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 1 of 26)

problem #514

Jan 192025

Santa Fe

  • miles

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

2017 Santa Fe with 85k miles suddenly has engine failure. Come to find out this is a common problem in these vehicles specifically. Was stranded on the side of the freeway for over four hours. Told me there was practically nothing they could do for it. Never had an issue before and got regular oil changes before the 3k mile mark. Told me the engine threw a rod. Never had a problem like this with any other car, even ones much older (over 7 years over).

- Portland, OR, USA

problem #513

Dec 282024

Santa Fe

  • miles
While driving, the vehicle lost its brakes and rolled to a stop on [XXX] at that point the vehicle compartment began to fill up with black smoke and soot and flames started to come out of vents. My daughter immediately grabbed her dog and exited from the vehicle to a safe spot away from the car. Within 10 seconds the vehicle exploded and erupted into a 20 ft fireball. If my daughter would have hesitated she could have been killed. Hyundai inspected the vehicle and found nothing conclusive except that this problem has been documented in other Incidents. The vehicle was declared to be totaled. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Seekonk , MA, USA

problem #512

Feb 282024

Santa Fe

  • 131,000 miles
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. No warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road and the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had seized. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 131,000.

- Manvel, TX, USA

problem #511

Nov 102024

Santa Fe

  • miles

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

Major oil consumption Metal fragments in oil engine shaking

- Palmdale, CA, USA

problem #510

Oct 312024

Santa Fe

  • miles
I took my Hyundai Santa Fe sport to Central Valley Hyundai in Modesto, CA on 10/31/2024 to have a diagnosis done to the car since the car turned off on me while I was driving and after a week being at the dealership this was their response. Hello [XXX], sorry for the late reply! We are short handed today, and busy! Anyways, My technician had the chance to take a look at your vehicle. Your vehicle is going to need an engine due to it not passing the bearing clearance test. I submitted paperwork to Hyundai and I am currently waiting to hear back from them in regards to a decision. I will let you know as soon as I hear something. after another week went by this is what Hyundai had to say. I just checked, and they declined the coverage of your engine, this was their response: The vehicle is not eligible for extended warranty TXXI. Per the terms of the extended warranty, the campaign 953 software must have been installed on the vehicle prior to bearing malfunction. Our records indicate campaign 953 was not completed on this vehicle. For further clarification, the terms of the extended warranty and related settlement. Notice may be reviewed here. [XXX]. No goodwill assistance is being offered at this time I was never made aware of a recall that needed to be done to the engine. I never received a letter in the mail and also I spoke to Hyundai customer service and they said that I never received the notice due to being sent to the original owner which was a car rental business. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Riverbank , CA, USA

problem #509

Jan 062025

Santa Fe

  • miles
While driving my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, I heard a knocking sound coming from the engine. Shortly afterward, the vehicle began moving jerkingly forward, and the oil, engine, and battery warning lights illuminated on the dashboard. The vehicle then shut off completely in the middle of a busy street. I attempted to restart it, but while the engine made a starting sound, it immediately shut back down. The electrical system remained functional (lights and radio), but the vehicle would not restart. Due to the failure, I had to exit the vehicle and physically push it to the side of the road in cold, rainy conditions with reduced visibility, creating a risk of being struck by oncoming traffic. Strangers who assisted in moving the vehicle also placed themselves at risk. A certified mechanic has since confirmed that the engine has locked up and identified this as a known issue with Hyundai engines. Prior to this incident, the only warning sign was the oil light briefly flashing while driving on an uneven road surface. At the time, I was on my way to have an oil change within the manufacturer-recommended time frame and assumed the light indicated routine maintenance was needed.

- Guyton, GA, USA

problem #508

Oct 062024

Santa Fe

  • miles

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

My wife and I bought a used 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe, and the car has performed admirably over the last 4 to 5 years.? Within the last month, the car started having stuttering issues and we took the car to our local shop, where we asked for a quick check and an oil change.? The local shop reported that we had a Crank Shaft Advance error code, and that the car did not have much oil in it.? We have not seen major oil loss between oil changes before, which concerned me.? Once the car was full on oil the error codes cleared and the car worked well over the next few weeks.? Oil levels seemed good during that time, but my wife took the car out to New York and back, then a trip into Boston (around 600 miles overall).? On the way back from Boston, the engine stalled and would not start.? We sent the car to be checked at a local Pep Boys, they performed a borescope and believed that the engine needed replacement. I contacted Autofair Hyundai and had the car towed there to service under Hyundai TSB 24-EM-007H. [XXX] >> The dealership mentioned that the diagnostics would cost ~200 dollars and detailed a number of error codes (low fuel flow, crankshaft advance, etc.). They then quoted a $8,000 to make the repairs and then they could check to see if the car met any warranty requirements. I opened a ticket with Hyundai and the ticket was closed. I believe this falls under Docket No. [XXX] and should be covered under Hyundai Technical Service Bulletin (23-EM-007H) [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Londonderry, NH, USA

