What 941 owners told NHTSA about the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Hev

My 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe experienced a sudden and complete engine failure without any warning signs. There were no warning lights, no check engine light, and no unusual noise before the failure. The engine stalled while trying to start, ran very rough for a second, and then completely shut off. After that, the engine would not start again at all. A certified independent mechanic inspected the vehicle and confirmed the engine suffered a mechanical failure consistent with rod bearing wear or crankshaft damage, which is the same issue described in Hyundai’s known engine safety recalls. I later took the vehicle to a Hyundai dealership. They also confirmed that the engine had failed, but said it could not be repaired under Hyundai’s programs because my vehicle was not listed in the specific recall. I was never notified of any safety campaigns or recalls. I am not the first owner, so the required recall inspections and updates were never completed on this vehicle before I bought it. The sudden engine shutdown created a serious safety risk, especially because there was no warning before it failed. This failure matches the symptoms described in Hyundai’s Theta II engine defect investigations. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether this vehicle should be included in the affected group, and whether this engine failure is part of the broader safety defect already identified in many Hyundai engines from the same model years.

NHTSA ODI 11700221

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.

NHTSA ODI 11699797

For at least 14 months, the air bag light on the dash is on more often than not. The code that comes up on the OBD shows it's from the passenger side seat sensor. Occasionally, the seat belt indicator will flash when there is no occupant, as well. The car has never been in an accident, and the air bags have never been set off.

NHTSA ODI 11699836

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the tailgate and the hood unintendedly lowered after being raised and struck the contact. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11699911

Engine failure with no prior warning, such as oil pressure gauge,oil indicator light, or check engine light. Vehicle was at dealership for maintenance and this happened as tech was test driving. Found all oil was lost with no indications of a leak.

NHTSA ODI 11697875

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.

NHTSA ODI 11697100

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.

NHTSA ODI 11696620

Engine excessively burns oil. Failed oil consumption test. Hyundai denied warranty claim, citing maintenance neglect, despite oil change maintenance records and documentation.

NHTSA ODI 11695967

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming engine oil, and there was no indication of an oil leak. While a friend was driving, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was pushed to the side of the road. The next day, while driving at unknown speeds with the hazard lights activated, the vehicle began making an abnormal sound and then stalled. The TPMS and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to Technical Service Bulletin Number: 17-01-047-1. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The dealer submitted a claim. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA ODI 11695041

Engine failed at 114,000 miles. Burned 2 holes through 3rd cylinder. was almost struck crossing intersection making left hand turn when vehicle stalled and would not accelerate to get back into normal driving lane.

NHTSA ODI 11693804

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the automatic power door locks failed to operate as needed. Due to the failure, the contact had to manually unlock and lock all doors inside the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that the button to unlock the gas cap also failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

NHTSA ODI 11691832

Per our mechanic: Timing components blew a hole in the valve covers because they were so loose. It is burning massive amounts of oil. Could start with timing components and new valve covers, but it will most likely need a new engine because valve train damage is very likely.

NHTSA ODI 11691963

We have continued to experience, over at least the past 6 months, and at least once a week and under all driving conditions, a stalling and unable-to-restart problem with this vehicle. Usually after waiting a short period of time it will restart, but in one case we had to have it towed to the dealer. The engine typically turns over just fine, so it's not a battery or starter issue. In a couple of instances it won't turn over. We've taken it to two different Hyundai dealerships and they haven't been able to diagnose the problem because they aren't able to replicate the problem when the vehicle is in their possession. The situation is becoming increasingly dangerous. The last time it stalled, my wife was in the middle of a very busy intersection. The problem doesn't produce any codes that the dealership can see; when it stalls and we attempt to restart, most of the dash lights that regularly come on when you start it are displayed. I am aware of a recall (uploaded PDF) for the make, model and year of my vehicle but apparently it only applies to certain VIN numbers. When I enter my VIN its shows no open recalls. However, the problem described in the recall is identical to the problem we are having.

NHTSA ODI 11691589

At about 105,000 miles the oil ran dry after 800 miles of fresh oil change, it just started using oil no leaks no smoke from the tailpipe.now I have to add a qt every 200 miles and on start up the top of the engine rattles for a few seconds. A loud rattle. I have taken it to the dealership several times they did a engine cleaning and several other things but it didn’t help just cost about 800 bucks. Prior to that we changed oil every 5000 miles. Not always the same place, the dealership, Tess corners auto did quite a few of them. Some by jiffy lube. We don’t take the car on long trips anymore, afraid it will not make it. Karen n Chris

NHTSA ODI 11690433

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.

