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

Airbag light on. La Quinta Hyundai verified light on scanned codes found active b134800 Driver airbag resistance circuit short to ground 1st stage. Testing found clock spring issue internal fault. Since this clock spring is related to driver airbag, & horn, it would seem that this would be a safety hazard that would be under warranty. The extended warranty (Z01) that I received from Hyundai doesn’t cover my problem.

NHTSA ODI 11748248

The steering left side electrical components quit working at the same time without warning. This is all related to the Air Bag clock spring a serious safety defect that disables the airbag and possibly horn. I have taken the vehicle to a Hyundai dealership for diagnostics and this is what was found. "Needs immediate attention [Primary]: SSD : STEERING OR SUSPENSION DIAGNOSIS Air Bag - Clockspring Assembly / Spiral Cable: CLOCK SPRING HAS SHORTED OUT CAUSING ALL THE BUTTONS ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE STEERING WHEEL NOT TO WORK This assembly consists of a clock spring, which is a coil that retracts and expands inside its housing as the steering wheel turns. Its function is to maintain electrical continuity for all the components on the drivers airbag.

NHTSA ODI 11733693

The contact owned a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe equipped with a Rockland Electric Mobility Scooter Lifter, Part Number: 10101194. The contact stated that after the mobility scooter lifter was installed on the vehicle, the vehicle experienced electrical failures. The A/C became inoperable, and the hatch opened intermittently. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked approximately a month after the lifter installation, the alarm sounded intermittently during the day. The contact observed the vehicle from the residence, but did not notice any abnormality. The contact installed the mobility scooter on the vehicle in the evening. The contact stated that the vehicle alarm sounded at night, and the contact noticed that the vehicle had caught on fire and there were flames coming from underneath the hood by the engine and firewall location. The vehicle was significantly burned from the front end to the trunk. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. A fire department report and a police report were filed. There was no property damage. There was no physical injury sustained. The contact sustained mental trauma, causing headaches and the right side of the lip to quiver. The contact had called Gregory Fox, an investigative reporter and anchor at WESH 2 News(NBC), who notified the manufacturer of the failure. The manufacturer followed up with the contact and informed the contact that a third-party investigation would be conducted to determine the cause of the fire incident. The vehicle was towed to a salvage yard, where a third-party investigation was conducted, and the manufacturer informed the contact that the fire was caused by the Rockland Electric Mobility Scooter Lifter. The vehicle was totaled. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.

NHTSA ODI 11729701

Bottom brake lights will not work but top high brake light works. I was stopped by police three times. They state all three brake lights must operate.

NHTSA ODI 11727182

After performing regular oil changes, and even a new fuel pump sensor, I experienced an issue. Last oil change was within the past two weeks. Driving home from the mountains, I heard a knocking sound from the engine bay. I narrowed it down to all gears above 2500RPM, increasing knocking with RPM speed. I took it easy on the engine, mostly coasting down the mountain. Suddenly during acceleration on an uphill, a pop sounded, and copious white smoke started coming from the engine bay. I pulled over despite having no power brakes but I was fortunate to be near an off ramp in a rural area. Trying to troubleshoot roadside, i noticed fluid on the tie rod, but I wasnt able to determine what kind of fluid it was. When I try to start the car, there is one single click, the engine wont even attempt to turn over. Oil, battery and check engine lights are all on. After towing, I found that the fluid leaking from the vehicle is oil. The vehicle is currently at a transmission shop, but from my research, this isnt a transmission issue but a blown rod bearing the Hyundai engines are know for. I will be contacting a dealership to see if they will at least confirm my diagnosis.

NHTSA ODI 11725726

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe on March 11, 2024, from a private dealer with approximately 46,000. The contact was informed that the vehicle had only one owner who had leased the vehicle. Recently, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The mechanic retrieved a Carfax report and discovered that the vehicle had five previous owners and there were several mileage discrepancies. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was approximately 46,000. However, it was discovered that the last known accurate mileage on the vehicle was 113,000.

NHTSA ODI 11724587

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.

NHTSA ODI 11705698

While driving on the highway at normal speed, the vehicle suddenly lost power with no prior warning lamps or messages, placing me and other road users at immediate risk. The engine rapidly began knocking, lost acceleration, then stalled completely. I had to coast to the shoulder, which was extremely dangerous in high-speed traffic. The failure appears consistent with bearing wear and debris circulation described in Hyundai Recall 168 and TSB 17-01-071, which warn that certain Hyundai 3.3L engines can suffer internal metallic debris contamination during manufacturing. This can restrict oil flow, damage the bearings, and lead to sudden engine seizure without warning — exactly what happened in this incident. After the failure, the engine was inspected by a Hyundai dealership, but no oil sample, no debris test, and no photo documentation were provided, even though the recall procedure requires these steps when symptoms match knock/no-start failure patterns. The cause was not reproduced or confirmed by any independent mechanical test; the vehicle simply failed suddenly and has remained inoperable since. The incident created a major safety risk because the sudden loss of power happened at highway speed with no safe way to maintain vehicle control or speed. Based on known recall documentation, the symptoms match the described safety-related engine defect. The vehicle remains available for inspection. There were no injuries or police reports, but the situation definitely could have resulted in a crash. In my assessment, this is a critical safety defect related to internal engine debris and bearing failure, consistent with the known Hyundai recall pattern for this engine family

