How common are engine problems on the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe?

NHTSA lists 701 engine-related complaints for the 2017 Santa Fe, which is 73% of all 966 complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for engine problems on the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe?

Yes. Recall 17V578000 covers 2017 Santa Fe vehicles with 3.3L engines whose crankshaft assemblies may have surface irregularities on the crankshaft pin that can cause engine damage. Hyundai dealers inspect and replace the engine as necessary at no charge.

At what mileage do engine problems typically occur?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 39,000 miles at the time of failure for engine-related complaints on the 2017 Santa Fe.

Do engine problems on the 2017 Santa Fe involve fires?

NHTSA records list 14 fires and 4 injuries among the complaints tied to this engine issue, based on the sample complaints describing smoke and flames from the engine compartment.

2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Engine Problems

Engine problems account for 701 of 966 complaints (73%) filed against the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe, with a median failure mileage of 39,000 miles. A recall (17V578000) covers 3.3L engines with crankshaft surface irregularities that can cause engine damage.

Engine complaints: 701; 73% of 966
Crashes reported: 4
Fires reported: 14
Injuries reported: 4
Median mileage: 39,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Some vehicles lost power or stalled unexpectedly at low speed, in one case causing a collision after the accelerator failed to respond.
Several owners reported smoke coming from the engine compartment that progressed to a fire, sometimes engulfing the front of the vehicle within minutes.
One complaint describes a connecting rod breaking through the oil pan and engine block, leading to catastrophic engine failure at highway speed.
Another owner reported a piston going through the engine, producing a hole that let fire spread into the exhaust system.
One report describes the engine stalling with loud clunking noises and smoke filling the cabin while driving at highway speed.
A warning light for an ABS malfunction appeared in more than one fire-related complaint just before smoke or flames were noticed.

When 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe engine complaints were filed

First complaint Jun 16, 2016, latest Sep 20, 2026.

701 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2016 Q2 to 2026 Q3; peak 2024 Q1 (56).

Engine recalls for the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe

NHTSA 17V578000Sep 20, 2017Engine420 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine
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.
Risk: The engine bearing wear may cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
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 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 168.

Engine complaints by Santa Fe model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201063 (24%)
201187 (48%)
2012264 (75%)
2013293 (48%)
2014289 (59%)
2015163 (64%)
2016157 (67%)
2017701 (73%)
201859 (54%)
201980 (40%)
202088 (41%)
202142 (25%)
202264 (32%)
202348 (23%)
202420 (13%)
202520 (15%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems on the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe?: NHTSA lists 701 engine-related complaints for the 2017 Santa Fe, which is 73% of all 966 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for engine problems on the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe?: Yes. Recall 17V578000 covers 2017 Santa Fe vehicles with 3.3L engines whose crankshaft assemblies may have surface irregularities on the crankshaft pin that can cause engine damage. Hyundai dealers inspect and replace the engine as necessary at no charge.
At what mileage do engine problems typically occur?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 39,000 miles at the time of failure for engine-related complaints on the 2017 Santa Fe.
Do engine problems on the 2017 Santa Fe involve fires?: NHTSA records list 14 fires and 4 injuries among the complaints tied to this engine issue, based on the sample complaints describing smoke and flames from the engine compartment.