2017 Hyundai Santa Fe
Common Problems
Ranked from 464 federal NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
23 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Engine Seizure Without Warning
275complaintsSafety riskEngineThe engine suddenly stops functioning without any warning, leading to a complete loss of power and potentially dangerous situations.
$4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 12–20 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 17V578000
- 2
Engine Failure During Highway Driving
259complaintsSafety riskEngineThe engine fails during highway driving without any warning, leading to a loss of power and potentially dangerous situations.
$4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 12–20 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 17V578000
- 3
Excessive Oil Consumption
16complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine consumes oil rapidly, often requiring frequent refills.
$400–$4,500est. oil-consumption repair (rings/pcv) · 3–14 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 17V578000
- 4
Engine Knocking and Misfiring
14complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine produces knocking and misfiring sounds, often accompanied by a decrease in power and a check engine light.
Related recall: 17V578000
- 5
Engine Seizure
8complaintsSafety riskEngineThe engine suddenly stops functioning, often without warning, leading to loss of power and potential accidents.
$4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 12–20 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 17V578000
- 6
Oil Pressure Issues
8complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine experiences oil pressure problems, indicated by the oil pressure light coming on and the engine consuming oil.
Related recall: 17V578000
- 7
Severe Oil Consumption
8complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine consumes excessive oil, leading to frequent oil changes and potential engine failure.
$400–$4,500est. oil-consumption repair (rings/pcv) · 3–14 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 17V578000
- 8
Engine Connecting Rod Issues
7complaintsSafety riskEngineProblems with connecting rods, such as bearing failure or wear, lead to engine failure and potential safety hazards.
Related recall: 17V578000
- 9
Engine failure with no warning lights
6complaintsSafety riskEngineThe engine fails suddenly with no warning lights, leading to complete shutdown and potential loss of power on the highway.
$4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 12–20 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 17V578000
- 10
Engine Limp Mode
6complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine enters a limp mode, reducing power and performance, often requiring expensive repairs or replacement.
Related recall: 17V578000
- 11
Engine Crankshaft Failure
5complaintsSafety riskEngineThe crankshaft fails, causing the engine to seize or lose power, often without warning, posing a safety risk.
Related recall: 17V578000
- 12
Engine Knocking Sound During Operation
5complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine produces a knocking sound during operation, indicating potential internal issues.
Related recall: 17V578000
- 13
Engine Loss of Power
5complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine experiences a sudden loss of power, often accompanied by a check engine light and no warning signs.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 17V578000
- 14
Engine Burning Oil and Overheating
4complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine burns oil rapidly and overheats, leading to potential engine failure and increased risk of fire.
$400–$4,500est. oil-consumption repair (rings/pcv) · 3–14 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 17V578000
- 15
Engine Failure Due to Metal Shavings
4complaintsSafety riskEngineMetal shavings in the engine lead to premature wear and failure, often resulting in engine seizure or loss of power.
$4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 12–20 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 17V578000
- 16
Engine seizing and complete shutdown
4complaintsSafety riskEngineThe engine seizes completely, leading to a sudden and unexpected shutdown of the vehicle, posing a safety risk.
$4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 12–20 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 17V578000
- 17
Transmission Surging and Unpredictable Shifting
4complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe transmission surges and shifts unpredictably, especially during acceleration, causing the vehicle to lurch and lose power.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 18
Crankshaft/Bearing Failure
3complaintsSafety riskEngineThe crankshaft or bearings fail, leading to engine seizure and requiring immediate repair or replacement.
Related recall: 17V578000
- 19
Engine Knocking and Valve Issues
3complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine produces a knocking noise and experiences valve issues, leading to engine failure and requiring costly repairs.
Related recall: 17V578000
- 20
Engine Light On Without Specific Issue Identified
3complaintsLow severityEngineThe check engine light comes on, but no specific issue is identified by the dealer.
Related recall: 17V578000
- 21
Sunroof Malfunction
3complaintsSafety riskOtherThe sunroof malfunctions, potentially causing injury or property damage due to unexpected opening or explosion.
- 22
Air Bag System Issues
2complaintsLow severityElectricalThe air bag system malfunctions, with the air bag light frequently illuminating or the seat sensors failing.
Related recall: 16V842000
- 23
Suspension and Structural Issues
2complaintsSafety riskSuspensionThe suspension and structural components are compromised, leading to potential accidents due to instability and corrosion.
$150–$1,200est. suspension diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.