NHTSA ODI 11701758

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

I bought this vehicle at Enterprise car sales back in [XXX] and it's been having issues for a while now recall after recall I bought this vehicle at 7745 Indiana avenue Riverside California 92504 I actually bought this vehicle without realizing that this car had a recall prior to buying it off the lot therefore in California law this company should have not sold the vehicle with a recall as Hyundai has warned me about this as he advised they cannot sell a vehicle with a recall on it. When I had to Google search my recall as I have not received a letter Enterprise car sales gained the letter for the recall prior to my buy and did not mention anything as this recall was sent out on the letter way prior to buying ever since buying this vehicle I have had numerous recalls as to now there is a GDI issue with the engines as I have made many complaints through the financing company Santander consumer USA, Hyundai, Enterprise car sales, and it seems like no one has listened to me on the lemon I have gained as I'm sure it sounds just like a complaining customer. I pay a very high interest rate and very high monthly payments 523 a month is expensive let alone expensive to pay for a vehicle that I constantly have to put in maintenance and now my engine is gone my VIN number somehow is not on regards to the recall but yet my VIN number has been on every recall Hyundai has ever given out when it comes to my vehicle as the GDI 3.3 l should be really considered on regards to a recall as well as the 2.4. I'm not very happy as I would like to have a voice on to what is fair I am sick of this vehicle having issues after issues as I do take care of my vehicles with good maintenance routine all I can ask for is to have someone here my voice and to take action either from Enterprise car sales to Hyundai which I believe Enterprise car sales is more reliable at this point than Hyundai since Hyundai let me be aware of the California law they cannot sell a vehicle with recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11665674

While driving, the vehicle lost its brakes and rolled to a stop on [XXX] at that point the vehicle compartment began to fill up with black smoke and soot and flames started to come out of vents. My daughter immediately grabbed her dog and exited from the vehicle to a safe spot away from the car. Within 10 seconds the vehicle exploded and erupted into a 20 ft fireball. If my daughter would have hesitated she could have been killed. Hyundai inspected the vehicle and found nothing conclusive except that this problem has been documented in other Incidents. The vehicle was declared to be totaled. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11636163

In June 2024, my vehicle suddenly lost power while I was driving on the freeway, almost causing a serious accident. I managed to restart the car after being stuck on the shoulder of the freeway for several minutes. The same issue occurred the following day, prompting me to have the vehicle towed to the dealership. Hyundai Motor was contacted since the vehicle is still under warranty. The dealership informed me they would conduct an oil consumption test three times to diagnose the issue. However, they also stated that for the test to be successful, I needed to replace unrelated parts, including the brakes and transmission oil, among other items. Reluctantly, I agreed and spent $1,800 on these replacements. After completing the first oil consumption test, I returned for the second test. However, the dealership informed me that no further tests were necessary and returned the car to me without addressing the underlying issue. I emailed the case manager assigned by Hyundai to report this, but I never received a response. A few months later, the car failed to start. I contacted Hyundai again, and they dispatched a tow truck. The tow truck driver managed to start the car. A few days later, the issue recurred, and the roadside assistance tow driver suggested it might be the battery. Out of frustration, I paid $300 to replace the battery. Despite this, the car continued to make unusual noises at startup, a problem I had repeatedly mentioned to the dealership and in my communications with Hyundai. The situation reached a critical point today when my wife was driving the vehicle on the freeway with our five children inside. While traveling at 60 miles per hour, the car suddenly lost power again, putting their lives in danger. This is the third time this hazardous issue has occurred, and I fear for the safety of my family.

NHTSA ODI 11632030

My complaint is the dealership that said had completed the recall on my brake systems according to both your and state records was not completed. They gave me a service notice stating the work was done. Since then the braked have continued to act up and the vehicle as a strange acceleration problem. The dealership is Don Wood Hyundai in Athens Ohio.

NHTSA ODI 11628124

The liftgate randomly closes and I have to jump out of the way to avoid it hitting me. This obviously poses a huge risk to my young children when they are nearby. In addition to that, the liftgate will sometimes only open a quarter or half of the way, sometimes all the way then suddenly reverse and start closing, and sometimes does not open at all. I've gone on Hyundai forums online and found numerous other people with the exact same complaint. Seems to be effecting cars made from 2016 - 2020. I have multiple videos of this but can't upload them as you only accept pictures.

NHTSA ODI 11620590

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle lost automotive power and the vehicle failed to stop while depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was allowed to decelerate and come to a stop. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the engine was previously replaced and the contact was concerned that the warning lights on the instrument panel might not properly display because the check engine warning light had not illuminated during the previous failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000.

