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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.

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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
200 miles · May 23, 2017
Power Train

HESITATION WHEN ENTERING TRAFFIC--HAIR RAISING EXPERIENCE--THERE IS A 3 TO 4 SECOND STOP IN THE IN THE DRIVE TRAIN--THE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE IS GONE-LEAVING ONE IN A PANIC MODE--ALSO FEATHERING THE THROTTLE AT TIMES THERE IS NO RESPONSE--TOOK SUV TO DEALER--THEY HOOKED UP A MONITOR AND WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER ON BOARD--- TH…

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HESITATION WHEN ENTERING TRAFFIC--HAIR RAISING EXPERIENCE--THERE IS A 3 TO 4 SECOND STOP IN THE IN THE DRIVE TRAIN--THE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE IS GONE-LEAVING ONE IN A PANIC MODE--ALSO FEATHERING THE THROTTLE AT TIMES THERE IS NO RESPONSE--TOOK SUV TO DEALER--THEY HOOKED UP A MONITOR AND WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER ON BOARD--- THE VEHCLE DID NOT RESPOND WHEN ACCELERATING--I AM TOLD DUE TO THE INFORMATION SENT BACK THROUGH MONITORING TO THE FACTORY THAT THE DEALERSHIP COULD NOT ASK FOR A BUY BACK--MY QUESTION IS HOW CAN A CO KEEP MAKING AND SELLING A UNIT THAT IS DEFECTIVE ?--THERE ARE HUNDREDS IF NOT MORE SIMILAR CASES ON LINE WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS--I WILL NOT DRIVE THIS VEHICLE ON ROAD--LIFE THREATENING--IF THE DEALERSHIP OR CO. DOES NOT AGREE TO BUY BACK I WILL BE FORCED TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION--STAND BY--CLASS ACTION MAY BE ON ITS WAY!!!MY CASE IS PENDING--AWAITING A RESPONSE BY EITHER DEALERSHIP OR CO.HOPE SOME ONE IS FAR MINDED AS TO THIS CONTINUING PROBLEM--AFTER ALL THIS IS THE U.S.A

NHTSA ODI #10991294

3,000 miles · May 23, 2017
Engine

CAR LEASED IN FEB. 2017. JUST AFTER FINALIZED, NOTICED THIS SERIOUS PROBLEM: THE ACCELERATION AFTER A TURN IS EXTREMELY SLOW AND TAKES AN UNREASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME CAUSING DANGER OF VEHICLE BEHIND SLAMMING INTO BACK END. UPON ACCELERATING AFTER A TURN THERE IS SO MUCH HESITATION THAT IT CAUSED DRIVER AND PASSENGERS TO LUNGE FO…

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CAR LEASED IN FEB. 2017. JUST AFTER FINALIZED, NOTICED THIS SERIOUS PROBLEM: THE ACCELERATION AFTER A TURN IS EXTREMELY SLOW AND TAKES AN UNREASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME CAUSING DANGER OF VEHICLE BEHIND SLAMMING INTO BACK END. UPON ACCELERATING AFTER A TURN THERE IS SO MUCH HESITATION THAT IT CAUSED DRIVER AND PASSENGERS TO LUNGE FORWARD ONCE THE ENGINE KICKS IN. THE LIGHT INDICATING SLIPPING USUALLY COMES ON WHEN THIS HAPPENS AS WELL. MY SON DROVE IT TODAY WITH MY YOUNGER BOY AND THEY WERE ALMOST REAR ENDED. I'VE TALKED TO DEALER TWICE ABOUT THIS.

NHTSA ODI #10991280

9,800 miles · May 21, 2017
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

MY WIFE AND I HAVE HAD THE SAME INTERMITTENT PROBLEM SINCE ACQUIRING OUR 2017 SANTA FE BRAND NEW IN THE LATE SPRING OF 2016. WHEN TURNING FROM A STOP OR MAKING A VERY LOW SPEED TURN, AND THEN STARTING TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE WILL STALL AND HESITATE, NOT MOVING OR "CATCHING" FOR 1-2 SECONDS. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO US APPROXI…

