2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Driver assistance Problems

On February 24, 2026, I had the 9C2 software update. My vehicle was being checked for oil consumption. Since then I have had issues with it hard shifting when first starting to drive and sometimes after I've been driving a while. This has continued miles down the road, sometimes over thirty minutes after driving. It also just feels continuously like it is not driving smooth. This only started after the update. I contacted HMA. The first person on my case (Gurvinder) told me I needed to return my car, not to drive it. I had bronchitis, so I did not immediately do that. The next person "Rainey" told me it is a KNOWN issue and they are telling people to warm their cars up for around 3 minutes, and it will be fine. I'd done that, and even driven longer than that. I told him that. I took my mother-in-law home from church miles from there after collecting her at the church door, etc... Getting to the hill at to her home, I didn't think it was going to get up it. Often I don't think I'm going to get out of my driveway, a dangerous driveway in a curve. He wanted Krause Hyundai to contact HMA Engineer. When I was at Krause, they didn't know how to get ahold of HMA Engineer. Dalton also said they can't back the update out. I'm on my third HMA Case Manager. She keeps changing what I've told her is wrong in the emails, I don't think she knows anything about cars. She won't listen when I say I spoke to Dalton at Krause; she keeps speaking to John. [XXX] said they can do diagnostic, but it will cost me. I refuse to pay as [XXX] and Gurvinder had months before wanted me to take it back to get fixed, and Rainey wanted Krause to contact the engineer. It is a known issue with a letter written by Hyundai. Getting a diagnostic code reading performed is not going to help. I'm afraid my vehicle will lose power on the road and I will be struck. I tried uploading both pdf and jpg, but it wouldn't let me. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11754336

Incident

Feb 24, 2026

After the recent "important service campaign" involving the THETA II Emissions Logic Improvement my vehicle no longer safety shifts into the lower gears. It will not shift into gear. I am unable to safely get up to a normal speed and the engine and vehicle start shaking. This is isolated to the initial start of the vehicle and any low speed driving after. The issue is resolved after restarting the car, suggesting it is a software issue. This issue immediately began after the ECU update for the THETA II emissions logic improvement on 5/12/2026.

NHTSA ID

11754160

Incident

May 12, 2026

NO power till car warms up for 5 minutes. It will be jerky on highway. The gas mileage is going down drastically, I was doing 32 miles to gallon and now it's 22mpg. All this is after the recall we just had performed. I have no power trying to avoid accidents, taking off from stopping. Car smells weird now.

NHTSA ID

11739585

Incident

Apr 30, 2026

am filing a formal complaint regarding an official software update provided by Hyundai that completely corrupted the infotainment/head unit system in my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. I purchased this vehicle from CarMax less than three weeks ago. The vehicle came equipped with Hyundai Blue Link, so I contacted Hyundai support to activate the service by pressing the Blue Link button inside the vehicle. Hyundai informed me that my vehicle required a software update because the current system did not contain the necessary software for Blue Link to function properly. A Hyundai representative directed me to Hyundai’s official update website and provided instructions for completing the update. Following Hyundai’s instructions exactly, I purchased and formatted a USB drive, downloaded the update using my VIN from Hyundai’s official website, properly extracted the files, and installed the update into the vehicle. During the installation process, the update failed and corrupted the head unit system. The display now continuously shows “Update Unsuccessful” with Error Code 106. Since the failed Hyundai update, multiple vehicle systems no longer function properly, including the backup camera, Bluetooth, hands-free calling, Blind Spot functionality, radio, map/display system, automatic headlights, and automatic radio shutoff when opening the driver door. I now have to manually operate systems that previously worked automatically. I contacted Hyundai customer support multiple times and was repeatedly transferred between departments. I was incorrectly referred to navigation support even though my vehicle has a non-navigation system. Navigation support confirmed this was a Hyundai issue and stated they could not assist. When I contacted Hyundai again, I explained every step I followed, and the representative acknowledged that I appeared to have completed the update process correctly. Despite Hyundai’s official software causing this failure

NHTSA ID

11738235

Incident

May 11, 2026

Abs, traction control lights, emergency braking lights on .. tire sensors are bad. Causing intermittent issue with the lights. For 3 years I've been trying to get my ABS/traction control fixed at Hyundai, that dealership refused to acknowledge there was an issue. I had a code from a car place since I live over an hour away and they said they couldn't use it since it wasn't from them. I have an extended warranty there. Went to another dealership and was immediately told it was the tire sensors. That he used to work at the other dealership and they saw it all the time. I now see Palisades have a tire sensor issue. Heck I've been dealing with this for years, and apparently so are many other Hyundai owners, according to this Hyundai employee. Now they're trying to overcharge me and saying my warranty will only cover a quarter of what they want. My deductible is only 100 if I don't get the work done at the original place, the one that said there isn't a problem. I've had it with Hyundai. They are unsafe and don't care about customer service.

