general problems of the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe - part 1

102 problems related to equipment have been reported for the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe based on all problems reported for the 2017 Santa Fe.

1 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 03/12/2026

Service campaign update 9c2 was installed. Since then erratic shifting occurs including up and down shifting without change in acceleration and deceleration or lag. This lasts between 1-5 minutes after initial vehicle start-up. This is dangerous when vehicle attempts to pull out into traffic. Hyundai has been aware of the issue as early as December 2025 but no notice of corrective action has been received.

2 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 01/03/2026

Dashboard cracking - not overly parked in sunlight.

3 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 12/15/2025

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.

4 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 11/15/2025

Sunroof exploded it sounded like a bomb went off and had my inside cover been opened I don’t know if I would’ve veered off the road been injured or injured someone else in the process. As it is I don’t know where the big huge piece of glass went. I do have pictures I reported it to my insurance company and also to corporate Hyundai. I was shaken up until the next day.

5 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 10/12/2025

Spontaneous panoramic sunroof explosion - serious safety defect on October 12, 2025, at approximately 10:00 pm, while my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe sport was being driven on interstate 85 near greenville, south carolina, the panoramic sunroof spontaneously exploded without any external impact or warning. What happened: - my son was traveling at highway speed in normal driving conditions and he said it sounded a shotgun being shot at close range. The explosion created a period of dangerous distraction. - there was no impact from road debris, rocks, or any external object - the sunroof suddenly and violently shattered, making a loud explosive sound - a few tempered glass fragments entered the passenger cabin, by the vast majority blew out of the vehicle. - the incident created an immediate safety hazard for vehicle occupants and for other vehicles who may have been following. - visibility was not compromised, but due to glass exploding, my son had to drive on the shoulder of the interstate at a slow speed with his hazard lights on in order to make it safely to an exit. Safety concerns: - sudden loss of structural integrity - the sunroof exploded outward without warning - glass in passenger cabin - tempered glass fragments fell into the vehicle, endangering occupants - driver distraction - the sudden explosion and noise created a dangerous distraction at highway speed - visibility impairment - glass debris and the sudden opening affected visibility - weather exposure - immediate exposure to wind and weather elements at highway speed - ongoing safety risk - this defect affects thousands of vehicles still on the road what did not happen: - no collision or impact with another vehicle - no road debris struck the vehicle - no rocks or projectiles hit the sunroof - no hail or weather-related damage - no recent sunroof operation or manipulation - no aftermarket modifications or repairs this was a spontaneous failure of a defective component during normal vehicle operation.

6 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 06/26/2025

While driving my vehicle, the check engine light came on, and the engine entered limp mode, severely reducing power and acceleration. This presented a significant safety risk while traveling on the highway, especially during lane changes and merges. The issue was later diagnosed by a certified Hyundai dealer as diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p1326, which relates to the knock sensor detecting potential engine bearing wear. The dealer confirmed this issue and performed related inspection work under Hyundai’s service campaign t3g. No prior warning signs appeared before the incident. Hyundai has issued a known campaign for this issue, but no recall appeared under my VIN at the time. I incurred rental and rideshare costs due to the vehicle being held at the dealer for several days. This condition severely impacts the drivability and safety of the vehicle.

7 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 06/18/2025

All of a sudden my liftgate in the back will not stay up. The pistons for the liftgate are no longer working on either side, so kind of strange as they don't usually go like that thank you [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

8 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 06/05/2025

From the day we purchased this used vehicle, the check engine light came on. We had to have the catalytic converter replaced next. Now we’re having oil leak issues. Multiple oil leaks have been repaired, and I’ve most recently paid over $700 to have this issue resolved. A week after the Hyundai dealership repaired it, the vehicle is leaking oil again. We have to add oil about every 5-7 days. Today we were told that my [xxx] daughter needs to drive it until the engine goes out, and not to add any oil. This is not only unacceptable, it’s also unsafe! information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

9 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 06/02/2025

Back up camera operates very erratically. Some times it works properly, some of the time it is very slow to engage. Other times it comes on after I have completed my rearward movement, and some times it comes on after shifting into drive. Then there are times t never comes on. I spoke to a dealer tech and was told there are a lot of them like that. If I wanted to spend about $900, they might be able to fix it. This has been going on for a couple of years.