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MY WIFE AND I HAVE HAD THE SAME INTERMITTENT PROBLEM SINCE ACQUIRING OUR 2017 SANTA FE BRAND NEW IN THE LATE SPRING OF 2016. WHEN TURNING FROM A STOP OR MAKING A VERY LOW SPEED TURN, AND THEN STARTING TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE WILL STALL AND HESITATE, NOT MOVING OR "CATCHING" FOR 1-2 SECONDS. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO US APPROXIMATELY 6-8 TIMES. AND I'VE NEARLY BEEN REAR-ENDED ON SEVERAL OF THOSE OCCASIONS BECAUSE I WAS STALLED IN FRONT OF TRAFFIC BEHIND ME, ALSO TRYING TO MAKE THE TURN . ONCE I BARELY CLEARED THE INTERSECTION AT A LIGHT WHEN TURNING LEFT, HAVING THE SANTA FE STALL IN THE FACE OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. I WAS NEARLY BROADSIDED BY SWIFT MOVING, ONCOMING TRAFFIC. SOMEONE IS GOING TO BE KILLED IF THIS PROBLEM IS NOT FULLY ADDRESSED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THE PUBLIC NEEDS PROTECTION AND A REMEDY. I CAN'T IMAGINE HYUNDAI IS UNAWARE OF THIS PROBLEM. I DID A QUICK GOOGLE SEARCH ON THE TOPIC, AND FOUND MANY, MANY POSTINGS REGARDING THIS EXACT SAME SET OF CIRCUMSTANCES. THERE WERE HYUNDAI MESSAGE BOARD COMPLAINTS, NHTSA COMPLAINTS, "LEMON" LAW FIRMS WHOA ARE ADVERTISING, SEEKING POTENTIAL 2017 SANTA FE OWNING CLIENTS, CITING THIS EXACT SET OF FACTS. IT'S DIFFICULT TO CONFIRM EXACT DATES, AS THIS HAS OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE MOST RECENT TIME IT HAPPENED WAS IN EARLY MAY 2017, AT AN INTERSECTION LESS THAN A MILE FROM OUR HOME, MAKING A LEFT TURN FROM A STOP, WITH TRAFFIC LINED UP BEHIND US.

NHTSA ODI #10990832

8,000 miles · May 14, 2017
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemStructure

THE "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT" INDICATOR TURNED ON, AND THERE WAS A RECOGNIZABLE FAILURE IN ENGINE WHEN SRTARTING. TOOK IT BACK TO DEALERAND TOOK NEARLYA MONTH TO FIND THE INCONVINIENCE AND TWO WEEKS TO FIX IT. THEY CALL ME BACK TO ANNUONCE ME IT WAS READY AND BY THE TIME I WAS RECIVING I NOTICED THE AIR CONDITIONAR NOT FUNCTIONING AT…

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THE "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT" INDICATOR TURNED ON, AND THERE WAS A RECOGNIZABLE FAILURE IN ENGINE WHEN SRTARTING. TOOK IT BACK TO DEALERAND TOOK NEARLYA MONTH TO FIND THE INCONVINIENCE AND TWO WEEKS TO FIX IT. THEY CALL ME BACK TO ANNUONCE ME IT WAS READY AND BY THE TIME I WAS RECIVING I NOTICED THE AIR CONDITIONAR NOT FUNCTIONING AT ALL. ONCE AGAIN ONE MORE WEEK TO FIND THE MISSFUNCTIONING AND REPARING, NOW THE VEIHICLE IS CONSUMMING TO MUCH GASOLINE (ALMOST HALF TANK IN 87 KILOMETER) THE INJECTORS PROBLEM PLEVAILS. I GET THE SANTA FE IN MXICO, CIUDAD JUAREZ CHIHUAHUA AT HYNDAI PENTA IS THE NAME OF THE AGENCY, AS A BRAND NEW VEHICLE WHIT 0 KILOMETERS AND I PAY IT IN CASH I HOPE YOU CAN HELP ME BECAUSE THEY DONT WANT TO RESPOND. THANK YOU.

NHTSA ODI #10985617

1,079 miles · May 11, 2017
Steering

UPON ENTERING FREEWAY ON RAMP 5 7 2017 VEERED TO THE RIGHT TO AVOID BEING HIT BY ANOTHER CAR WHICH CUT ME OFF. AFTER MOVING BACK INTO LANE, THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED SHAKING IN A VIOLENT MANNER. I CONTINUED TO HOLD ON TO THE STEERING WHEEL WHICH WAS SHAKING LEFT AND RIGHT IN A VERY FORCEFUL MANNER. THE SHAKING STOPPED AND I …

