2017 Hyundai Santa FE

High concern

Owners filed 962 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 6 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

268 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 010,000 miles; the median is 19,554 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine599
160
Power Train83
011
Electrical System49
284
Unknown or Other46
133
Service Brakes25
241
Steering21
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic21
000
Fuel/Propulsion System19
200
Engine and Engine Cooling19
000
Vehicle Speed Control18
202

6 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module22V056000Park outside
Filed Feb 3, 2022357,348 vehiclesHyundai Motor America

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine17V578000
Filed Sep 20, 2017420 vehiclesHyundai Motor America

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch17V358000
Filed Jun 5, 2017437,400 vehiclesHyundai Motor America

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems17V142000
Filed Mar 6, 2017190 vehiclesHyundai Motor America

Defect. 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."

Risk. 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.

Trailer Hitches16V842000
Filed Nov 21, 20166,172 vehiclesHyundai Motor America

Defect. 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."

Risk. 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.

Seat Belts › Front › Warning Light/Devices16V145000
Filed Mar 10, 201634,200 vehiclesHyundai Motor America

Defect. 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."

Risk. 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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Engine
Filed Sep 9, 2026NE

Vehicle was brought to an authorized dealership for service, and while there Campaign 9C2 (ECU Software Update for Theta II Emissions Improvement) was performed. Immediately following this software update, the vehicle developed drivability degradation, specifically engine stutter/hesitation and rough transmission shifting during cold starts. When attempting to accelerate in the first few minutes of driving, the vehicle delays engagement and then suddenly surges or lurches forward unpredictably. This creates a safety hazard, as the unpredictable power delivery and lag prevent the vehicle from accelerating safely when merging into traffic or turning across oncoming lanes, placing occupants at an immediate risk of a collision. The software logic error is fully reproducible every time the vehicle has sat long enough to cool down. The dealership confirmed the update was applied. There were no warning lamps or symptoms prior to the 9C2 update; the failure was caused directly by the manufacturer's campaign software modification to the Engine Control Unit (ECU). The vehicle and its ECU are available for inspection upon request.

Engine
Filed Sep 8, 2026PA

-The primary mechanical failure is a burned exhaust valve in Cylinder 2, which has resulted in 0 PSI compression and a persistent engine misfire. This severe top-end valve degradation occurred as a direct consequential result of a chronic, underlying defect in the engine's internal oil-delivery and consumption systems. The vehicle is currently fully assembled, intact, and available for immediate inspection upon request at Brown-Daub Hyundai. -The vehicle suffered a sudden, severe loss of motive power while operating in traffic due to the cylinder drop, triggering a sudden transition into a dangerous operating state. The extreme oil consumption rate (burning 5 to 6 quarts of motor oil every 3,000 miles) created an ongoing, severe risk of sudden highway stalling, catastrophic moving component seizure, and potential engine bay fire due to extreme internal operating friction and chronic oil starvation. -Failure has been confirmed by two independent automotive facilities: Independent Confirmation: On XXX, [XXX]’s Service Center performed a diagnostic scan and an engine compression test, formally documenting diagnostic trouble code P030200 (Cylinder 2 Misfire) and verifying 0 PSI compression in Cylinder 2.Dealership Confirmation: On XXX, the service manager at Brown-Daub Hyundai executed a formal electronic and mechanical inspection under Repair Order #XXX, duplicating the failure and logging active trouble codes P0301, P0302, and P0128. -Symptoms first appeared progressively throu

Engine
Filed Sep 3, 2026NC

On May 26.2026, Southern States Hyundai performed mandated Service Campaign 9C2 (Theta II Emissions Improvement). The software immediately caused drivability degradation and a catalytic converter failure, mirroring the defects Hyundai acknowledged to the NHTSA on May 18, 2026. Corporate customer care is using an unrelated oil consumption testing protocol to deflect liability and charge me $1,400 for the testing and/or $4002 for the catalytic converter out of pocket for damage caused by their own recall software. This hesitation is a severe safety risk when accelerating into traffic.

