general problems of the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe - part 1

60 problems related to vehicle speed control 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 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 07/11/2025

Twice my car's gear shifter went from drive to the right hand side of the gear box. 90% or more of the power cut out immediately creating a massive safety issue. In both instances, I was pulling into traffic after making complete stops at stop signs. The first time, I turned left, the second time I turned right. The shift was untouched by me as it is not a stick shift car. Hyundai charged me close to $400 for the privledge of telling me that I or something bumped the shifter to the right. Also they claim that the shifter is designed to go into low gear if it does go to the right. A low gear should provide more power not cut it out. They refuse to fix the issue, but wanted me to bring it in so they could duplicate a problem that has occurred twice in four months.

2 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 05/05/2025

My abs and traction control lights keep going off, intermittently. They have been doing it for several years. It can be for hours or for days. I took a video of it happening a couple years ago, and photos, also. More recently my speedometer has started jumping. I had the abs recall performed when it was first implemented. When I've taken my vehicle to Hyundai (twice now specifically for this) they say they can see no codes and will do nothing. From what I have read on the abs recall, this is what are the symptoms of it. I am under the impression that I have somehow gotten a defective part, even when they did the recall. The recall was that it could cause an engine fire. Today driving home, for a second, downhill, the oil light came on for a second-then went off. I came home and parked. My husband checked. He said there is no oil in the car. That, I imagine is part of the other engine issue this model has. But you would think the oil light would come on sooner and stay on. He is going to get some oil and then take it to a shop when he gets off work. My main concern is getting the abs/speedometer fixed as I believe it is from the first recall. The second issue-that is probably a Hyundai "recognized" issue. They just keep telling me nothing is wrong with the abs/speedometer though. I have photos spanning several year, it falls in line with the recalled issue. Just replace the part already. The last date I went to Hyundai was Monday last week, so I'll put that as the incident date, as I was there for the abs/speedometer. I had to drive an hour each way to see them twice now to be told they can't do anything. Today the oil light came on.

3 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 04/17/2025

While driving on a highway in April 2025, my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe sport suddenly lost all power after approximately 10 minutes of normal driving. All dashboard warning lights illuminated, and both the accelerator and brake pedals became unresponsive. I was forced to stop the vehicle using the handbrake in the middle of a 65 mph highway, creating an extremely dangerous situation for myself and other drivers. Prior to this incident, the vehicle had displayed the p1326 knock sensor code multiple times over a 10-month period, each time accompanied by hesitation when accelerating. The knock sensor was replaced twice under used car warranty by Honda. Despite these interventions, the same code and symptoms recurred. The Hyundai dealership(Dec 2024 at montgomery, Jan 2025 at enterprise) repeatedly stated that there was “nothing wrong with the engine. ” after the highway failure, the vehicle was inspected by a collision center and an independent mechanic. They confirmed that cylinder 4 had no compression and diagnosed a burnt valve. Full engine replacement was recommended. Hyundai initially indicated that the engine might be covered under the extended warranty but later denied the claim, stating that the damage was due to a cylinder issue and can not check bearing failure. They also claimed it was too late to determine whether the bearing was the cause. This is not an isolated issue. Many Hyundai owners across the u. S. Have reported identical symptoms—p1326 code, hesitation, cylinder compression loss, and ultimately engine failure—particularly in vehicles equipped with the theta ii engine. These failures often occur around or after 100,000 miles, despite regular maintenance. This ongoing and widespread cylinder-related engine failure presents a serious safety risk and must be addressed through manufacturer accountability, improved diagnostic standards, and proactive repair or recall efforts.

