Hyundai Santa Fe Complaints (2017)
972 consumer complaints on file.
- #11618445October 7, 2024ENGINE
We purchased a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe SE ULTIMATE from Hampton Hyundai in December of 2019. The vehicle has the V6 3.3 Liter Lambda II motor. At the time of purchase it had 44,969 miles on it and we paid roughly $27,000 for the vehicle and associated service package. We routinely had the vehicle serviced according to the recommended service schedule. In early 2022 we realized that the engine began burning oil at an alarming rate. We were adding roughly 1.5 quarts every 1,000 miles to maintain a safe level. This was done at a certified mechanic. After inquiring with Hampton Hyundai we were informed that this is considered normal operation and to be expected. Based on that information, we proceeded to routinely check oil levels and maintain them accordingly. On December 23rd, 2022, with roughly 81,000 miles on the vehicle, we experienced a knocking noise coming from the engine. I immediately pulled the vehicle to the side of the road to investigate the possible cause. I checked the oil and inspected the engine for anything that seemed to be out of place. There was nothing that seemed uncommon to the layman eye, with this, we immediately returned home with the vehicle. From here we had it towed to Certified Automotive Repairs and Service (C.A.R.S) and then to Hampton Hyundai. Both locations told us we needed a full engine replacement. We have requested assistance from Hampton Hyundai and Hyundai Motor America to assist with the cost of replacement and have been denied. The quote for a new motor and labor to install is nearly $20,000 and we were told that the cost is so high because Hyundai does not make the motor anymore and each individual part would need to be ordered and assembled. Our vehicle is currently at Hampton Hyundai and we are planning on having it towed back to our home.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11618349October 6, 2024ENGINE
* Engine seized . No warning . No check engine light until i pulled over on the highway. *My safety , my child's safety and everyone behind me on the interstate had to avoid my rapid deceleration/ * vehicle has not been towed in yet, it will be as soon as the dealer lets me know they will see it *No lamps or bulbs. car seized and lost power
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11617057September 28, 2024ENGINE
Engine suddenly stopped working on the highway, we towed the car to the garage and they mentioned that the crankshaft was misaligned and that the engine must be replaced. We were good with our oil changes over the life of our ownership of the car. It only has 119K miles.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11615079September 17, 2024ENGINE
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000. The VIN was not available.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11614115September 12, 2024ENGINE
The engine in my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe malfunctioned due to issues with the connecting rod bearings, a known defect for this model. While driving on the highway, the engine began to slow down and fail, creating a hazardous situation that jeopardized my safety and that of other road users. A diagnostic performed at World Car Hyundai South confirmed that the problem was with the connecting rod bearings. Despite the severity of the issue and the fact that it is a documented problem with this model, Hyundai's Goodwill Program and warranty did not cover the engine replacement. The manufacturer cited missing maintenance records from previous owners as the reason for denial. I provided comprehensive service records for the vehicle from the time it was in my possession. The refusal to cover the repair based on the absence of previous records on Carfax overlooks that previous owners may have used service providers not reporting to Carfax. Additionally, there were no warning lamps or messages before the engine failure. Hyundai's decision to deny coverage, given the known defect in this model, suggests an attempt to avoid responsibility.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11612852September 5, 2024ENGINE
I was driving along 55mph on a 2 lane road when suddenly the car shut off. I was fortunate that it died at the top of a hill and I was able to coast to the safety of a side street. I was in a remote part of michigan and 20 miles from any service stations with my 3 children. The car would not restart. I was able to contact a tow truck who took it to my mechanic who said the engine had failed and I would need a new engine.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11612906September 5, 2024ENGINE
The engine is suffering from excessive oil consumption that might result in the engine blowing up. Hyundai is aware of the issue with many reports filed but has refused to address the issue.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11612505September 4, 2024ENGINE
3.3l engine with 120k miles began making a noise and suddenly failed while driving at interstate speeds. No warning lights or messages appeared prior to this incident. All occupants, two adults and child, were placed in danger while attempting to exit the highway and were left stranded with an inoperable vehicle.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11610586August 24, 2024ENGINE