10 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 05/24/2025

The engine had no oil. No indication was given by the dashboard lights. I heard a ticking noise soon after I started my car. My husband checked the oil; it was bone dry. I still had 200 more miles before my next oil change. Needless to say, the engine would have blown up if I hadn’t payed attention to the noise coming from the vehicle. In fact, this happened about a year ago, I just thought it was a fluke. Since this is the second incident, this is not a fluke and something needs to be done. We can’t afford to have a vehicle blow up on us. There was no sign of leaking on the driveway.

11 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 05/12/2025

In may 2025, the vehicle (2017 Hyundai Santa Fe) developed severe sluggishness. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and I was told the engine would need to replaced due to a recall. Four months later (week of sept 14 {exact date not known}), the engine was replaced and the vehicle made available for pickup. I drove it home (8. 1 miles) and all seemed normal. It sat in the driveway for approx. One week. On sept 22, 2025, I drove to the store (8. 4 miles round-trip). On the way to the store, the engine light came on. I immediately called the dealership and reported the problem. The car was taken in that night (a trip of 8. 1 miles) and left at the dealership. On sept 23, 2025, I was informed that the intake manifold needed to be replaced (this had caused the engine light to come on) at my cost of approx $1000. The car remains at the dealership (unused by me). Online research revealed that if debris had been found in the manifold, it was to be replaced along with the engine (Hyundai TSB #22-em-010h date July 2022). The following has been cut-and-pasted from the web: the issue of the intake manifold not being replaced or cleaned after an engine failure is a direct result of the core defect. When the old engine failed, it likely shed metallic debris and shrapnel. That debris could have traveled into other components, including the intake manifold. If the manifold is not cleaned or replaced, the new engine draws that old metallic debris back in, causing it to fail again almost immediately. Nhtsa indirectly mandated that the repair must be complete and effective. When a dealership refuses a critical part of that repair (like cleaning the manifold), they are effectively carrying out an incomplete remedy to a safety recall, which is a violation of the manufacturer's federal obligation under the consent order. It is my contention that residual debris in the intake manifold caused the warning light and will quite possibly damage the new engine.

12 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 04/29/2025

On April 28, 2025 my car cut off in the middle of traffic. I turned the car completely off. I was able to turn it back on and move it out of traffic. I called my mechanic and he looked at it, he checked the oil and there was oil I'm it. He drove it around a parking lot and heard a rattling noise, he tried to get it to his shop, the rattling got louder and louder, he was scared the engine would lock up, we parked it and had to have it towed to my residence. In the last 6-8 months I had to put oil in my car every week. I have taken to mi mechanic several times checking for leaks. I have been to the dealer checking to see if they there has been any recalls. Due to this situation I have no transportation. I am already financially struggling and now I have to figure out what to do I have already paid out of pocket for the abs to be replaced as well. My sun roof I cannot open due to the rollers r stop working. This has worst experience I have has with a brand new car, I previously owned a Hyundai and had a wonderful experience.

13 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 04/12/2025

Windshield was broken by a rock on the highway.

14 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 11/24/2024

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.

15 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 11/10/2024

While driving down the road at around 50 mph with no one in front of us, we heard a loud bang above us, and our panoramic sunroof exploded. I continued driving to reach a safe area to pull off and look at the damage, and saw glass flying away behind me into oncoming traffic. When surveying the vehicle, there was a large whole in the middle of the panoramic sunroof. It seems to have simply exploded, as there were no cars in front of us and nothing could have hit the vehicle at the time. We were able to pull off safely and cover the hole with cardboard and duct tape to get home safely. However this is a huge safety risk. Had we been on the interstate, we would have had to drive for miles with a blown out sunroof creating unsafe conditions for ourselves and other drivers. Hyundai (so far) will not warranty this as part of their extended warranty even though there are numerous class action lawsuits against them for this part being defective. I believe that Hyundai should be held responsible for exploding panoramic sunroofs. This is not the first incident they have had as it seems to be a regular occurrence.

16 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 10/17/2024

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.

17 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 10/11/2024

While driving a 1/2 second squeal came from engine compartment. Motor immediately stopped. No power steering or brakes. Vehicle is available for inspection. We were on an interstate we coasted to shoulder. There issue is frequent on internet forums. A trusted mechanic old us the engine was totally seized. Could be turned manually. No oil in crankcase. At this time only aforementioned mechanic has inspected the vehicle. No warning sounds or performance changes prior to incident. No warning lights or notice warnings were seen prior coincident.

18 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 09/25/2024

2017 Santa Fe, car had fire in 09/2024 and was with dealership until 05/2025. Bsd, abs, traction, and parking brake lights on the dash when vehicle was picked up. Dealership not complaint to pay as the assume it is an outside issue.

