RoadVitals

2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
350
Latest Sep 17, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
15
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
12

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

216
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe was brought to a local Hyundai dealership for routine maintenance on July 1, 2026. The 9C2 software update was installed, without my knowledge or consent, during this service. Immediately after getting my car back, I noticed a problem starting the car (though no warning lights or alerts populated). The car seems to stall and then jerk during the first few minutes of driving, particularly after a cold start (car has been sitting for a few hours before starting). This has been a KNOWN issue by Hyundai for several months, yet this update continues to be installed. There is currently no fix, and Hyundai simply suggests letting the car "warm up" for 3-5 minutes before ever driving it. I have reported this to Hyundai corporate and have no other resolutions or timeline on a fix. Many other individuals are affected. This is particularly dangerous due to drivers not always having the ability to wait 3-5 minutes to let their car warm up, and the car is quite difficult to control with all the initial jerking and stalling. I live in a residential neighborhood and continue to be nervous about lack of control over the car when leaving my home. I firmly believe Hyundai should be held responsible for fixing this issue urgently.

NHTSA ID 11765129 · filed Sep 17, 2026

Campaign /Service Update 9C2 / TSB-25-01-087H broke my Hyundai. The car hesitates idling and on acceleration. Hyundai have no solution to this failed software update or acknowledging other issues it may be causing.

NHTSA ID 11764880 · filed Sep 17, 2026
All 216 reports naming engine →

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

55
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My ABS Lights the triangle with the ! In the middle goes in and off the down hill control light and the sweet control light all go on when the ABS light goes on my oil was completely dry had to add two quarts while the engine was ticking when started and when accelerating it was making a clicking noise I still had 3000 miles before needed an oil change but like I said it was bone dry and then the drivers seat was going back and not wanting to come back up I’ve only had the car 42 days and it’s having all kinds of problems

NHTSA ID 11732824 · filed Apr 21, 2026

Engine or sometimes TPS brakes lights on

NHTSA ID 11676866 · filed Jul 29, 2025
All 55 reports naming brakes →

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

40
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport exhibits a documented mechanical failure under active code P0420 (Catalytic Converter Efficiency Below Threshold). This failure is the direct proximate consequence of a severe, long term manufacturing defect in the Theta II engine block, which has caused excessive oil consumption. Following the official 1,000 - mile diagnostic driving protocol completed on XXX, Keffer Hyundai (a Hyundai dealer located in [XXX]) service department officially confirmed the active code P0420 catalytic converter failure. They issued a formal written recommendation to replace the entire engine assembly but generated an out-of-pocket consumer estimate of $10,035. This case falls under the the terms of the Theta II Class Action Settlement which requires Hyundai to cover the defective engine block under the Lifetime Warranty Extension, along with any subsequent component damage (the Catalytic Converter) destroyed as a direct result of the engine's oil burning defect under the Lifetime Warranty Extension. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11763597 · filed Sep 11, 2026

Campaign 9C2 was installed on this vehicle and the now the vehicle is a danger to drive. My wife refuses to drive it as it bucks and jerks as well as the gas mileage has decreased from 35 highway to 28 highway. The fuel trims are way off on cold starts and the transmission now searches for the correct gear. Shifting back and forth. Just a slight touch of the accelerator and the car seems to jump forward which makes stop and go driving almost impossible.

NHTSA ID 11746463 · filed Jun 25, 2026
All 40 reports naming powertrain (other) →

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

38
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Campaign /Service Update 9C2 / TSB-25-01-087H broke my Hyundai. The car hesitates idling and on acceleration. Hyundai have no solution to this failed software update or acknowledging other issues it may be causing.

NHTSA ID 11764880 · filed Sep 17, 2026

I took my SUV to get the 9C2 recall on 8/7/2026 performed and took it home. The next morning when I cranked it and left my driveway it acted as if the vehicle didn't recognize that I was pressing my accelerator. It sputtered and hesitated acceleration for about five minutes. It also acted as if it was not going to change from first to second gear. After about five min. of playing with the gas pedal it straightened out. Twice I was almost hit by other cars expecting me to pull away from a stop sign. I took it back the next day telling the service agent what was happening and he kept it overnight. I received a text saying the technician was unable to find a cold start problem and it was ready to pick up. I was so mad I could barely hold my temper. I took it home and for the next week every single day it acted like this when cold started in the morning. I took it back to Premiere Hyundai of Harvey and was treated rudely this time. They acted as if they never had a single other complaint and told me I might have to leave it for several days so they could cold start test it for several days. This was on a Wednesday morning 8/19. I was never updated or called and when I texted my service rep on Monday 8/24 I was told the tech was not able to duplicate the complaint and to come pick it up. I will not ever buy another Hyundai because of the way I was treated and lied to. PLEASE create a recall for this badly handled recall 9C2. My Sante Fe Sport ran beautifully before this recall messed up my SUV. Now I have found if I let it idle for five minutes in the morning and accelerate slowly until it changes gears, most mornings it will run well, but if I crank it and pull into the street on a cold start it does the sputtering HELP US HYUNDAI OWNERS