NHTSA ID

11727970

Incident

Mar 30, 2026

Engine or sometimes TPS brakes lights on

NHTSA ID

11676866

Incident

Jun 30, 2022

My ABS and Traction Control lights keep going off, intermittently. They have been doing it for several years.It can be for hours or for days. I took a video of it happening a couple years ago, and photos, also. More recently my speedometer has started jumping. I had the ABS recall performed when it was first implemented. When I've taken my vehicle to Hyundai (twice now specifically for this) they say they can see no codes and will do nothing. From what I have read on the ABS recall, this is what are the symptoms of it. I am under the impression that I have somehow gotten a defective part, even when they did the recall. The recall was that it could cause an engine fire. Today driving home, for a second, downhill, the oil light came on for a second-then went off. I came home and parked. My husband checked. He said there is no oil in the car. That, I imagine is part of the other engine issue this model has. But you would think the oil light would come on sooner and STAY on. He is going to get some oil and then take it to a shop when he gets off work. My main concern is getting the ABS/speedometer fixed as I believe it is from the first recall. The second issue-that is probably a Hyundai "recognized" issue. They just keep telling me nothing is wrong with the ABS/speedometer though. I have photos spanning several year, it falls in line with the recalled issue. Just replace the part already. The last date I went to Hyundai was Monday last week, so I'll put that as the incident date, as I was there for the ABS/speedometer. I had to drive an hour each way to see them twice now to be told they can't do anything. Today the oil light came on.

NHTSA ID

11660614

Incident

May 5, 2025

While driving on a highway in April 2025, my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport suddenly lost all power after approximately 10 minutes of normal driving. All dashboard warning lights illuminated, and both the accelerator and brake pedals became unresponsive. I was forced to stop the vehicle using the handbrake in the middle of a 65 mph highway, creating an extremely dangerous situation for myself and other drivers. Prior to this incident, the vehicle had displayed the P1326 knock sensor code multiple times over a 10-month period, each time accompanied by hesitation when accelerating. The knock sensor was replaced twice under used car warranty by Honda. Despite these interventions, the same code and symptoms recurred. The Hyundai dealership(Dec 2024 at Montgomery, Jan 2025 at Enterprise) repeatedly stated that there was “nothing wrong with the engine.” After the highway failure, the vehicle was inspected by a collision center and an independent mechanic. They confirmed that Cylinder 4 had no compression and diagnosed a burnt valve. Full engine replacement was recommended. Hyundai initially indicated that the engine might be covered under the extended warranty but later denied the claim, stating that the damage was due to a cylinder issue and can not check bearing failure. They also claimed it was too late to determine whether the bearing was the cause. This is not an isolated issue. Many Hyundai owners across the U.S. have reported identical symptoms—P1326 code, hesitation, cylinder compression loss, and ultimately engine failure—particularly in vehicles equipped with the Theta II engine. These failures often occur around or after 100,000 miles, despite regular maintenance. This ongoing and widespread cylinder-related engine failure presents a serious safety risk and must be addressed through manufacturer accountability, improved diagnostic standards, and proactive repair or recall efforts.

NHTSA ID

11659213

Incident

Apr 17, 2025

am writing you today in frustration with my treatment at both your dealership Hyundai Streetsboro and Hyundai of Bedford. When I first purchased my vehicle I expressed concern regarding the hesitation while accelerating and the emense amount of oil this vehicle burns. When I scheduled all my services I expressed the same concern only to be told that it's normal rate or oil consumption. I am extremely nervous when merging into traffic because I never know when the car may decide to not accelerate. I have tired on numerous occasions to get this issue checked by two separate dealership but both dismissed my concerns. I have emails and expressed concerns when using the dealership online service request forms. In summary the vehicle hesitates when trying to accelerate, especially merging into traffic. The vehicle also burns oil at an unreasonable rate as a result of a faulty engine.

