10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
9,891 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2017 Hyundai Santa Fe drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Owner Comments (Page 1 of 7)

problem #135

Dec 162024

Santa Fe

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

T3G Campaign 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport AWD, 116000 miles. Purchased from a dealer in VA [XXX]. Never would have purchased if engine issues had been disclosed. The letter re:T3G campaign went out to dealers/service managers from Hyundai (of which I have a copy) is dated for October 2019. We never received any information regarding a T3G campaign. We took my car to the dealership on 12/16/24. (Valdese, NC). In 5 hours, they said they ran diagnostics & found the P0302 Misfire code. Without running further tests, they adamantly claimed there was a dead cylinder & the only fix was to replace the engine. Note: Spark plugs were replaced 2 weeks before this visit on Dec 1, 2024. They refused to listen to my concerns about the T3G campaign. Said vehicle didn't have that issue. That they couldn't run the tests because the P1326 code wasn't present (but it was in Sept). They didn't do anything about the current open recalls. They said they didn't have time. Corporate confirmed that my vehicle has had the correct service campaigns completed to qualify for the T3G campaign. I have called corporate twice-No response. We are very upset over the lack of care and solutions. We gave consent for work & nothing was done. The service manager was practically shouting that this car would leave me stranded, it wasn-??t safe to drive, & that the only option to fix was to replace the engine/get rid of it. I was basically told it wasn't worth fixing. Putting a new engine in would equal than the car is worth at trade in value. No one can give me a guarantee that a new engine (even brand new from the factory) would not have the same problem that is happening now. Make this right by immediately authorizing an engine replacement for my vehicle to include a loaner vehicle & tow charge cover. I am aware of the class action lawsuit from 2021. Hyundai refuses to issue a recall for this engine issue. Please see attached letter for more information. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Marion, NC, USA

problem #134

Dec 092024

Santa Fe

  • miles
Catastrophic engine failure without warning. Rod bearings blew car unable to produce power.

- Kansas City, MO, USA

problem #133

Sep 242024

Santa Fe

  • miles
While driving on rural side road, two lanes, my check engine light (yellow, steady) came on. I pulled into a safe spot and did a quick survey, checked the owner manual, but could not identify any problem, and continued on my way. The check engine light was still on. About 15 minutes later the car would not accelerate past 25 mph (limp mode?). I was on a two-lane mountain road, speed limit 45 (but most cars were faster), visibility limited by terrain, trees, etc. Again, there was little traffic around me and I found a safe place to pull over. in neutral the engine revved normally. I turned the ignition off, checked oil level, (normal), turned the engine back on and started driving to find a safe place to pull over and summon help, but the car drove normally. I drove directly to my repair shop and had the codes pulled, (0436, 0021) which indicate a problem with timing. When a qualified tech examined it he recommended taking to the dealer. Unwilling to drive in traffic, I had it towed to the dealership. Their inspection revealed damage to CVVT components and the timing chain, and recommend an (expensive) engine rebuild.

- Penn Vlley, CA, USA

problem #132

Oct 112024

Santa Fe

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While driving a 1/2 second squeal came from engine compartment. Motor immediately stopped. No power steering or brakes. Vehicle is available for inspection. We were on an interstate We coasted to shoulder. There issue is frequent on Internet forums. A trusted mechanic old us the engine was totally seized. Could be turned manually. No oil in crankcase. At this time only aforementioned mechanic has inspected the vehicle. No warning sounds or performance changes prior to incident. No warning lights or notice warnings were seen prior coincident.

