Certain Santa Fe (TMA), Santa Fe Sport (AN), Sonata (LFA), and Tucson (TL) vehicles equipped with Theta II engines may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions. This bulletin provides instructions for updating the Engine Control Module (ECM) to address this condition.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport engine problems
moderate 152 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
152
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
2fires
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 152 engine complaints filed for the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Engine accounts for 46% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 11 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 152 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Certain Santa Fe (TMA), Santa Fe Sport (AN), Sonata (LFA), and Tucson (TL) vehicles equipped with Theta II engines may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions. The California Air Resources Board has determined that these vehicles may be releasing air pollutants which exceed Federal and California standards.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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. If present, this condition is expected to occur only within approximately the first 1-3 minutes after engine start, while the catalyst is reaching its normal operating temperature.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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. If present, this condition is expected to occur only within approximately the first 1-3 minutes after engine start, while the catalyst is reaching its normal operating temperature.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Certain 2019 – 2020 model year Santa Fe, 2017 – 2018 model year Santa Fe Sport, 2015 – 2019 model year Sonata, and 2018 – 2021 model year Tucson vehicles may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions. Hyundai is conducting a service campaign to update the Engine Control Module (ECM) Software for vehicles equipped with the (2.4 GDI) Theta II engine to improve engine combustion and fuel trim adaptations.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport's Theta II 2.4L GDI engine has a documented pattern of excessive oil consumption starting as early as 46,000 miles and becoming acute by 100,000+ miles. Owners report adding 1–3 quarts of oil between 500–1,200 miles of driving with no visible external leaks. Many discover the problem only after the oil warning light comes on mid-journey or after an oil change when they're told the engine is already dangerously low. Some owners say service advisors explicitly told them "there is nothing we can do until the engine fails completely."
This chronic consumption damages internal components. Spark plugs become fouled with oil within weeks of replacement. The PCV system fails. The catalytic converter gets clogged with sludge. Then the engine seizes—sometimes on the highway at 70 mph—with zero warning lights beforehand. Post-failure inspections show rod bearing failure, low compression, metal shavings, and sludge buildup.
Hyundai denies most warranty claims, citing the 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty expiration, the second-owner restriction, or claims the vehicle required a software update it never received. Owners report service managers saying the manufacturer won't intervene unless the KSDS software was installed *before* failure occurred—a requirement owners say they were never told about. Second owners are routinely shut out entirely. Engine replacement costs $9,000–$20,000, and the catalytic converter damage costs another $5,000–$7,000. Many owners are left with car payments on vehicles now worth less than the repair bill.
Same Hyundai Santa Fe Sport engine reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Excessive Oil Consumption
The Theta II 2.4L GDI engine exhibits chronic excessive oil consumption, often requiring owners to add 1-3 quarts between scheduled oil changes or every 500-1,200 miles. No external leaks are detected. The issue emerges gradually and is frequently not caught until significant engine damage has occurred. Some owners report consuming 2.5-3 quarts per 1,000 miles of driving. Hyundai dealerships sometimes perform "oil consumption tests" but results vary; some show consumption above normal thresholds yet the manufacturer still denies warranty coverage or engine replacement, particularly for second owners or vehicles outside the 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty.
When: Typically becomes apparent between 46,000 and 110,000 miles; many owners report it starting within the first year of ownership or immediately after purchase.
Symptoms owners cite: Oil level drops dramatically between services despite no visible external leaks; Low oil pressure warning light illuminates within 1,000-1,700 miles of an oil change; Blue or white smoke from the tailpipe; Engine running rough or losing power during acceleration; Oil fouled spark plugs (dark, oily deposits); Burning oil odor while vehicle is running or parked
Codes mentioned: P0302, P0303, P0304, P1326
Repairs/costs cited: Owners cite costs of $9,000-$20,000 for full engine replacement. Some dealerships recommend engine flush/cleaning (quoted at ~$400), but this is often ineffective at stopping consumption. Oil consumption tests are sometimes performed at dealer cost, but may also be charged to owners ($200-300+). Many owners must add oil weekly or every 500-1,000 miles at personal expense, costing hundreds of dollars over time.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai frequently denies warranty coverage by citing the 5-year/60,000-mile warranty expiration, non-transferable warranty status for second owners, or mileage limits (e.g., refusing service at 110,000+ miles even with proper maintenance records). Some owners report Hyundai service advisors explicitly stating there is nothing the manufacturer will do without a complete engine failure. Hyundai has established a KSDS (Knock Sensor Detection System) warranty extension for rod bearing failures on some 2017 Santa Fe Sport models, but excessive oil consumption is often excluded. Goodwill assistance requests are routinely denied. Class action lawsuits have been filed regarding this defect.
