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

Hyundai Campaign 9C2 recall update: Took my vehicle in to have the Hyundai Campaign 9C2 recall update performed on the vehicle on June 9th, 2026. Since the update the vehicle is hesitant/jerky upon first drive of the day or anytime it sits more than a few hours. Occasionally it will do this while I am driving. I feel it is a saftey risk because this could cause my vehicle to abruptly hesitate without braking and cause someone to hit me, or worsetransmission to fail while at highway speeds. I took it back to the dealer that performed the required update around june 23rd 2026 and informed them of the problem caused by the 9C2 campaign update.I got the we don't know anything about it causing problems runaround. Even though it has been documented that dealers were notified of this problem. They then wanted to charge me a $100 diagnostic fee to see if it might be something else, I declined that because I know it is from this update. My vehicle ran perfectly fine and smooth before this update was applied and no CEL lights are on. I did this update because it was required to be done by Hyundai. When I started researching why my vehicle was hesitant/jerky after the update is when I found that anyone that did this update is having these same issues, and it has been happening for a while now and Hyundai corporation has done nothing to correct this problem other than tell us to sit for at least 3 minutes or more before driving it. That does not help when it does it even after driving for a bit and possibly creating transmission problems.

NHTSA ODI 11748778

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH on the interstate, the contact heard an abnormal tumbling sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact noticed an unknown object had detached from the vehicle. Upon inspection, the contact determined that the detached component was the radar sensor. The Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system and the adaptive cruise control became inoperative. The contact stated that the vehicle had not been involved in a crash prior to the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for inspection. The mechanic advised that the radar sensor could not be reattached and stated the failure was possibly caused by a crash. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was neither diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

NHTSA ODI 11748721

After the installation of the Service Campaign 9C2 engine update, the car now seems to surge or rev up briefly at lower speeds like it can't find the right gear or is trying to briefly accelerate. It doesn't seem to be as noticeable at highway speeds, but in residential or low speeds, it's very noticeable and a little unsettling as the car feels like it wants to briefly lunge forward. No lights are on the dash and there is no indication of any malfunction, but it did not behave this way prior to the 9C2 engine program update. I waited for a couple weeks before contacting Hyundai Corporate about this issue because I was hoping maybe the transmission or engine was relearning after a battery disconnection, but it has not gone away.

NHTSA ODI 11738814

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.

NHTSA ODI 11676101

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.

NHTSA ODI 11673630

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.

NHTSA ODI 11627525

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.

NHTSA ODI 11588005

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.

NHTSA ODI 11534885

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the accelerator pedal became inoperable when depressed and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that a unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle failed to accelerate and coasted downhill into a parking lot. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.

NHTSA ODI 11516337

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.

NHTSA ODI 11514723

Vehicle spontaneously caught on fire in the engine compartment while driving in a parking lot. Within 30 minutes, the vehicle was incinerated down to the frame. Prior to this incident, a warning had flashed on the message center that the adaptive cruise control system was being disabled. It is pending insurance inspection and we are trying to contract Hyundai. The police report is not available yet, but is with the Faribault, MN, Police Department and is #[XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI 11495357

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.

NHTSA ODI 11471449

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?

NHTSA ODI 11397732

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.

NHTSA ODI 11373894

DURING ACCELERATION FROM A STOP SIGN/RED LIGHT OR TURNING THE ENGINE HESITATES FOR APPROXIMATELY 5 SECONDS AFTER SEVERAL TRIES BEFORE REACHING DESIRED SPEED. WHEN USING CRUISE CONTROL ON FREEWAYS THERE IS A 10 TO 15 SECOND DELAY WHEN ACCELERATING OR PASSING ANOTHER VEHICLE WHICH IN ONE INSTANCE CAUSED A NEAR ACCIDENT ON A HIGH SPEED FREEWAY. MY VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN CAUSING OTHER VEHICLES GO AROUND ME PASSING FROM THE RIGHT SIDE LANE. THESE HESITATIONS HAVE CAUSED ME SEVERAL NEAR ACCIDENTS AND MAKES ME NOT FEEL CONFIDENT WHEN DRIVING THIS CAR. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP ON MANY OCCASIONS AND THEY REPORT NO ERROR CODES SHOW UP AND, THE MECHANIC CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THE DEALER REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION EARLIER THIS YEAR. THERE HAS BEEN NO IMPROVEMENT. I HAVE REVIEWED MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THIS HESITATION PROBLEM. WILL IT TAKE DEATH REPORTS TO HELP US OWNERS? MY ISSUE BEGAN IN 2018 RIGHT AFTER PURCHASE AND THE PROBLEM IS OCCURRING MORE OFTEN NOW. NO HELP IS IN SIGHT WHEN HYUNDAI AND THE DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO ADMIT THE PROBLEM AND MAKES ME AND OTHER OWNERS FEEL LIKE WE DON'T KNOW OUR VEHICLES OR OUR OWN MINDS!! WE NEED HELP BEFORE A DEATH OCCURS NOT AFTER!!

NHTSA ODI 11362328

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES AND WAS TOWED TO MILLER HYUNDAI LOCATED AT (4455 VESTAL PKWY E, VESTAL, NY 13850) WHERE UNKNOWN REPAIRS WERE PROVIDED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED A TOTAL OF 6 TIMES BY THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED MINIMAL MONETARY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,792.

NHTSA ODI 11311683

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.

NHTSA ODI 11306589

WHEN I DRIVE GOING STRAIGHT AT ABOUT 40 TO 48 MPH ON ECO MODE OR ANY DRIVE MODE THE CAR JUMPS/ JERKS LIKE IT SHIFTS INTO A LOW GEAR AND THEN GOES BACK INTO A HIGH GEAR WITH NO HEAVY ACCELERATION. IF I HAVE IT ON CRUISE CONTROL AT 45MPH IT WILL KICK BACK AND FORTH OCCASIONALLY AS IF I WAS SLAMMING ON THE GAS PEDAL THEN SLIGHTLY ON THE BREAK BUT QUICKLY.

NHTSA ODI 11299281

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.

NHTSA ODI 11296800

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.

NHTSA ODI 11268117

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

NHTSA ODI 11256056

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.

NHTSA ODI 11204635

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 .

NHTSA ODI 11143418

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.

NHTSA ODI 11141326

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

NHTSA ODI 11110425