NHTSA ODI 11690074

Approximately six weeks after purchase, my daughter drove the vehicle to a school event and back without issue—no warning lights, noises, or drivability concerns. Shortly thereafter, when attempting to leave for another event, the Santa Fe failed to start. I attempted a jump-start, only to discover that the engine had seized suddenly and without prior warning. It is available for inspection if needed. This sudden and unexpected malfunction could have happened while driving down the road and who knows what might have happened to include my daughter being seriously injured. The vehicle was towed to our local Hyundai dealer. where the service team confirmed catastrophic engine failure. The Engine has only been inspected by the local dealer. There were no warning lights, noises, or drivability issues prior to the engine failure. This engine failure happened on Aug. 16, 2025 References for Review NHTSA Recall Report 17V-578 – notes crankshaft pin and bearing wear issues leading to potential stall. NHTSA Federal Register (DP24-001) – acknowledges Hyundai’s 15-year/150,000-mile warranty extension via TSB 24-EM-003H. Hyundai KSDS Campaign Info & TSBs – detail warranty extension language for rod-bearing failures. Hyundai TSB 22-EM-006H-2 (TXXM) – illustrates Hyundai’s approach to extending coverage for engine failures. Consumer Reports/NHTSA Records – document similar sudden failures without warning lights in the 3.3L Lambda-II engine.

NHTSA ODI 11687993

The engine suddenly seized up on me. Was told by my mechanic that that year and make once they get to a certain mileage gets premature engine failure. I looked it up and that year has a huge problem with this issue.

NHTSA ODI 11682305

ABS doesn't work, traction control doesn't work, while it was raining the sensor lights came on and I began to hydroplane almost causing a wreck while driving on the highway. The sensors go off and on the emergency brake won't engage while this sensor is on also. Acceleration stall pulling out in traffic. I'm scared to even drive the suv

NHTSA ODI 11682094

My engine failed. Dealership put it through an oil consumption test which it failed. They ended up keeping my car for 3 weeks to build a new engine, add new belts, new spark plugs and new filters to go with the repair. After completing this repair they told me they noticed my air bag light on. They recommended a new sensor to fix it. Which I was to pay $600 for. I agreed to this and had it done. I picked up the car and had it for 3 weeks before the airbag light came back on. I brought it back to dealership. They assessed it and told me the problem actually came from the seat and the total.to repair the whole seat would be $2500+ I am the only owner of this car. It has never been in an accident where the airbag deployed. It is in it's original state. I feel this is a huge safety concern that should be looked into.

NHTSA ODI 11680579

This car has oil consumption issues due to a manufacturer defect, design of the engine 2.4L. This has been on going for the last three years and is getting worse. Now is affecting the catalytic converter because of it burning so much oil. The Hyundai dealership will do nothing for me. Now they want $4,500 for a new catalytic converter. I can’t afford a new car and this should be an expense of Hyundai. In my research I have found there are thousands of cars on the road with this issue. They knew about this years ago and just kept making the cars and selling them . They should be helping me and all they are doing is denying that this has a problem. What recourse do I have. Why hasn’t there been a recall?

NHTSA ODI 11680619

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Blown head gasket How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Engine overheated and coolant boiled in 110 degree weather. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes by Hyundai. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes by Hyundai. Hyundai states that engine needs to be replaced because the head gasket isn’t repairable on the 3.3L engine. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No, engine overheated once and diagnosis was blown head gasket.

NHTSA ODI 11679916

Rear camera stoped working

NHTSA ODI 11679702

My vehicle we bought from carvana has been jerking/misfiring and now with no warning on freeway it wouldn't give power stalling. There was no warning nothing no lights came up. I drive my kids in this vehicle I've taken it to multiple mechanics they say they couldn't find why it's jerking and it must be a manufacturer issue. I looked online and yes lots of issues with the make and model recall about the crankshaft sensor cause these issues!!!

NHTSA ODI 11679545

Subject: Urgent Safety & Warranty Concern – 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport (TSB #21-01-002H) Dear Hyundai Customer Care and NHTSA, I am reporting a serious safety and warranty concern regarding my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport (VIN: [XXX] , mileage:97,320). The vehicle is exhibiting excessive oil consumption after an initial Consumption test burning 3quarts of oil in 725 miles as well as causing damage to the intake manifold requiring it to be repaired and is consistent with the connecting rod bearing defect covered under Hyundai TSB #21-01-002H. This TSB extends engine coverage to 10 years/120,000 miles for precisely this issue. Despite this, my authorized dealer, Premier Hyundai of Moreno Valley has refused to take immediate corrective action and is requiring me to drive an additional 1,000 miles before performing the repair — a delay that increases the risk of catastrophic engine failure and endangers vehicle occupants and other motorists. Key points: This is a documented defect with a known history of sudden engine failure. TSB coverage and my warranty should apply immediately, without dangerous delay. The dealership’s requirement to continue driving the vehicle is unreasonable and unsafe. I am requesting: Immediate authorization for the engine diagnostic and replacement under TSB #21-01-002H. Confirmation from Hyundai that I am not required to continue operating a defective engine to “prove” the defect. NHTSA to log this complaint as part of the ongoing safety concerns regarding Hyundai Theta II engines. Please respond within 5 business days with next steps. I am prepared to provide full maintenance history, documentation, and dealership correspondence. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11679355

Motor replacement. I had taken my car several times into Hyundai for oil consumption issue. I replaced the recommended parts through Hyundai and ended up having to come right back after being stuck on the side of the interstate due to lack of compression two cylinder two I was told I needed to replace the motor. This has been a very expensive process and I haven’t had the car but 10 months.

NHTSA ODI 11679074