The worst Santa Fe for engine trouble
The 2017 Santa Fe has the highest complaint rate of any year. Two-thirds of complaints are engine problems: hesitation from a stop, oil leaks and burning, and engine failure.
Updated November 2026 · based on 1,329 owner complaints and 7 recalls
Not rated
998 2.3x the Santa Fe average
7 free to fix at a dealer
Every Santa Fe year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Known problems on the 2017 Santa Fe
Top problems and what they cost
Engine failure and oil consumption
Oil burning, knocking and failure, especially 2.0T Santa Fe Sport.
Fix: Free under warranty extension if eligible; otherwise $4,000 to $7,000
Engine
Hesitation from a stop
A delay when pulling away, especially on turns.
Fix: Software update $150 to $300
Engine
Limp mode
Flashing check engine light and reduced power.
Fix: Diagnosis $100 to $200
Transmission and drivetrain
Recalls
An underinflated inflated tire can increase the risk of a crash.
If the hood is not securely closed or the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open wh...
The engine bearing wear may cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Without a warning to remind the front seat occupants that their seat belts are not buckled, they may forget to buckle their seat belt, increasing their risk ...
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Show all 7 recalls
If the bolt was not sufficiently tightened, driver's seat belt may come unanchored in a collision, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant.
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe
- Confirm recall 17V578 and ABS recall 22V056 show as repaired.A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.The 2017 Santa Fe has 7 recalls on record, listed below.
- Ask whether the knock sensor software update was done.Knocking, ticking or rattling from the engine, especially when cold, can mean worn bearings, lifters or a stretched timing chain. These are engine-out repairs costing thousands.Owners filed 455 complaints about engine knocking and failure on the 2017 Santa Fe, one of the worst years for it.
- Check the oil level and look for leaks.Some engines burn or thin their oil. A low or high level, a gas smell on the dipstick or blue smoke are warning signs, and regular oil changes show the engine was looked after.Owners filed 455 complaints about engine knocking and failure on the 2017 Santa Fe, one of the worst years for it.
Questions
Is the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe reliable?
The worst Santa Fe for engine trouble. The 2017 Santa Fe has the highest complaint rate of any year. Two-thirds of complaints are engine problems: hesitation from a stop, oil leaks and burning, and engine failure.
How many recalls does the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe have?
7 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Hyundai dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe problems?
Engine failure and oil consumption; Hesitation from a stop; Limp mode.
Crash rating shown for the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV AWD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.