4 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 12/01/2024

The turbocharger failed on my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe sport 2. 0t. It is still on the vehicle and available for inspection upon request. The turbo failure caused a severe loss of engine power, making acceleration dangerously slow and unpredictable, especially when merging onto highways or passing vehicles. This sudden reduction in power could have caused a rear-end collision or made it impossible to avoid faster-moving traffic. Yes. The failure was confirmed by two independent service centers: mavis tires and brakes, and tires and trust in pensacola, FL. Both observed loss of turbo boost and excessive oil consumption consistent with turbocharger failure. Yes. The vehicle was also inspected by allen turner Hyundai in pensacola, FL. They did not detect the failure during their inspection, but the issue persisted and was documented by the other two shops. The check engine light came on around 118,000–119,000 miles. After that, the turbocharger lost significant power, making the vehicle unable to accelerate normally. At the same time, the engine began consuming oil at an abnormally high rate, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. This suggests internal oil seal failure in the turbo or related component issues. These symptoms are consistent with failed turbocharger bearings or seals, oil starvation, or blocked oil lines causing overheating and damage. Such failures can release oil and metal debris into the intake and exhaust systems, risking further engine damage or even fire. Hyundai previously issued a software update (ksds) to detect early bearing wear in these engines, which my vehicle received in 2019 (service campaign 953). Despite this, the turbo failure still occurred, suggesting the underlying design or manufacturing issue may not have been fully resolved. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this pattern of failures, given the safety risks of sudden power loss and potential fire hazard from oil leaks.

5 Vehicle Speed Control 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.

6 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 08/30/2023

The traction control system engages too frequently and makes the vehicle unable to accelerate and far too long to disengage, endangering my family during right turns onto lanes with traffic. The traction control system will engage even when there is no loss of traction, only a moderate acceleration with some turn angle. This has caused near accidents about once a month, that both me and my wife experience. There are no active recalls. All recall work was completed last year. This issue has persisted for the length of my ownership, last occuring only about week ago, and about once to 2 times a month.

7 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 07/22/2023

A knocking noise from the engine that increases in frequency as the engine rpm increases. Reduced power and/or hesitation and vibration. Illumination of the “check engine” light in the instrument cluster. Illumination of the “engine oil pressure” warning lamp. My car will drive up to maybe 37mph and then the engine will seize up and go into safety mode and it becomes inoperable. This is a death trap if we suddenly stall out on the highway or at a higher rate of speed!!!! the dealership is basically saying OH well, it is out of warranty. I just bought this car from banister Nissan on 6/5/2023. Less than 60 days ago.

8 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 07/18/2023

I have need to get 3 oil changes within the past month and a half. Twice I was told I was driving with no oil in my car and the engine was getting ready to go. I notice when I start my car in the morning it is making a rattling noise, this also happens when I try to accelerate and the car will get stuck in gear and hesitate before speeding up. It's been dangerous trying to drive on this highway. I also notice a thick white smoke coming from my muffler. I'm constantly paying for unnecessary oil changes and diagnostic from independent service centers and was told my motor is bad and causing all this oil consumption. I was told to contact Hyundai but no luck.

9 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 03/26/2023

I was driving on the highway in a mountainous area going downhill. The cruise control was on with the speed set at about 80 miles/hour. Then the car was losing speed, the rpm needle started swinging from left and right. I stepped on the accelerator but the car continue losing speed to 40 miles/hour and continue losing speed. I turned on the emergency light to warn the other drivers and was able to move the car to the shoulder and stopped it without an accident. But the cars behind me could have smashed into my car that day and that would be the last day for my mother (in the car at that time) and me. The car had 41000 miles on it and we had the maintenance done just recently. I did not notice anything else abnormal before the incident. We reported the problem to the dealer and have to pay for the dealer to inspect the car. The inspection has been scheduled but not done yet.

10 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 03/18/2023

My engine had been using oil at a very fast rate and I was just told that Hyundai consume a lot of oil. I have had this car since 77k miles and have issues ever since I bought it. At first I had issues with it not accelerating on the interstate and then it would randomly stop while I was driving, almost like a car hiccup. I took it to the dealership, and other car shops and no one found anything wrong. Finally two weeks ago, I was on i85 and my car was driving really roughly and idling roughly as well. No lights came on until it started to decelerate on the interstate to 30 miles an hour and I had to pull off to the side of the road. Then a bunch of different lights came on and I turned it off and it wouldn't turn back on. I had it towed to the dealership, and they stated I had a bad engine, and Hyundai may replace it but it will take the shop 4-6 months to even take the engine apart to see whats happening. I'm out of a car for at least 4 months probably more, and there is nothing I can do. The mechanic is thinking there is an issue with the bearing.

