general problems of the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe - part 1

We are driving on the highway and the engine just stop working but all lights are still working. I am trying to put gas but it seemed that the engine completely shuts off dangerously without warning. This put my family at risk because there were a lot of big trucks beside us. Theta ii 2. 0l turbo engine just stalled I believe this has been around . Can you please help us.

Hi, I have a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe sport and I recently went to the dealership to get my brakes done and that day they did the recall 9c2 which is a software update on the engine/transmission and the next morning when I drove my car the rpm’s were going up and my mph wouldn’t go past 15 mph for about a block down the road and the car jerked two times and then drove like normal. I call the dealership let them know about the issue and it’s never been an issue in the past and they set up a appointment I come in and they tell me if it’s not related to the brakes then I’ll have to pay $250. 00 for a diagnosis test. Unbelievable I don’t believe this is a coincidence I have taken well care of my car and the past owner as well and the car doesn’t even have 100k miles. I have researched other people in the same situation as me and even read that Hyundai is recommended us to warm up our cars before driving now. It is so frustrating my car was perfectly fine until that recall and they won’t do anything about it.

Am filing a formal complaint regarding an official software update provided by Hyundai that completely corrupted the infotainment/head unit system in my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe sport. I purchased this vehicle from carmax less than three weeks ago. The vehicle came equipped with Hyundai blue link, so I contacted Hyundai support to activate the service by pressing the blue link button inside the vehicle. Hyundai informed me that my vehicle required a software update because the current system did not contain the necessary software for blue link to function properly. A Hyundai representative directed me to Hyundai’s official update website and provided instructions for completing the update. Following Hyundai’s instructions exactly, I purchased and formatted a usb drive, downloaded the update using my VIN from Hyundai’s official website, properly extracted the files, and installed the update into the vehicle. During the installation process, the update failed and corrupted the head unit system. The display now continuously shows “update unsuccessful” with error code 106. Since the failed Hyundai update, multiple vehicle systems no longer function properly, including the backup camera, bluetooth, hands-free calling, blind spot functionality, radio, map/display system, automatic headlights, and automatic radio shutoff when opening the driver door. I now have to manually operate systems that previously worked automatically. I contacted Hyundai customer support multiple times and was repeatedly transferred between departments. I was incorrectly referred to navigation support even though my vehicle has a non-navigation system. Navigation support confirmed this was a Hyundai issue and stated they could not assist. When I contacted Hyundai again, I explained every step I followed, and the representative acknowledged that I appeared to have completed the update process correctly. Despite Hyundai’s official software causing this failure.

Vehicle serviced on 5/7/2026 for Hyundai service campaign 9c2 immediately after noticed car was not driving as it had been prior to this update, sluggish acceleration on start, chugging and then rapid sudden acceleration. Returned to service dept may19. Diagnostics revealed no issues, problem persisted. Returned to service dept. May22. Informed Hyundai was looking into this issue related to the 9c2 update and awaiting a new update to fix the problem. As of todayjune15 there has been no action to remedy the problem. Do not feel safe driving a vehicle that hesitates when starting to drive and then accelerates roughly. This has happened consistently upon cold start up thus far but concerned it may happen while in traffic or at other times and result in an accident.

On 4/17/26 mcdonalds Hyundai of [xxx] , dealership performed an ecu update for theta ii emissions logic improvement (Hyundai campaign number 9c2). Ever since that time the vehicle has been lurching during acceleration. This happens particularly when the vehicle has been sitting for several hours. I reported this to the dealership on 4/28/26 (scott, service manager) and to Hyundai on 4/29/26 (Hyundai case management #: 42610495). I noted to Hyundai that this same/similar problem has been reported by other owners ( see [xxx] ) information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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.

Following the completion of an official emissions recall software upgrade at fitzgerald auto mall countryside, clearwater florida, my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe sport (52,000 miles) now suffers from a severe loss of motive power and erratic transmission shifting/jerking during cold starts throughout day. The vehicle continues to hesitate during cold starts, making it impossible to safely accelerate from a stop into incoming traffic. I returned to dealership on 5/29/26 to address continued driving issues. The servicing dealership states they don't have a software fix and offer no mechanical fix. The dealership states they received an internal memo from Hyundai corporate which instructed the dealership to tell affected owners to idle the vehicle for 1-3 minutes before driving to allow system adjustments. Forcing a consumer to wait out a dangerous powertrain defect in a running vehicle to avoid a roadway acceleration/loss accident is an unacceptable safety hazard. The manufacturers recall update has actively compromised the safe operation and motive control of this vehicle.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? multiple systems have failed sequentially — engine (replaced at ~84,000 miles), catalytic converter (replaced post engine replacement), and transmission (currently stalling, pending replacement authorization from Hyundai corporate). The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? the vehicle stalls during the first few miles of every drive before stabilizing. This creates an immediate risk of accident on public roads, particularly at intersections, highway on-ramps, and in traffic. Despite this known safety hazard, the dealership returned the vehicle to me unrepaired on June 22, 2026, and deemed it safe to drive. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? yes. Fort mill Hyundai (805 gold hill road, fort mill, SC 29708) has confirmed they can physically feel the stalling issue but stated they do not have sufficient data to submit to Hyundai corporate for transmission replacement authorization. An independent mechanic also previously confirmed the engine issue that the dealership initially dismissed. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? yes. Fort mill Hyundai, an authorized Hyundai dealership, has inspected the vehicle multiple times over several years. The dealership is actively coordinating with Hyundai motor America corporate regarding the transmission replacement. Invoice reference: [xxx], dated June 22, 2026. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? yes. Check engine and brake warning lights first appeared at approximately 64,000 miles. These lights recurred repeatedly every ~1,000 miles despite multiple dealership visits. Subsequent symptoms included engine hesitation and loss of power, fol information redacted pursuant to the freedom of inf.

Dashboard cracking - not overly parked in sunlight.

Overview over approximately six months, I reported persistent drivability concerns to Hyundai on perryville — specifically hesitation, engine trembling, power loss on acceleration, and eventually a flashing check engine light, particularly when the engine was cold. Despite multiple dealership visits and over $1,500 in out-of-pocket expenses, the root cause was not identified until my fifth visit: a clogged catalytic converter. Hyundai motor America determined the repair was not covered and declined to explain the diagnostic basis for that decision. When I sought a second opinion at an independent shop (recommended by the dealership), that shop ignored my explicit instructions not to drive the vehicle, drove it, and the car broke down in their care. Their own invoice now states the vehicle needs a new motor. I am filing this complaint to document the full pattern of negligence, misdiagnosis, and failure of care by both parties.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

Windshield was broken by a rock on the highway.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.