2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Fuel system Problems

Complete unmitigated loss of acceleration and power while traveling at highway speeds, creating an immediate life-threatening road hazard. Following a warranty engine replacement and mandatory dealer software flash at Clay Cooley Hyundai (Sherman, TX), the vehicle began experiencing powertrain communication issues. While operating the vehicle at 65 MPH on the highway, the vehicle completely failed to accelerate and lost propulsion power, nearly resulting in a catastrophic rear-end collision with an oncoming 18-wheeler semi-truck. Dealership diagnostics claim "no trouble codes present," but live data telemetry confirms the High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) is actively commanding and delivering a dangerous 1,600 PSI to the fuel rail at hot idle. This abnormal fuel delivery is paired with a severe powertrain stutter in 3rd gear. Service personnel at multiple locations confirm a widespread, high volume of transmission failures and severe drivability issues specifically tied to this recent Hyundai software update. Corporate has denied repair coverage. The vehicle remains an active highway safety hazard and is completely undrivable.

NHTSA ID

11756411

Incident

Jul 8, 2026

I own a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.4L (VIN: [XXX]). On XXX, my vehicle received Campaign 9C2 (ECU software update for Theta II emissions improvement). Shortly after this update, I began experiencing a drivability issue that did not exist beforehand. Description of the issue: The problem occurs only after the vehicle has been sitting long enough for the engine to become completely cold, typically overnight. During approximately the first 1/4 mile of driving, the vehicle intermittently jumps, surges, or lurches while accelerating normally. Once the engine warms up, the symptom completely disappears and the vehicle drives normally for the remainder of the trip. There are no warning lights, no check engine light, and no diagnostic messages. The Hyundai dealer has had the vehicle for nearly a week but has been unable to reproduce the concern. Because the issue only occurs during the initial cold start and first portion of the drive, I am concerned that it may not have been tested under the same conditions in which I consistently experience the problem. I am not claiming that Campaign 9C2 caused the issue, but the timing is notable because the symptom began only after the ECU update was performed. I am requesting Hyundai's assistance in determining whether: - the ECU update was installed correctly, - any required adaptation or relearn procedure is incomplete, - there are any related Technical Service Bulletins or software updates, or - additional diagnostics should be performed during a true cold-start drive with live data recording. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11751838

Incident

Jun 11, 2026

Hi, my name is [XXX], i bought used Hyndai Santafe sport 2017 from dealership in 2020. It had around 47,000 Miles on it, intitially it was running fine but after driving 2 years i discovered that engine is burning oil and after the oil change right after 1000 miles i had to add a quart of oil and it was like every two weeks. I had many srevices from dealership and other auto mechanic stores but it didn't improved. I had no choice but to keep driving the card on XXX th the engine crashed with out any sign on dashboard. There was slight noise and it increase by the way car was parked on the side road from Highway. The car was towed to my local mechanic and confirmed that engine is crashed. After i had to towed to dealership and i am still waiting for their response. Now we have put 43,000 miles in 6 years (91,000) total mileage. I had bought the waranty from dealership by $ 2500 which expired in 2025 Currently no warranty. My question here is that the car is still under 100,000 and engine failed. What if the dealership refuse to replace the engine. What are my leagal rights. Thanks [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11742118

Incident

May 26, 2026

I am submitting a complaint regarding a turbocharger failure on my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe VIN [XXX] . The vehicle experienced turbocharger-related failure symptoms including loss of power and drivability concerns. This created a potentially dangerous situation because the vehicle was unable to accelerate normally and could have caused difficulty merging into traffic or maintaining safe roadway speeds. I contacted Hyundai Motor America requesting assistance with repair coverage. Hyundai denied assistance solely because the vehicle was outside the warranty period by time and mileage, despite the seriousness of the failure. I am concerned this issue may be related to broader engine or oil-related defects reported in Hyundai vehicles, including possible oil starvation, excessive oil consumption, or internal engine contamination that could contribute to turbocharger damage or failure. I believe this condition may represent a safety-related defect because sudden power loss during operation increases the risk of a crash. I request that NHTSA review this issue and investigate whether similar turbocharger or related engine failures are occurring in 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11738896