Complete engine failure at 150,000. No check engine or warning lights prior to failure. I was traveling at 75 mph on the freeway when the engine lost power and locked up. I was barely able to make it safely to an exit before it fully shut down. After stopping, oil was profusely leaking out of the vehicle. When levels were checked it was completely empty. I know for a fact the oil was full before driving because I checked it and topped it off. Vehicle has been inspected by the dealership it was purchased from and they confirmed engine failure.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11609933August 21, 2024ENGINE
Engine failed due to metal shavings and oil consumption issue. CHeck engine light came on and I immediatley took for service. IT has been examined by car dealer who got approval for 90% of engine replacement. Feel it should be 100% and fall under 11006230 and be covered 100%
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11609218August 18, 2024ENGINE
car started doing a weird noise. car checked at dealership, mentioned that it was probably the engine but that there was no engine light on. Car released back to us since no warning light was on. Engine died about a week later while driving (luckily, we were in a parking lot and our kids were not in the car). vehicle has been at dealership for more than 3 months.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11609097August 17, 2024ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Current mileage is 80,000. For the last 30,000 miles the engine oil burns or leaks within a month of it being changed. When I return to the shop to get yet another oil change. They investigate for leaks and find nothing. They end up topping it off vs charging me. As I barely put a hundred miles on the vehicle since the last change. Even when I barely drive between oil changes, I end up checking the stick frequently to ensure it’s not leaking or burning oil until the next change. Yet it always does. It also randomly acts like it doesn’t want to start. Doesn’t matter if it’s cold, hot or normal kind of day. Take it to dealer or auto repair shop for a diagnostic check and nothing is found. They check the starter, circuits, battery, and alternator. Nothing. This happens multiple times a yr. I’ve never owned a vehicle that does this before. Even my old 200+ mile vehicle never did this. This Hyundai is only 7 yrs old and under 85,000 miles. It’s baffling.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11608088August 12, 2024ENGINE
My 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe has roughly 120,000 miles on it and an engine light came on. I brought the vehicle into an automotive shop where they stated the vehicle was very low on oil, they checked the code and then reset it. After they drove the vehicle, it began "knocking" and the code came back on. They stated in the paperwork, "[t]his code is caused by the ecm getting a response from the solenoids that the camshaft is off; engine is not timed properly. This can be caused by a stretched timing chain or if the chain jumps a tooth." The oil has been changed less than 2,500 miles prior, no light ever came on to indicate that it was low, there was no indication that it was burning excessive amounts of oil, and I park in the same spot each day with no sign of oil leakage. There were no warning signs that the oil was low or that there were issues with the engine. This engine easily could have overheated and seized with absolutely no warning that it was coming. I was set to drive with my family across the country right before this happened and we easily could have been driving on the highway if/when the engine seized. The automotive repair shop quoted $9,149.01 to fix the issues and I owe a little more than $10,000 on it. I don't want to risk repairing it since the faulty engine will likely have this issue again in the near future and I am at a loss for how to proceed, especially with many having the same issue.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11607545August 9, 2024ENGINE
On 7/24/24 I was driving off the expressway near my home when as I was switching lanes the vehicle made a loud clunk noise (it was like the sound of a lock turning but louder) and stopped accelerating, eventually coming to a full stop in the middle of the lane. Since I was blocking the lane, and it was during rush hour, I called the police to have them escort me out of the lane and into the middle divide. I had my vehicle towed to my home where my personal mechanic showed up to do an inspection. He tried turning on the car, but it only made a single-clicking noise. Next, he checked the oil and discovered that the dipstick was completely dry. He advised that the engine was seized due to no oil and suggested that I reach out to the location I had my last oil change at. An independent inspector completed a diagnostic on the vehicle and concluded the following: The top of this engine was dry and there were no oil stains on the underside of the hood or pooled in the engine compartment to suggest this engine leaked or displaced oil from the fill hole area. The oil fill cap was in the valve cover, tight and properly orientated. The oil pan drain plug was tight in the pan and not leaking. No torque seal or paint had been used on the drain plug or the oil pan. There was no impact damage to the oil pan. The inspector verified the oil filter housing and cover were dry with no signs of an active leak. The inspector verified the engine had been leaking oil to an active drip from the rear main engine oil seal, valve cover gaskets and from the oil pan gasket. There was also an excessive amount of soot and wetness in the tailpipes consistent with excessive oil consumption and the inspector observed a film of oil was present on the rear of the vehicle at both sides further indicating excessive oil consumption. The inspector attempted to start the engine and verified there was only a single clunk noise audible in the engine it could not be rotated indicating it was internally seized.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11607309August 8, 2024ENGINE