NHTSA ID 11764162 · filed Sep 14, 2026
All 38 reports naming driver assistance →

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

27
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I took my SUV to get the 9C2 recall on 8/7/2026 performed and took it home. The next morning when I cranked it and left my driveway it acted as if the vehicle didn't recognize that I was pressing my accelerator. It sputtered and hesitated acceleration for about five minutes. It also acted as if it was not going to change from first to second gear. After about five min. of playing with the gas pedal it straightened out. Twice I was almost hit by other cars expecting me to pull away from a stop sign. I took it back the next day telling the service agent what was happening and he kept it overnight. I received a text saying the technician was unable to find a cold start problem and it was ready to pick up. I was so mad I could barely hold my temper. I took it home and for the next week every single day it acted like this when cold started in the morning. I took it back to Premiere Hyundai of Harvey and was treated rudely this time. They acted as if they never had a single other complaint and told me I might have to leave it for several days so they could cold start test it for several days. This was on a Wednesday morning 8/19. I was never updated or called and when I texted my service rep on Monday 8/24 I was told the tech was not able to duplicate the complaint and to come pick it up. I will not ever buy another Hyundai because of the way I was treated and lied to. PLEASE create a recall for this badly handled recall 9C2. My Sante Fe Sport ran beautifully before this recall messed up my SUV. Now I have found if I let it idle for five minutes in the morning and accelerate slowly until it changes gears, most mornings it will run well, but if I crank it and pull into the street on a cold start it does the sputtering HELP US HYUNDAI OWNERS

NHTSA ID 11764162 · filed Sep 14, 2026

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 · filed Aug 2, 2026
All 27 reports naming fuel system →

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

In June 2026 I took my vehicle to Hyundai for a recall to the ECM module. After that my vehicle would lose power and hesitate to shift gears, and overall does not feel safe. Took vehicle back to dealer and they have told me that I have to wait for them to issue a recall fix for this now .

NHTSA ID 11755929 · filed Aug 10, 2026

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The vehicle was a dealer sale. The contact stated that while attempting to trade the vehicle, the contact was informed by the dealer that the odometer had been rolled back prior to the purchase. The contact had purchased the vehicle in March 2022. A Carfax report indicated that the odometer was reported at approximately 75,585 miles on January 28th, 2022, and 55,710 miles on February 11, 2022, reflecting a 20,000 miles difference. The contact stated that the mileage at the time of purchase was unknown. The vehicle currently had approximately 132,064 miles. The issue was reported to the Pennsylvania State Police and the Pennsylvania Attorney General.

NHTSA ID 11752626 · filed Jul 24, 2026
All 14 reports naming electrical →

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Airbag light illuminates on the dash and the seatbelt light illuminates intermittently as the seat electrical harness under the seat only connects in certain positions of the seat. My issue is associated with the passenger seat. This airbag light is associated with the airbag not firing or improperly firing. To avoid a recall, Hyundai has extended the warranty for vehicles for this issue but refuses to fix mine without payment.

NHTSA ID 11754153 · filed Aug 1, 2026

While driving on US-rt1 in Dinwiddie Va, in my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. I was in a collision where a vehicle pulled out in front of me at no fault of my own, and I hit that vehicle going about 47mph. the front nor rear/side air bags deployed. My body slammed into the steering wheel causing severe whiplash as well and contusions to my left shoulder and neck, as well as my wife to be who also sustained injuries to her leg/knee. Had the airbags deployed i would have not made contact with the steering wheel though-out these events.

NHTSA ID 11716272 · filed Feb 6, 2026
All 10 reports naming airbags →

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Steering column sensor issue reported by Hyundai dealership. This has happened a several times before causing the steering wheel to “lock up” when driving making it very hard to turn my wheel. I have had to pull over, stop, and turn off the car and then back on again, which resets it, and I’m able to drive as normal, until it happens again. This most recent time, 6/2026, I was able to take it in to a dealership when the warning lights were on. He did a recalibration, however, later when driving, the same issue arose at high speeds, on the fwy, causing me to exit and pull over. * I noted 2- 3 warning lights came on during the malfunction.

NHTSA ID 11746272 · filed Jun 24, 2026

I am the current owner a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. While I was driving my SUV on the highway at highway speeds at 60mph, the oil pressure and the check engine warning light illuminated all of sudden after around 1 hour of smooth ride. In the meantime, suddenly the vehicle lost motive power, the steering wheel seized and smoke came immediately. Losing motive power in running conditions and smoke coming out during failure could have endangered our lives. The smoke came out due to leakage of engine oil probably. The vehicle was stuck in the middle of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then after Hyundai Dealership. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 76,245 only. Before reporting to NHSTA I have seen numerous complaints about high oil consumption and burnt valves on Theta II engines around 2017 santafe sport model and very similar occurrence of events happening to all while driving the vehicle on highways. Hyundai must need to provide support to this year model and make vehicles.

