HYUNDAI SANTA FE · model year

2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE

1172 NHTSA complaints, 20 crash reports, and 6 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2017HYUNDAISANTA FE carries 1172 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 20 crashes, 38 fires, 26 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall Not Rated/5 rating, with Not Rated/5 front crash, Not Rated/5 side crash, and Not Rated/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2017 SANTA FE is engine with 600 filings, followed by power train (145) and unknown or other (81). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 6 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 6 investigation files overlapping the 2017 SANTA FE. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

1172
Complaints
20
Crashes
38
Fires
26
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

1172 filings

Crashes Reported

20 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

NHTSA NCAP overall: Not Rated/5 — Not rated · Front: Not Rated/5 · Side: Not Rated/5 · Rollover: Not Rated/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ENGINE600
POWER TRAIN145
UNKNOWN OR OTHER81
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM56
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM51
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL46
SERVICE BRAKES32
STEERING26
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC23
AIR BAGS17
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING17
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)9
SEAT BELTS7
SUSPENSION7
SEATS5

Recalls (6)

16V84200021/11/2016

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 19, 2015, to November 14, 2016, and 2017 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured November 28, 2015, to November 14, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring ha

17V57800020/09/2017

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Santa Fe vehicles equipped with 3.3L engines. The crankshaft assemblies may have been produced with surface irregularities in the crankshaft pin, causing engine bearing wear.

16V14500010/03/2016

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured September 1, 2015 to February 12, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the wires in the front seat belt buckle harnesses may be damaged by the seat's height adjuster mechanism, resulting in a failure

17V14200006/03/2017

TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The affected vehicles have a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that may not have been set in the correct mode during vehicle assembly, and therefore will not provide an appropriate warning in the event of an und

17V35800005/06/2017

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the secondary hood latch actuating cable may corrode and bind, causing the secondary hood latch to remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed.

22V05600003/02/2022

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Santa Fe, 2017-2018 Santa Fe Sport, 2019 Santa Fe XL, and 2014-2015 Tucson vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.

Recent Complaints

20260219ENGINE

Engine failed at approximately 95000 miles.

20260219UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Dashboard cracking - not overly parked in sunlight.

20260217ENGINE

My Hyundai Santa Fe has a major oil leak from the oil pressure light. I took the car to a non-Hyundai shop for repair and was told that the problem should be covered under recall campaign 168. Reference Number: 17-01-071, Date of issue: December 01, 2017. A quick check of internet complaints indicates this is a common problem with this type vehicle. My oil pressure light is on at idle after the car is warmed up. Reno Hyundai dealer informs me that it is not covered by recall. I believe that this problem should be covered based on the volume of complaints from other owners. Can your organization help me in getting some kind of an cost adjustment for getting this repaired. Thank you.

20260211ENGINE

Purchased this 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe from dealer with 86K miles. (second owner). Immediately noticed excessive oil consumption. Would take vehicle in for oil top off service, to ensure proper levels. At 99K miles (six months after purchase) lost compression in #2 cylinder while driving on the freeway. Per independent auto repair facility and a Hyundai service center, engine replacement is needed. Hyundai declined engine replacement. It appears oil consumption was an issue when the vehicle was traded in to the dealership, and they resold it anyway to an unsuspecting consumer.

20260207ENGINE

documented oil-consumption issue with my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe, which currently has 98,876 miles. This concern was first formally reported in October 2025. Since that time, I have fully complied with all diagnostic and procedural requirements requested by the dealership, including inspections, documentation, and follow-up visits. The dealership has acknowledged that the vehicle has an ongoing oil-consumption condition. Per the instructions provided by Hyundai Service Team, I was advised to “submit my own claim.” I later learned that, as a customer, I am not permitted to submit or appeal a claim directly, and that only the dealership has the ability to do so. I have since been informed by Customer Care that the claim submitted on my behalf was considered weak, which may have contributed to its denial. I was also advised that Hyundai and the dealership were already aware that I did not have the ability to submit or appeal the claim myself, despite being directed to do so. Througho

20260207ENGINE

Current Mileage: ~94,000 miles Ownership: Second owner (purchased less than one year old at 17,035 miles) I purchased this vehicle in December 2018 when it had approximately 17,035 miles. Since purchase, the vehicle has been consistently and properly maintained, primarily at authorized Hyundai dealerships, with documented oil and filter changes throughout my ownership. All required Hyundai recalls and updates have been completed. As confirmed by Hyundai service records, my vehicle is eligible for extended warranty protections under the Theta II Engine Settlement, which explicitly applies to subsequent owners and is not limited to the original purchaser. Engine Failure & Repair History Beginning in mid-2025, my vehicle began to exhibit progressive and excessive oil consumption, despite regular maintenance. Hyundai dealerships performed multiple Hyundai-directed corrective actions, including: PCV valve replacement Multiple oil consumption tests Combustion chamber cleaning (paid out of