Engine
Filed Aug 31, 2026WI

My truck began emitting a strong oil odor on XXX. I took it to Amato in [XXX], where I was told the oil pan was leaking. They replaced the oil pan, and I paid for the inspection as well. About an hour after picking up my truck, the check‑engine light came on. I returned to the dealership, and they then said additional repairs were needed, even though I had already paid $2,211.57 for the work they claimed was necessary. At that time, my truck had 145,776 miles on it. Because the manager at [XXX] refused to address my concerns, I was told to go to another Amato location, and I was effectively blacklisted from the first dealership. I went to Amato Glendale, where I experienced the same issues. They fixed only one of the problems, and that was only after I contacted Hyundai corporate. My truck continued to have oil‑consumption issues. Amato required me to complete a three‑month, 1,000‑mile oil consumption test before they would consider providing assistance. I completed the test as instructed. Now, however, they are saying that due to the age and mileage of my truck, they will not cover the engine replacement — even though the problems began at 145,000 miles, not 156,000. Other drivers have reported that Hyundai delays necessary repairs until major engine damage occurs, and I believe that is exactly what has happened in my case. There was also a suspension recall that applied to the 2018 model but not the 2017. Amato Hyundai covered part of that repair only because I contacted co

Engine
Filed Aug 31, 2026NC

Cold-Start Hesitation & Rough Shifting: Following the 9C2 ECU update, my vehicle is experiencing a brief period of throttle hesitation, rough shifting, or jerky transmission behavior specifically during cold-start operations.

Power Train
Filed Aug 28, 2026CO

Known as an issue with Hyundai, but unresponsive to correct because no diagnostic code is sent. Transmission will shift extremely hard from 1st to 2nd gear randomly. In keeping track of the mileage, this appears to happen every 200 miles or so. Also, it faild to upshift correctly, making the entire car shudder. Also, at times it will not go into reverse gear. On one occasion, after finally doing so, it slammed so hard into reverse I almost collided with the car behind me.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 24, 2026NJ

My 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe, purchased new from Lynnes Hyundai in February 2017, has approximately 93,000 miles. The vehicle previously developed a significant oil-consumption/engine problem that was diagnosed by Hyundai, and Hyundai replaced the engine with a remanufactured engine. Approximately two weeks after the engine replacement, the check-engine light illuminated and DTC P1326 was identified. The dealership replaced the knock sensor. Approximately two weeks later, the check-engine light illuminated again with a recurring P1326 condition. The vehicle is currently at Lynnes Hyundai and has been there approximately three weeks while they attempt to determine the cause. Hyundai Techline is involved. Prior to the current repair visit, while traveling approximately 60 mph, the vehicle experienced a very forceful hesitation that jerked the vehicle. I immediately slowed down and pulled onto the shoulder. The vehicle continued to hesitate intermittently while I drove slowly to safety. I was concerned that the vehicle could lose power or shut down while I was driving at highway speed, creating a risk of a crash. The recurring P1326 condition has been confirmed by the Hyundai dealership. The vehicle and engine have been inspected by Hyundai/Lynnes Hyundai multiple times, including after the engine replacement. The current recurring condition has not been resolved. The check-engine light is the warning lamp associated with the current condition. I do not know the underlying cause of

Engine
Filed Aug 23, 2026NC

My 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe 3.3L V6 (148,000 miles) has documented oil consumption and a recurring DTC P0278 (Cylinder 6 Contribution/Balance). Hyundai's formal oil-consumption test confirmed oil consumption, but said it was below the threshold for combustion-chamber cleaning. The check-engine light and P0278, and losing acceleration ability continue to recur. The vehicle is available for inspection. Hyundai has confirmed the oil-consumption issue but has not determined the cause of P0278 or performed the TXX8 engine inspection I am requesting. I am concerned about worsening engine performance, loss of power, or engine failure, particularly given Hyundai's history of engine-bearing issues with certain 2017 Santa Fe 3.3L engines. I am not claiming diagnosed bearing failure; I am requesting a TXX8 inspection to determine whether an eligible engine condition exists. I have contacted both the dealership and Hyundai Corporate, but have been told I must repeat the oil-consumption test. At 148,000 miles, I am requesting prompt inspection before the 150,000-mile TXX8 limit and covered repair/replacement if an eligible condition is found.

Engine
Filed Aug 21, 2026NC

Directly after the dealer, Johnson Hyundai of Apex, completed Service Campaign 9C2 on 4/28/26, my vehicle began sticking, surging, and harshly changing gears. I have followed up with the dealer multiple times. They said they are not getting back any diagnostic error codes (outside mechanic shop also confirmed they're also not seeing error codes), but went ahead and recalibrated the ECM. They told me to drive for 200 miles and the issue should be resolved. I have now driven 1,500 miles and the issue persists. I'm now seeing Hyundai put out a 'Driveability Communication" about this issue, but there is no proposed fix/recall. This issue did not exist before this service campaign was performed by the dealership.

