2017
New 2021
Used 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001

Hyundai Santa Fe Change Vehicle

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The seven-passenger version of the Santa Fe is one of the most pleasant and well-rounded three-row SUVs on the market. It's functional, stylish, and easy to live with. Spacious and accommodating, the Santa Fe has a limo-like rear seat and generous cargo area yet it doesn't feel too bulky to drive or park. The comfortable ride and quiet interior make it a welcome family road trip companion.
Alerts
There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
2017
New 2021
Used 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001

Hyundai Santa Fe

Reliability

Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how used vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system.

Overall Reliability
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot
See all 2017 Potential Trouble Spots
The 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe has been recalled 5 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Research Years * Redesign year
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Overall Reliability Verdict
NA
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NA
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Engine Major
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Minor
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Cooling
NA
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NA
NA
NA
Transmission Major
NA
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NA
NA
NA
Transmission Minor
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Drive System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Fuel System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Electric System
NA
NA
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NA
NA
NA
Climate System
NA
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NA
NA
NA
Suspension
NA
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NA
NA
NA
Brakes
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Exhaust
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Paint/Trim
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Body Integrity
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Body Hardware
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Power Equipment
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
In-car Electronics
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
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Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 329,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2020 vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.

Learn more about car Reliability.

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Body Integrity

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Seals and/or weather-stripping

"was very noisy on passenger side only but dealer refused to even look at it"

Rachelle B., ON (2017 Hyundai Santa Fe 3.3-L V6)
Squeaks or rattles

"They had to replace the whole panoramic roof"

Laurent G., ON (2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited 3.3-L V6)

"There was an annoying squeak from the passenger side. Dealer fixed in one visit. Something to do with the passenger side mudflap on the outside of the car."

Anonymous, AZ (2017 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 3.3-L V6)

"The back seats visibly vibrate while driving especially over moderately bumpy roads."

Richard V., UT (2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate Limited 3.3-L V6)

"second row passenger seat, behind the driver's seat, rattles and shakes if there is even a slight bump in the road"

Anonymous, TX (2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate Limited 3.3-L V6)

"Sporadic Rattle from behind drivers seat when driving faster than 45 mph."

Anonymous, FL (2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate 3.3-L V6)

"There was major rattles coming from the roof. I had to get the whole sunroof replaced and it solved the problem."

Laurent G., ON (2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited 3.3-L V6)
Wind noise

"There is wind noise from the passenger seat, front row."

Anonymous, TX (2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate Limited 3.3-L V6)

"it has become noisier"

Anonymous, ON (2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Unsure 3.3-L V6)

"Right from the start it was noisy and a mechanic identified the seal not being on properly but the dealer did not want to do anything about it. It has only become more noisy since then."

Anonymous, ON (2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Unsure 3.3-L V6)
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Electric System

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

What Owners Say

12V power plug

"It does not work. I have not yet tried to fix it"

Anonymous, (2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Unsure 3.3-L V6)
Exterior lights (other than headlights)

"Turn signal quit working as well as brake lights"

Robert D., MI (2017 Hyundai Santa Fe 3.3-L V6)
Gauges

"It's more the heat/AC I have issue with."

Anonymous, ID (2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited 3.3-L V6)

"I am including the vehicle's built in fuel economy readout as part of the gauges. I keep a detailed log book and I find the calculated fuel economy is typically 10% to 15% worse than what the vehicle is saying I get"

Amnon L., BC (2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate Limited 3.3-L V6)
Headlights

"Headlights too dim. Replaced by Hyundai"

Anonymous, WI (2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited 3.3-L V6)

"High Beam headlights continued to blow the fuse. A recall covering the headlight assembly was issued for water leakage into the assembly. New assembly installed and problem was solved under warranty"

Anonymous, OR (2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate Limited 3.3-L V6)

"Recall was performed on headlights....have had two adjustments since then and they still don' t perform as well as before the recall"

Robert D., MI (2017 Hyundai Santa Fe 3.3-L V6)
Warning lights

"One backup hazard warning sensor on rear bumper failed.... Was replaced under warranty"

Anonymous, OR (2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate Limited 3.3-L V6)
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In-car Electronics

CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

What Owners Say

Apple CarPlay

"It starred about 6-12 months ago. When trying to text from voice, it used to read back what you said before you sent it, but now it doesn't do that. It would also read a message from someone, but it doesn't do that either. It shows that it's reading, but no sound comes out."

Anonymous, IL (2017 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 3.3-L V6)
Backup or other camera/sensors

"Back up camera slow to come on"

Anonymous, FL (2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited 3.3-L V6)
Display screen goes blank

"Display slow to respond after start up. Radio doesn't always work on start up"

Anonymous, FL (2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited 3.3-L V6)
In-dash navigation system (GPS)

"Navigation was taking us to the wrong places. Dealer adjusted the system and it has worked fine since."

Jim T., IA (2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate Limited 3.3-L V6)

"If you don't use the Hyundai Blue Link Service, the system is always is out of date! The update service for the navigation system costs $100.00 plus to update. The solution is to always use your cell phone instead. It has more updated info and it doesn't cost anything extra!"

Henry K., NY (2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate Limited 3.3-L V6)
Software update fixes

"The clock on gps dash system went blank and stayed that way for over 100 days. No service advisory was ever sent by Hyundai. A service advisor finally told me there was some problem in their GPS satellite- even the new cars on the sales floor were out. In the fourth month the clock came back sporadically, then finally fully."