20260204ENGINE

I currently owned an 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe FWD with the 3.3 V6 Engine with approximately about 136,000 Miles. We were driving into Vegas when we heard the knocking Engine Sounds. Immediately we called the Dealership in Vegas advising them we were going to TOW the vehicle in. Once we get the Vehicle towed over to the dealership, we waited till the following Monday where it was authorized to have the engine replaced. We were so glad about that. The vehicle was going to be completed by early January and we got the news the Vehicle was completed but now having misfiring issues due to Faulty injectors. I was advised that this was not covered due to the mileage. This was an non issue when I turned in the vehicle to Hyundai. I made several attempts to contact my Case Manager and this was again denied due to the Mileage. For a vehicle with less than 140K miles and being less than 10 years old, we are very upset with this process and for Hyundai knowing that there were concerning issu

20260204FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I currently owned an 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe FWD with the 3.3 V6 Engine with approximately about 136,000 Miles. We were driving into Vegas when we heard the knocking Engine Sounds. Immediately we called the Dealership in Vegas advising them we were going to TOW the vehicle in. Once we get the Vehicle towed over to the dealership, we waited till the following Monday where it was authorized to have the engine replaced. We were so glad about that. The vehicle was going to be completed by early January and we got the news the Vehicle was completed but now having misfiring issues due to Faulty injectors. I was advised that this was not covered due to the mileage. This was an non issue when I turned in the vehicle to Hyundai. I made several attempts to contact my Case Manager and this was again denied due to the Mileage. For a vehicle with less than 140K miles and being less than 10 years old, we are very upset with this process and for Hyundai knowing that there were concerning issu

20260127ENGINE

My 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe began consuming oil at an excessive rate—approximately one quart every 250 miles. The vehicle had around 97,000 miles when I first became concerned. I brought it to the Hyundai dealership for evaluation, and they instructed me to continue driving the vehicle and return after 1,000 miles of driving so they could document the consumption. I returned after only 500 miles because of the rapid loss of oil and my concern for driving the vehicle in that condition. While following the dealership’s required oil‑consumption test procedure, the engine performance deteriorated. The vehicle eventually began stalling and had to be towed to the dealership. Because I was required to keep driving the vehicle as part of Hyundai’s diagnostic process, I accumulated an additional 4,000 miles, which pushed the odometer just over 100,000 miles. After completing the test, the dealership submitted a claim for an engine replacement, but Hyundai Corporate denied the claim solely

20260122ENGINE

Vehicle: 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe On June 9, 2024, when my wife started the vehicle, the engine was immediately knocking. Due to concern for safety and the risk of catastrophic engine failure, the vehicle was not driven and was towed to our home to prevent further damage. Hyundai was contacted shortly after discovery of the issue. During a phone call, we were told there were no active recalls applicable to our vehicle and no replacement engines available. Due to the lack of immediate support and the vehicle being undrivable, we were forced to send the vehicle to a third-party mechanic on June 14, 2024, to complete a necessary engine repair. On August 21, 2024, we received warranty documentation from Hyundai related to this issue. Despite providing all requested documentation and Hyundai contacting the third-party mechanic directly, the warranty claim process was repeatedly delayed. We were told multiple times that the case was in its final stage, only to later be assigned a new case ma

20260121AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that after the completion of an unknown air bag recall repair, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the dealer determined that the front passenger's side lower seat assembly needed to be replaced due to the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) failure, Part Number: B149000; however, the part was not available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and sent automated emails advising of the estimated time of availability of the part; however, the part had not been available, and there was no further communication from the manufacturer. The dealer advised the contact to remove the vehicle from the property because of the manufacturer. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 115,305.

Mileage: 115,305

20260114ENGINE

I purchased my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport secondhand from CarMax and have maintained it regularly with timely oil changes and tune‑ups. Despite this, the vehicle is burning oil at an extreme rate—approximately 1 quart every 378 miles. My local Hyundai dealership confirmed this through three consecutive 1,000‑mile oil consumption tests, all showing excessive oil loss far beyond normal operating limits. This level of consumption appears to indicate an internal engine defect, not normal wear. Hyundai corporate denied my case solely because I am the second owner, even though the vehicle is well under 100,000 miles and the defect has been verified by their own technicians. The denial did not address the confirmed test results or the safety implications. I am deeply concerned that the engine could seize while driving due to rapid oil loss, creating a serious risk of sudden loss of power, stalling, or inability to accelerate in traffic. This is a significant safety hazard for me, my p