NHTSA ID

11592558

Incident

Oct 20, 2020

I have need to get 3 oil changes within the past month and a half. Twice I was told I was driving with no oil in my car and the engine was getting ready to go. I notice when I start my car in the morning it is making a rattling noise, this also happens when I try to accelerate and the car will get stuck in gear and hesitate before speeding up. It's been dangerous trying to drive on this highway. I also notice a thick white smoke coming from my muffler. I'm constantly paying for unnecessary oil changes and diagnostic from independent service centers and was told my motor is bad and causing all this oil consumption. I was told to contact Hyundai but no luck.

NHTSA ID

11533022

Incident

Jul 18, 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the blind spot warning system light illuminated. The contact then stated that the Blind Spot Detection System failed to alert him that another vehicle was nearby. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the driver’s side blind spot detection assembly and rear radar needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,836.

NHTSA ID

11517442

Incident

Feb 15, 2023

Mileage

92,836 mi

I was driving on the highway in a mountainous area going downhill. The cruise control was on with the speed set at about 80 miles/hour. Then the car was losing speed, the RPM needle started swinging from left and right. I stepped on the accelerator but the car continue losing speed to 40 miles/hour and continue losing speed. I turned on the emergency light to warn the other drivers and was able to move the car to the shoulder and stopped it without an accident. But the cars behind me could have smashed into my car that day and that would be the last day for my mother (in the car at that time) and me. The car had 41000 miles on it and we had the maintenance done just recently. I did not notice anything else abnormal before the incident. We reported the problem to the dealer and have to pay for the dealer to inspect the car. The inspection has been scheduled but not done yet.

NHTSA ID

11514929

Incident

Mar 26, 2023

I am concerned about the length of time this recall is taking. My dealership made an appointment for March 15, 2023 and told me it is just to look at it and decide if they need to order the part. This does not sound safe. If something happens between now and then can I hold them responsible. I have made the effort. Can I go to a regular mechanic to have this fixed

NHTSA ID

11496624

Incident

Dec 8, 2022

UNKNOWN It started with the engine suddenly reducing my speed down to 10 mph while I was driving on the freeway, the check engine light turned on. We then took it to the Hyundai dealership who turned us a way and told us they couldn’t see us for several months. So we were forced to take it to a repair shop who ran a compression test and told us it failed. We were able to speak to the dealership a few days later who asked us to take it in they re ran the test and told us it passed but they needed to do some updates to the knock sensor due to multiple recalls they had failed to inform us on (even though they had conducted an update back in 2019) after this they conducted several oil consumption tests which have averaged a liter or more consumed per 500 miles. During this time the vehicle repeatedly had knocking sounds, warning light flashes, sputtering of the engine, occasional stalling, and marked issues with acceleration from a stop, amongst other concerning issues. We then we’re required to have a combustion cleaning by the dealership, this not only didn’t solve any of the previous issues but increased the oil consumption to as much as 1.5 liters in around 330 miles. The dealership confirmed that the vehicle had been properly maintained and it hadn’t been tampered with but Hyundai continues to refuse to replace the engine. Even though many of the other engines with similar issues have since caught on fire and endangered the occupants. The vehicle continues to jerk when accelerating and consume oil at an alarming rate.

NHTSA ID

11480717

Incident

Apr 19, 2022

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced shaking and vibrating while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

NHTSA ID

11474690

Incident

Jul 19, 2022

Mileage

45,000 mi

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V056000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Dash Bootstrap Components (DBC) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer was not able to duplicate the failure. The dealer later replaced the inhibitor switch. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 17,947. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11465785

Incident

Mar 23, 2022

Mileage

17,947 mi

My ABS system light is on. Is there a recall. My car has less than 45,000 miles on it.

NHTSA ID

11451213

Incident

Jan 5, 2022

MY CAR HAS STARTED JERKING WHEN UP SHIFTING AND SEEMS TO ONLY BE HAPPENING WHEN THE CAR HAS NOT WARMED UP. THEN TODAY WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT 78MPH MY CAR LOST POWER. NOT COMPLETELY. ALMOST LIKE SOMETHING "GAVE OUT" AND I LOST THE FORWARD FORCE I WAS GOING. IT ALSO BECAME LOUDER, ALMOST LIKE A LID HUM. WHEN YOU ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE DOES NOT WANT TO GO

NHTSA ID

11397054

Incident

Feb 19, 2021

Mileage

133,000 mi

JUST GOT THIS CAR 2 WEEKS AGO AND IT HESITATES WHEN TURNING OR TRYING TO GET OUT INTO TRAFFIC. VERY SCARY! HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES AT RANDOM UNDER THE SAME CIRCUMSTANCE OF TURNING OR MERGING..