Engine Misfire and Loss of Power
Vehicles experience sudden misfires in one or more cylinders, accompanied by flashing check engine light, severe loss of power, rough idling, and sometimes stalling. Misfires typically occur in cylinders 2, 3, or 4 and correlate with excessive oil consumption. Oil-fouled spark plugs are the common cause, but the root issue is the chronic oil consumption problem. Some vehicles enter limp mode during misfire events.
When: Occurs at various mileages, often after 50,000+ miles; commonly happens at highway speeds (45-75 mph), creating acute safety hazards.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light flashing while driving; Vehicle enters limp mode, restricting speed to 15-40 mph; Sudden loss of acceleration or inability to accelerate on demand; Engine shaking or vibrating violently; Rough idling; Vehicle stalling at traffic lights or during merging
Codes mentioned: P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P1326
Repairs/costs cited: Spark plug replacement is a temporary fix (typically $100-300 per set); plugs become re-fouled within weeks or months due to underlying oil consumption. Permanent fix requires addressing the oil consumption root cause, which most shops agree is not correctable without full engine replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships perform spark plug replacement but do not address the underlying oil consumption. Hyundai service advisors have told some owners to 'continue driving' until engine failure occurs. No permanent repair solution is offered short of engine replacement, which is usually denied under warranty.
Engine Seizure and Catastrophic Failure
Engine suddenly seizes, loses all power, and fails to restart while the vehicle is in motion. No warning lights precede many of these events. Owners report being stranded on highways and busy roads at night. Post-failure diagnosis reveals internal damage including rod bearing failure, fractured/failed piston rings, low compression in one or more cylinders, or sludge/carbon buildup. Metal shavings are often found in the oil pan.
When: Strikes without warning at various mileages ranging from 16,461 to 200,000 miles, but commonly between 50,000 and 130,000 miles. Many occur after extended periods of high oil consumption.
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of engine power while driving; Engine will not restart; Stalling in traffic or on highway; No warning lights illuminated before failure in some cases; Knocking or rattling sound from engine before failure; Metal shavings found in oil; Low or zero compression in one or more cylinders
Codes mentioned: P0300, P0302, P0303, P0304
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement is required; quoted at $9,000-$20,000+. Some dealers quote additional costs for catalytic converter replacement ($5,000-$7,000) if it has been damaged by oil sludge from the failed engine. Engine warranty claims are frequently denied.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai typically denies claims citing warranty expiration (5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty) or vehicle mileage. In some cases, the manufacturer states the vehicle must complete a KSDS software update prior to seizure to qualify for coverage, but owners report never receiving notification of this requirement. Second owners are routinely denied coverage. Goodwill assistance is rarely granted. Some owners have been told the engine replacement is covered but not the catalytic converter damage.
PCV System Failure (Exhaust Camshaft Timing Oil Control Valve)
The PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) sensor or oil control valve fails, likely as a secondary consequence of excessive oil consumption. Failure alters engine timing, causing unpredictable power loss during acceleration. Check engine light is typically illuminated. The defect is confirmed by independent service shops and computer diagnostics.
When: Occurs after months of documented excessive oil consumption; one owner reported it 8 months after an oil consumption test showing 2.5 quarts per 1,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminated; Unpredictable loss of power during acceleration; Excessive fuel consumption; Engine timing issues causing rough running; Near-collision situations due to sudden power loss when merging
Repairs/costs cited: PCV component replacement is quoted but independent mechanics note that replacement will fail again if excessive oil consumption is not resolved first. No permanent repair is available without addressing the root oil consumption problem or replacing the engine.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai warranty does not cover PCV component replacement for excessive oil consumption. The manufacturer positions this as a separate repair outside the extended engine warranty for rod bearing failures.
Catalytic Converter Damage from Oil Sludge
The catalytic converter becomes fouled or damaged from oil sludge and carbon buildup resulting from the engine's excessive oil consumption and incomplete combustion. This is typically a secondary failure that occurs months or years after the engine failure or chronic oil consumption begins. P0420 diagnostic code is commonly reported. Dealers confirm the damage is irreversible and the part cannot be reused.