Incident

Apr 15, 2026

After conducting Hyundai Service Campaign 9C2 for an emission update, vehicle now lunges and lags when accelerator is depressed. Symptoms tend to be more present soon after vehicle is started and reappear less often after the vehicle engine is at optimal temperature. This problem was not at all present prior to the service campaign update. The vehicle had no warning lights prior to the service update. This problem causes a safety issue when acceleration is not consistently present in a time of lane merging and turning onto higher speed roads. There are no warning lamps on the vehicle currently. Hyundai customer service was contacted about problem and I requested to remove the campaign update as this safety problem was not present prior to the update. Hyundai would not attempt to do this and required me to pay a diagnostic fee of several hundred dollar to troubleshoot the source of the problem. I declined.

NHTSA ID

11737161

Incident

Feb 23, 2026

My vehicle had oil consumption problems that were fixed with a new replacement engine now my catalytic converter is going bad due to engine oil consumption problems and the dealer I deal with is refusing to help with this issue. There is only around 50k miles on the new engine. I would greatly appreciate your help with this Thank you!

NHTSA ID

11735297

Incident

Mar 18, 2026

I purchase the 2017 Santa Fe Sport in October of 2023 with just short of 80K miles. It was in great condition and had no issues. I have maintained it according to Hyundai specification and regular on schedule oil changes with recommended 5w-20 full synthetic. At approximately 100K miles, I experienced an oil pressure light on the dash, when checked, the engine was approximately 2 quarts low. From this point on, the engine started consuming oil at an increasing rate all while I maintained regular maintenance. First, 1 quart a month, or about 1200 to 1500 miles, then to 1 quart every 2 weeks or 800 miles. I maintained weekly checks on the oil level and on the evening of 3/24/2026, I had added a quart, bringing the level to the midway point between the high and low dipstick markings. On the afternoon of 3/24/26 while driving on the highway in heavy, but at speed limit, traffic on the highway, I experienced a loss of power and a check engine light. I was able to exit the highway but the car started to run very rough and unable to idle. Luckily, there was no traffic approaching when I turned off the exit and made a left into parking lot to shut off the vehicle. I will be having it towed to a dealership in the next few days for their analysis.

NHTSA ID

11727630

Incident

Mar 24, 2026

I currently owned an 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe FWD with the 3.3 V6 Engine with approximately about 136,000 Miles. We were driving into Vegas when we heard the knocking Engine Sounds. Immediately we called the Dealership in Vegas advising them we were going to TOW the vehicle in. Once we get the Vehicle towed over to the dealership, we waited till the following Monday where it was authorized to have the engine replaced. We were so glad about that. The vehicle was going to be completed by early January and we got the news the Vehicle was completed but now having misfiring issues due to Faulty injectors. I was advised that this was not covered due to the mileage. This was an non issue when I turned in the vehicle to Hyundai. I made several attempts to contact my Case Manager and this was again denied due to the Mileage. For a vehicle with less than 140K miles and being less than 10 years old, we are very upset with this process and for Hyundai knowing that there were concerning issues with both the Fuel Injectors and Engine.

NHTSA ID

11715522

Incident

Dec 19, 2025

Check engine code called issue for cam shaft position error. Replaced sensor, still failing. After reading online forums found that the smaller engine had oil consumption issues, I decided to check oil level, No low oil light, dip stick showed very low oil even though had been to service at Hyundai all correct service intervals. Filled oil to proper level numerous times over last year, monitor it every two weeks. Some times totally fine no oil loss and many other times it continues to have excessive oil consumption. Now randomly smell gas in cabin while driving. Reading online again and the issue is becoming more well documented by users but Hyundai has not yet acknowledged issue with this 3.3L engine. Now the gas mileage head dropped significantly which gives further indication that the piston rings are allowing oil and gas to pass by. This can lead to cam shaft bearings to wear prematurely, other mechanical parts wearing or seizing, including the engine itself for a compete engine failure, a significant risk.