11 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 05/12/2022

2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. While driving, the vehicle stopped accelerating. The vehicle operated appropriately until half way through the drive. At stops, it would take several seconds (30ish) for the car to go about 20 mph (rough estimate). The car would not go above 50mph, and this took a few minutes to reach with the gas pedal all the way down. I parked the car and had it towed. After approximately a month at the dealership, the dealership text that there was a hole in the valve cover and that the engine would also need to be replaced. They did not say what was wrong with the engine and later stated, also via text, that to do a diagnostic it would be $350. I purchased the car used with approximately 45000 miles 10 months prior. At the time of the incident, there were 62000 miles on the vehicle. They stated that it would not be covered under warranty because I was not the original owner. I purchased the extended warranty at the time of purchase. They then filed a claim with that policy and we are awaiting an inspector to look at the vehicle. There were no warning lights prior to the issue. My family, husband and 3 children were in the car and it was dangerous because we were on a busy road and the car would not go to the speed of traffic. We are awaiting an inspector to look at the vehicle. The vehicle is currently still at the dealership. If requested, I am willing to have the car inspected. The incident occurred 5/12/2022.

12 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 04/19/2022

Unknown it started with the engine suddenly reducing my speed down to 10 mph while I was driving on the freeway, the check engine light turned on. We then took it to the Hyundai dealership who turned us a way and told us they couldn’t see us for several months. So we were forced to take it to a repair shop who ran a compression test and told us it failed. We were able to speak to the dealership a few days later who asked us to take it in they re ran the test and told us it passed but they needed to do some updates to the knock sensor due to multiple recalls they had failed to inform us on (even though they had conducted an update back in 2019) after this they conducted several oil consumption tests which have averaged a liter or more consumed per 500 miles. During this time the vehicle repeatedly had knocking sounds, warning light flashes, sputtering of the engine, occasional stalling, and marked issues with acceleration from a stop, amongst other concerning issues. We then we’re required to have a combustion cleaning by the dealership, this not only didn’t solve any of the previous issues but increased the oil consumption to as much as 1. 5 liters in around 330 miles. The dealership confirmed that the vehicle had been properly maintained and it hadn’t been tampered with but Hyundai continues to refuse to replace the engine. Even though many of the other engines with similar issues have since caught on fire and endangered the occupants. The vehicle continues to jerk when accelerating and consume oil at an alarming rate.

13 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 03/05/2022

Engine has bearing wear issue and connecting rod issue related to manufacturer fault. Hyundai will not replace engine until it seizes. My wife was driving 65 mph on highway when it went into low-power mode because of knock sensor reducing speed to 20 mph. I had it towed to dealer and again they said although the engine has lifetime warranty Hyundai will not warranty the engine until it seizes. They changed the knock sensor, and a day later codes came up for catalytic converter damage. Catalytic converter is damaged because of excessive oil burning about a quart every 600 miles. I filled a claim with Hyundai but was told issues not related to having a bad engine. Now I fear the knock sensor putting the engine in low power mode while driving because of stated engine problem that they will not fix.

14 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 07/02/2021

Location: apartment complex , driveway this morning I went to drop off my son at my parents place and when I made a u turn to turn around, the car accelerated on it’s own, I stepped on the brakes and it was too late, I hit the neighbors car on the corner and my right tire was on top of the sidewalk. Keep in mind the speed limit in the apartment complex is 5mph. I was going at 6mph and when the car accelerated it felt like if it was going 20mph! I bought my car last year on August 2020, since then my car has been giving signs of hesitations on the acceleration but never would of thought my car would actually drive off on its own. I have a 1yr old son and after this accident happen I don’t feel safe driving my car at all or even trust it at this point, I don’t want to be driving and it happens again and it could be worse.

15 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 02/19/2021

My car has started jerking when up shifting and seems to only be happening when the car has not warmed up. Then today while driving on the interstate at 78mph my car lost power. Not completely. Almost like something "gave out" and I lost the forward force I was going. It also became louder, almost like a lid hum. When you accelerate the vehicle does not want to go.

