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 1 of 24)

problem #479

Sep 172024

Santa Fe

  • 95,000 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 while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000. The VIN was not available.

- Warren, NJ, USA

problem #478

Jun 272024

Santa Fe

  • miles
The engine in my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe malfunctioned due to issues with the connecting rod bearings, a known defect for this model. While driving on the highway, the engine began to slow down and fail, creating a hazardous situation that jeopardized my safety and that of other road users. A diagnostic performed at World Car Hyundai South confirmed that the problem was with the connecting rod bearings. Despite the severity of the issue and the fact that it is a documented problem with this model, Hyundai's Goodwill Program and warranty did not cover the engine replacement. The manufacturer cited missing maintenance records from previous owners as the reason for denial. I provided comprehensive service records for the vehicle from the time it was in my possession. The refusal to cover the repair based on the absence of previous records on Carfax overlooks that previous owners may have used service providers not reporting to Carfax. Additionally, there were no warning lamps or messages before the engine failure. Hyundai's decision to deny coverage, given the known defect in this model, suggests an attempt to avoid responsibility.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

problem #477

May 062024

Santa Fe

  • miles
The engine is suffering from excessive oil consumption that might result in the engine blowing up. Hyundai is aware of the issue with many reports filed but has refused to address the issue.

- Chatsworth, CA, USA

problem #476

May 202024

Santa Fe

  • 114,000 miles

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

I was driving along 55mph on a 2 lane road when suddenly the car shut off. I was fortunate that it died at the top of a hill and I was able to coast to the safety of a side street. I was in a remote part of michigan and 20 miles from any service stations with my 3 children. The car would not restart. I was able to contact a tow truck who took it to my mechanic who said the engine had failed and I would need a new engine.

- Ludington, MI, USA

problem #475

Aug 302024

Santa Fe

  • miles
3.3l engine with 120k miles began making a noise and suddenly failed while driving at interstate speeds. No warning lights or messages appeared prior to this incident. All occupants, two adults and child, were placed in danger while attempting to exit the highway and were left stranded with an inoperable vehicle.

- Smyrna, GA, USA

problem #474

Jun 282024

Santa Fe

  • miles
Complete engine failure at 150,000. No check engine or warning lights prior to failure. I was traveling at 75 mph on the freeway when the engine lost power and locked up. I was barely able to make it safely to an exit before it fully shut down. After stopping, oil was profusely leaking out of the vehicle. When levels were checked it was completely empty. I know for a fact the oil was full before driving because I checked it and topped it off. Vehicle has been inspected by the dealership it was purchased from and they confirmed engine failure.

- Warrenton , MO, USA

problem #473

Jul 292024

Santa Fe

  • miles

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

Engine failed due to metal shavings and oil consumption issue. CHeck engine light came on and I immediatley took for service. IT has been examined by car dealer who got approval for 90% of engine replacement. Feel it should be 100% and fall under 11006230 and be covered 100%

- Oldsmar, FL, USA

problem #472

May 052024

Santa Fe

  • miles
car started doing a weird noise. car checked at dealership, mentioned that it was probably the engine but that there was no engine light on. Car released back to us since no warning light was on. Engine died about a week later while driving (luckily, we were in a parking lot and our kids were not in the car). vehicle has been at dealership for more than 3 months.

- Napa, CA, USA

problem #471

Aug 172024

Santa Fe

  • miles
Current mileage is 80,000. For the last 30,000 miles the engine oil burns or leaks within a month of it being changed. When I return to the shop to get yet another oil change. They investigate for leaks and find nothing. They end up topping it off vs charging me. As I barely put a hundred miles on the vehicle since the last change. Even when I barely drive between oil changes, I end up checking the stick frequently to ensure it-??s not leaking or burning oil until the next change. Yet it always does. It also randomly acts like it doesn-??t want to start. Doesn-??t matter if it-??s cold, hot or normal kind of day. Take it to dealer or auto repair shop for a diagnostic check and nothing is found. They check the starter, circuits, battery, and alternator. Nothing. This happens multiple times a yr. I-??ve never owned a vehicle that does this before. Even my old 200+ mile vehicle never did this. This Hyundai is only 7 yrs old and under 85,000 miles. It-??s baffling.

