2017 Hyundai Santa Fe problems and complaints

Owners have filed 966 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The most-reported areas: Engine (647), Power Train (163), Unknown Or Other (92).

Key takeaways

  • 966 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
  • 14 involve a crash, 23 a fire, 18 reported injuries.
  • Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
Complaints by component
ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine64767%
Power Train16317%
Unknown Or Other9210%
Electrical System677%
Fuel/Propulsion System606%
Service Brakes596%
Vehicle Speed Control546%
Steering273%
Hydraulic242%
Engine And Engine Cooling232%
Air Bags202%
Suspension101%

One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

NHTSA 5-Star crash ratings
VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
2017 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV AWDNot ratedNot ratedNot ratedNot rated
2017 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV FWDNot ratedNot ratedNot ratedNot rated

Latest complaints, as filed

Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.

Power Train,engine - filed 2026-09-20

Component/System Failed: Engine assembly (Theta II 2.4L GDI) and Exhaust/Catalytic Converter. Description: The vehicle suffered a failure associated with the known Theta II engine defects. Engine oil consumption and internal engine wear directly led to unburned fuel and debris entering the exhaust stream, resulting in ...

Engine,fuel/Propulsion System - filed 2026-09-19

Hyundai performed recall #9C2, on 7/2/26. Since that time, the engine has a full time miss. When it is cold, it will hesitate, kick and buck. Hyundai is aware of this. Their solution is to warm the car for 3 to 5 minuets before moving. What happens if there is an emergency and you can't wait? Possible accident with...

Power Train,engine - filed 2026-09-19

Service update 9C2. Car hesitates or slightly bucks on a cold start. No remedy to fix yet.

Diagnose it yourself

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

More for the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe

Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.