- Mill Creek, WA, USA

problem #131

Jul 022024

Santa Fe

  • miles
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, the vehicle briefly shifted erratically, slamming into gear and violently lunging forward. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, who was also unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Raleigh, NC, USA

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problem #130

Jun 192024

Santa Fe

  • miles
The car has intermittent hard upshift from 1st to 2nd gear. It feels as if the transmission seems to slip for a moment then jolts the car, making a hard bang noise and jerking forward, and at times spinning the rear wheels. If I stop the car, turn off the engine and restart it clears the issue. It does not throw off any codes. I have taken it to the Hyundai Dealer several times and they have verified it with me while in the car but since it does not give a code or warning lights they tell me they cannot fix it. Hyundai corporate has also been made aware. This started at 77K miles and has been occurring for the last 3 years. I have brought it into hyundai over a dozen times for the concern. I have several videos of the issue

- Santa Rosa, CA, USA

problem #129

Apr 282024

Santa Fe

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The vehicle suddenly shut down while driving and the wheels locked up. There were no warning indicators at all. The failure happened to occur on a residential street, but if at speed on a highway this likely would have resulted an an accident. Upon inspection at the dealership it was determined that a connecting rod bearing failed and the rod had created a nearly 3 inch split in the engine block.

- Happy Valley, OR, USA

problem #128

Feb 102024

Santa Fe

  • miles
I had just dropped my son off at the barbershop by my apartment. As I left the parking lot I proceeded to pull out into the street, as i tried to accelerate the car sputtered & lost all power. I then coasted into a nearby Wendy's. I parked & tried to crank the car to no avail. I then noticed a burning smell followed by some smoke. I had no dash lights prior to indicate any issues. I ended up calling my insurance to get help with the vehicle. Long story short the starter, coil pack & plugs along with the engine had to be replaced.2

- Durham, NC, USA

problem #127

Feb 212024

Santa Fe

  • miles
Was going down the highway at 65 when my vehicle completely lost the accelerating component. Almost got rear ended so I pulled off. Then made it to work when it happened again. The engine light came on and gave 2 codes. Finally got it towed to the dealership where they have decided it-??s either a new timing chain or new engine due to mechanical loss. They discovered there was no oil in the car and they have also found metal shavings in my oil. Now they are telling me I need a whole new engine. I only have 135,644 miles on this car. The car was driving perfectly fine the day before and had just been to the dealer and looked over 1,500 miles before and I was told everything was perfect working condition.

- Ellijay, GA, USA

problem #126

Feb 252024

Santa Fe

  • miles
On [XXX] (a Sunday, 9 pm), my 19 year old daughter was driving our 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited when a solid yellow check engine light came on. No other warning lights were on. She called us, but since a solid check engine light should not indicate an emergent issue, we advised her to carefully drive the car back to school and we'd get it checked out the next day (since it was after 9 pm on a Sunday). The vehicle didn't make it that far. While driving, the car suddenly lost power and stalled. It started up again but made a terrible sound. We were able to call roadside assistance and had the vehicle towed to a nearby Hyundai dealership. The dealership tells us the car needs a new engine and that our VIN it is not covered under any of the other current engine recalls (even though this is the exact same issue as those recalls) and also said they will not repair under the 100,000 mile warranty, since we are the 2nd owners. We are awaiting a report from the dealership on exactly what happened to kill the engine, but we can infer, through the discussion with the service manage, that this is exactly the same issue happening with other versions of the Santa Fe engine -- including complete engine seizure without any accompanying warning lights or indications. This poses an imminent risk to the safety of drivers and passengers. My daughter was 20 minutes from her college dorm, late at night, and we can only be thankful she was not driving at high speed on the highway when the engine seizure occurred and also that she was not left stranded in an unpopulated stretch of highway. The vehicle is currently at Steele Hyundai (address: 24795 I-35, Kyle, TX 78640. Phone number: (512) 262-2020 ). They have quoted $13,000 for a used replacement engine. Please issue a recall on the 3.3l GDI engine. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Frisco, TX, USA

