS IN FEBRUARY. WENT BACK IN APRIL BECAUSE MY CA…
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MY CAR WOULDN'T START HAD MY CAR FOR SERVICE. I WAS CHARGED A SERVICE FEE WHICH THEY WOULD TELL ME WHATS WRONG WITH THE CAR. I WAS ONLY TOLD THE BATTERY WAS AN ISSUE. THAT WAS REPLACE. THE PERSON WHO ATTEND ME DID NOT TELL ME ANYTHING ABOUT GETTING AN OIL CHANGE OR ANY OTHER PROBLEMS IN FEBRUARY. WENT BACK IN APRIL BECAUSE MY CAR STOP RUNNING TURNED OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. WENT BACK TO THE SAME DEALER I NOT FIX CARS SO WHEN I GET SERVIVE FOR THE VEHICLE. I WOULD THINK SOMEONE WOULD TELL ME OTHERWISE BUT NO. I TOKE IT BACK I WAS TOLD THE VEHICLE DOESNT HAVE WARRANTY. THAT IT EXPIRED BUT IN THE SYSTEM THERE WAS NO WARRANTY EVEN RECORDED. NOW I AM STUCK WITH HARASSMENT CALLS ABOUT A VEHICLE I NO LONGER HAVE DUE TO LACK OF MAINTENANCE. I PURCHASE THE VEHICLE LAST YEAR IN JUNE 2019. I DIDNT HAVE THE CAR FOR THEN A YEAR.
NHTSA ODI #11217441
Mileage unknown · May 27, 2019
Electrical SystemSeat Belts
MY CAR JUST TURNED OFF. WHILE I WAS DRIVING UNDER 15 MILES, IT TURNED OFF, THIS HAS HAPPENED 3!TIMES SINCE I GOT THE CAR. THE SEATBELT IN THE 2ND ROW BEHIND THE PASSENGER SEAT SOMETIMES DOESN'T WANT TO LOCK. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT THEY WEREN'T ABLE TO RECREATE THE PROBLEMS SO THERE'S NOTHING THAT THEY COULD DO ABOUT IT. I SPOK…
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MY CAR JUST TURNED OFF. WHILE I WAS DRIVING UNDER 15 MILES, IT TURNED OFF, THIS HAS HAPPENED 3!TIMES SINCE I GOT THE CAR. THE SEATBELT IN THE 2ND ROW BEHIND THE PASSENGER SEAT SOMETIMES DOESN'T WANT TO LOCK. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT THEY WEREN'T ABLE TO RECREATE THE PROBLEMS SO THERE'S NOTHING THAT THEY COULD DO ABOUT IT. I SPOKE TO THEIR CORPORATE OFFICE AND SENT EMAILS AND NO ONE CAN FIX THE ISSUES.
NHTSA ODI #11210121
7,950 miles · May 9, 2019
Engine
ON HIGHWAY AND ENGINE SUDDENLY DECELERATES, NO THROTTLE RESPONSE, WON'T GO OVER 40 MPH, ENGINE LIGHT BLINKS. IN FOR SERVICE 2 TIMES IN 2 DAYS FOR THE SAME ISSUE. SERVICE TELLING ME IT IS THE KNOCK SENSOR OR WIRING. CAR HAS ONLY 7950 MILES. CAMPAIGN #953 RECALL DONE AT 7400 MILE
NHTSA ODI #11206463
43,000 miles · May 3, 2019
Electrical SystemFire
CAN WAS SITTING FROM 7:00 PM ON 5/2 AND WE WOKE TO FULL ON FIRE FROM REAR OF VEHICLE AT 4:50 AM ON 5/3 - FIRE CO BELIEVES ELECTRICAL
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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