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2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport problems

The most common problem on the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is engine and cooling, typically around 74,874 miles. It has 1.8 times the complaints of a typical Santa Fe Sport model year.

Typical year1.8x the typical complaints
Year score
54/100
Owner complaints
357
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
20010 warranty
Worst area
Engine
Typical repair
$1,000

The worst 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport

Oil consumption 85Check engine light 69Engine failure 59Stalling 43Hesitation 39Knocking 34Jerking 18Loss of power 16Misfire 14Fire or smoke 13ABS 12Won't shift 12Sunroof shattered 8Shudder 6Adaptive cruise 5Airbag light 5Harsh shifting 5

Trouble codes owners of the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport mention

P1326 8P0010 2P0420 2

Recalls 3

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/moduleReported February 3, 2022 · 357,348 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS multi-fuse, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 31, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1‑855‑371‑9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 218.

Recall number 22V056000 · Recall details

Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latchReported June 5, 2017 · 437,400 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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 while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary latch cable, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owner's may contact Hyundai customer service at 1‑855‑671‑3059. Hyundai's number for the recall is 163.

Recall number 17V358000 · Recall details

Seat belts: front: anchorageReported June 5, 2017 · 17,160 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolt for the driver's seat belt anchor might not have been sufficiently tightened during assembly.
Risk
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.
Remedy
Hyundai will notify owners and dealers will verify that the driver's seatbelt anchor is properly secured, free of charge. The recall began July 7, 2017. Owner's may contact Hyundai customer service at 1‑800‑633‑5151. Hyundai's number for the recall is 165.

Recall number 17V365000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport

Defect investigations

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module FiresOpened November 17, 2023, still open

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V‑520, 20V‑543, 21V‑161, 21V‑160, 21V‑303, 22V‑056, 22V‑810, and 23V‑651. Kia recalls 16V‑815, 20V‑518, 20V‑519, 21V‑137, 21V‑331, 22V‑051, 22V‑800, and 23V‑652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

AQ23002

Loss of Motive PowerOpened September 12, 2022, closed December 12, 2023

the federal safety agency received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to the federal safety agency which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing.  There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in the federal safety agency's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, the federal safety agency does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing the federal safety agency’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to the federal safety agency cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to

DP22003

Technical service bulletins for the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 200

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 200 bulletins for the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport

What 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 6, 2026 · Airbags · MO

I own a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport with approximately 120,569 miles. The red airbag (SRS) warning light stays illuminated continuously whenever the vehicle is running. This problem has been occurring for an extended period, although I do not remember the exact date it started. A diagnostic scan identified code B134600: "Driver airbag (DAB) resistance too high (1st Stage)." I am concerned that the driver's airbag may fail to deploy properly during an accident, potentially causing serious injury. I contacted Hyundai about the issue and was informed that there is no open recall covering my vehicle and that the factory warranty has expired. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate this potential airbag safety defect and determine whether a safety recall is warranted. I have photographs showing the illuminated airbag warning light and the diagnostic trouble code.

Filed Oct 15, 2026 · Transmission · CO

After we had the Hyundai 9C2 recall completed a few weeks ago, we immediately had rough shifting in our Hyundai Santa Fe Sport driving off the lot. Problem has continued since, and is most notable after cold start/once the car has sat for an extended period of time. Hyundai has released a Drivability Information on 5/18/26 regarding the known issue, but our Dealership was unaware. The Dealership recommended replacement of the Transmission, despite my explanation that the issue began after the installation of the recall fix.

Filed Oct 15, 2026 · Engine · IN

Started car to reverse out of parking space and it started jerking as I accelerated. Drove jerkily the few blocks I had to go to make it home. Did not drive again but upon starting it the check engine light came on. Contacted Hyundai customer care who told me my car was covered under two extended warranties for a well documented engine failure on this exact vehicle - Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2017. I’ve been researching and Hyundai knows about this problem and it had been through the courts after group legal action was taken. Hyundai refuses to pay for the car they know is a failure to be diagnosed. I cannot afford to have the car diagnosed especially not for a problem that Hyundai and half the world know (and have documented) is Hyundai’s fault. Vehicle can not be driven.

Filed Oct 14, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · OK

This is in reference to the Hyundai 9C2 ECU software update for Theta II engines that have caused my 2017 Santa Fe Sport to hesitate, surge and run poorly the first few minutes after a cold start! I contacted my dealership but they have not offered any resolution as of yet even though Hyundai Corporate is well aware of the problems caused by the 9C2 software upgrade!