- Lewisville, TX, USA

problem #470

Jun 062024

Santa Fe

  • miles
My 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe has roughly 120,000 miles on it and an engine light came on. I brought the vehicle into an automotive shop where they stated the vehicle was very low on oil, they checked the code and then reset it. After they drove the vehicle, it began "knocking" and the code came back on. They stated in the paperwork, "[t]his code is caused by the ecm getting a response from the solenoids that the camshaft is off; engine is not timed properly. This can be caused by a stretched timing chain or if the chain jumps a tooth." The oil has been changed less than 2,500 miles prior, no light ever came on to indicate that it was low, there was no indication that it was burning excessive amounts of oil, and I park in the same spot each day with no sign of oil leakage. There were no warning signs that the oil was low or that there were issues with the engine. This engine easily could have overheated and seized with absolutely no warning that it was coming. I was set to drive with my family across the country right before this happened and we easily could have been driving on the highway if/when the engine seized. The automotive repair shop quoted $9,149.01 to fix the issues and I owe a little more than $10,000 on it. I don't want to risk repairing it since the faulty engine will likely have this issue again in the near future and I am at a loss for how to proceed, especially with many having the same issue.

- Frederick, MD, USA

problem #469

Jul 242024

Santa Fe

  • miles

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

On 7/24/24 I was driving off the expressway near my home when as I was switching lanes the vehicle made a loud clunk noise (it was like the sound of a lock turning but louder) and stopped accelerating, eventually coming to a full stop in the middle of the lane. Since I was blocking the lane, and it was during rush hour, I called the police to have them escort me out of the lane and into the middle divide. I had my vehicle towed to my home where my personal mechanic showed up to do an inspection. He tried turning on the car, but it only made a single-clicking noise. Next, he checked the oil and discovered that the dipstick was completely dry. He advised that the engine was seized due to no oil and suggested that I reach out to the location I had my last oil change at. An independent inspector completed a diagnostic on the vehicle and concluded the following: The top of this engine was dry and there were no oil stains on the underside of the hood or pooled in the engine compartment to suggest this engine leaked or displaced oil from the fill hole area. The oil fill cap was in the valve cover, tight and properly orientated. The oil pan drain plug was tight in the pan and not leaking. No torque seal or paint had been used on the drain plug or the oil pan. There was no impact damage to the oil pan. The inspector verified the oil filter housing and cover were dry with no signs of an active leak. The inspector verified the engine had been leaking oil to an active drip from the rear main engine oil seal, valve cover gaskets and from the oil pan gasket. There was also an excessive amount of soot and wetness in the tailpipes consistent with excessive oil consumption and the inspector observed a film of oil was present on the rear of the vehicle at both sides further indicating excessive oil consumption. The inspector attempted to start the engine and verified there was only a single clunk noise audible in the engine it could not be rotated indicating it was internally seized.

- Snellville, GA, USA

problem #468

May 222024

Santa Fe

  • miles
My 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport has less than 100,000 miles and has been regularly serviced. On [XXX], the vehicle stopped suddenly and dangerously on the highway. No warning light engaged. Fortunately, I was able to roll to the breakdown lane without causing an accident. The vehicle had traveled 2,828 miles since its last oil change on March 30, 2024. My mechanic, Todd's Auto Repair in Beverly, Massachusetts, looked for leaks and performed an oil change. The vehicle traveled 894 miles before requiring another 5 quarts of oil on June 11, 2024. The vehicle traveled another 969 miles since last service and required 3 quarts of oil on July 25, 2024. The mechanic is therefore confident that the engine is burning through the oil at an alarming rate, with no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms present to protect the driver. I have an appointment for the vehicle to be inspected by a Hyundai dealer on August 12, 2024. The service center scheduler was resolute that there is nothing the Hyundai corporation will do for oil over-consumption. Hyundai customer Facebook groups indicate that this is a very common problem, putting drivers in peril. We welcome an inspection should you request one. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Beverly, MA, USA

problem #467

Jul 012024

Santa Fe

  • miles
My stepson was driving the car and it stopped running while at a red light in a left turn lane on a busy intersection. When he went to try to start it, it wouldn't turn over. Fortunately 2 officers showed up on scene to protect my stepson and his friends from an accident by blocking the lane behind the car. I arrived at the site of the incident and tried to start the car. When it wouldn't turn over I checked the oil and there was none on the dipstick. We just had numerous seals replaced on the engine within the last 8000 miles. We had it towed to a trusted shop that we frequent. They said that the motor was seized and there was no evidence of leaks. I called the local Hyundai dealer and I was told there was no coverage for the engine. Looking online I found many complaints from other people that have had the same issue with the same 3.3 liter engine. The engine was resealed due to leakage, however I had never needed to top off the oil since I bought the car. I have the oil changed every 3,000 miles or so. The shop that resealed the engine never took the heads off and stated that they did not see any evidence of major engine issues when they had the oil pan off. According to my stepson, there was never any warning and no lights on the dash.