NHTSA ID

11191961

Incident

Mar 10, 2019

Mileage

28,000 mi

TAKATA RECAL: WHILE MERGING ON TO THE HIGHWAY ONRAMP, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE PROPERLY. IT WON'T GO ABOVE 50 MPH EVEN WHEN I FLOORED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. I HAD TO SLOW DOWN AND THEN GRADUALLY ACCELERATE. THIS WAS DANGERS AS I COULD HAVE BEEN REAR-ENDED, SPEED LIMIT WAS 65 MPH. IF YOU HAVE TO GUN-IT, THE VEHICLE FAILS TO REGISTER THE ACCELERATION PROPERLY. IT'S LIKE IT SKIPS A GEAR AND GETS STUCK AT THE LOWER GEAR SETTING. I HAVE NOTICED THAT THIS PROBLEM HAPPENS WHEN YOU FLOOR THE ACCELERATION PEDAL.

NHTSA ID

11183326

Incident

Feb 23, 2019

Mileage

24,800 mi

WHEN DRIVING IN NORMAL AND SPORT MODE, ON ACCELERATION THERE IS A DELAY AND WHEN THE GAS IS LEFT OFF, THE ENGINE IS REVVING HIGH BUT PROPULSION, SPEED IS DIMINISHED, HAVING A STALL OUT AFFECT AT VARYING SPEEDS. RPM IS HIGH BUT ENGINE IS NOT RESPONDING . THIS HAS HAPPENED WEEKLY AND NEARLY DAILY WHEN DRIVING IN CITY ENVIRONMENT WITH SPEED FROM 30 TO 50 PLUS MILES PER HOUR.

NHTSA ID

11172310

Incident

Oct 1, 2017

Mileage

5,000 mi

WHEN MAKING A LEFT OR RIGHT 90 DEGREES TURN FROM A STOPPED POSITION EXITING A DRIVEWAY OR FROM A STOP SIGN ON SMOOTH SURFACED ROADS, UPON ACCELERATION, AT THE MIDPOINT OF THE TURN THE FORWARD MOMENTUM STARTS TO LAG AND PRESSING THE GAS PEDDLE RESULTS IN WHAT FEELS LIKE A LOSS OF OR REDUCTION OF ENGINE POWER CAUSING POTENTIAL FOR NOT GETTING UP TO A SAFE SPEED TO MERGE SAFELY IN FRONT OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. COMPLAINED TO THE HYUNDAI DEALER THAT STATED WAS A COMPUTER ISSUE HAVING TO DO WITH TRACTION CONTROL AND REQUIRES AN UPDATE WHICH IS NOT AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME.

NHTSA ID

11089305

Incident

Mar 5, 2018

Mileage

24,000 mi

I HAVE A 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT 2.0 WITH 8500 MILES ON IT. SINCE I TOOK POSSESSION OF THIS CAR, I HAVE BEEN HAVING REPEATED OCCURRENCES OF ENGINE STALLING COUPLED WITH THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT GOING ON. THIS HAPPENS WHEN I MAKE EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT TURNS INTO TRAFFIC: ACCELERATION STALLS COMPLETELY FOR 2-3 SECONDS, AND THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT FLASHES. I CANNOT GET THE CAR TO ACCELERATE AT ALL, EVEN WITH THE PEDAL FULLY DEPRESSED TO THE FLOOR. THE ENGINE REVS EXTREMELY HARD, BUT THE CAR DOES NOT ACCELERATE. THIS HAPPENS ON COMPLETELY DRY PAVEMENT. THERE IS SOMETHING SERIOUSLY WRONG WITH THE 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE, AND SOMEONE IS GOING TO DIE AS A RESULT OF THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE COME CLOSE TO BEING REAR ENDED MULTIPLE TIMES, AND I HAVE NEARLY BEEN T-BONED WHEN TAKING A TURN IN FRONT OF ON-COMING TRAFFIC. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM ONLINE, AND IT IS WIDE SPREAD WITH HUNDREDS OF IDENTICAL COMPLAINTS. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY BEFORE SOMEONE DIES IN THE 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE.