NHTSA ID

11710560

Incident

Jan 2, 2025

# **NHTSA Complaint Answers** ### **1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request?** The **engine** failed due to **sudden and extreme oil consumption** that resulted in the engine being completely dry of oil despite regular maintenance. This caused internal damage including **CVVT (Continuous Variable Valve Timing) system failure**, bearing damage, and a complete engine seizure. Yes, the failed engine is fully available for inspection upon request. The vehicle is currently located at Dick Smith Hyundai in Greenville, South Carolina, where the dealership diagnosed the failure and recommended a full engine long block replacement. ### **2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?** The engine failure occurred **suddenly and without warning**, causing the vehicle to lose power while operating. The loss of engine function created the risk of: * sudden deceleration in traffic, * inability to accelerate or maneuver, * potential rear-end collision, * complete engine stall in unsafe conditions. The vehicle had **no oil warning light** prior to the failure, meaning I had no indication that the engine was at risk until the failure occurred. ### **3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center?** Yes. The engine failure was confirmed by: • **Schwab’s Automotive** in Fayetteville, NC – determined the engine suffered catastrophic internal damage and was not repairable. • **Dick Smith Hyundai** dealership – confirmed **high oil consumption and CVVT damage**, and recommended a full **engine long block replacement** (estimate: $8,160.60). The problem has been fully verified by both an independent mechanic and an authorized Hyundai dealership. ## **4.Yes.The vehicle was formally inspected by Hyundai Motor America through the dealership’s diagnostic report. Hyundai reviewed the case (Case #XXX) after receiving the dealership findings.The engine remains intact avai. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF IN

NHTSA ID

11704253

Incident

Oct 23, 2025

The car has been consuming all the engine only after 700 miles. This has been a constant issue since December 2024 and the issue has been brought up with Hyundai dealership in Denville, NJ and Hyundai Corporate as well. Hyundai dealership in Denville, NJ performed 2 oil consumption tests, which the vehicle failed both test only after 700 miles as it consumed all the engine oil. They refused to do further investigation or recall the engine as it should be covered under Hyundai TXXI warranty given the Hyundai Engine II Class Action Settlement a few years ago. The vehicle has broken down on me on the highway a few times and has put my family at risk and danger due to the negligence of the Hyundai dealership in Denville, NJ and Hyundai Corporate refuel to resolve the issue. Now the car does not start at all some days thus it has impacted my work and my ability to provide for my family

NHTSA ID

11677532

Incident

Jan 31, 2025

The car started jerking and the check engine light came on. I had to have it towed to my house. We can't get the car to do anything now. We get it started for 5 seconds, the engine completely dies

NHTSA ID

11667415

Incident

May 1, 2025

The act is consuming all the engine oil only after 500-700 miles. It has been recored and tested at Town Hyudnia dealership in Danville, NJ after it failed 2 engine oil composition tests but the dealership did not replace the engine nor put in a. request to Corporate Hyundai to replace the engine as it should be covered by the 2.4L engine lawsuit a fe years ago.

NHTSA ID

11663016

Incident

Mar 13, 2025

The vehicle started to stall/drive in limp mode. I took it to the Hyundai dealership, and they quoted me $5000 for repairs. The repair recommendations were as followed: ensure connecting rod bearings are within spec, recommending performing timing job w/replacement of intake camshaft, e-cvvt motor/gear, e-cvvt cover, and other components necessary for repairs. This engine burns/consumes oil and the engine code that shows up in P00100. All of this after I paid it off. Not within warranty anymore either. $22,000 down the drain it seems... called hyundai customer service to see if there was anything that could be done but they said there is nothing they can do and I have to fix it even though it is a manufacturing issue.

NHTSA ID

11656747

Incident

Jul 1, 2024

Was going down the highway at 65 when my vehicle completely lost the accelerating component. Almost got rear ended so I pulled off. Then made it to work when it happened again. The engine light came on and gave 2 codes. Finally got it towed to the dealership where they have decided it’s either a new timing chain or new engine due to mechanical loss. They discovered there was no oil in the car and they have also found metal shavings in my oil. Now they are telling me I need a whole new engine. I only have 124000 miles on this car. The car was driving perfectly fine the day before and had just been to the dealer and looked over 1,500 miles before and I was told everything was perfect working condition. I am out $4000 on a car I bought a year and a half ago in October 2023.Was told my warranty only lasted a year.