problem #125

Sep 272023

Santa Fe

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My wife was driving down the freeway to work during morning commute when her 2017 Santa Fe just lost power, was only able to go maybe 20mph which during an early morning Bay Area commute is very dangerous... No engine light or any warning lights, this lasted for a couple miles until the next exit she pulled off still no warning indicators showing, she turned off the car for a few minutes, then turned it back on to continue to work there was still almost no power but no indicators on the dash, finally after a few minutes started driving normal again. The next day when she was on her way to work, she started getting an oil light, I drove 45min to her job checked and oil level was fine, turns out oil pressure sensor was bad. After that was replaced everything seemed normal for around 1month or so then noticed excessive oil consumption, needing to add 1qt every 1500-2000 mi, no oil leaking onto out driveway and can't see any oil leaks visually around engine. Oil consumption has gotten progressively worse, we keep it topped off every couple weeks. No we are getting check engine light and tapping sound on passenger side of engine. Codes P0346, P0021 and P0087, power is fine but tapping sounds bad and worried of failure while driving.

- Fairfield, CA, USA

problem #124

Jun 152022

Santa Fe

  • miles
Oil compsumption noted and leakage noted by mechanic. Informed me could cause a fire in engine compartment. Unsafe to drive. I rented a car.. Engine burning oil, high oil consumption, oil leak. Reported to Hyundai. Took vehicle to Kerry Hyundai, Alexandria, Ky. Was informed that Hyundai won-??t take care of it. Filed a complaint. Mediation through The Better Business Burrau. Claim was denied. I was not driving the car for a couple weeks. I am guardian of 2 school age children transporting to and from school and activities and was concerned for our safety. Took vehicle to Superior Hyundai, Cincinnati, Ohio for an oil change and reported an oil leak. Was informed there was no oil leak. Had oil changes at Valvoline, Newport, Ky, No report of oil leak. Walmart, Ft Wright, Ky pointed out leak from oil pan. Replaced oil pan. Check engine light came on. Took vehicle to Konen-??s Pittstop, Bellevue, Ky who repaired oil leak. Continued oil check for consumption. Again check engine light illumination. Recently Replaced spark plugs & wires, catalytic converter. Engine running rough. Valves going bad. If car stalls on highway an accident could occur. Hyundai has a recall in the same year and make but not for those manufactured in the state of Alabama. The dealership inspection was about a year ago at Kerry Hyundai, Alexandria, Ky. They only recommended oil changes. I cannot afford the additional engine repairs. Hyundai has prior knowledge of the engine defect and refuses a recall thereby endangering peoples lives.

- Dayton , KY, USA

problem #123

Feb 142024

Santa Fe

  • miles
I first brought my car into a Hyundai certified service center after my car shook violently and my check engine light started flashing at me. I had to pull over on the side of a busy highway which is a safety risk on it's own. the Hyundai service center "fixed" my car and I was on my way. this was In September of 2023. on February 14th 2024 the same thing happened leaving me stranded on the side of another busy highway during rush hour traffic. I got the car towed to a dealer and they are telling me I need to replace my engine since there is a malfunction with the exact same parts that they replaced in September. In September They pretty much rebuilt my engine and now, less then 6 months later, they are telling me my engine is shot and needs to be replaced. How could $6,000 worth of engine parts fail after less than 6 month" not only is that not stable financially for anyone who owns one of these vehicles, it is a huge safety risk! even if I do replace the engine in my car, when will it go out again? 5 months? maybe 6 if I am lucky? at least the last 2 times, I was lucky enough to be in the right lane already and make it to the side of the road in time. What happens if that is not the case next time"