My 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport has less than 100,000 miles and has been regularly serviced. On [XXX], the vehicle stopped suddenly and dangerously on the highway. No warning light engaged. Fortunately, I was able to roll to the breakdown lane without causing an accident. The vehicle had traveled 2,828 miles since its last oil change on March 30, 2024. My mechanic, Todd's Auto Repair in Beverly, Massachusetts, looked for leaks and performed an oil change. The vehicle traveled 894 miles before requiring another 5 quarts of oil on June 11, 2024. The vehicle traveled another 969 miles since last service and required 3 quarts of oil on July 25, 2024. The mechanic is therefore confident that the engine is burning through the oil at an alarming rate, with no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms present to protect the driver. I have an appointment for the vehicle to be inspected by a Hyundai dealer on August 12, 2024. The service center scheduler was resolute that there is nothing the Hyundai corporation will do for oil over-consumption. Hyundai customer Facebook groups indicate that this is a very common problem, putting drivers in peril. We welcome an inspection should you request one. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11606911August 6, 2024ENGINE
My stepson was driving the car and it stopped running while at a red light in a left turn lane on a busy intersection. When he went to try to start it, it wouldn't turn over. Fortunately 2 officers showed up on scene to protect my stepson and his friends from an accident by blocking the lane behind the car. I arrived at the site of the incident and tried to start the car. When it wouldn't turn over I checked the oil and there was none on the dipstick. We just had numerous seals replaced on the engine within the last 8000 miles. We had it towed to a trusted shop that we frequent. They said that the motor was seized and there was no evidence of leaks. I called the local Hyundai dealer and I was told there was no coverage for the engine. Looking online I found many complaints from other people that have had the same issue with the same 3.3 liter engine. The engine was resealed due to leakage, however I had never needed to top off the oil since I bought the car. I have the oil changed every 3,000 miles or so. The shop that resealed the engine never took the heads off and stated that they did not see any evidence of major engine issues when they had the oil pan off. According to my stepson, there was never any warning and no lights on the dash.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11606401August 5, 2024ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle was making an abnormal knocking sound with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact exited the highway and stopped at an auto parts store. The contact was advised by the store employee to have the vehicle towed to a repair shop. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that prior to the engine failure the vehicle had been consuming oil and that she had been adding oil monthly. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11606591August 5, 2024ENGINE
head gasket blown without prior warning and rapid engine oil consumption. Car will power down in the middle of Hight speed traffic potentially causing an accident. Car less than 7year old.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11604406July 25, 2024ENGINE
2017 Santa Fe 2.4 L bought at 70,000 miles. We stalled on the highway which was terrifying. We could have been hit or caused an accident. Check engine light went on at this time and there was a knocking sound. Took to Firestone mechanic right away, they said they found metal shavings within the engine and that we would need a total engine replacement which would be up to $10,000. We did a google search and there are thousands of other Hyundai Santa Fe 2017 owners with the same issue. This happened at random the car was running perfectly. This is a safety issue and needs to be recalled. We are devastated having only bought this car 6 months ago and it’s only at 80,000 mile's!!! We can’t afford another car but it is a basic need where we live.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11603896July 22, 2024ENGINE
This vehicle has been well serviced. On 06.24.2024, with 55,857 odometer reading, it was being taken to the dealer because it was making engine noise but it seized on the way. I had just gotten on the interstate and up to 65mph when I lost all power and had to coast to the shoulder of the road and call a tow truck to get it the rest of the way. Stayed at the dealer for a couple of weeks before we received a call to tell us it wasn't covered under warranty because of time...understandable but not acceptable. So we reached out to Hyundai ourselves and got a representative to look into why it wouldn't be covered if there were obvious (what we have come to find out) issues.There are already TSBS indicating timing chain issues but in order to determine what the cause of failure was would require taking it apart which they weren't willing to do. It appears this will be the next class action lawsuit as there are too many having similar problems and Hyundai isn't willing to stand up.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0