NHTSA ID

11648992

Incident

Feb 15, 2025

My 2017 Hyundai Santa fe sport burns through 2qts of oil between oil changes (every 3000 miles). I check my oil once a week to make sure I have adequate oil to ensure my engine doesn't blow, Hyundai has open recalls on the 2017 models of my vehicle but my VIN number is not included...I have complained to Hyundai corporate and also the dealer and they state that I have to do an oil consumption test, at cost to me, to prove that their engine is defective...I first noticed this issue about 1 month after I purchased my vehicle, I was driving and my oil light flashed on for less than a second, I stopped at my sisters house and let my engine cool down and checked my oil and there was absolutely none... I refilled it and then began checking my oil weekly. I add at least 1/4-1/2 quart per week between oil changes. Every time I take my car in for an oil change they have to add an extra quart and make me aware that my vehicle is burning a significant amount of oil... This is my everyday car, I use it to get back and forth to work, I transport my children in this vehicle. There is a 953 Recall and also 218 but my VIN is not included.

NHTSA ID

11633645

Incident

Jun 1, 2024

In June 2024, my vehicle suddenly lost power while I was driving on the freeway, almost causing a serious accident. I managed to restart the car after being stuck on the shoulder of the freeway for several minutes. The same issue occurred the following day, prompting me to have the vehicle towed to the dealership. Hyundai Motor was contacted since the vehicle is still under warranty. The dealership informed me they would conduct an oil consumption test three times to diagnose the issue. However, they also stated that for the test to be successful, I needed to replace unrelated parts, including the brakes and transmission oil, among other items. Reluctantly, I agreed and spent $1,800 on these replacements. After completing the first oil consumption test, I returned for the second test. However, the dealership informed me that no further tests were necessary and returned the car to me without addressing the underlying issue. I emailed the case manager assigned by Hyundai to report this, but I never received a response. A few months later, the car failed to start. I contacted Hyundai again, and they dispatched a tow truck. The tow truck driver managed to start the car. A few days later, the issue recurred, and the roadside assistance tow driver suggested it might be the battery. Out of frustration, I paid $300 to replace the battery. Despite this, the car continued to make unusual noises at startup, a problem I had repeatedly mentioned to the dealership and in my communications with Hyundai. The situation reached a critical point today when my wife was driving the vehicle on the freeway with our five children inside. While traveling at 60 miles per hour, the car suddenly lost power again, putting their lives in danger. This is the third time this hazardous issue has occurred, and I fear for the safety of my family.

NHTSA ID

11632030

Incident

Jun 3, 2024

I have Hyudai Santafe 2017 Sport, bought it from dealership in 2020 with 46,000 Miles and in around past 4/5 years added 30,000 miles. Which is not much, in the past one year i have noticed that engine oil is burning faster than usual. On every oil change after driving between 1200 and 1500 miles the oil engine sign blinks and upon checking needed 2 Quarts of oil. I spoke the dealership and they are not very helpfull. Also they did the oil combustion test which i was charged. Later i was advised to do. ("Good morning, Just got off the phone with you sir warranty won't cover it due to the vehicle being out of manufacture warranty and mileage. My technician recommended starting with combustion chamber cleaning which would be around 1200 before taxes and shop supplies. Combustion chamber cleaning is the process of removing carbon buildup from the combustion chamber and intake valves of a fuel-injection engine. to see if that fixes the problem that you are having with the car burning oil. If that step doesn't work we we would submit a warranty pa again, to see if they would cover a new engine." Please advise what should be my next step, as per my mechanic the only solultion right now i have is keep adding oil carefully.

NHTSA ID

11627161

Incident

Sep 2, 2023

While driving on rural side road, two lanes, my check engine light (yellow, steady) came on. I pulled into a safe spot and did a quick survey, checked the owner manual, but could not identify any problem, and continued on my way. The check engine light was still on. About 15 minutes later the car would not accelerate past 25 mph (limp mode?). I was on a two-lane mountain road, speed limit 45 (but most cars were faster), visibility limited by terrain, trees, etc. Again, there was little traffic around me and I found a safe place to pull over. in neutral the engine revved normally. I turned the ignition off, checked oil level, (normal), turned the engine back on and started driving to find a safe place to pull over and summon help, but the car drove normally. I drove directly to my repair shop and had the codes pulled, (0436, 0021) which indicate a problem with timing. When a qualified tech examined it he recommended taking to the dealer. Unwilling to drive in traffic, I had it towed to the dealership. Their inspection revealed damage to CVVT components and the timing chain, and recommend an (expensive) engine rebuild.

