2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Driver assistance Problems

The 9C2 campaign software update introduced dangerous vehicle hesitation and unpredictable gear changes in active traffic, presenting and immediate crash hazard

NHTSA ID

11753154

Incident

May 20, 2026

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 ID

11748778

Incident

Jun 9, 2026

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 ID

11748721

Incident

Jul 5, 2026

Mileage

130,000 mi

reporting a serious safety concern involving my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport with the Theta II engine. While driving on the highway, my vehicle suddenly lost power without warning. The vehicle became unsafe to drive and I had to pull over and have it towed. There was no warning light before the failure. The vehicle has been regularly maintained. Hyundai later stated there was internal engine damage. My vehicle also shows an open engine-related recall/campaign since November 2025. I have found many similar complaints from other Hyundai owners describing sudden loss of power, excessive oil consumption, and engine problems involving the Theta II engine. I contacted Hyundai Motor America and provided documentation and videos, but I have not received a meaningful response. I am concerned this issue may represent a serious safety defect because the sudden loss of power occurred while driving on a highway.

NHTSA ID

11740312

Incident

Mar 28, 2026

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 ID

11738814

Incident

May 4, 2026

ABS doesn't work, traction control doesn't work, while it was raining the sensor lights came on and I began to hydroplane almost causing a wreck while driving on the highway. The sensors go off and on the emergency brake won't engage while this sensor is on also. Acceleration stall pulling out in traffic. I'm scared to even drive the suv

NHTSA ID

11682094

Incident

Aug 20, 2025

Rear camera stoped working

NHTSA ID

11679702

Incident

Aug 2, 2023

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 ID

11676101

Incident

Jul 11, 2025

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 ID

11673630

Incident

Dec 1, 2024

2017 Santa Fe, car had fire in 09/2024 and was with dealership until 05/2025. BSD, ABS, TRACTION, and Parking Brake lights on the dash when vehicle was picked up. Dealership not complaint to pay as the assume it is an Outside issue

NHTSA ID

11670835

Incident

Sep 25, 2024

On April 28, 2025 my car cut off in the middle of traffic. I turned the car completely off. I was able to turn it back on and move it out of traffic. I called my mechanic and he looked at it, He checked the oil and there was oil I'm it. He drove it around a parking lot and heard a rattling noise, He tried to get it to his shop, the rattling got louder and louder, He was scared the engine would lock up, We parked it and had to have it towed to my residence. In the last 6-8 months I had to put oil in my car EVERY week. I have taken to mi mechanic several times checking for leaks. I have been to the dealer checking to see if they there has been any recalls. Due to this situation I have NO transportation. I am already financially struggling and now I have to figure out what to do I have already paid out of pocket for the ABS to be replaced as well. My sun roof I cannot open due to the rollers r stop working. This has worst experience I have has with a brand new car, I previously owned a Hyundai and had a wonderful experience.

NHTSA ID

11658169

Incident

Apr 29, 2025

The brakes and rotors need to be replaced every 3-6 months. They have been fixed at least 4 times under warranty. Every time I take the car in I get asked if I drove through the mountains because they are fried. This vehicle has never been in the mountains because I fear what will happen if it really were driven through the mountains. However, no excessive braking occurs to cause them to be ruined every 3-6 months. I am at the point I’m curious if automatic braking is causing it to heat up and burn them. The incident below is the last time I had them replaced. I’m currently looking to sell the vehicle because of the number of times I’ve had to go in and get them replaced.

NHTSA ID

11632995

Incident

Oct 23, 2024

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 ID

11627525

Incident

Nov 24, 2024

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 ID

11588005

Incident

Aug 30, 2023

We noticed that we had our airbag light was on in our dashboard along with that we also notice that the buttons and horn did not work in to the steering wheel. When we took the car to get checked by the Hyundai dealership in Lakewood. We were told that the clock spring was the cause of this problem to the airbag, horn, and the buttons not working. They told us that this clock spring part it was broken and it needed to be replaced. Our concern is the number one safety which making sure that all of the airbag and horn to be working. When this was communicated to the dealership person he response was that he could not say anything much about other then him saying that it was not under warranty and it was due to the mile of the car. Which I the moment we told them we totally understand about warranty and miles to the car but the safety of someone should not be put at risk just because of one part that connects all of this things. To us this is safety concern due to the airbag and horn not working. We are not sure by us reporting this would be something can be considered for a recall or be done about without costing any money to those who own a vehicle like this.

NHTSA ID

11566690

Incident

Dec 30, 2023

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 ID

11534885

Incident

Jul 22, 2023

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 ID

11516337

Incident

Apr 2, 2023

Mileage

83,000 mi

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 ID

11514723

Incident

Mar 18, 2023

Mileage

77,000 mi

My lane departure and collision warning did not work when I crashed into a car head on and totallled my vehicle. I had not yet received my recall maintenance, nor did I know about both recalls. Only the first. Not only that but lane assist did not work and the airbag did not go off. Despite totaling the car, how did they not go off?????

NHTSA ID

11508838

Incident

Aug 25, 2022

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 ID

11495357

Incident

Nov 18, 2022

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 ID

11471449

Incident

May 12, 2022

Engine failed within 3 years of having the car so did transmission. Always having other issues with this vehicle. Recently the alternator now the blind spot warning system. This vehicle was purchased new and has had so many problems.

NHTSA ID

11455205

Incident

Mar 4, 2022

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 ID

11397732

Incident

Feb 28, 2020

Mileage

3,000 mi

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 ID

11373894

Incident

Nov 9, 2020

Mileage

48,500 mi

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 ID

11362328

Incident

Sep 17, 2020