10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 12
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
9,115 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 6 of 26)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #414

Feb 242024

Santa Fe

  • 104,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed failures with the engine and catalytic converter and informed the contact that the engine had no compression. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, who confirmed the diagnosis and informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. 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 104,000. The VIN was not available.

- Hanover, VA, USA

problem #413

Mar 112024

Santa Fe

  • miles
Driving on the interstate and the engine seized up. I was driving with three little children and we barely made it to an off ramp. This was extremely dangerous. After looking up the issue, I found there were 1000's of unhappy customers that drive similar models that had the same exact issue happen to them. I keep up to date all oil changes, as many other customers, but Hyundai says it's not their fault" How can companies like Hyundai sell a car that have numerous engine failures and not have a recall" I am terrified not only with the expense of the repair, but putting my children in another Hyundai, with the fear of it happening once again.

- Elk Horn, IA, USA

problem #412

Feb 042024

Santa Fe

  • miles
My vehicle experienced catastrophic engine failure while driving on the freeway. It had just over 100k miles. I heard a repetitive clicking sound when pressing on the accelerator. After 2 minutes, the car shuddered and black smoke filled the cabin. When I pulled over, oil was s pouring onto the road. The car was serviced 2 weeks prior including oil change by a certified mechanic with no problems identified. I never had a check engine light. I initially had the vehicle towed to my local mechanic who found 3 ruptured holes in the bottom of the engine block. I was told that it looked like "rod failure". When I notified Hyundai corp, I was told that the vehicle was no longer under warranty due to it being purchased pre-owned and because I had surpassed 100k miles. They told me that I could file a "goodwill" claim, but that it could only be submitted via my local dealership. So I went to local dealership to discuss my situation. While there, I inquired about the projected costs of engine repair/replacement if the claim was denied and was given a copy of an estimate in the amount of $8500 prepared for another customer with the same make/model/year vehicle with similar problem - catastrophic engine failure. I decided to proceed with claim and paid to have vehicle towed to the dealership. It was only then that I was told that an initial inspection fee of approximately $200 would be assessed if repairs were not completed. Once the initial inspection was done, I was given an estimate of repairs exceeding $18,000! They also told me that Hyundai corp was requiring additional diagnostic tests in order to complete its review of my good will claim that could be performed at an additional cost of $600! At this point, I'm being asked to throw money away. This car is a lemon. My family has endured undue hardship due to this incident. I am angered that a company would not go through the effort to make things right. People do not spend $49,000 on a vehicle expecting this to happen.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

problem #411

Mar 112024

Santa Fe

  • miles

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

I have always kept up on my oil changes. Driving down the road all of a sudden my engine turned off. No check engine lights or anything. Toed it to the dealer and the said the motor seized. Looking online this is a known problem. Vehicle no longer coverd by warranty.

- Modesto, CA, USA

problem #410

Mar 082024

Santa Fe

  • miles
Vehicle has intermittent engine stalling, but is still running. Possible dangerous situation if making left turn with oncoming traffic. This has happened to many times since my owner ship. Bought this car used. I am 2nd owner. 33k mi when purchased in 3-2021

- Fort Collins, CO, USA

problem #409

Oct 262023

Santa Fe

  • miles
I was driving down the highway when my vehicle shut off. After pulling off on the highway and opening the hood, there was a notice that the engine had overheated. Upon inspection, there was no oil nor any coolant left in the engine. I have records to demonstrate regular maintenance, and oil changes every 5000 miles

- Midway, GA, USA

problem #408

Feb 272024

Santa Fe

  • miles

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

2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate with 88K miles experienced knocking while driving. Immediately stopped and was towed to dealership. Dealership diagnosed failure of rod bearing on cylinder 1. Motor could have seized up and caused accident on highway. Dealership has inspected. No lights or warnings present when this occurred.

- Chesterfield, VA, USA

problem #407

Dec 102022

Santa Fe

  • miles
My wife was driving our kids to school and got onto the highway when the vehicle lost power. There were no warning lights before the engine failure. The engine stopped running and she was just able to coast off of the highway. The check engine light came on as well as the high temperature and other warning lights. My wife turned the car off and let it sit for a couple of minutes while she called for help. When she started the car again there was no check engine light or other warning lights. She drove the kids to school but noticed the car was lacking power. I met her at the kids school and plugged in my OBDII reader and no issues were logged on the ECU. I drove the car to the dealership and the car had very little power. The dealership looked at the vehicle and a couple of days later they told us that we needed a new engine because ours was knocking due to failed crankshaft bearings. The block, pistons, and heads were replaced by Hyundai under warranty and not available for inspection. The dealer said that they had over 20 cars at their dealership with failed engines. It took the dealer 7 months to replace the motor under warranty due to the high volume of failed engines and difficulty finding a replacement engine. Hyundai settled a lawsuit on their Theta-2 engine (4cy) however ours is a Lamda-2 engine (6cy). The vehicle never showed a low oil warning, engine knock warning, or check engine light prior to failure. We recently sold the vehicle and saw the dealership didn't report the engine replacement on the carfax (image with short block replacement). They only listed the block replacement and didn't disclose the engine replacement. I provided example from a similar vehicle on autotrader with a carfax showing similar vehicle that I believe had an engine failure without full disclosure. Hyundai has vehicles on the road that have faulty engines that don't give warnings before failure. Hyundai dealers are not reporting the engine replacements fully to avoid a recall.