Engine
Filed Aug 21, 2026SC

After the update earlier this summer for an emissions issue, my car, a 2017 Hyundi Santa Fe Sport, has not run right. When it is cold, the first trip on the day, it hesitates and sputters to an extent that it is not safe on the nearest highway where the speed limit is 35. We have been compensating by driving slowly around the neighborhood for a few minutes, and then it's fine. It has been happening since the update of service campaign 9C2, the "Theta II Emissions Logic Improvement" recall. The local Hyundai dealer has been unable to provide a fix. We just picked it back up today, 8/21/26, after deciding against their latest idea, a fuel injector treatment for $200. Based on other examples I've read with similar or identical issues after the recall software update, I have concluded this is a safety issue that Hyundai must resolve.

Engine
Filed Aug 21, 2026OK

There is a class action lawsuit for the Theta Engine in some Kia and Hyundai vehicles and my type of vehicle falls into this lawsuit category. I drive a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport and what the lawsuit described what happened to my vehicle, it seized up and you’re supposed to have a lifetime warranty for this problem. I submitted all the paperwork and Norman Hyundai sent videos it was seized up but denied my claim so I have a car that no longer drives with a car loan still so can’t buy a new vehicle. I was told they didn’t see oil additive anytime but their own business this in March ‘26 and May ‘26. It states on the lawsuit if anyone’s in the class action lawsuit they are covered if this happens to your vehicle. Also, part of the lawsuit is the oil consumption and how much it’s eating gas and then it seizes possibly or catch fire and my car was barely getting a 1,000 miles and it would be empty so couldn’t keep up always checking it and the car seized up due to what’s supposed to be covered.

Engine
Filed Aug 13, 2026KS

We have been involved with an Oil Consumption problem since 2025 maybe earlier. No leaks just an over use of oil. I have had to fill it myself or take it to the dealer. They did testing and di some kind of cleaning that took 8 hours. We still have the problem and while driving the whole car shut down. No power in the middle of a highway. This has now happened twice and the first time we had to call AAA for help. It showed an engine sign and we checked the code. First it was an small air leak but they didn't find anything. It came up again, same message so we replaced the gas cap, but the oil was still disappearing and the car had shut down again. I spoke with the Hyundai corporation and they said to do the combustion cleaning again. So we set it up but found out that we had to pay for it so we declined. They refused to do anything about the car. We later found there were other cars made by the same company with the same problem. I did some research and they have had an Oil Consumption problem for quite a while. Now the Catalytic Converter is showing up as having problems. Well that's where the oil goes and can shut down the car due to airflow. They never disclosed it to us face to face, we had to find out about it after the the warranty was up. That was very dangerous to have stopped on a highway.

Engine
Filed Aug 12, 2026TX

Complete unmitigated loss of acceleration and power while traveling at highway speeds, creating an immediate life-threatening road hazard. Following a warranty engine replacement and mandatory dealer software flash at Clay Cooley Hyundai (Sherman, TX), the vehicle began experiencing powertrain communication issues. While operating the vehicle at 65 MPH on the highway, the vehicle completely failed to accelerate and lost propulsion power, nearly resulting in a catastrophic rear-end collision with an oncoming 18-wheeler semi-truck. Dealership diagnostics claim "no trouble codes present," but live data telemetry confirms the High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) is actively commanding and delivering a dangerous 1,600 PSI to the fuel rail at hot idle. This abnormal fuel delivery is paired with a severe powertrain stutter in 3rd gear. Service personnel at multiple locations confirm a widespread, high volume of transmission failures and severe drivability issues specifically tied to this recent Hyundai software update. Corporate has denied repair coverage. The vehicle remains an active highway safety hazard and is completely undrivable.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 10, 2026VA

Was driving down highway, 95 South in VA, when sunroof blew out. No traffic in front at the time, nothing hit the car. Driving around 65 mph. Temp outside was ~85-87, AC in car at 74. Just blew up and out after a large "Bang". There was no impact to the vehicle prior and no other marks or scratches to the vehicle indication an impact.

Power Train
Filed Aug 10, 202663,036 milesFL

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while reversing, the vehicle jerked and shuddered abnormally. Additionally, the transmission hesitated, and the vehicle almost stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the contact was informed that the Service Campaign Number: 9C2 was completed. The contact was informed that the updated software was confusing the transmission and had caused the failure. The contact was informed that the remedy was not yet determined. In addition, the contact was informed that the dealer was waiting on instructions from the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 63,036.