NHTSA ID

11081444

Incident

Mar 27, 2018

Mileage

8,500 mi

THIS INITIALLY STARTED AROUND 3K MILES. WE THOUGHT THE VEHICLE ADJUSTING TO OUR DRIVING PATTERNS; HOWEVER OVERTIME IT BECAME A CONSTANT PROBLEM. I CALLED THE SERVICE DEPT. & THEY'D NOT HEARD OF THIS OCCURRING. IT'S GETTING MUCH WORSE AND I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. THE VEHICLE RANDOMLY AT NO SPECIFIC SPEED SEEMS TO EITHER GET STUCK IN A GEAR OR TRY TO STALL TURNING LEFT, RIGHT (DRY CONDITIONS) OR AS I'M ON THE HIGHWAY MOVING LANES; NO SPECIFIC MPH. (THIS IS A DRIVING DEATH MACHINE AND FOR SAFETY PURPOSES I REFUSE TO PUT OTHER LIVES AT RISK) THERE'S A 2-4 SEC. DELAY, FORCING ME TO PUNCH THE GAS (MY GRANDFATHER OR FATHER WOULD HAVE STATED; "SOUNDS LIKE SAWDUST IN YOUR ENGINE") TO GET MY VEHICLE TO MOVE; ULTIMATELY A NEAR MISS OF A FATAL INCIDENT ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS AND BECOMING VERY CLOSE TO GETTING T-BONED DUE TO THIS DANGEROUSLY "UNPREDICTABLE & EXTREMELY UNSAFE" VEHICLE. MY HUSBAND WAS FED UP AND TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO THE DEALERSHIP.WE PROVIDED DETAILED EXPLANATIONS OF OUR EXPERIENCES. YESTERDAY RECEIVED BACK FROM SERVICE TECH OUR INVOICE OF SERVICE WORK AND THEY STATE NO PROBLEMS; & UPDATE CAUSE TO RESOLUTION :TSB 17-BR0002 TCS UPDATE. IN NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS FROM 5 MPH TO 20MPH THE RPMS SHOULDN'T SUDDENLY INCREASE TO 5K WITHOUT FORWARD MOTION. THIS OCCURS IN NORMAL, ECO, AND SPORT AT SPORADIC TIMES. MY VEHICLE HAS 10,223 MILES THIS MORNING.I SPOKE WITH HYUNDAIUSA & INQUIRED OF A BUYBACK FOR VEHICLE CONSIDERING THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE VEHICLE'S SAFETY AND BECAUSE THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN STATED THERE'S NO FIX NOW OR IN THE NEAR FUTURE. AN ENGINEER FROM HYUNDAI CORP WOULD HAVE TO COME AND THERE'S NO IDEA WHEN (?). SO I RESPECTFULLY REQUEST AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE SERIOUSNESS OF THIS SAFETY. IF THERE'S ANY POTENTIAL OF PREVENTING LOST LIVES OF CHILDREN AND BABIES, PLEASE HELP.

NHTSA ID

11078270

Incident

May 1, 2017

Mileage

3,007 mi

I'M STOPPED AT A STREET, WAITING TO TURN ON A MAIN ROAD. I JUST HAVE A STOP SIGN, BUT THE CROSS TRAFFIC DOESN'T HAVE TO STOP. I START TO TURN OUT WHEN THERE'S AN OPENING, AND MY CAR STALLS FOR A FEW SECONDS. SOMETIMES IT'S LONGER, SOMETIMES IT'S SHORTER. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES. IT MY CAR DOESN'T GO QUICK ENOUGH, I COULD GET HIT. I'VE NOTICED THIS IS THE WORST WHEN I HAVE IT IN ECO MODE. THIS EXACT THING HAPPENS WHEN I'M ALSO TRYING TO ACCELERATE ONCE I'VE MERGED ONTO A HIGHWAY. IT'S LIKE MY CAR IS STOPPING WHEN I'M TRYING TO ACCELERATE TO GET TO THE PACE OF THE TRAFFIC ON THE HIGHWAY.

NHTSA ID

11047531

Incident

Nov 19, 2017

Mileage

13,000 mi