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UPON ENTERING FREEWAY ON RAMP 5 7 2017 VEERED TO THE RIGHT TO AVOID BEING HIT BY ANOTHER CAR WHICH CUT ME OFF. AFTER MOVING BACK INTO LANE, THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED SHAKING IN A VIOLENT MANNER. I CONTINUED TO HOLD ON TO THE STEERING WHEEL WHICH WAS SHAKING LEFT AND RIGHT IN A VERY FORCEFUL MANNER. THE SHAKING STOPPED AND I CONTINUED DRIVING. THE TRAFFIC WAS LIGHT, ROAD CONDITIONS PERFECT AND MY DRIVING SPEED WAS 60 MPH. THIS CAR ONLY HAS 1079 MILES AND I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS IN ANY OTHER CAR. I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT WITH DEALER ON 5 12 2017 AND HAVE CONTACTED HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY TO ADVISE THEM OF THIS VERY DANGEROUS EVENT.

NHTSA ODI #10985014

5,700 miles · May 2, 2017
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control

THE VEHICLE FAILS TO ACCELERATE PAST THE INITIAL PRESS OF THE ACCELERATOR FROM A STOP LEAVING YOU COMMITTED IN TRAFFIC WITHOUT POWER FOR AROUND 2 SECONDS. STEPPING ON THE ACCELERATOR FAILS TO PRODUCE ANY POWER. JUST HAD THE VEHICLE LOOKED AT BY HYUNDAI WHO SAID THEY CAN FIND NOTHING WRONG. HYUNDAI ALSO SAID THERE ARE NO BULLET…

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THE VEHICLE FAILS TO ACCELERATE PAST THE INITIAL PRESS OF THE ACCELERATOR FROM A STOP LEAVING YOU COMMITTED IN TRAFFIC WITHOUT POWER FOR AROUND 2 SECONDS. STEPPING ON THE ACCELERATOR FAILS TO PRODUCE ANY POWER. JUST HAD THE VEHICLE LOOKED AT BY HYUNDAI WHO SAID THEY CAN FIND NOTHING WRONG. HYUNDAI ALSO SAID THERE ARE NO BULLETINS OR RECALLS. A SEARCH ON THE INTERNET SHOWS AN ALARMING AMOUNT OF CHATTER FROM OTHER OWNERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE. THERE IS UNDER 6000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE AND THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES, INTERMITTENTLY.

NHTSA ODI #10982967

1,000 miles · Apr 30, 2017
Electronic Stability Control (esc)

I FILED THIS REPORT ON 2/21/17 AND AFTER A FEW WEEKS IT DISAPPEARED (COMPLAINT # 10956079). THIS IS AN UPDATED VERSION OF THAT COMPLAINT. WHEN MAKING A RIGHT OR LEFT TURN FROM A STOP INTO TRAFFIC AND THE SUV HITS A SMALL PATCH OF SNOW, POTHOLE OR BUMP IN THE STREET, THE STABILITY/ TRACTION CONTROL WILL CURTAIL THE VEHICLE ACC…

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I FILED THIS REPORT ON 2/21/17 AND AFTER A FEW WEEKS IT DISAPPEARED (COMPLAINT # 10956079). THIS IS AN UPDATED VERSION OF THAT COMPLAINT. WHEN MAKING A RIGHT OR LEFT TURN FROM A STOP INTO TRAFFIC AND THE SUV HITS A SMALL PATCH OF SNOW, POTHOLE OR BUMP IN THE STREET, THE STABILITY/ TRACTION CONTROL WILL CURTAIL THE VEHICLE ACCELERATION FOR A FEW SECONDS. THIS HAS CAUSED A NEAR MISS REAREND COLLISION INTO MY VEHICLE ON THREE OCCASIONS. THERE IS A BUTTON TO SHUT THE TRACTION (ACCELERATION) CONTROL FEATURE OFF BUT IT MUST BE PUSHED EACH TIME YOU START THE VEHICLE. MY OPINION IS THAT THE STABILITY/TRACTION CONTROL SENSOR IS FAR TOO SENSITIVE AND / OR THE COMPUTER SOFTWARE NEEDS TO BE REVISED. HYUNDAI MOTOR USA AND MY LOCAL DEALER HAVE STATED THAT THE STABILITY/TRACTION CONTROL IS OPERATING AS DESIGNED.