16 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 11/09/2020

While driving my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe sport 2. 0t to enter the freeway, the car would not accelerate normally. It started to shake and felt like the engine was "misfiring" after several minutes, I was able to get up to 60mph. I tried taking my foot off of the accelerator and pressing it again but it would only lose speed and then I'd have to work my way up to 60 mph. I was travelling straight and on a flat road. Engine light would come on when foot was on accelerator, then it went off. Once I was off the freeway and tried to make a right turn from a stop, car wouldn't accelerate going up the incline and the car behind me almost hit my tail end. Finally,I turned left to go up the hill toward my house, I could only get up to 15 mph but rpms were between 3500-4000. Luckily there was no traffic behind me but I was afraid I wasn't going to make it up the street or that some car would come up behind me and my car would stop. In order for a car to be safe it needs to be reliable in acceleration as much as braking and steering! I have an appointment at the dealership day after tomorrow.

17 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 10/20/2020

Am writing you today in frustration with my treatment at both your dealership Hyundai streetsboro and Hyundai of bedford. When I first purchased my vehicle I expressed concern regarding the hesitation while accelerating and the emense amount of oil this vehicle burns. When I scheduled all my services I expressed the same concern only to be told that it's normal rate or oil consumption. I am extremely nervous when merging into traffic because I never know when the car may decide to not accelerate. I have tired on numerous occasions to get this issue checked by two separate dealership but both dismissed my concerns. I have emails and expressed concerns when using the dealership online service request forms. In summary the vehicle hesitates when trying to accelerate, especially merging into traffic. The vehicle also burns oil at an unreasonable rate as a result of a faulty engine.

18 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 02/28/2020

I own a Hyundai 2017 Santa Fe. I, my husband, and my daughter are experiencing (from the time of purchase & reported to the Hyundai dealer) a serious & dangerous lag with acceleration. This has happened numerous times, the car hesitates badly when coming out of turns and attempting to accelerate. . . Just short of coming to a stop. It is very dangerous when pulling into traffic and appears to be getting more frequent. I have found several forums reporting the same issues. Will Hyundai fix this issue?.

19 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 01/19/2020

On the interstate, pressed the gas pedal and the vehicle did not and would not accelerate. I tried multiple times. Rpm went up to 5000 but shifting the transmission into sports mode and downshifting and upshifting made no difference in the speed of the vehicle. Speed remained the same, engine roared as if in neutral. I pulled off the interstate, cut off the vehicle for several minutes, restarted the vehicle, returned to the interstate and could accelerate. This happened multiple times in 2017 and 2018 both on the highway and city streets. In 2018, taken to pearson Hyundai and could not be fixed because no error codes. After a dangerous, identical incident on the interstate in may 2019, taken to pearson Hyundai. They performed a tcu and ecu software update may 21, 2019. This latest incident is a repeat of the may 2019 problem. The problem is random and unpredictable but occurs on both highway and street speeds. The inability to accelerate without warning will eventually cause an accident. We also own a 2016 Santa Fe sport turbo awd that has not had any of these acceleration problems. Changes were made in the 2017 model year to the engine and transmission that are impacting acceleration.

20 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 10/09/2019

While turning right out of a parking lot onto a two lane road, the vehicle suddenly stopped accelerating for 3-5 seconds as a truck was bearing down on us. The position of the gas pedal made no difference. The engine was running at an idle with zero response from pedal input. When it did finally accelerate, it lurched forward as the pedal was pressed to the floor. We are also experiencing what could be described as a shudder when decelerating to a stop. It typically seems to occur between 20-12 mph. It feels as if the engine is stumbling or it is having trouble downshifting smoothly.

21 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 09/16/2019

I was driving from kellogg, mn to winona, mn and I stopped at lark toys. While joining mn highway 61, turning right I had to accelerate. I was in sport mode and vehicle accelerated and almost stopped. Luckily no accident occurred, I had my 17 month kid and my wife in the car. Car after that gave check engine light warning and it would not accelerate. I changed to eco mode and then it slowly started to accelerate, but at about 20 miles an hour it jerked again, but I pressed accelerate hard and it sustained speed. But it wont go over 65 miles an hour. I slowly made it home. But I tried to drive again and same issue. Called Hyundai customer support and they refused to rochester as it is 46 miles and they only support 20 miles or less tow. My car is still under manufacture warranty and yet worst service. I almost got killed today with my 17 month toddler.

22 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 08/28/2019

While in motion the vehicle either brakes or backfires. The jerking motion is so hard that I thought I was hit by another car. The car continues to drive but acceleration rate slows drastically causing near misses as well. The traction control and downhill shifting lights come on and stay on until you turn the engine off and back on. So far this has happened four times in both normal and economy drive modes while traveling on the interstate/highway at speeds between 50 and 70 mph.