problem #507

Jun 012024

Santa Fe

  • miles
My 2017 Hyundai Santa fe sport burns through 2qts of oil between oil changes (every 3000 miles). I check my oil once a week to make sure I have adequate oil to ensure my engine doesn't blow, Hyundai has open recalls on the 2017 models of my vehicle but my VIN number is not included...I have complained to Hyundai corporate and also the dealer and they state that I have to do an oil consumption test, at cost to me, to prove that their engine is defective...I first noticed this issue about 1 month after I purchased my vehicle, I was driving and my oil light flashed on for less than a second, I stopped at my sisters house and let my engine cool down and checked my oil and there was absolutely none... I refilled it and then began checking my oil weekly. I add at least 1/4-1/2 quart per week between oil changes. Every time I take my car in for an oil change they have to add an extra quart and make me aware that my vehicle is burning a significant amount of oil... This is my everyday car, I use it to get back and forth to work, I transport my children in this vehicle. There is a 953 Recall and also 218 but my VIN is not included.

- Middletown, PA, USA

problem #506

Dec 162024

Santa Fe

  • miles
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 #505

Jun 032024

Santa Fe

  • miles
In June 2024, my vehicle suddenly lost power while I was driving on the freeway, almost causing a serious accident. I managed to restart the car after being stuck on the shoulder of the freeway for several minutes. The same issue occurred the following day, prompting me to have the vehicle towed to the dealership. Hyundai Motor was contacted since the vehicle is still under warranty. The dealership informed me they would conduct an oil consumption test three times to diagnose the issue. However, they also stated that for the test to be successful, I needed to replace unrelated parts, including the brakes and transmission oil, among other items. Reluctantly, I agreed and spent $1,800 on these replacements. After completing the first oil consumption test, I returned for the second test. However, the dealership informed me that no further tests were necessary and returned the car to me without addressing the underlying issue. I emailed the case manager assigned by Hyundai to report this, but I never received a response. A few months later, the car failed to start. I contacted Hyundai again, and they dispatched a tow truck. The tow truck driver managed to start the car. A few days later, the issue recurred, and the roadside assistance tow driver suggested it might be the battery. Out of frustration, I paid $300 to replace the battery. Despite this, the car continued to make unusual noises at startup, a problem I had repeatedly mentioned to the dealership and in my communications with Hyundai. The situation reached a critical point today when my wife was driving the vehicle on the freeway with our five children inside. While traveling at 60 miles per hour, the car suddenly lost power again, putting their lives in danger. This is the third time this hazardous issue has occurred, and I fear for the safety of my family.

- Redmond, WA, USA

problem #504

Jun 032024

Santa Fe

  • miles

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

In June 2024, my vehicle suddenly lost power while I was driving on the freeway, almost causing a serious accident. I managed to restart the car after being stuck on the shoulder of the freeway for several minutes. The same issue occurred the following day, prompting me to have the vehicle towed to the dealership. Hyundai Motor was contacted since the vehicle is still under warranty. The dealership informed me they would conduct an oil consumption test three times to diagnose the issue. However, they also stated that for the test to be successful, I needed to replace unrelated parts, including the brakes and transmission oil, among other items. Reluctantly, I agreed and spent $1,800 on these replacements. After completing the first oil consumption test, I returned for the second test. However, the dealership informed me that no further tests were necessary and returned the car to me without addressing the underlying issue. I emailed the case manager assigned by Hyundai to report this, but I never received a response. A few months later, the car failed to start. I contacted Hyundai again, and they dispatched a tow truck. The tow truck driver managed to start the car. A few days later, the issue recurred, and the roadside assistance tow driver suggested it might be the battery. Out of frustration, I paid $300 to replace the battery. Despite this, the car continued to make unusual noises at startup, a problem I had repeatedly mentioned to the dealership and in my communications with Hyundai. The situation reached a critical point today when my wife was driving the vehicle on the freeway with our five children inside. While traveling at 60 miles per hour, the car suddenly lost power again, putting their lives in danger. This is the third time this hazardous issue has occurred, and I fear for the safety of my family.