Anonymous, FL (2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate 3.3-L V6)
Speakers

"I continually loose control of my speakers to the car when using Bluetooth or not. Then I have to grab my phone to correct it."

Anonymous, ID (2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited 3.3-L V6)
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Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"at times get a disabled message concerning blind spot warning"

Steven G., IL (2017 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 3.3-L V6)

"It comes on at random time."

Anonymous, NJ (2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate Limited 3.3-L V6)

"Related to the Airbag sensor"

Anonymous, (2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate Limited 3.3-L V6)

"The AEB stopped working therefore both the smart cruise was disabled and forward collision warning stopped working as it depends on the AEB to function"

Gord I., ON (2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate Limited 3.3-L V6)
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Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

"Front bumper had paint missing after about 3,000 miles. Dealer refused to do anything about it. Stated it was not a defect."

Carl G., MI (2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate Limited 3.3-L V6)

"One square patch above the passenger door handle discolored for unknown reason"

Anonymous, AZ (2017 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 3.3-L V6)

Transmission Minor

Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

What Owners Say

Transmission computer

"Was surging and shifting improperly."

Allan B., WA (2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate Limited 3.3-L V6)
Transmission leaks

"Cooling hose for transmission broke"

Anonymous, TX (2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate Limited 3.3-L V6)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

Engine computer

"Engine light came on war went into limp mode and could barely accelerate. Had to take to dealer 2 times to get issue resolved. They did resolve completely after the second visit."

Stephen M., MS (2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate Limited 3.3-L V6)
Oil leaks

"Timing chain cover seal needed replacement as oil seeped out"

Anonymous, BC (2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate 3.3-L V6)

Body Hardware

Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

What Owners Say

Seat belts

"Drivers seat belt is not retracting properly."

Carl G., MI (2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate Limited 3.3-L V6)
Sunroof

"Roof made lots of squeaking noises. They had to replace something that involved keeping the SUV for about 2 weeks. The SUV is fine now."

Anonymous, TX (2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Ulitmate 3.3-L V6)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

What Owners Say

Differential

"bought car with worn out differential in back. Would shudder in turns and make thumping sound"

Anonymous, MA (2017 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 3.3-L V6)
Traction control

"With traction control engaged, the vehicle seriously hesitates when pullig out into traffic from a corner or a parking lot. I believe because Hyundai uses throttle reduction to avoid tire slippage. The natural reaction is to give it more throttle, which causes the system to pull more out. Dangerous situation!"

Mary W., MI (2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate Limited 3.3-L V6)

Suspension

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Shocks or struts

"Rear shocks were very stiff and caused rough ride when going over bumps/railroad tracks etc. Hyundai dealt with this by replacing shocks free of charge. Ride has improved considerably."

Anonymous, MB (2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate Limited 3.3-L V6)
Steering wheel vibration

"steering vibrates sometimes, but cause could not be located."

Anonymous, AZ (2017 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 3.3-L V6)

Brakes

Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

What Owners Say

Squeaking

"groaning and squeaking when wet or damp"

Steven G., IL (2017 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 3.3-L V6)

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.

What Owners Say

Transmission rebuild or replacement

"We felt a jerk when the car shifted in and out of low gears. We took it to Hyundai (under warranty) and they said chose to replace the transmission with a rebuilt transmission. It took about 3 weeks, but they did give us a loaner and were good communicators. This was all after owning the car about 6 weeks."

Anonymous, TX (2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate Limited 3.3-L V6)

Power Equipment

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

What Owners Say

Starter

"Would not start due to cold weather. Problem resolved with replacement starter."

Anonymous, PA (2017 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 3.3-L V6)

Climate System

Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

What Owners Say

Automatic climate control

"Very slow to cool down"

Anonymous, AZ (2017 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 3.3-L V6)

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

Fuel System

Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

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This score shows whether the model had more or fewer problems overall than the average model of that year, calculated from the total number of problems reported by subscribers in all 17 trouble spots.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Sep 20, 2017
The engine bearing wear may cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 17V578000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 420
Hide Recall Details
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Jun 05, 2017
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.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 17V358000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 437400
Hide Recall Details
TIRES
Mar 06, 2017
An underinflated inflated tire can increase the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The affected vehicles have a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that may not have been set in the correct mode during vehicle assembly, and therefore will not provide an appropriate warning in the event of an underinflated tire. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
What should you do:
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the TPMS sensors, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for the recall is 159.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 17V142000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 190
Hide Recall Details
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, TRAILER HITCHES
Nov 21, 2016
If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 19, 2015, to November 14, 2016, and 2017 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured November 28, 2015, to November 14, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result, in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
What should you do:
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected accessory trailer hitch wiring harnesses, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 13, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 153.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 16V842000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 6172
Hide Recall Details
SEAT BELTS
Mar 10, 2016
Without a warning to remind the front seat occupants that their seat belts are not buckled, they may forget to buckle their seat belt, increasing their risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured September 1, 2015 to February 12, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the wires in the front seat belt buckle harnesses may be damaged by the seat's height adjuster mechanism, resulting in a failure to provide an audible warning when front seat occupants do not fasten their seat belts. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
What should you do:
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and reroute the wires in the front seat belt buckle harnesses to their proper locations, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 27, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 141.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 16V145000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 34200
Hide Recall Details
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