10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 11
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
9,210 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 engine problems

engine problem

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2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Owner Comments (Page 2 of 24)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #459

Dec 282023

Santa Fe

  • miles

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

knocking noise, check engine light, and then complete engine failure in one week. There is a recall on the engine but only for a month period and we don't fall in that manufacture date.

- Fife, WA, USA

problem #458

Apr 132022

Santa Fe

  • miles
(Feb 2022) As with all the years before, vehicle passed inspection without issue. (April 2022) 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe went in to the dealership to have fixed the recalled Auxiliary Canister Kit at 73k miles. Before this, there were no issues ever with my vehicle. (June 2022) Within a month and a half of the fixed recall, my car started to exhibit issues-?"without warning while driving on the highway, vehicle stalled and lost control of all functions. Luckily I was able to coast to the safety of the breakdown lane. Vehicle was towed to dealership who replaced battery and alternator. Vehicle seemed better for a short time after this, but ultimately around 6mo later trouble began again (January 2023) This time throwing codes, car stalling when accelerating on highway. Dealer replaced multi fuse, changed oil & filter, reset reminders and topped off fluids. Told us to drive for a few thousand miles to determine how much oil is burning. Brought back in May 2023. Engine light is on now. When on highway vehicle misfires. Had VCTS replaced, Crankshaft & Camshaft sensors replaced, spark plugs 2,4 & 6 replaced Oil level checked and was deemed -??ok-??. Ultimately, dealership recommended engine replacement, engine failed completely rendering vehicle inoperable/useless. Reached out to Hyundai for help, as well to make aware of engine problem, met with -??not our problem-??. Researched heavily for other vehicle owners with similar issues, found many actually! Hoping this reaches the right people for more help.

- Seabrook, NH, USA

problem #457

Apr 292024

Santa Fe

  • miles
I was driving my vehicle on the highway and I heard that it making noise and knocking and I immediately pulled over in the highway and saw the oil came out of the engine. I took the vehicle to Hyundai dealership and they said the issue for vertical square and scoring. I have an extended warranty to repair the engine, but when I want to use it, they denied and said it is not covered by warranty.

- Mebane, NC, USA

problem #456

May 222024

Santa Fe

  • miles

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

The engine started ticking. I was driving on the highway and it started as a very slight sound (not yet ticking/knocking). But when I slowed down to exit the highway and then started to accelerate again the clicking got worse. The check engine light came on and I checked the code and it was P0014 and P0024. The oil was also low. I took it to the dealership and they said I need a new engine.

- Beaverton, OR, USA

problem #455

Feb 122024

Santa Fe

  • miles
My 2017 Sante Fe has recently started consuming oil at a very alarming rate. From doing research, there is ALOTA of hyundai owners having the same issue. There is no oil level indication light on the vehicle. Hyundai is aware of these problems. From what I have researched, this has been an issue since 2012. Every 500 miles, the car is short 2 quarts of oil. Did an oil consumption test with the crappy hyundai of metairie dealership. Hyundai immediately denied any work to be done before a physical inspection was even conplete. Now having to fight with the extended warranty people to try and fix the issue. Running an engine low on oil is dangerous! Not only because it puts us customers in danger of going bankrupt trying to pay the car off while having to pay for new engine that I'm sure will have the same issue, but also can cause break downs which puts the drivers and kids at risk for injury or death due to an accident happening while being broke down onside of the road. Serious thought needs to be put in about recalling these cars or engines or before hyundai continues to manufacture cars with this issue.

- Metairie, LA, USA

problem #454

Apr 282024

Santa Fe

  • miles
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 #453

Jun 062024

Santa Fe

  • miles

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

Engine knocks when I try to accelerate, there is also a long hesitation and vibration when I accelerate, reduced power, engine is burning oil excessively and engine smokes.

- South Burlington, VT, USA

problem #452

Jun 082024

Santa Fe

  • miles
Engine started to have knocking when starting engine after long sitting while off. Later, something with engine broke and it's at dealer to look at. We regularly changed the oil but started to have mass oil consumption. Had to get a tow.

- Spring Hill, FL, USA

problem #451

May 262024

Santa Fe

  • miles
Driving on busy interstate no warning. No lights to indicate issue. Car stops. Looses all power. AAA towed. The engine had locked up. No oil none. Car maintained oil changes as recommended. Oil was just checked 3 days prior for long rode trip there were no oil. Leaks no Lights on dash indicating check engine There are thousands and thousands of consumers online stating the Same happened to them. The majority state Hyundai will not replace or fix repairs because of numerious reasons. The biggest is that a recall was issued to reset a code. Since purchased new in 2017 original owner, I have not received any recal notices. So if a owner does not receive notice. How is it our fault further damages aren-??t covered? I am still traumitized from the car locking up on a 6 lane Highway surrounded by 70 mph plus cars trucks. Please do not allow deaths to occur before the Goverment steps in and forces Hyundai to take full responsibility for our safety. Thank you for your time

- Fayetteville, GA, USA

problem #450

May 272024

Santa Fe

  • miles
Total engine failure at 120,000 miles. Car shut down without warning while driving.