19 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 08/17/2024

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.

20 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 07/12/2024

Engine oil consumption test at 1,000 miles after oil change. All oil gone. Happened for two oil changes. Engine light came on. I paid 5k in repairs for catalytic converter/manifold. Dealer contacted Hyundai to do combustion cleaning they said no. Dealer told me keep checking oil as my engine will seize on me. I'm terrified and this is dangerous to me and others. Hyundai knows of this oil engine problem still no recall.

21 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 06/05/2024

After oil change, I noticed oil spots on driveway. Took it back to place that did oil change. They told me I had a crack in my oil pan and that it was caused by some sort of engine defect that causes engine oil pressure fluctuations that eventually cause the pan to crack. I believe NHTSA has opened an investigation into this issue.

22 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 04/03/2024

Backup camera and it is available for inspection. I had the car in the dealership for 2 recalls July 3. When I picked up the car backup camera was blank. Dealership states it was a coincidence and nothing they did. Immediately took the car back for repair. I was told they don't know what's wrong. , they checked the wiring all good, replaced the camera and it still didn't work. I've been in contact for weeks with hyundia they don't have any answers yet.

23 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 03/21/2024

My 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe had a new engine installed at the dealership, fred beans Hyundai flemington, NJ. I picked it up on [xxx] on [xxx] (and after 134 miles) my car's check engine light came on. I rerouted to dealership about 8 miles. Sitting outside service bay, I smelled smoke and then saw smoke coming out of vents. I then jumped out of car and the car became engulfed in flames and subsequently exploded. The day I picked it up, I pointed out to the service manager that they had not reattached everything to the car properly, sloppy workmanship. Best guess is that they did not attach a valve correctly. Miracle no one was injured or killed! information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

24 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 02/07/2024

While getting up to speed on the freeway the full sunroof exploded. It sounde like a bomb was going off and the entire sunrrof broke.

25 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 01/15/2024

I bought this car a 2017 in December 2023. The first time I got the oil change they told me there’s no oil on a stick and then couple months later again no oil on the stick so I took it to my personal mechanic. He said there is an oil consumption problem so you advise me to take it where I bought it from. I had to go up there for 1000 mile test and then a 500 mile which I was low. Seems like every two weeks I had to put oil in it so where I brought the vehicle from told me to go to Hyundai. Hyundai only did one oil consumption test. I have a records of oil changes from valvoline, my personal mechanic, tradition Ford and one from Hyundai. Tradition Ford, where I got the car from with disappointment because I had a lot of proof that I was burning oil. There was no leak. There was no smoke at all. Besides it being under 10 years old, I was under 100,000 mile warranty and I had an extended warranty. Tradition Ford where I bought it from took that one back however I lost $7000 from the down payment. I bought new tires for it, new battery, remote starter, spark, plugs, and rain guards. I still have all my papers from that vehicle 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe sport 2. 4 engine liter.

26 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 12/30/2023

We noticed that we had our airbag light was on in our dashboard along with that we also notice that the buttons and horn did not work in to the steering wheel. When we took the car to get checked by the Hyundai dealership in lakewood. We were told that the clock spring was the cause of this problem to the airbag, horn, and the buttons not working. They told us that this clock spring part it was broken and it needed to be replaced. Our concern is the number one safety which making sure that all of the airbag and horn to be working. When this was communicated to the dealership person he response was that he could not say anything much about other then him saying that it was not under warranty and it was due to the mile of the car. Which I the moment we told them we totally understand about warranty and miles to the car but the safety of someone should not be put at risk just because of one part that connects all of this things. To us this is safety concern due to the airbag and horn not working. We are not sure by us reporting this would be something can be considered for a recall or be done about without costing any money to those who own a vehicle like this.

27 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 12/25/2023

Oil consumes so much oil. Goes through an entire oil change worth in 3 weeks with normal drive around town. Got oil change done 12/6 and by 12/25 there was no oil left in vehicle.