When: Emerges 20+ months after engine replacement or during the lifespan of chronic oil consumption; one owner reported it 20 months after engine replacement, another at 119,580 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminated with P0420 code; Loss of acceleration; Increased exhaust fumes/smell; Decreased fuel efficiency; Vehicle deemed unsafe for high-speed freeway driving
Codes mentioned: P0420
Repairs/costs cited: Catalytic converter replacement costs $5,000-$7,000 at dealerships, which is often significantly higher than independent shops. One owner was quoted $5,000 at the dealership versus ~$4,000 at other dealers. Repair is not covered under engine warranty even when the damage is a direct result of the engine's excessive oil consumption.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai denies responsibility, stating the catalytic converter is separate from the engine warranty. Goodwill assistance requests for converter replacement are denied. Hyundai does not replace the converter when replacing the engine due to oil consumption damage, requiring owners to replace it separately later at significant cost.
Engine Rod Bearing Failure
The rod bearing fails catastrophically, causing the connecting rod to penetrate the engine block. This results in total engine failure and possible fire risk. The failure is internal and sudden, with no warning signs in many cases. Some owners report hearing a knocking sound briefly before failure.
When: Occurs at various mileages; reported failures at 61,000, 141,000, and 200,000 miles. Often preceded by months of oil consumption issues.
Symptoms owners cite: Knocking sound from engine before failure; Complete engine failure and stalling; Check engine light may or may not be illuminated; Loss of all engine power
Codes mentioned: P0300
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement required; cost $9,000-$20,000+. Hyundai has established a limited KSDS extended warranty for rod bearing failures, but coverage is restricted and often denied for second owners or vehicles that did not receive the KSDS software update.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai offers coverage under NHTSA Campaign 17V578000 for some affected vehicles, but many owners report the manufacturer refusing coverage if the KSDS software update was not previously performed. The manufacturer also denies claims for vehicles outside the 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, even if the vehicle had proper maintenance. Second owners are frequently denied coverage. Hyundai encourages owners to submit complaints to BBB and NHTSA rather than providing direct assistance.
Synthesized from 152 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 10 most recent
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle began to stall as an abnormal, knocking sound began to emit from the engine without warning. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer where she was informed that the rod bearing had gone through the engine block which resulted in engine failure. The vehicle was not…
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle began to jerk without warning as the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull off to the side of the road and had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. A week later, the contact was called and was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. Upon…
My Engine malfunctioned while driving on the interstate at 70 mph. There were no lights that came on no notice just stopped excelerating. Thankfully after exiting the interstate I was able to get to a gas station safely and that is where the vehicle died altogether and would not start again. My husband and I checked the oil at that time and there was absolutely no oil in the engine. The worse…
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving 80 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure, and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer…
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled inadvertently. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact…
The crank shaft failed leading to total engine failure. It's currently sitting at my mechanic's shop until I can get this sorted out, it can be inspected upon request. My engine failed while driving 75 mph on an interstate and could have lead to serious injury/death of myself, my passengers, and other drivers around me. The problem has been confirmed by my mechanic, an independent service center.…
Engine was consuming oil badly. Engine has 98000 miles on it. Then driving one day, lost most power. So I got it home and ran codes and was having multiple cylinder misfire. Had it towed into dealership, and then did a diagnostic and claimed there is bad cylinder head damage and I would need a whole new engine. Which they said would not be covered under warranty. Which seems odd since these…
Upon checking my oil, I realized it was consuming at a high rate. The car dealership said there was no problem with the car. A couple months later I took it to a Hyundai dealership and they said the same thing. Now I am 6 months into owning this vehicle. Same issue. I am putting 4 qt of oil in my vehicle a month. Google said there was recalls on my year for a bad crankshaft that was causing this…
Vehicle: 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Mileage at Failure: ~129,000 miles Issue Type: Engine Failure / Valve / PCV-Related Defect Manufacturer & Dealer Both Denied Repair My 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe suffered a sudden engine failure at around 129,000 miles. The Hyundai dealer verbally told me the failure was caused by a faulty PCV valve, which is a known issue in Hyundai engines and can lead to severe oil…
There has been a knock since the car was bought 3 yrs ago. It burns threw at about1-2 quart of oil every 2000 miles triggering the oil light to come on. Oil changes are done every 3000 miles with full synthetic always. It's also been taken into Hyundai of olympia for acceleration issue while driving (doesn't shift up/down, shift very hard, stutters when shifting) also asked about oil consumption…
Had engine trouble with your 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 152 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 69 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 40,000 and 110,000 miles, with the median around 85,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 40,000; a quarter make it past 110,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2017/Hyundai/Santa Fe Sport.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.