- Ludington, MI, USA

problem #449

Jun 042024

Santa Fe

  • miles

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

Oil consumption issue. the car was eating 2-2.5 qts per 1,000 miles of oil. Over numerous 1,000 mile tests, it was confirmed my care was eating oil. The dealership did a combustion chamber cleaning, but the car still eats almost 1qt of oil per 1,000. I was actually told by a service advisor not to refill the oil and let the engine blow while I was driving it which is a safety issue. In my research there is a known oil consumption issue and I want Hyundai to replace my engine. I've been trying to get this rectified for almost 8k miles and am at 85K. I feel like Hyundai is trying to get me limp to 100K so my warranty is over.

- Manchester, NH, USA

problem #448

Feb 122022

Santa Fe 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
My car's VIN has not been listed on the recall list for the engine, but the recall description is exactly what happened to me and my family while driving our vehicle. We have been going back-and-forth with Hyundai USA and BBBAuto for two years trying to get approval without any progress or success. We purchased our vehicle used with approximately 68k miles September of 2021, and the engine seized around 75k miles in February of 2022. Attached is the initial diagnosis reflecting the exact recall problem that happened with our engine. Hyundai confirmed the diagnosis when our car was towed there once they opened for business, but we did not receive approval for the engine replacement under the warranty. The car has been undriveable since as we await our VIN on the recall list as no one will give us approval that we've talked with about it. There is a Class Action in progress, but it has not been approved - meanwhile, our family has been without our car for years now. Any / all assistance you can offer is greatly appreciated, thank you!

- Oldsmar, FL, USA

problem #447

Mar 132024

Santa Fe

  • miles
While highway driving a few hours from home, the car started shaking so I pulled over, turned the car off & called AAA. Prior to that, there were no warning lights or messages, until it died & the Check Engine light turned on. The car was towed to a Hyundai dealer in Wilmington, NC for diagnostics. They determined that the cause was a burned valve in cylinder 4 so it had no compression & the engine would not run. Their only repair option was to REPLACE THE ENTIRE ENGINE. Given that the car was inoperable, we had no choice but to do that. After further investigation, we discovered that this company has a widespread issue with their engines & also has a class-action lawsuit for similar problems. Hyundai mechanics have told us that they know their engines are problematic & they replace multiple ones every day of the week. A Facebook Group with discussions about Hyundai engine failures was formed & currently has over 26,000 members! Many of their experiences are similar to ours & it puts drivers at great risk as their car randomly dies on the road during normal driving. Our engine failure did not specifically meet the criteria of their lawsuit terms (naming rod bearings as the cause of engines failure) so Hyundai will not assist with any replacement costs. As a 2017 model with only 103,000 miles, the car is relatively young, compared to other better manufactured brands, especially for entire engine failure. Hyundai Mechanics and Service Personnel have told us that is typical lifespan for the Hyundai engine so if that is the case, the company should be required to reveal that information to consumers or cease making a product that has at least half the shelf-life of most auto manufacturers. The car was purchased for $21,000 & now requiring a $6,000 engine to be operable again (plus temporary car rentals) puts us underwater with the cost of this vehicle. It's reprehensible & should be illegal for car manufacturers like Hyundai to be able to treat customers this way.

- Greensboro, NC, USA

problem #446

Aug 292023

Santa Fe

  • miles
Something in the engine failed while driving 55mph on a state highway my vehicle started knocking. I have also noticed metal shavings when I checked the oil. I have had a local mechanic look at my vehicle and told me that I need an engine replacement. There were no warnings or clues prior to this happening. I have been highly recommended to not drive the vehicle in the current condition.

- Liberty, KY, USA

problem #445

May 142024

Santa Fe

  • miles
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that upon start the vehicle, there was an abnormal grinding noise coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled soon after while depressing the accelerator pedal. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to Bell Road Mitsubishi (1901 E Bell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85022) where the vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were both notified of the failure and instructed the contact to tow the vehicle to the dealer. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V578000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer where it was towed. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Glendale, AZ, USA

problem #444

May 222024

Santa Fe 6-cyl

  • miles
Our car started making noises and hesitating while revving engine to increase speed. Two days later we took the car to our mechanic. No warning lights. They test drove the car but apparently couldn't replicate the issue. Tried again and couldn't start engine. They thought it may be the starter. A new starter did not solve issue. They called us back and said the engine has locked up. It wasn't a safety issue as the car was parked but I assume it could have been an issue if we were driving it when engine locked up. We regularly change the oil. We have approx. 109k miles on the car. An engine should last longer than that.