28 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 11/01/2023

I purchased this vehicle 05/05/2019 as a certified pre-owned vehicle from the dealership. I have kept regular maintenance on the car. Three same day of purchase, the engine quit as I was driving it. I was making a left hand turn and it quit while I was in the intersection. My children were in the car. Hyundai replaced the engine, but about a year and half later, that engine did the exact same thing. This time I was coming off the freeway. I can't imagine the possibilities if this had happened while on the freeway. Now, the engine is making the same sound as with the first two engines. I took it to Hyundai, and they claim it's normal. The car has issues where I will be trying to safely merge into traffic and it will hesitate. There are multiple intermittent issues that occur, but the scariest is knowing how the first two engines felt/ran and sounded prior to their failure, and once again experiencing those exact issues. How many times should an engine have to be replaced in a four year period? it is very likely that one of my children could be fatally injured depending on where we happen to be when this most recent engine fails, because it will - guaranteed. Online forums are full of thousands of people who purchased vehicles from Hyundai that have the exact same issue. No check engine warning. Just a rough sounding engine, and then it will just quit as they're driving. Something needs to be done. Lastly, June 18th, 2023 I had a collision with another vehicle. I collided with another vehicle, my front end to the other drivers driver's side. My air bags did not deploy. Nobody was injured, but I truly feel my airbags should have went off for the amount of damage to my front end. Pictures will be included.

29 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 10/26/2023

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.

30 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 08/28/2023

Abs light, passenger air bag light and skid light came on. Passenger airbag light flashes whenever car is in drive.

31 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 08/14/2023

Had oil changed July 5, 2023, Aug. 14 check engine light came on. Took it to shop and was told Hyundai vehicles are burning oil in the engine and the diagnostic code came back as catalytic convert and had to add oil. Have oil spots all over my drive so was told to check oil and make sure it's not low and see if light comes back on. Repair shop checked for recalls and found none for this car, yet. Daughter has 2013 kia rio with same problem for past couple of years. Why do recalls take so long?.

32 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 07/27/2023

My kia sorento 2016 use alot of oil, resulting in my car needing a new engine.

33 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 07/25/2023

2017 Hyundai Santa Fe sport 2. 4l automatic, took the car in for recall service. The following recall services were completed: (23-01-014h-5), (23-01-004h), (20-01-006h), (#17-01-050), (17-01-002). Service completed on 07/25/23, car was in perfect working order prior to recall service. Picked car up from dealer on the afternoon of 07/25/23, drove about 5 miles home. Next day (07/26/23), drove car about 20 miles and engine light came on. Took back to dealership 07/26/23 at about 3pm, stated nothing they did would cause engine light to come on and wanted me to leave with vehicle without checking it. Said 8/1/23 would be the earliest the could look at it to even check the code. Refused to leave with car in that state so they did check the code and stated it was a catalytic converter code and that mine might be going out. Stated that nothing was wrong with my car prior to recall services. Then they asked if my engine light was on before I brought it in for the recall service, I stated no. Then they said it could be the engine software update reading something wrong and cleared code. Told me to drive vehicle and if it came on again to bring it back. Drove car home again which is about a 5 mile distance. Did not drive car next day (07/27/23. Drove car on 07/28/23 for about 20 minutes and the engine light came back on. Called the dealership and they stated they would call me back but never did. Called the national Hyundai customer service number and explained the situation. Gave me a claim number and stated a case manager would contact me in 3-5 days. Called the dealership again on 07/31/23, and left another message with the service person but they did not return my call again. Called on 8/1/23 and asked for the service manager who stated earliest they can look at my car again is 8/7/23. Have not been contacted by a case manager yet as of 8/1/23. Hyundai forams online clearly state other owners having same issue as mine after having the Hyundai software updates completed.

34 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 07/05/2023

Hello. I don't know if this is even something you look into, but I wanted to see. Yesterday when I came home from work my oil light came on and all of my oil suddenly dumped in the driveway. I am thankful I was at home because this could have been a nightmare somewhere else. I had my car towed and was advised that the rear main seal needs replaced as well as the oil pan gasket. I don't know if this is a safety issue, but if my engine would have seized on the highway that could have been a nightmare. Oil maintenance has been at regular intervals. There was no warning until my light came on in the driveway and then the immediate dump of oil. I'm happy to answer any other questions. Thank you. Brooke.

35 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 07/04/2023

On my 2017 Santa Fe equipped with a power lift gate, when the power struts start to fail, it is without warning and intermittent. The lift gate will fully open, then suddenly drop down about a foot before stopping striking the top of the head. At first the drop down would occur several seconds later when one was already under the lift gate and bump the head when moving back. This started about 2 months ago. Hyundai had to replace both power struts where the total job cost just over $1,700. 00. The part were $1,244. 08. Although I took a video of this with my cell phone, it is too large to email to my gmail or aol inbox. Eventually the lift gate could fail completely possible trapping a small person under same.


Other Equipment related problems of the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe


Santa Fe Service Bulletins
Santa Fe Safety Recalls
Santa Fe Defect Investigations