Power Train
Filed Aug 7, 2026IA

The 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe was brought to dealership on 3/27/26 for an oil change and a computer update was completed for Emissions Improvement. Upon picking the vehicle up after service, it was noticeable that it was not shifting correctly. I spoke to the service department and asked if the memory was cleared with the update an if it was having to relearn how I drive and the said it should not be affected. This went on for a few days and I left the car with them to duplicate as there were3 no stored codes. After a few weeks, the Teck Line recommended a new transmission, which Hyundai offered goodwill assistance. As we were waiting for the transmission to arrive from being on backorder, a bulletin for Service Campaign 9C2 was release on 5/18/26 that described my experience with shifting issue almost exactly. The transmission was replaced and the drivability issues still persist. Hyundai says that I must let my car warm up for 1-3 minutes to allow a catalyst to reach temperature and not cause rough shifting. This rough shifting is the effect of the update and thus te reason that my transmission needed to be replaced. Further investigation showed that this update is a known issue and cannot be reversed once installed. Currently, I must start my car in 90 degree weather to warm it up as a result of this update which is not logical in any thought process. I have asked Hyundai to cover the balance of the new transmission as this is a result of thier faulty software update with no s

Power Train
Filed Aug 5, 2026CA

A Hyundai recall 9C2 update was applied to my vehicle. Ever since that update my vehicle hard shifts on cold starts which I fear is damaging the transmission. Hyundai dealer was able to replicate this and keeps advising us that concern is ‘under review with Hyundai’. I have the service order that states this. This problem has been ongoing for Months! I think Hyundai needs to find a resolution to this as my research indicates it is impacting a lot of customers.

Engine
Filed Jul 27, 2026MI

On June 10, 2024 at 107,129 miles Hertrich Hyundai dealership of New Castle inspected my vehicle and submitted a request to Hyundai for engine replacement under the recall settlement of the Theta II Engine Settlement. Hyundai denied the request because of the rebuilt title, even though the rebuilt title resulted only from prior Roof damage unrelated to the engine, powertrain, or recall issue. After continuing to seek assistance from Hyundai, my engine ultimately seized and suddenly stopped working on May 10, 2026, while driving on the highway with my two children. The vehicle lost power and stopped in traffic, creating a dangerous situation and causing my children extreme fear and distress. Had Hyundai honored the Theta II Engine Settlement when I first requested assistance, this failure could have been prevented. I request that Hyundai honor the Theta II Engine Settlement and replace my defective engine at no cost to avoid any future problems. My Hyundai Santa Fe is covered under the Theta II Engine Settlement. For over three years, I repeatedly contacted Hyundai after experiencing symptoms consistent with the known Theta II engine defect. Hyundai failed to provide meaningful assistance, did not properly process my requests, and denied coverage solely because of the vehicle’s rebuilt title.

Engine
Filed Jul 27, 2026VA

The 9C2 campaign software update introduced dangerous vehicle hesitation and unpredictable gear changes in active traffic, presenting and immediate crash hazard

Engine
Filed Jul 21, 2026TN

On July 4, 2026, I was driving 2.5 hours from home. My car stopped after about an hour of travel. The car shook and the check engine light came on as the car shut down. There were no warning lights on in my vehicle. I have oil change records. My car had burned through all the oil in an hour. This is not a new problem with this model Hyundai. Every group I went to discuss the problem online all had customers who reported their vehicles suddenly started burning oil quickly which resulted in damaged motor with no warning lights in the dashboard. I had to have my car towed from out of town to the dealership. The dealership that said I had extended warranty on parts of the motor. However upon checking the motor, they said it wasn't covered. I filled out a claims report with Hyundai motors who looked into the problem and also said it's not covered under warranty. This is a known issue of Hyundai with a failure to warn of low oil in the car's warning center. This is a fault of Hyundai. I've taken good care of my car and just paid $1000 for new tires on July 2, 2026 before my trip. The dealership quoted me a price of $3500 to replace the motor with a used one. It would also require 16 hours of labor which I Believe is $200 an hour. I believe they should replace the motor due to faulty systems. My car has 107,000 miles on it, but whenever I've gone to have it checked out, everything checked out fine even at the dealership. Also, this is a known issue that Hyundai is refusing to addres

20 of 962 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2017
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202636400Routine
2025131500Routine
2024146710Routine
2023207130Above average
2022199510Routine
2021166720Routine
2020209290Above average
20191982120Routine
2018108240Routine
2017 — this page9626230High concern
2016236320Above average
20152542130Above average
20144933300High concern
20136053410High concern
20123531170Above average
2011181381Fatalities reported
2010258361Fatalities reported
2009358353Fatalities reported
2008541670Above average
2007683982Fatalities reported
2006106130Routine
2005216302Fatalities reported
2004303370Above average
2003308450Above average
2002165420Routine
2001209440Above average

Compare every Santa FE year →

Reading this record

A high number of complaints describe fires or crashes.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Feb 3, 2022. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.