- Marietta, GA, USA

problem #443

May 072024

Santa Fe

  • miles
I just bought this car with only 58,000 miles on it back in October. The dealership I went to pressured me into buying this car for $5,000 more than the Toyota I went in for. I had a bad feeling from the start, but I-??m young and easily taken advantage of. While driving a couple weeks ago, taking my [XXX] son home from the park, a check engine light came on. (First light to ever come on since getting the car) I was worried and took it easy trying to get home. The car didn-??t make it home, it stalled, then wouldn-??t start again. I got it towed to Hyundai and found out the engine has seized. I-??m devastated. I-??m a single mother and couldn-??t afford this car very easily to begin with. Now I-??m stuck with a car that I won-??t be able to afford to fix and a payment. Why is Hyundai allowed to make & sell unsafe vehicles? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Lebanon, OR, USA

problem #442

Apr 212024

Santa Fe

  • miles
In December 2023 while getting a routine oil change, the mechanic told me there was no oil in the car but it was common for these vehicles. They told me to start getting it checked at 3,000 miles and having it topped off. When I went again in March 2024, there was again no oil. (I barely drive the car as I work remotely from home and rarely leave my house.) I called a mobile mechanic who came out and checked out the vehicle and told me it was probably the turbo out. I paid to replace the turbo. While driving in April 2024 the car suddenly lost all power and I coasted into a gas station. It refused to start. When the mechanic came, there was again no oil. After towing it 20 miles home, I spent the next few weeks replacing fuel injectors, spark plugs, and everything I could think of with no luck. Finally took it in to Hyundai and was told there was no compression in the 4th cylinder and a new engine was going to cost me $8650. The engine barely has 117k miles on it and everything else is in excellent shape. There were no warning signs ever that my car was low on oil, never any indication anything was wrong in the 5 years I have owned it until suddenly it breaks on me out of nowhere. Now I find out, after buying a $40,000 vehicle, that this is common for these vehicles and Hyundai is doing nothing about it.

- Quinlan, TX, USA

problem #441

May 192024

Santa Fe

  • miles
Driving car at highway speed down a mountain road with heavy traffic, A loud thump from motor and lost power, NO warning lamps PRIOR TO PROBLEM. No indication or odd noises from motor before complete failure. Oil had been replaced approximal two months before with no noticeable oil usage or burning. Oil changes completed every 3 to 4 months since purchase in 2019. Car required 2 quarts oil to fill to level. Without power assist to brakes, car was dangerous in heavy traffic. Car is available for inspection until paid off in two months and then will be scrapped. Independent machinic indicated noise sounds like rod journal had failed due low oil.

- Winston-Salem, NC, USA

problem #440

Apr 012024

Santa Fe

  • miles
The engine has an oil consumption problem. In early April, the oil crankcase was empty between oil changes. I change the oil religiously every 5k miles. In early April, the engine had zero oil and examination showed no leaks. The key safety issue is that no engine warning lights came on. The only reason I discovered the issue was because I noticed it was not running properly and took it to my local Goodyear Service Center who confirmed. The engine could have very easily seized up while I or a family member was driving putting us in real danger of an accident. The issue has been confirmed by the dealer - they are WELL aware of this engine oil consumption issue. One Hyundai dealer inspected the car and tried to tell I had two leaks - valve cover and oil pan gaskets. Both my Goodyear Service Center and a SECOND Hyundai dealer confirmed I do not have leaks (and I pics to prove it). The second Hyundai dealer acknowledged the oil consumption issue and told me to bring the vehicle back if it does it again. They want to charge me $700 for a "compression chamber cleaning" that works 20% of the time! No warning lights - nothing. I only found out because of the way the car was running. It would go into limp mode and not accelerate. That's how I knew something was wrong. There is a Facebook group for this issue and multiple class action law suits. Hyundai refuses to accept responsibility for this engine defect. I asked the service manager at the dealership and he said Hyundai has not addressed this issue EVEN IN NEW CARS. They ignore it because the only remedy is a new engine and Hyundai doesn't want to pay for it. Dealers don't fight for consumers because Hyundai pays dealers a much lower rate to replace the engine then for other warranty work so dealers don't want to be bothered. Meanwhile, consumers are on the hook for an engine defect that Hyundai should fix. This is a crime and a rip-off.

- Spring Hill, FL, USA

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