2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Safety Report

2017 Hyundai Santa Fe plagued by widespread engine failures and oil consumption issues, leading to numerous complaints and recalls.

897Complaints
6Recalls
35/100Reliability Score
14Crash Reports
21Fire Reports
18Injuries
Most reported components: Engine (451)Power Train (59)Power Train,Engine (45)Unknown Or Other (36)Steering (21)Service Brakes, Hydraulic (20)Unknown Or Other,Engine (19)Engine And Engine Cooling (16)Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System (15)Service Brakes (15)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe presents a mixed safety picture, primarily overshadowed by significant engine-related concerns. With 897 total complaints, the engine component alone accounts for a staggering 451 complaints, representing over 50% of all reported issues. These complaints frequently detail excessive oil consumption, engine knocking, sudden power loss, and complete engine failure, often leading to vehicle stalling, which is a severe safety hazard. There have been 14 reported crashes, 21 fires, and 18 injuries associated with this model, indicating that some malfunctions have led to serious incidents. Recall history further highlights critical safety vulnerabilities. Six recalls have been issued, with two directly addressing engine issues: one for crankshaft assembly irregularities that could cause stalling (NHTSA Recall 17V578000) and another for an ABS module malfunction that could lead to an engine compartment fire. Other recalls cover critical systems like the secondary hood latch, TPMS, trailer brake lights, and front seat belt warning systems. While NHTSA crash test ratings are not available for this specific model year, the high volume of engine complaints and related recalls suggest a fundamental reliability and safety flaw in the powertrain. The overall safety picture is concerning due to the prevalence and severity of engine problems, which can lead to dangerous situations on the road. The high number of complaints, particularly regarding engine failure and oil consumption, points to a systemic issue that extends beyond isolated incidents. The recalls, while addressing some of these problems, do not appear to have fully mitigated the widespread engine concerns reported by owners.

Reliability Score

The 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe receives a reliability score of 35 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates below-average reliability. Significant issues have been reported by owners and should be carefully evaluated before purchase.

Known Issues for the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe

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

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Excessive Engine Oil Consumption
Engines consume oil at an alarming rate (e.g., a quart every 200-1500 miles) without warning lights, leading to low oil levels and potential engine damage or failure.
High Common 70000-130000 miles
Engine Knocking And Failure
Loud knocking sounds from the engine, often preceding complete engine failure, stalling, or loss of power while driving. This is frequently linked to crankshaft or bearing issues.
High Common 80000-130000 miles
Sudden Loss Of Power/Stalling
Vehicle unexpectedly loses power or completely shuts off while driving, often without prior warning, increasing the risk of a crash. This is sometimes associated with engine issues.
High Occasional 90000-120000 miles
Abs Module Fire Risk
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module can malfunction, potentially leading to an engine compartment fire while parked or driving. Subject to recall 17V578000.
High Rare N/A miles
Secondary Hood Latch Corrosion
Secondary hood latch cable may corrode and bind, preventing proper engagement and increasing the risk of the hood unexpectedly opening while driving. Subject to recall.
Medium Occasional 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:

Engine 50% of complaints

Over half of all complaints relate to the engine, specifically excessive oil consumption, knocking, sudden power loss, and complete failure, often due to crankshaft or bearing issues.

Power Train 6% of complaints

Issues related to the transmission or drivetrain, sometimes intertwined with engine performance problems, affecting acceleration and vehicle movement.

Power Train,Engine 5% of complaints

Combined complaints indicating problems affecting both the engine and the power train system, suggesting interconnected failures.

Steering 2% of complaints

Reports of steering issues, though less frequent than engine problems, indicate potential concerns with vehicle control.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic 2% of complaints

Brake system complaints, including issues with the ABS module, which was subject to a recall due to fire risk.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe

Is the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe has significant safety concerns, primarily due to widespread engine failures and excessive oil consumption, which can lead to sudden stalling and increase crash risk. There are 897 total complaints, with 14 crashes, 21 fires, and 18 injuries reported. Six recalls have been issued, including one for engine crankshaft issues and another for an ABS module fire risk.

What are common problems with the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe?

The most reported issues for the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe are overwhelmingly related to the ENGINE, accounting for 451 (50.3%) of 897 total complaints. These include excessive oil consumption, engine knocking, sudden power loss, and complete engine failure. Other notable problems involve the POWER TRAIN (59 complaints) and SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC (20 complaints), which includes issues related to the ABS module.

Has the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe been recalled?

Yes, the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe has been subject to 6 recalls. Key recalls include issues with the ABS module (fire risk), crankshaft assemblies (engine stall risk), secondary hood latch (unexpected opening), tire pressure monitoring system, trailer brake lights, and front seat belt warning devices.

Are there fire risks with the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe?

Yes, there is a known fire risk. One recall (NHTSA Recall 17V578000) specifically addresses an Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module malfunction that could lead to an engine compartment fire while parked or driving. NHTSA data also shows 21 reported fires for this model year.

What mileage do engine problems typically occur in the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe?

Based on complaint data, engine problems such as excessive oil consumption and knocking often manifest in the higher mileage ranges, commonly between 70,000 and 130,000 miles, though some reports indicate issues starting earlier.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the high volume of severe engine complaints, including oil consumption and failures, and multiple safety recalls, prospective buyers should exercise extreme caution and prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic, specifically focusing on engine health and recall completion status.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe

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. The data includes 897 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 6 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 14 reported crashes, 21 fire incidents, 18 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

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.