NHTSA ODI 11619332

I bought this vehicle back in 2022 hearing how great Hyundai is wanting to make a long time purchase with a for my family. I’ve had different models vehicles but I wanted something reliable. Now hearing this is possibly a fire hazard I need all this taking care of immediately . I am dependent on my car to get to work, for food, and I take my kids to school an to practice and just everyday life. I will take my vehicle to the dealership immediately to attempt to get this taking care of this week an hopes this company can make it right. Thanks for your time

NHTSA ODI 11600984

Purchased Vehicle 6/2022 has had an electrical problem since day one randomly does not start and must be jumped. I have taken in 2 times only to be told there is nothing wrong. I called Hyundai Corporate to see what steps I should take to resolve issues was told to take car in a third time and again told nothing wrong. A new battery was placed two months after my purchase date. And again this past February and issues still exist. Was given two option should problem not be resolved 1) Buy back vehicle 2) replace with different vehicle. Both options have been withdrawn. Explanation car has been on the road to long. I put $13500 down and have made payments for 2 years. There is still $12000 on the loan. Is there anything I can do to recoup at least my down-payment. I am a senior on social security and a part time job in which i am a caregiver and do not feel safe driving this vehicle. I and do not have a down payment to trade the car in. I do not want the vehicle there are other issues starting and with a parasitic draw there are bound to be additional issues down the road. Can you help please. Expected ResolutionHyundai take car back and return my down payment so I can purchase a reliable vehicle o Additionally just recently discovered vehicle was in 2 accidents which this information was never disclosed. I would not have purchased had I known.

NHTSA ODI 11592250

I had just dropped my son off at the barbershop by my apartment. As I left the parking lot I proceeded to pull out into the street,as i tried to accelerate the car sputtered & lost all power. I then coasted into a nearby Wendy's. I parked & tried to crank the car to no avail. I then noticed a burning smell followed by some smoke. I had no dash lights prior to indicate any issues. I ended up calling my insurance to get help with the vehicle. Long story short the starter,coil pack & plugs along with the engine had to be replaced.2

NHTSA ODI 11586981

Sun roof has opening and closing issues. No warning signs. Could very well cause major issues, broken glass, damage to electrical, interior due to water etc. called dealership with no luck.

NHTSA ODI 11585877

Vehicle has intermittent engine stalling, but is still running. Possible dangerous situation if making left turn with oncoming traffic. This has happened to many times since my owner ship. Bought this car used. I am 2nd owner. 33k mi when purchased in 3-2021

NHTSA ODI 11576499

My engine failed with regular oil changes at less than 120k miles with NO warning. It was 9 at night and it completely shut down on the highway. The hazards, brake lights, etc were not operable! I was almost hit by traffic three times due to not being able to turn on hazards and brake lights not working. I could not even place the car in neutral. Thankfully, the local police department was finally able to assist me but it was a frightening experience and Hyundai is doing absolutely nothing about it.

NHTSA ODI 11561262

I was driving on the highway, and suddenly oil and battery light came on and engine stopped and I had to pull over. The only warning was the check engine light came on when I started it 10 minutes before the engine died.

NHTSA ODI 11555938

My steering wheel locks up when I am driving and making turns.

NHTSA ODI 11553832

On May 2023, while my husband was taking my daughter to go to school with 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe, he noticed engine knocking noises emanating from the engine compartment. Shortly after, the vehicle's performance significantly deteriorated, and the check engine light illuminated on the dashboard, and the engine shut down. Get the car towed to the nearest auto service, the mechanic told me that there’s an engine failure as result of abnormal oil consumption causing internal damage and need to be fixed by Hyundai. I called Hyundai USA, and was told that in order to have it covered under the warranty, it needed to be repaired by an authorized dealer. However, no authorized dealer had an available appointment for at least 2 months. Finally after 2 months, I had the car towed to the authorized Hyundai service center for diagnosis and repairs. Upon examination by the certified technicians at the Hyundai service center, I was informed that it needs and engine replacement that will cost around $20,000. I called Hyundai Corporation and had escalated my case to the case manager, but the manager never called back to give me an update. Their customer service department is also frustrating to deal with. They just sort of repeat the same phrases over and over again rather than having any sort of actual conversation with you. It's been more than 2 months after the incident and they finally they can’t do anything about it because it’s outside of warranty. It’s very frustrating

NHTSA ODI 11538150

On June 22, 2023, I went to start my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe in a shopping center parking lot. I had recently driven from the Pgh airport to Monroeville and stopped to run errands. Upon reentering my vehicle I used the push button start to start the car. The engine started and the center computer screen turned on, however the dashboard did not light up and I was not able to shift into Reverse. I cycled the car ~5 times trying to get it going, but the same start-up happened. Upon calling husband (after trying to start another few times) he recommended that I look at the fuses. At this point I opened the driver side door and was outside looking at the fuse panel. This is when I heard someone shouting from the highway across from the parking lot that my car was on fire. I looked at the rear of my car and saw flames coming from the rear bumper. I quickly stepped away from the vehicle. The entire drivers side of the rear bumper was engulfed in flames. Both the police and fire departments came to the scene. We were collectively able to extinguish the flames and the car was totaled.

NHTSA ODI 11532234