NHTSA ID

11625241

Incident

Sep 24, 2024

I bought this vehicle back in 2022 hearing how great Hyundai is wanting to make a long time purchase with a for my family. I’ve had different models vehicles but I wanted something reliable. Now hearing this is possibly a fire hazard I need all this taking care of immediately . I am dependent on my car to get to work, for food, and I take my kids to school an to practice and just everyday life. I will take my vehicle to the dealership immediately to attempt to get this taking care of this week an hopes this company can make it right. Thanks for your time

NHTSA ID

11600984

Incident

Apr 23, 2024

1)When turning there is zero response from the gas pedal. 2)If turning where there is traffic the car can come to a complete stop in an intersection. 3)There have been numerous complaints to dealers and to the NHTSA. 4)My vehicle has not been inspected yet. 5)No warnings. 6)This is a serious situation that puts the driving public in danger

NHTSA ID

11590876

Incident

Jan 17, 2024

Vehicle has intermittent engine stalling, but is still running. Possible dangerous situation if making left turn with oncoming traffic. This has happened to many times since my owner ship. Bought this car used. I am 2nd owner. 33k mi when purchased in 3-2021

NHTSA ID

11576499

Incident

Mar 8, 2024

Vehicle gave no indication oil level was low. Traveling I24 East, the vehicle began to stall, preventing any speed above 40MPH. After settling along the shoulder of the highway I checked the Oil reservoir which was completely empty. No indication was given that Oil was needed. Vehicle had not met the Month or Milage requirement for needed oil change.

NHTSA ID

11572859

Incident

Feb 19, 2024

Oil compsumption noted and leakage noted by mechanic. Informed me could cause a fire in engine compartment. Unsafe to drive. I rented a car. . Engine burning oil, high oil consumption, oil leak. Reported to Hyundai. Took vehicle to Kerry Hyundai, Alexandria, Ky. Was informed that Hyundai won’t take care of it. Filed a complaint. Mediation through The Better Business Burrau. Claim was denied. I was not driving the car for a couple weeks. I am guardian of 2 school age children transporting to and from school and activities and was concerned for our safety. Took vehicle to Superior Hyundai, Cincinnati, Ohio for an oil change and reported an oil leak. Was informed there was no oil leak. Had oil changes at Valvoline, Newport,Ky, No report of oil leak. Walmart, Ft Wright ,Ky pointed out leak from oil pan. Replaced oil pan. Check engine light came on. Took vehicle to Konen’s Pittstop , Bellevue, Ky who repaired oil leak. Continued oil check for consumption. Again check engine light illumination. Recently Replaced spark plugs & wires, catalytic converter. Engine running rough. Valves going bad. If car stalls on highway an accident could occur. Hyundai has a recall in the same year and make but not for those manufactured in the state of Alabama. The dealership inspection was about a year ago at Kerry Hyundai, Alexandria, Ky. They only recommended oil changes. I cannot afford the additional engine repairs. Hyundai has prior knowledge of the engine defect and refuses a recall thereby endangering peoples lives.

NHTSA ID

11572744

Incident

Jun 15, 2022

Upon approaching stop sign, the vehicle stalled and after restart, the vehicle ceased acceleration at intervals. This caused the vehicle to impede/slow traffic during journey. Again, at stop light, the vehicle stalled and “all” warning lights appeared. The engine failed to restart and the vehicle was towed from traffic due to engine failure. The vehicle is a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.4 with 116,000 miles. An Engine Class Settlement has been established for the model years 2010-2012 with this same issue. The vehicle will be towed to a dealership for inspection, confirmation and repair. I felt the need to make an incident report thinking maybe other reports have been filed, also, and the manufacturer reusing to admit to problem issues.

NHTSA ID

11538673

Incident

Aug 7, 2023