NHTSA ID 11681321 · filed Aug 18, 2025
All 9 reports naming steering →

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The vehicle is experiencing a massive paint adhesion failure (white pearl paint), which is peeling off in large sheets from the hood and roof. This is a severe manufacturing defect. At highway speeds, paint flakes fly off, posing a significant safety hazard to other drivers and obstructing visibility. Furthermore, the exposed metal is prone to rapid corrosion, which compromises the structural integrity of the body panels. Despite contacting Hyundai Motor America (Case #XXX), the manufacturer has refused to provide a timely resolution or cover the repair cost of $4,650, as estimated by an authorized dealer." INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11732204 · filed Apr 19, 2026

Paint is peeling for no reason.

NHTSA ID 11660752 · filed May 13, 2025
All 8 reports naming body & structure →

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Windshield was broken by a rock on the highway.

NHTSA ID 11654862 · filed Apr 15, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the side view mirror displayed an amber signal light; however, when the sun was extremely bright, the contact was unable to see the amber light. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the diagnosis was undetermined; however, the dealer informed the contact that the light could not be changed. The contact was informed the amber light could not be switched from amber to red. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ID 11653918 · filed Apr 10, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Airbag light illuminates on the dash and the seatbelt light illuminates intermittently as the seat electrical harness under the seat only connects in certain positions of the seat. My issue is associated with the passenger seat. This airbag light is associated with the airbag not firing or improperly firing. To avoid a recall, Hyundai has extended the warranty for vehicles for this issue but refuses to fix mine without payment.

NHTSA ID 11754153 · filed Aug 1, 2026

My ABS Lights the triangle with the ! In the middle goes in and off the down hill control light and the sweet control light all go on when the ABS light goes on my oil was completely dry had to add two quarts while the engine was ticking when started and when accelerating it was making a clicking noise I still had 3000 miles before needed an oil change but like I said it was bone dry and then the drivers seat was going back and not wanting to come back up I’ve only had the car 42 days and it’s having all kinds of problems

NHTSA ID 11732824 · filed Apr 21, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving over bumps in the roadway, there was an abnormal crunching sound coming from the front driver’s side of the vehicle. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the driver’s side front coil spring had fractured. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who confirmed the failure and indicated that the coil spring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The contact stated that NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V577000 (Suspension) was issued for the VIN of several preceding model years. The failure mileage was 85,000.

NHTSA ID 11505958 · filed Feb 7, 2023

The left rear differential completely failed at 25,000 miles. According to the repair shop (Connie & Dicks in Claremont, CA) there was something structurally wrong with the rear differential and it never should have failed like this on a 5 year old car with 25,000 miles. The pinion nut was loose which caused the pinion gear to walk forward and backward in the housing which caused wear on the differential and resulted in catastrophic differential failure.

NHTSA ID 11467847 · filed Jun 6, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Engine died at 48k miles. Using a lot of oil. Driver seat belt not working properly. Waiting time for diagnostic 3-12 weeks.

NHTSA ID 11564342 · filed Jan 9, 2024

NHTSA RECALL: 17V365000 I HAVE NEVER BEEN CONTACTED BY HYUNDAI REGARDING SEAT BELT ANCHOR ISSUE. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE JULY 2017 AND WAS NOT INFORMED BY THE COMPANY SELLING THE VEHICLE (BYERS AUTO GROUP, COLUMBUS OHIO) OR THE MANUFACTURER OF THIS RECALL. IF THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH SEAT BELT ANCHOR THIS NEEDS FIXED ASAP.

NHTSA ID 11153030 · filed Nov 21, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR AFTER HAVING THE CAR I BEGAN TO NOTICE ISSUES. (18000) I HAVE RETURNED TO THE DEALER FOR MULTIPLE REPAIRS. THE MOST SIGNIFICANT ISSUE IS THE TOE. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT STAY IN ALIGNMENT AND IS WEARING THE TIRES UNEVENLY CAUSING TIRES NEEDING TO BE REPLACED WAY TOO SOON. AFTER HAVING THE CAR ALIGNED I WILL HAVE TO TAKE IT BACK WITHIN A WEEK OR SO FOR ANOTHER ALIGNMENT. I TRAVEL BETWEEN HOUSTON AND AUSTIN FREQUENTLY AND THIS IS A HUGE CONCERN FOR MY SAFETY. AS YOU ARE AWARE REPLACING TIRES IS VERY EXPENSIVE AND POINTLESS IF THE CAR WILL CONTINUE TO WEAR UNEVENLY. I HAVE SENT A CERTIFIED LETTER TO HYUNDAI BUT HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RESPONSE.

NHTSA ID 11230698 · filed Jul 10, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

MY ISSUE - When making turns at night with the low beam headlights on automatic and switching on the left turn signal the headlights go out for up to 30 seconds then come back on. this is very dangerous when driving in rural or low light areas. Possible headlight switch issue. TAKEN FROM THE INTERNET - I have a 2017 Hyundai Tucson and last year this problem only happened once, but now it has been going on for the past 3 consecutive days. If I have my headlights on or on auto and I use the left signal, the headlights turn off. Only the left, not the right. The display on my dash displays the lights going to off and back to auto or on when the signal has been activated and then stopped

NHTSA ID 11553950 · filed Nov 7, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

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