NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls and 972 owner complaints for the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. Most complaints involve engine (651) and power train (166). The EPA rates it 19–21 mpg combined.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Santa Fe, 2017-2018 Santa Fe Sport, 2019 Santa Fe XL, and 2014-2015 Tucson vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Santa Fe vehicles equipped with 3.3L engines. The crankshaft assemblies may have been produced with surface irregularities in the crankshaft pin, causing engine bearing wear.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the secondary hood latch actuating cable may corrode and bind, causing the secondary hood latch to remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Santa Fe model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 209 |
| 2002 | 171 |
| 2003 | 308 |
| 2004 | 303 |
| 2005 | 216 |
| 2006 | 106 |
| 2007 | 684 |
| 2008 | 541 |
| 2009 | 359 |
| 2010 | 260 |
| 2011 | 181 |
| 2012 | 355 |
| 2013 | 605 |
| 2014 | 494 |
| 2015 | 255 |
| 2016 | 236 |
| 2017 | 972 |
| 2018 | 110 |
| 2019 | 203 |
| 2020 | 218 |
| 2021 | 168 |
| 2022 | 202 |
| 2023 | 214 |
| 2024 | 156 |
| 2025 | 137 |
| 2026 | 37 |
“The engine light came on. Upon driving it on the highway it would lost acceleration but was able to drive under 50 miles per hour about 5 miles. When opened the hood there was fluid splattered on the engine. There is a hole in the upper left quadrant beneath the engine cover.”
“On [XXX], Laguna Niguel Hyundai performed Service Campaign 9C2 (ECU software update for Theta II emissions improvement, Hyundai TSB 26-01-013H) on my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. Immediately after the update, the vehicle developed drivability problems that did not exist before: rough/harsh shifting, hesitation, and loss of power during cold-start operation (the first 1-3 minutes after engine start), plus intermittent infotainment and navigation system failures. Hyundai's own dealer notice dated 05/18/2026 acknowledges vehicles may exhibit 'hesitation or rough shifting' after the 9C2 update and states the matter is 'currently under review' — no permanent fix has been released. The dealership that performed the recall has since refused to service my vehicle again. I opened case #[XXX] with Hyundai corporate; my inquiries on 09/03/2026, 09/11/2026, and 09/17/2026 asking for a corrective action have gone unanswered. The hesitation and power loss are a safety hazard when merging into traffic or crossing intersections. I request NHTSA investigate this pattern.”
“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of the purchase, the mileage was 45,000. However, when the vehicle was taken to a dealer for a trade-in, it was discovered via a Carfax report that the mileage was over 109,000.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe FWD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.3 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 21 | $3,050 | 427 |
| Santa Fe AWD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.3 L · All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,200 | 433 |
| Santa Fe Ultimate FWD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.3 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 20 | $3,200 | 457 |
| Santa Fe Ultimate AWD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.3 L · All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 22 | 19 | $3,400 | 475 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
6 safety recalls as of Nov 4, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 972 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (651), power train (166), electrical system (70). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe at 19–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).