23 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 05/15/2019

When making right turns, my car suddenly stops accelerating for a few seconds. This usually happens when either the car is stopped and then I go to turn, or turning at a very low rate of speed around a corner. When I push down on the gas pedal to go, it takes off abruptly or with a surge. This is concerning, especially if a car is following behind me. I also notice it when stopped at a light, going straight also but not nearly as much as when I am making a turn.

24 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 04/28/2019

I was making a left turn on to a street going uphill and my 2017 Hyundai sante fe sport awd ultimate hesitated for approximately 10 seconds. When I pressed the gas I could not get speed. My traction lights blinked on and off. I had to floor the gas to gain speed. This is extremely dangerous. I could have been t- boned or hit from behind if there was traffic on the street.

25 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 03/10/2019

Just got this car 2 weeks ago and it hesitates when turning or trying to get out into traffic. Very scary! has happened 4 times at random under the same circumstance of turning or merging. .

26 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 10/27/2018

Vehicle almost stalled when accelerating from a slow speeds. This happened several times in the past especially when taking turns . Dangerous when trying to merge onto traffic lanes . This happened several times and fortunately didn't end up in accident . Happens in drive modes eco, normal . . Called dealer and they are not aware of such an issue but several incidents reported online .

27 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 10/17/2018

I had my car for 12 months I bought bran new. It has staled and turn off on me at least 5 times. This is a safety issue especially on the freeway the car loses power and stops. Than before it stops makes a knocking noise.

28 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 07/07/2018

Failure to accelerate from a stop position. Pulled off the highway onto the off ramp. Came to a stop then tried to turn left. Vehicle barely moved and had to accelerate to over 2500 rpm and several seconds later to get the vehicle barely moving. Pulled off the road, put the vehicle into manual shift mode to find the transmission is locked into 4th gear and cannot be downshifted to 1st. Vehicle continued to be locked into 4th gear after each stop. Turning off the vehicle and restarting temporarily corrects the problem. Potential major safety issue. Vehicle now with dealer to resolve.

29 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 04/01/2018

Acceleration issues. On at least two separate occasions, acceleration from a stop resulted in the car staying at the same speed. Had to remove my foot from the gas pedal and reapply several times to get it moving. Normally, applying throttle pushes individuals back on their seats. Car was taken to laurel Hyundai and per the techs "unable to replicate customers concern on road test, no codes stored or present in system, no tab's for concern found". Looking at getting rid of this vehicle due to this serious safety issue.

30 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 03/28/2018

Tl-the contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while stationary, the vehicle loss acceleration power while making a left turn. The contact continually depressed the accelerator pedal but the vehicle would not accelerate forward. In addition, traction control light illuminated. A dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 1,100. Ad.

31 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 03/01/2018

The vehicle from time to time about once a week stalls while accelerating, it happened so far while doing a left turn on local streets. This is very dangerous and can cause an accident.

32 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 02/07/2018

The digital speedometer disappeared and the software functionality to enable it also disappeared while driving on a street.

33 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 12/06/2017

## VIN passed ## ## the low fuel light on my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe sport does not illuminate or beep to notify me of low fuel. I was down to almost 10 miles left before I realized I was almost on empty. Dealership has checked codes and told me there are no faulty codes. Now inhave tontake it in again and let them know that it still doesnt work. . I am leaving it on empty so they can see how the light doesnt turn on.

34 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 12/06/2017

The driver seat makes squeaking noises all the time. I cant move in my seat without these loud and annoying squeaking noises coming from the back of the seat.

35 Vehicle Speed Control problem

Failure Date: 11/19/2017

I'm stopped at a street, waiting to turn on a main road. I just have a stop sign, but the cross traffic doesn't have to stop. I start to turn out when there's an opening, and my car stalls for a few seconds. Sometimes it's longer, sometimes it's shorter. This has happened multiple times. It my car doesn't go quick enough, I could get hit. I've noticed this is the worst when I have it in eco mode. This exact thing happens when I'm also trying to accelerate once I've merged onto a highway. It's like my car is stopping when I'm trying to accelerate to get to the pace of the traffic on the highway.


Other Vehicle Speed Control related problems of the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe


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