- Lakeville, MN, USA

problem #466

Jul 052024

Santa Fe

  • miles
head gasket blown without prior warning and rapid engine oil consumption. Car will power down in the middle of Hight speed traffic potentially causing an accident. Car less than 7year old.

- Tucson, AZ, USA

problem #465

Jul 202024

Santa Fe

  • miles
2017 Santa Fe 2.4 L bought at 70,000 miles. We stalled on the highway which was terrifying. We could have been hit or caused an accident. Check engine light went on at this time and there was a knocking sound. Took to Firestone mechanic right away, they said they found metal shavings within the engine and that we would need a total engine replacement which would be up to $10,000. We did a google search and there are thousands of other Hyundai Santa Fe 2017 owners with the same issue. This happened at random the car was running perfectly. This is a safety issue and needs to be recalled. We are devastated having only bought this car 6 months ago and it-??s only at 80,000 mile's!!! We can-??t afford another car but it is a basic need where we live.

- Houston , TX, USA

problem #464

Jun 242024

Santa Fe

  • miles
This vehicle has been well serviced. On 06.24.2024, with 55,857 odometer reading, it was being taken to the dealer because it was making engine noise but it seized on the way. I had just gotten on the interstate and up to 65mph when I lost all power and had to coast to the shoulder of the road and call a tow truck to get it the rest of the way. Stayed at the dealer for a couple of weeks before we received a call to tell us it wasn't covered under warranty because of time...understandable but not acceptable. So we reached out to Hyundai ourselves and got a representative to look into why it wouldn't be covered if there were obvious (what we have come to find out) issues.There are already TSBS indicating timing chain issues but in order to determine what the cause of failure was would require taking it apart which they weren't willing to do. It appears this will be the next class action lawsuit as there are too many having similar problems and Hyundai isn't willing to stand up.

- Chelsea, AL, USA

problem #463

Nov 012022

Santa Fe

  • miles
went in for a routine oil change on vehicle at bob king hyundai in Winston salem, NC. Left home a few days later and home is 4hrs away roughly. When i got back home my Oil pressure light came on so i parked and checked the situation. There was no oil on my dipstick at all. Called dealer and asked why i'm empty if they just put oil in vehicle and they said they put in the right amount but my suv was saying another story. I literally had to fight with them to get a oil consumption test done free of charge for them to tell me what i already knew it was consuming or leaking, however they failed to tell me where it was going. Didn't want to honor the warranty that i bought into after i brought up the issues before it ran out and they denied my claim. i'm losing 1.5 - 2 qtrs. a week this is unacceptable by the manufacture to put bad equipment in or mess up a service and not take responsibility for their own actions! I had a trash bag full of empty oil jugs and i have had to make multiple trips to get my oil changed in that first week of not knowing why my motor was going through oil. My pressure light comes on during crank up to start and then goes away after i reach i certain speed on the rd and will come back off on on during rides. I also field multiple cases with BBB.

- Kill Devil Hills, NC, USA

problem #462

Jul 062024

Santa Fe

  • miles
My engine ceased without warning. I had to purchase a used engine for 16K and it just ceased without warning exactly the same way.

- Palm Harbor, FL, USA

problem #461

Apr 232024

Santa Fe

  • miles
I bought this vehicle back in 2022 hearing how great Hyundai is wanting to make a long time purchase with a for my family. I-??ve had different models vehicles but I wanted something reliable. Now hearing this is possibly a fire hazard I need all this taking care of immediately. I am dependent on my car to get to work, for food, and I take my kids to school an to practice and just everyday life. I will take my vehicle to the dealership immediately to attempt to get this taking care of this week an hopes this company can make it right. Thanks for your time

- Summerville, SC, USA

problem #460

Jun 262024

Santa Fe

  • miles
Vehicle stalled while driving and began knocking

- Boyertown , PA, USA

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