2017 Hyundai Santa Fe: harsh or hard shifting

Filed Oct 15, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · CA

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 the federal safety agency investigate this pattern. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 13, 2026 · CA

On XXX, [XXX] 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 XXX 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 XXX 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 the federal safety agency investigate this pattern. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 31, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · NC

Cold-Start Hesitation & Rough Shifting: Following the 9C2 ECU update, my vehicle is experiencing a brief period of throttle hesitation, rough shifting, or jerky transmission behavior specifically during cold-start operations.

Filed Aug 7, 2026 · Transmission · IA

The 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe was brought to dealership on 3/27/26 for an oil change and a computer update was completed for Emissions Improvement. Upon picking the vehicle up after service, it was noticeable that it was not shifting correctly. I spoke to the service department and asked if the memory was cleared with the update an if it was having to relearn how I drive and the said it should not be affected. This went on for a few days and I left the car with them to duplicate as there were3 no stored codes. After a few weeks, the Teck Line recommended a new transmission, which Hyundai offered goodwill assistance. As we were waiting for the transmission to arrive from being on backorder, a bulletin for Service Campaign 9C2 was release on 5/18/26 that described my experience with shifting issue almost exactly. The transmission was replaced and the drivability issues still persist. Hyundai says that I must let my car warm up for 1-3 minutes to allow a catalyst to reach temperature and not cause rough shifting. This rough shifting is the effect of the update and thus te reason that my transmission needed to be replaced. Further investigation showed that this update is a known issue and cannot be reversed once installed. Currently, I must start my car in 90 degree weather to warm it up as a result of this update which is not logical in any thought process. I have asked Hyundai to cover the balance of the new transmission as this is a result of thier faulty software update with no success.

Filed Aug 5, 2026 · Transmission · CA

A Hyundai recall 9C2 update was applied to my vehicle. Ever since that update my vehicle hard shifts on cold starts which I fear is damaging the transmission. Hyundai dealer was able to replicate this and keeps advising us that concern is ‘under review with Hyundai’. I have the service order that states this. This problem has been ongoing for Months! I think Hyundai needs to find a resolution to this as my research indicates it is impacting a lot of customers.

Filed Jul 16, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · PA

Was driving on [XXX] (approximately 130 miles from home), when a loud clunking and metal on metal sound was heard, the causing power loss, slowing of vehicle and necessitated immediate pulling over to the side of the road. The was a catastrophic internal engine failure which caused the spark plugs to blow out. There were no warnings. The car was just inspected and had an oil change earlier in the month. The vehicle suffered sudden power loss and violent metal-on-metal destruction while transporting my child on [XXX] (130 miles from home). Certified diagnostics from Kennett Square Quick Lane Auto confirm: "Multiple spark plugs forcibly ejected due to severe internal engine damage – full replacement required". Quick Lane said they would not be able to replace the Engine. so the Vehicle was towed to Reliable Car Connection (West Chester, PA). I had tried to make an appointment at Piazza Hyundai, but the did not have appointments until Mid August. Result: Stranded overnight requiring hotel and towing/tolls at personal expense (receipts available). This traumatic event directly stems from Hyundai’s acknowledged Theta II defects. Hyundai’s Documented Failures: Recall Compliance: Recall 996 (Piazza Hyundai, 4/12/24) Recall 953 (1/31/19) Recall 163 (7/18/17) Maintenance: All services performed per Hyundai schedules (records available). Unresolved Defects: This failure matches: Recall 20VH4 (Lifetime Warranty Extension) Recall 20VH5 TSB 20-01-033H Current Status: Vehicle at Reliable Car Connection (West Chester, PA) after Piazza Hyundai’s unacceptable 6-week delay. INOPERABLE & UNSAFE – Cannot transport children. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 9, 2024 · Engine · GA