NHTSA ODI #10981477

19,000 miles · Apr 26, 2017
Vehicle Speed Control

VEHICLE DOES NOT RESPOND TO ACCELERATION. ENGINE MAKES A ROARING SOUND, HOWEVER THE RPMS HAVE MINIMAL INCREASE. THIS HESITATION HAPPENS WHEN PASSING, AND WHEN COMING OUT OF A TURN OR FROM A STOP. THIS LEAVES THE VEHICLE STUCK OUT IN TRAFFIC WITH NO ACCELERATION.THIS USED TO HAPPEN ABOUT ONCE A WEEK, HOWEVER THE FREQUENCY OF THE …

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VEHICLE DOES NOT RESPOND TO ACCELERATION. ENGINE MAKES A ROARING SOUND, HOWEVER THE RPMS HAVE MINIMAL INCREASE. THIS HESITATION HAPPENS WHEN PASSING, AND WHEN COMING OUT OF A TURN OR FROM A STOP. THIS LEAVES THE VEHICLE STUCK OUT IN TRAFFIC WITH NO ACCELERATION.THIS USED TO HAPPEN ABOUT ONCE A WEEK, HOWEVER THE FREQUENCY OF THE INCIDENTS HAS INCREASED GREATLY AND WE NO LONGER FEEL THE VEHICLE IS SAFE TO DRIVE. THIS MORNING THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE FOR AN ENTIRE HOUR DURING A COMMUTE TO WORK. I HAVE READ MANY REPORTS ON YOUR SITE WITH THE SAME ISSUE, AND APPARENTLY HYUNDAI DOES NOT HAVE A FIX. WE ARE BRINGING THE CAR INTO THE DEALER THIS AFTERNOON.

NHTSA ODI #10980787

6,500 miles · Apr 24, 2017
Seat Belts

ON MY 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE LIMITED, HE AUDIBLE SEAT BELT ALARM DOES NOT SOUND IF THE PERSON IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT IS NOT WEARING HIS/HER SEAT BELT. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS VERY PROBLEM ON THE 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT (#141), BUT NOT FOR THE FULL SIZED SANTA FE (WHICH I HAVE). WHEN I CALLED HYUNDAI THEY TOLD ME THAT…

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ON MY 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE LIMITED, HE AUDIBLE SEAT BELT ALARM DOES NOT SOUND IF THE PERSON IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT IS NOT WEARING HIS/HER SEAT BELT. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS VERY PROBLEM ON THE 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT (#141), BUT NOT FOR THE FULL SIZED SANTA FE (WHICH I HAVE). WHEN I CALLED HYUNDAI THEY TOLD ME THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS!

NHTSA ODI #10980191

1,945 miles · Apr 20, 2017
Power Train

2017 SANTA FE SPORT WITH TURBO.WHEN TURNING LEFT INTO TRAFFIC FROM A STOP OR NEAR STOP, THE ACCELERATION STUDDERS OR DOESN'T RESPOND, IT ACTS AS THOUGH IT ISN'T ENGAGING THE GEARS IN THE TRANSMISSION. VERY DANGEROUS WHEN TRYING TO ENTER TRAFFIC, YOU START TO ROLL, LIKE YOU ARE RELEASING A CLUTCH IN A MANUAL TRANSMISSION, BUT IT …

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2017 SANTA FE SPORT WITH TURBO.WHEN TURNING LEFT INTO TRAFFIC FROM A STOP OR NEAR STOP, THE ACCELERATION STUDDERS OR DOESN'T RESPOND, IT ACTS AS THOUGH IT ISN'T ENGAGING THE GEARS IN THE TRANSMISSION. VERY DANGEROUS WHEN TRYING TO ENTER TRAFFIC, YOU START TO ROLL, LIKE YOU ARE RELEASING A CLUTCH IN A MANUAL TRANSMISSION, BUT IT DOESN'T ACCELERATE UNTIL YOU ARE COMMITTED TO THE TURN. I NOTICED ONE TIME THAT THE ANTI-SKID TRACTION INDICATOR FLASHED, BUT I HAVEN'T LOOKED EACH TIME. I HAVEN'T NOTICED THE DELAY GOING RIGHT, BUT LEFT IT HAPPENS NEARLY EVERY TIME. WE HAVE COME CLOSE TO BEING HIT TWICE NOW. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP THAT WE BOUGHT IT AT AND THEY SAID THAT IT COULD BE THE ADAPTIVE LEARNING THAT NEEDS TO BE RESET. THE VEHICLE LEARNS FROM THE DRIVER AND RESETTING IT WOULD CAUSE IT TO LEARN OVER AGAIN. WE HAVE AN APPT TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT AND DUPLICATE FOR THEM.

NHTSA ODI #10979448

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.