Filed Oct 12, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · FL

I was driving my car and it showed no signs of any issue but the engine light came on and started blinking so I pulled over and got it towed to a mechanic. He told me that I would need a new engine that would cost me $8000. I looked into it and found that there was a defect with my vehicles engine and that if I took it to a dealership, I could possibly get it covered 100% so I did that and then they covered it and when I got the vehicle back, it had an issue every time I drove it where it was kind of speeding up and jerking when I drove it, I took it back after I told them what happened and then they told me that my catalytic converter was bad and needed to be replaced. I ended up paying $1500 to get that replaced and when I got the car back again it’s still jerking and doing the same exact thing even worse. I contacted them. They told me to bring it back which I did and they told me that it needed a software update that was not available so that I would just have to be patient. They told me that anytime I wanted to drive it I had to let it warm up for 5 to 10 minutes and that it wouldn’t do that. I’ve had my vehicle back for over two weeks and it doesn’t matter if I warm it up or not it’s still doing the same thing. I do not feel safe driving this vehicle and I have not been giving any resolution by either the dealership or by the consumer affairs case manager that I have been working with on this. This has been an ongoing issue for three months now. It’s costed me hundreds of dollars in Ubers because I don’t feel it’s safe to drive.

Filed Oct 1, 2026 · Acceleration, Electrical · MN

harsh engagement or hesitation between gears 1 through 3 specifically during cold starts before the powertrain warms up. But also during driving in the highway.

Filed Sep 29, 2026 · Engine · IA

Service Campaigh 9C2 Following completion of Service Campaign 9C2 (Theta II Emissions Improvement), certain vehicles may exhibit a brief hesitation or rough shifting condition during cold start operation. My 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe sport has severe loss of power and rough jerky transmission after the update. This condition will definately cause unsafe driving and vehicle engine and transmission damage. Hyundai corporate and local dealerships indicate no remedy for this situation. Dealer also indicated that Hyundai corporate may not release a new software update to fix the issue. This is unacceptable.

Filed Sep 17, 2026 · Engine · FL

My 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe was brought to a local Hyundai dealership for routine maintenance on July 1, 2026. The 9C2 software update was installed, without my knowledge or consent, during this service. Immediately after getting my car back, I noticed a problem starting the car (though no warning lights or alerts populated). The car seems to stall and then jerk during the first few minutes of driving, particularly after a cold start (car has been sitting for a few hours before starting). This has been a KNOWN issue by Hyundai for several months, yet this update continues to be installed. There is currently no fix, and Hyundai simply suggests letting the car "warm up" for 3-5 minutes before ever driving it. I have reported this to Hyundai corporate and have no other resolutions or timeline on a fix. Many other individuals are affected. This is particularly dangerous due to drivers not always having the ability to wait 3-5 minutes to let their car warm up, and the car is quite difficult to control with all the initial jerking and stalling. I live in a residential neighborhood and continue to be nervous about lack of control over the car when leaving my home. I firmly believe Hyundai should be held responsible for fixing this issue urgently.

Filed Sep 17, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · NC

Campaign /Service Update 9C2 / TSB-25-01-087H broke my Hyundai. The car hesitates idling and on acceleration. Hyundai have no solution to this failed software update or acknowledging other issues it may be causing.

Filed Sep 14, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · LA

I took my SUV to get the 9C2 recall on 8/7/2026 performed and took it home. The next morning when I cranked it and left my driveway it acted as if the vehicle didn't recognize that I was pressing my accelerator. It sputtered and hesitated acceleration for about five minutes. It also acted as if it was not going to change from first to second gear. After about five min. of playing with the gas pedal it straightened out. Twice I was almost hit by other cars expecting me to pull away from a stop sign. I took it back the next day telling the service agent what was happening and he kept it overnight. I received a text saying the technician was unable to find a cold start problem and it was ready to pick up. I was so mad I could barely hold my temper. I took it home and for the next week every single day it acted like this when cold started in the morning. I took it back to Premiere Hyundai of Harvey and was treated rudely this time. They acted as if they never had a single other complaint and told me I might have to leave it for several days so they could cold start test it for several days. This was on a Wednesday morning 8/19. I was never updated or called and when I texted my service rep on Monday 8/24 I was told the tech was not able to duplicate the complaint and to come pick it up. I will not ever buy another Hyundai because of the way I was treated and lied to. PLEASE create a recall for this badly handled recall 9C2. My Sante Fe Sport ran beautifully before this recall messed up my SUV. Now I have found if I let it idle for five minutes in the morning and accelerate slowly until it changes gears, most mornings it will run well, but if I crank it and pull into the street on a cold start it does the sputtering HELP US HYUNDAI OWNERS

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Other model years

201320142015201620172018

Questions about the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport

Is the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport reliable?

Owners have filed 357 complaints about the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, 1.8 times a typical Santa Fe Sport model year.

What is the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport year score?

The 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport scores 54 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?

Engine and cooling, with 221 complaints, typically around 74,874 miles. Next is brakes (55).

How many recalls does the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport have?

3 recalls, covering service brakes, hydraulic, latches/locks/linkages and seat belts.

What year does the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport have bad engine?

The Hyundai Santa Fe Sport model years with the most engine complaints are 2017 (221 complaints), 2018 (208 complaints) and 2013 (121 complaints).

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