20260112ENGINE

Check engine code called issue for cam shaft position error. Replaced sensor, still failing. After reading online forums found that the smaller engine had oil consumption issues, I decided to check oil level, No low oil light, dip stick showed very low oil even though had been to service at Hyundai all correct service intervals. Filled oil to proper level numerous times over last year, monitor it every two weeks. Some times totally fine no oil loss and many other times it continues to have excessive oil consumption. Now randomly smell gas in cabin while driving. Reading online again and the issue is becoming more well documented by users but Hyundai has not yet acknowledged issue with this 3.3L engine. Now the gas mileage head dropped significantly which gives further indication that the piston rings are allowing oil and gas to pass by. This can lead to cam shaft bearings to wear prematurely, other mechanical parts wearing or seizing, including the engine itself for a compete engin

20260112FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Check engine code called issue for cam shaft position error. Replaced sensor, still failing. After reading online forums found that the smaller engine had oil consumption issues, I decided to check oil level, No low oil light, dip stick showed very low oil even though had been to service at Hyundai all correct service intervals. Filled oil to proper level numerous times over last year, monitor it every two weeks. Some times totally fine no oil loss and many other times it continues to have excessive oil consumption. Now randomly smell gas in cabin while driving. Reading online again and the issue is becoming more well documented by users but Hyundai has not yet acknowledged issue with this 3.3L engine. Now the gas mileage head dropped significantly which gives further indication that the piston rings are allowing oil and gas to pass by. This can lead to cam shaft bearings to wear prematurely, other mechanical parts wearing or seizing, including the engine itself for a compete engin

20260103ENGINE

Excessive oil leaks. When I fix an oil leak another pop up. Im fixing my 4th oil leak. You can smell the oil burning. Engine is making knocking sounds. Hood latch is not working. You have to hold the hood or it will come down.

20260103UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Excessive oil leaks. When I fix an oil leak another pop up. Im fixing my 4th oil leak. You can smell the oil burning. Engine is making knocking sounds. Hood latch is not working. You have to hold the hood or it will come down.

20260102POWER TRAIN

I have a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe with ~88,000 miles. I noticed on 12/18/2025 that the oil lamp light came on briefly then turned off. So, I decided to take my car in to get serviced on 12/19/2025. I was told that there is an oil consumption issue with the engine and that Hyundai would need to do a combustion cleaning, and worst case scenario a full engine replacement. Hyundai refuses to cover us under warranty because we transferred the car from my Mother-in-Law's name to my wife's name. I want to file this as a complaint to the NHTSA because a car that isn't even 10-years old AND has less than 90,000 miles should not be needing an engine replacement. Hyundai appears to be aware of the issue as my service advisor at the dealership has mentioned that several of their cars with this engine have the exact same issue. To me, this sounds like a defect and should have a recall.

20260102ENGINE

I have a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe with ~88,000 miles. I noticed on 12/18/2025 that the oil lamp light came on briefly then turned off. So, I decided to take my car in to get serviced on 12/19/2025. I was told that there is an oil consumption issue with the engine and that Hyundai would need to do a combustion cleaning, and worst case scenario a full engine replacement. Hyundai refuses to cover us under warranty because we transferred the car from my Mother-in-Law's name to my wife's name. I want to file this as a complaint to the NHTSA because a car that isn't even 10-years old AND has less than 90,000 miles should not be needing an engine replacement. Hyundai appears to be aware of the issue as my service advisor at the dealership has mentioned that several of their cars with this engine have the exact same issue. To me, this sounds like a defect and should have a recall.

20251226ENGINE

Check engine light came on Oil Light came on then the vehicle shut off while I was driving. Safety was not good as I was driving the vehicle. I then had it towed to a shop to have it looked at. That is when I was told I would need a new motor due to a Crankshaft failure. The check engine light had come on the night before but when turning the vehicle on the next morning to take it to get looked at it was no longer on. Was driving it too the shop to have it looked at when it shut off on me while driving.

20251217ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

While driving- in total movement- the car completely shut off. Without any prior warning or indication. Immediately after, the car restarted, drove a couple blocks over, continuing to shut off while driving. It was then towed. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The warning lights did not appear until AFTER the car quit. They all came on & flashed & quickly went back out. Uncertain which component misfired or is affected- possibly related to an engine or fuel/ cylinder failure. Car is at mechanic for inspection. Our safety & lives were in critical jeopardy as the vehicle stopped without warning while driving in traffic congested area. It is unknown if this is a known issue or if this situation has been replicated however the current mechanic facility has experienced the same issue with this vehicle. Also strong odor of gas was experienced during shutoff.

Compare 2017HYUNDAISANTA FE to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE have?
The 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE has 1172 NHTSA complaints, 20 crashes, 38 fires, 26 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE?
The 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE received an overall NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5, front crash rating of Not Rated/5, side crash rating of Not Rated/5, and rollover rating of Not Rated/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE?
Yes, the 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE has 6 recall(s). The most common affected component is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE?
The most-complained component for the 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE is ENGINE with 600 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include POWER TRAIN and UNKNOWN OR OTHER.
Is the 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE has an NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.