- Aledo, TX, USA

problem #406

Feb 132024

Santa Fe

  • miles
Engine stalled multiple times while driving. Took it to the dealer, and the entire intake side camshaft bank and all 4 phasers had to be replaced. Engine only has 128K miles on it and has been serviced on schedule, so this should not be occurring.

- Oakland, CA, USA

problem #405

Sep 272023

Santa Fe

  • miles
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 #404

Jun 292023

Santa Fe

  • miles

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

Catastrophic engine failure.

- Fuquay-Varina, NC, USA

problem #403

Feb 012024

Santa Fe

  • miles
Oil changes up to date and all of a sudden oil is gone, no leaks per the servicer. Engine started knocking but it is not one that is on recall. No low oil warning lights came on or anything. Now its costing half the price of the value of the car to repair which is over $7k and its not yet paid off and I got this vehicle 08/2022. This is just sad and no on can tell me why this is doing this on so many vehicles with my car vin range.

- Hamilton, OH, USA

problem #402

Feb 192024

Santa Fe

  • miles
Failed crankshaft rod bearing

- Conroe, TX, USA

problem #401

Feb 232024

Santa Fe

  • miles
Engine bearing failure, sudden and without warning. Engine started to use oil between oil changes. Loud knocking started suddenly during starting and then continuous knock while running. Identical with issues related to recall 168, but my VIN does not show that recall effects my vehicle.

- Big Lake, MN, USA

problem #400

Feb 052024

Santa Fe

  • miles
Purchased Sante fe.August 2020.cash purchase I had the vehicle check by dealership several times regarding oil leakage, , oil consumption..july 2023 stranded in texas after oil pressure switch replaced but no oil was put back in car.. [XXX] stranded in AR with children. The ENGINE BLEW AT exactly 100000MILES.failed Engine, towed car back to Missouri....Napleton Hyundai indicated there is a warranty on the Engine only for Rod ". Failed engine is a failed Hyundai consumer affairs.denied claim but agreed the car still has an e Engine warranty..only if rod is blown? The #3valve burned up no compression" July 2020 a recall was in place for the engine... August I purchase the vehicle with NO knowledge of possible Engine failure or recall.. Napleton informed and offered $500 towards a 12000.bill Now is 2024. I am without, my life savings. Without a vehicle. My everyday has been disrupted.Napleton Hyundai cars are not safe.I am glad I was not traveling at night.when the car suddenly Died..it could have been a tragedy. Thank you please look into how safe and reliable the used cars are if not safe..used Hyundai SHOULD NOT BE SOLD..THANK YOU INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Florissant, MO, USA

problem #399

Jan 102024

Santa Fe

  • miles
While driving at approximately 70MPH. The car went into limp mode. slowing down and eventually coming to a stop, after towing the car to a mechanic. we found out that a valve broke in the cylinder head damaging the Cylinder and engine block. Engine and Cylinder head needs to be replaced.

- Canton, OH, USA

problem #398

Feb 192024

Santa Fe

  • miles
Vehicle gave no indication oil level was low. Traveling I24 East, the vehicle began to stall, preventing any speed above 40MPH. After settling along the shoulder of the highway I checked the Oil reservoir which was completely empty. No indication was given that Oil was needed. Vehicle had not met the Month or Milage requirement for needed oil change.

- Fort Campbell , KY, USA

problem #397

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 #396

Feb 062024

Santa Fe

  • miles
This vehicle hit 100,000 miles and starting not running normally. After stalling out in the middle of an interstate with a baby and elderly parent, the car had to be towed to a mechanic. Mechanic said the internal engine is failing, timing belt, timing crankshaft are going along with excessive oil consumption. The check engine light came on directly before stalling and breaking down which gave no time to try to pull off the road. Hyundai will not help seeing as how this vehicle has TWO warranty-??s that expired just 1k miles ago. This is a danger to us, the owners, because we could-??ve easily been involved in a major accident on an interstate due to this engine failing out of the blue. The manufacturer has not diagnosed the issues because they want $250/hr to diagnose.

- Naples, FL, USA

problem #395

Aug 152023

Santa Fe

  • miles
While driving my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport at approx 50 mph, i notice the vehicle sputtering & slightly jerking as I was going up an incline on a tall bridge. I barely made it to the top when the engine light came on & the engine failed & thankfully was able to coast downhill & pull off on the side of the road. I tried several times to restart the car to no avail. I had the vehicle towed to my mechanics shop. I had already been warned by them during an oil change that my vehicle was using excessive oil & to be watchful of that which I had been. I was using about 2 quarts of oil per week prior to t he engine failing. There were NO LEAKS, the oil was just blowing through. After changing all cylinders, the engine was still not working and I was told a new engine would be needed. (I had had cylinders replaced BEFORE I knew this was going to be such a big deal) I had the vehicle towed to Hyundai Dealership in Daphne AL where weeks and weeks of inspections and negotiations went on, all to be denied repair or replacement. Hyundai knows this engine is a problem but will use any excuse to get out of replacing it. Time to file a complaint. There are MANY out there just like me, just not enough to have an official recall I guess. A recall should definitely be considered. My car has been sitting for 4 months while I tried to negotiate with Hyundai but now I have no choice but to buy an engine & have it installed. VERY FRUSTRATED!

- Daphne, AL, USA

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