- Sartell, MN, USA

problem #122

Aug 152023

Santa Fe

  • 105,000 miles
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that during cold starts, the vehicle experienced hard shifting from first to second gear. After restarting the vehicle, the failure was corrected. The vehicle was taken to the local transmission specialist who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 105,000.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

problem #121

Jan 152024

Santa Fe

  • miles
I was driving down the road to get dog food when all the electrical went black on the car and it started down shifting, it quickly came back on It put my safety and others around me at risk as I was on [XXX] in Eustis a high traffic area in the middle lane and close to nowhere to get on the side. The next day it had started knocking - the rod bearings, I turned it off quickly and that was the last time I had turned it on. I had taken it to the shop and they said the engine will have to be replaced. We have had this (2nd owner) car a little over a year. Owe 24k on it and they are telling me it will be 14k to replace the engine. Towed it to our local Hyundai where they are saying the same and there is no recall on it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Umatilla, FL, USA

problem #120

Jan 122024

Santa Fe

  • miles
On [XXX], I was driving southbound on the highway near Elizabeth City, NC when all of a sudden, my vehicle decelerated from 65 mph to 20 mph (limp mode) with no warning except for the sudden onset of a knocking noise in the engine compartment and the check engine light coming on immediately before entering limp mode. I was in the passing lane and thankfully was able to safely make it to the shoulder of the road. I had the vehicle towed to an independent engine and transmission shop where I was informed that the timing chain had caused severe damage to the engine, including metal shavings in the fluids. I had just had an oil change 3 days prior and am the second owner of the vehicle. It only has approximately 78,500 miles on it and I have only owned it for three months. I have insured that all maintenance was up to date and verified with the dealer that it had been maintained per the maintenance schedule prior to me purchasing it. The engine seems to be a constant and known problem for 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe-??s with the 3.3L engines, and it truly needs to be addressed before someone is seriously injured or, worse yet, killed from not being able to safely make it to the shoulder of a road. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Portsmouth, VA, USA

problem #119

Nov 062023

Santa Fe

  • miles
On 11/6/ 2023, while drive on the turnpike my check engine light went on and vehicle went in limp mode. I was scared and felt unsafe as I did not know what was happening. Got vehicle to dealer and P1326 was the code. Vehicle needs new engine. BCT test failed. Hyundai not helpful even when documentation provided.

- Holyoke, MA, USA

problem #118

Oct 222023

Santa Fe

  • miles
Driving down rd at 35 mph felt a sudden jolt and loud noise, car lost power and all lights came on. Coasted to a safe driveway and shut it down. Tried to re- start and it was a loud racket so immediately turned back off. Crazy thing is the oil was just changed, no leaks in garage or warning lights. Now I-??m stuck trying to replace an engine that should-??ve lasted more than 5 years!

- Elkton , MD, USA

problem #117

Oct 162023

Santa Fe

  • miles
Morning of October 16th, wife said engine "clicked" at start and then stopped at idle. I checked oil as it had been changed week prior and all levels were normal, then performed diagnostic with Carista tool and app, no codes. That evening while on the way to my 4 year olds practice, the car stopped in a lane of travel on a main cross town thoroughfare in Charlotte NC in rush hour, my wife, 4 year old, and 1 year old in the car. No light or indicators AT ALL ever came on NOTHING, no check engine light, nothing. Had it towed to local shop and he said this is the 10th or 11th Santa Fe we have seen with the V6, it most likely is the motor. So he does prelim diagnostic and suspects a thrown bearing and recommended we tow to Hyundai dealership, just at 70k, how is this possible? We are second owners and our VIN does not qualify for campaign 168. Shocking to now realize this appears to be an ongoing issues with this engine

- Charlotte, NC, USA

problem #116

Sep 292023

Santa Fe

  • miles
The engine of my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe started making a loud knocking sound on 9/29/2023. I took the car to a certified mechanic who said that the engine had -??thrown a rod.-?? I researched the NHTSA website and found NHTSA Part 573 Safety Recall Report No. 17V-578 dated Sep 20, 2017. While I never received this notice, the Descriptive Information and Description Defect mirror the problem with my car exactly. The recall was for 3.3L -??Lambda-?? engines produced at the Asan Plant (Korea) between January 26, 2017 and February 13, 2017. My car was produced February 7, 2017.

- Greensboro, GA, USA

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