On 7/24/24 I was driving off the expressway near my home when as I was switching lanes the vehicle made a loud clunk noise (it was like the sound of a lock turning but louder) and stopped accelerating, eventually coming to a full stop in the middle of the lane. Since I was blocking the lane, and it was during rush hour, I called the police to have them escort me out of the lane and into the middle divide. I had my vehicle towed to my home where my personal mechanic showed up to do an inspection. He tried turning on the car, but it only made a single-clicking noise. Next, he checked the oil and discovered that the dipstick was completely dry. He advised that the engine was seized due to no oil and suggested that I reach out to the location I had my last oil change at. An independent inspector completed a diagnostic on the vehicle and concluded the following: The top of this engine was dry and there were no oil stains on the underside of the hood or pooled in the engine compartment to suggest this engine leaked or displaced oil from the fill hole area. The oil fill cap was in the valve cover, tight and properly orientated. The oil pan drain plug was tight in the pan and not leaking. No torque seal or paint had been used on the drain plug or the oil pan. There was no impact damage to the oil pan. The inspector verified the oil filter housing and cover were dry with no signs of an active leak. The inspector verified the engine had been leaking oil to an active drip from the rear main engine oil seal, valve cover gaskets and from the oil pan gasket. There was also an excessive amount of soot and wetness in the tailpipes consistent with excessive oil consumption and the inspector observed a film of oil was present on the rear of the vehicle at both sides further indicating excessive oil consumption. The inspector attempted to start the engine and verified there was only a single clunk noise audible in the engine it could not be rotated indicating it was internally seized.

Filed Jul 2, 2024 · Transmission · NC

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, the vehicle briefly shifted erratically, slamming into gear and violently lunging forward. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, who was also unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Feb 9, 2024 · Transmission · 105,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that during cold starts, the vehicle experienced hard shifting from first to second gear. After restarting the vehicle, the failure was corrected. The vehicle was taken to the local transmission specialist who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 105,000.

Filed Oct 10, 2023 · Engine · OH

I have had the 2017 hyundai santa fa for about 6 months. I've had regular maintenance on the vehicle and out of no where it got a loud knock and clunking noise. Upon researching I've found thousands or people with the same 3.3 engine as mine with the same exact problem. Maybe it's kind of the same deal going on as the 2016 engines. No there was not any lights on but now there is a engine light and loud knocking.

Filed May 17, 2023 · Engine · TX

On May 7th 2023, engine failure occurred on my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe while accelerating up to speed on minor arterial roadway with speed limit of 55 miles per hour. Engine cut out at about 6,000 rpm and check engine light flashed on. After pulling over, the engine exhibited clunking sound when trying to slowly accelerate to move onto tow truck. No warning lights for low oil or otherwise appeared prior to the engine failure despite mechanic reporting after the fact only 1 quart of oil was in the vehicle at the time of engine failure (should have been 5 quarts). Mechanic (Allies Automotive) described the engine as irreparable as an interior rod "buckled". Vehicle was not leaking oil and was regularly maintained every 5-7k miles with synthetic oil changes and routine maintenance tune-up services completed at or prior to dealer-recommended maintenance schedules including latest 100k milestone tune-up. Vehicle only had 117k miles at the time of the incident and was in excellent condition inside and out with an estimated re-sale value of approximately $14k. I was VIN:[XXX] The closest recall information related i could find would be that of the federal safety agency campaign 17V578000 (Hyundai recall No. 168) which applied to 2017Hyundai Santa Fe Vehicles produced between Jan 26th 2017 and Feb 13th 2017. When i search by my VIN I don't see it recall 168 come up; despite the engine failure appearing to match the description. Hyundai stated would not replace engine. Summary 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. Remedy Hyundai will notify all owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the engine, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at [XXX]. Hyundai's number for this recall is 168. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(

Filed May 3, 2023 · Engine · GA

I was driving my children to school on April 25th. When I heard a knock or clunk sound with the car. Once that happened it also caused a decrease in power to the car, causing those behind me to almost have an accident. After the loud noise there was a continual loud knocking sound. I immediately stopped at the closest auto center. They advised me that I would need a new engine. I had another mechanic look at it as well, and he confirmed needing a new engine. NO warning indicators came on, no oil pressure problem, Nothing! I have always maintained the oil and fluids on the car at regular intervals. I have been told by my mechanic that he had looked at the engine on several occasions for an oil leak because my car was using more oil than he though it should, but there was never any sign of any leaks. This car had about 97,000 miles at the time this happened last week.