- Redmond, WA, USA

problem #503

Dec 122024

Santa Fe

  • miles
Problems with oil consumption/oil burning. Engine noise - mechanic said the timing chain socket is coming apart. Hyundai has had multiple issues with vehicles that have GDI LAMBDA II engine. In 2019, they recalled several makes with Lambda engine however my vehicle wasn-??t one of them. Mechanic said it would cost $6200 to repair. Just to diagnose the issue was $440.

- Adrian, MI, USA

problem #502

Dec 092024

Santa Fe

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

- Kansas City, MO, USA

problem #501

Jun 132023

Santa Fe

  • miles
The engine on my car was consuming oil at a rapid rate. The dealer service department gave me the run around for many month. Stating they could never duplicate the issue. when clearly the whitish blue smoke pouring out of tailpipe and horrible combustion fumes inside cabin of car. At some point bluish smoke turned to black smoke and that when the $800 combustion test was suggested. Which they say will tell me if the engine is bad. how do they not know the signs of a bad engine. my car sat in service department for 2 months for them to say it's not covered under warranty. I tried everything to hold the manufacture responsible and they was unwilling to budge and help. The car has the extended warranty and my car was under the mileage and years. My car been sitting in my driveway since May 2024 needing a engine replacement. The fumes in cabin of vehicle was unbearable which cause me to have to drive with window down. Vehicle never show any warning lights when engine oil was low or empty. another incident was with the radio not turning off even after the battery went died. The radio continue to work and connect to phone when battery was died. After charging battery radio would again kill battery and not shut off. The only way it would shut off is to disconnect radio. How dealer explained the issue was that of a modem. That the car probably need to be reset when radio was disconnected it worked. But after that it happen 3 more times. these cars need to be recalled and all customer should get there money back. To own a 2005 Santa Fe with over 216,000 miles with no oil burning / leaking or smoke out tailpipe say a lot on the manufacturing of this vehicle. I have no mechanical issues with this car and that was the reason i wanted to upgrade to 2017. Now I wish I had never brought the 2017. Beware before buying this brand because they are no good.

- Hamden, CT, USA

problem #500

Sep 132024

Santa Fe

  • miles
Over the past year, the engine light continues to come on. The first time this happened, there was no oil in the reservoir even though it had recently had an oil change. They did another oil change and sent us on our way. The next time.[XXX], the check engine light came there was a loud clanking sound and low oil again. This was the code the dealership said it was: Code P0021 [XXX]. He suggested a tune-up at this time. He says the engine light should stay off. We just need to continue to check the oil. [XXX]. Check engine light came on again as my son was driving. He lost pressure is the gas pedal. When he pushed it, the vehicle would not accelerate. We has it towed to the same dealership On 10/2/24, they were finally able to tell us what Hyundai felt was wrong: Timing components will need to be replaced- the timing tensioner or chain has failed $4363.20. We pushed back because our personal mechanic said the following: We were told by our mechanic and some of the research that we did that the breaking of the timing chain is connected to the loss of oil pressure that has been happening because of the default in the engine which is part of the recall for that vehicle. What can they tell us about that" Those timing chains are supposed to last a long time and not go out at 130,000 miles or whatever the odometer reading is now. Can this be considered in the recall information for replacing the engine" It does not seem that they're really working with us or helping us on this. Our contact person went back to his shop foreman who went back to Hyundai to ask about this. He then said his shop foreman said it doesn't seem to be directly related to that warranty extension TXX8 - but we will submit all information to Hyundai prior approval and see what they say. It then took him until October 14 to say the following: Hyundai is asking my master technician to remove the valve valve cover and inspect timing parts closer. We took it to another INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S

