2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Safety Report

2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport: Excellent Crash Ratings Undermined by Widespread Engine Failures and Fire Risks

318Complaints
3Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
45/100Reliability Score
5Crash Reports
7Fire Reports
8Injuries
Most reported components: Engine (127)Service Brakes, Hydraulic (36)Unknown Or Other (20)Engine And Engine Cooling (13)Power Train,Engine (8)Power Train (7)Power Train,Vehicle Speed Control,Engine (6)Air Bags (5)Unknown Or Other,Engine (5)Structure (5)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport

The 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport presents a mixed safety picture. While it boasts excellent crash test performance with 5-star overall, frontal, and side ratings from NHTSA, and a respectable 4-star rollover rating, its reliability is significantly impacted by a high volume of engine-related complaints. Out of 318 total complaints, a staggering 127 (approximately 40%) are related to the engine, with many detailing excessive oil consumption, engine stalling, and complete engine failure, some leading to fires (7 reported fires) and even crashes (5 reported crashes). This suggests a critical underlying defect in the engine component. The vehicle has been subject to three recalls. One significant recall addresses a potential fire risk due to the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module, which could malfunction and cause an engine compartment fire. Another recall pertains to the driver's seat belt anchorage, where an insufficiently tightened bolt could lead to the seat belt becoming unanchored in a collision, increasing injury risk. The third recall involves the secondary hood latch, which could corrode and bind, potentially allowing the hood to open unexpectedly while driving. These recalls highlight specific manufacturing or design flaws that Hyundai has attempted to address. Despite its strong crash test scores, the pervasive and severe engine issues, coupled with recalls addressing fire and occupant restraint safety, indicate that owners face substantial safety and reliability concerns. The high number of engine complaints, including instances of fire and loss of motive power, overshadow the positive crash test results, suggesting that while the vehicle performs well in controlled crash scenarios, its operational safety is compromised by critical component failures. The 8 reported injuries further underscore the real-world impact of these issues.

Reliability Score

The 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Excessive Engine Oil Consumption/Failure
Many owners report the 2.4L GDI engine consuming excessive amounts of oil, leading to low oil levels, engine knocking, stalling, and complete engine failure, sometimes resulting in fires or loss of motive power while driving.		 High Common 70000-130000 miles
Abs Module Fire Risk
A recall addresses the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module potentially malfunctioning and causing an engine compartment fire, even when parked.		 High Occasional N/A miles
Driver'S Seat Belt Anchorage Issue
A recall indicates the driver's seat belt anchor bolt might not have been sufficiently tightened, potentially causing the seat belt to detach in a collision.		 High Rare N/A miles
Secondary Hood Latch Corrosion
A recall addresses the secondary hood latch cable corroding and binding, which could lead to the hood unexpectedly opening while driving if the primary latch is released.		 Medium Rare N/A miles
Airbag Non-Deployment
At least one complaint details airbags failing to deploy in a collision, despite significant impact, leading to injury.		 High Rare N/A miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport:

Engine 39% of complaints

The most prevalent issue, accounting for 127 complaints, involves excessive oil consumption, engine stalling, misfiring, and complete engine failure, often linked to the Theta II 2.4L GDI engine.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic 11% of complaints

36 complaints relate to the hydraulic service brakes, including issues potentially linked to the ABS module recall for fire risk.

Unknown Or Other 6% of complaints

20 complaints fall under 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER', indicating various unspecified problems.

Engine And Engine Cooling 4% of complaints

13 complaints specifically mention issues with the engine and its cooling system, often related to the broader engine problems.

Power Train 2% of complaints

7 complaints are related to the power train, which can encompass transmission or drivetrain issues.

Air Bags 1% of complaints

5 complaints concern the airbags, including instances of non-deployment during collisions.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport

Is the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport received excellent 5-star crash test ratings for overall, frontal, and side impact, and a 4-star rollover rating. However, its operational safety is significantly compromised by 127 engine-related complaints, including reports of engine fires (7) and crashes (5), and 8 injuries. There are also three recalls, one addressing a fire risk from the ABS module, another for a driver's seat belt anchorage issue, and a third for a secondary hood latch problem. While it performs well in crash tests, the high incidence of severe engine failures and associated risks raise significant safety concerns.

What are common problems with the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?

The most reported issues for the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport are overwhelmingly related to the ENGINE, accounting for 127 out of 318 total complaints. These frequently describe excessive oil consumption, engine stalling, misfiring, and complete engine failure. Other common problems include issues with SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC (36 complaints), and AIR BAGS (5 complaints), including non-deployment.

Are there any recalls for the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?

Yes, the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport has three recalls. These include a recall for the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module which could cause an engine compartment fire, a recall for the driver's seat belt anchor bolt potentially not being sufficiently tightened, and a recall for the secondary hood latch cable which could corrode and bind.

Does the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport have engine problems?

Yes, the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport has significant and widespread engine problems. The ENGINE component accounts for 127 of the 318 total NHTSA complaints, making it the most common issue by far. Owners frequently report excessive oil consumption, engine stalling, misfiring, and complete engine failure, with some incidents leading to vehicle fires and crashes.

What is the reliability of the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?

The reliability of the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is significantly impacted by its pervasive engine issues. Despite strong crash test ratings, the high volume of critical engine complaints, including failures, fires, and loss of motive power, indicates substantial reliability concerns, particularly regarding the powertrain's longevity and operational safety.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the high number of severe engine complaints, including fire risks and failures, and multiple safety recalls, exercise extreme caution; a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic, specifically focusing on engine health and recall completion, is essential.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The data includes 318 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 5 reported crashes, 7 fire incidents, 8 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.