- Fort Worth, TX, USA

problem #499

Nov 292024

Santa Fe

  • miles
[XXX] this engine was replaced under the Hundai Theta Engine Settlement at 91,654 miles. I am the original owner. This problem first started when oil light was on and my regular mechanic sent me to Hyundai because engine required excessive amts of oil. Oil usage test conducted, engine replaced under the NATIONAL RECALL. I have maintained car with regular service before and since that time. 10-14/2024 Good Year Center did my routine oil change at 190,027 on this replacement engine. At time of service, this second engine had 91,463 miles since being replaced in 2022. I did service in readiness for upcoming Thanksgiving vaca. 11/29/29. on [XXX] [XXX] at Greenville, Ala...check engine light began flashing... car was vibrating, shaking, making noise...oil light also went on, I began losing power. I pulled off hwy at [XXX} exit..still making noise, slowing down.. got to bottom of ramp was able to coast into parking lot of station/rest. 189 miles from home. Checked oil...none on dipstick, still vibrating and making noise. man from station came to help and told me to shut it off. he checked oil, looked under car. nothing running out, filter on tight. He worked at restaurant was also a mechanic... Got his meter and read the codes...saying that spark plugs 3 &4 were bad. Spark plugs changed 1/18/24 at Good year service center. He put in 4 qts of oil. tried to start car, oil light and check engine light still flashing. When he removed 3 and 4 plug tips were burnt and singed black. replaced plugs, started car... both check in light (now steady on) and oil light still on. still idling very rough and vibrating with noise. checked spark plugs again.. when he removed plug, it was coated in oil. Car towed 189 miles. dealer said burnt valve, not related to oil all over engine. Engine cost at 7000-9000. Not warranty issue per dealer. reported to corporate, still no response INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.

- Gadsden, AL, USA

problem #498

Sep 182024

Santa Fe

  • miles
My complaint is the dealership that said had completed the recall on my brake systems according to both your and state records was not completed. They gave me a service notice stating the work was done. Since then the braked have continued to act up and the vehicle as a strange acceleration problem. The dealership is Don Wood Hyundai in Athens Ohio.

- Athens, OH, USA

problem #497

Nov 242024

Santa Fe

  • miles
The engine seized due to an issue with the oil plug and another part, leading to a lack of oil in the system. The vehicle is currently with Hyundai and available for inspection upon request. How Safety Was Put at Risk: While driving on the highway, I suddenly lost acceleration (below 40mphs). I was forced to pull over to the left side of the highway where it was shallow, where I risked being hit by passing vehicles until there was a safe break in traffic, allowing me to maneuver to an exit. This created a hazardous situation for both myself and other drivers. Reproduction or Confirmation of the Problem: The issue has been confirmed by an independent automotive technician, who diagnosed the problem as a blown engine caused by a lack of oil. The vehicle is now with Hyundai for further inspection. Inspection by Others: The vehicle has been inspected by an independent service center and is currently being inspected by Hyundai. No other parties, such as the police or insurance representatives, have been involved. Warning Lamps or Messages Prior to Failure: The only warning sign prior to the incident was the check engine light blinking at the time of the failure. There were no other warning lamps, messages, or symptoms before the engine seized. The vehicle was within the oil range limit of 7,500 miles at the time of the incident. Additional Notes: The incident occurred suddenly, without prior warning or indication of an issue. Based on the diagnosis and known issues with the oil plug, I believe this failure was caused by a defect.

- Charleston, SC, USA

problem #496

Sep 022023

Santa Fe

  • miles
I have Hyudai Santafe 2017 Sport, bought it from dealership in 2020 with 46,000 Miles and in around past 4/5 years added 30,000 miles. Which is not much, in the past one year i have noticed that engine oil is burning faster than usual. On every oil change after driving between 1200 and 1500 miles the oil engine sign blinks and upon checking needed 2 Quarts of oil. I spoke the dealership and they are not very helpfull. Also they did the oil combustion test which i was charged. Later i was advised to do. ("Good morning, Just got off the phone with you sir warranty won't cover it due to the vehicle being out of manufacture warranty and mileage. My technician recommended starting with combustion chamber cleaning which would be around 1200 before taxes and shop supplies. Combustion chamber cleaning is the process of removing carbon buildup from the combustion chamber and intake valves of a fuel-injection engine. to see if that fixes the problem that you are having with the car burning oil. If that step doesn't work we we would submit a warranty pa again, to see if they would cover a new engine." Please advise what should be my next step, as per my mechanic the only solultion right now i have is keep adding oil carefully.

- Springfield, VA, USA

problem #495

May 242024

Santa Fe

  • miles
I was driving my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe and suddenly I heard the knock sound from the engine and when I pulled over, I saw the oil came down from the engine. I towed my vehicle to Hyundai dealership and they diagnosed the issue is vertical square and potential rod bearing failure. My vehicle has only 91k miles. I want to find out if there is any recall on this issue that happened to my car. Please let me know.

- Mebane, NC, USA

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