This TSB provides a procedure to diagnose and replace, if necessary, an automatic transmission with Incorrect Ratio DTC (transmission clutch slip in gear above limit) listed on Page 2.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport powertrain problems
moderate 36 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
36
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
When does it fail?
Of the 36 powertrain complaints filed for the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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
Of the 6 model years of Hyundai Santa Fe Sport we track for powertrain problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 36.
Owners have filed 36 powertrain 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 powertrain 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.
Hyundai has launched an anti-theft software upgrade and window decal campaign (Campaign 993), combined with an anti-theft steering wheel lock campaign (Campaign P32), in response to an increase in thefts of certain 2011-2022MY Hyundai vehicles not equipped with engine immobilizers targeted through social media. For certain vehicles that cannot be updated with the software (Campaign 993), Hyundai is offering customers steering wheel locks at the dealer (Campaign P32). This Dealer Best Practices Guide provides information to assist dealership personnel with customer questions relating to the immobilizer software upgrade, window decals and steering wheel lock ant-theft solutions available from
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗If you are servicing an applicable vehicle with the following symptoms and DTC, follow the Service Procedure on Page 4. ï· Check Engine light on ï· DTC P0880/P088000 - TCM Power signal error open/short ï· Transmission stuck in 4th gear fail-safe ï· Harsh shift into Reverse and Drive
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗If you are servicing an applicable vehicle with the following symptoms and DTC, follow the Service Procedure on Page 3. ï· Check Engine light on ï· DTC P0880/P088000 - TCM Power signal error open/short ï· Transmission stuck in 4th gear fail-safe ï· Harsh shift into Drive and Reverse
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗The automatic transmission warranty repair policy authorizes in-dealership repairs of the following components for both OEM (new) and remanufactured automatic transmissions:
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
2017 Santa Fe Sport owners report persistent acceleration hesitation and stalling, particularly when turning or merging into traffic, with delays of 3–20 seconds despite floored accelerator pedal. Traction control lights illuminate during these episodes on dry pavement. This happens across all driving modes and mileages from under 1,000 miles onward. Multiple owners describe near-miss collisions and unsafe situations.
The Theta II 2.4L engine shows abnormal internal oil loss—owners lose 3+ quarts between services with no external leaks—and extreme consumption rates requiring refills every 7–10 days. Check Engine lights appear (DTC P1326 noted), and one owner reported a fractured piston at 104,000 miles. Hyundai has denied engine replacements and pursued ECM updates and knock sensor replacements without resolving the underlying condition.
Transmission problems include erratic shifting, early upshifting at low speeds, and harsh slam-downs into gears. Cruise control malfunctions cause uncontrolled downshifting on hills with RPM spikes near 5,000. Dealers often claim inability to replicate issues or cite "normal operation," while Hyundai service bulletins remain unavailable or unresolved. One owner reported a rear differential structural failure at 25,000 miles. Coolant system failures appear early in ownership, with multiple gaskets requiring replacement and persistent coolant odor.
Same Hyundai Santa Fe Sport powertrain reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Abnormal internal oil loss with connecting rod bearing deterioration
Engine loses approximately 3+ quarts of oil internally between oil changes with no external leaks, indicating internal engine deterioration. Owners report low oil warnings appearing within 1,700 miles of service. Hyundai dealer documentation confirms the condition; combustion chamber cleaning and ECM updates have not resolved the issue.
When: 1,700 miles post-service; also documented at higher mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Low oil warning on highway at 70 mph; Check Engine Lamp with DTC P1326 (KSDS-related); Potential engine seizure or stalling risk; Sudden loss of power
Codes mentioned: P1326
Repairs/costs cited: Hyundai performed combustion chamber cleaning, ECM/KSDS update (T3G), and knock sensor replacement; condition persisted. Engine replacement denied by manufacturer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: KSDS/ECM update (T3G); knock sensor replacement; engine replacement assistance denied. Vehicle inspected by Hyundai dealerships.
Coolant system failure—water pump gasket and head gasket leaks
Water pump gasket failure causes coolant leaks and overheating warnings shortly after delivery. Upon repair, multiple additional coolant-system components require replacement (head gasket, thermostat). Residual coolant smell persists in vehicle after multiple repair attempts.
When: 7,100 miles (water pump leak); continued through subsequent repairs
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheating warning message at 7,100 miles; Coolant leak from water pump; Persistent coolant smell in cabin after repair attempts; Multiple cooling-system component failures
Repairs/costs cited: Water pump gasket replacement (7-25-17); head gasket replacement; thermostat replacement; cruise control reprogramming. Residual coolant odor reported as concern.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai case opened (case mentioned but no resolution details provided).
Cruise control malfunction with excessive engine braking and double-downshifting
Cruise control causes vehicle to downshift erratically on downhill sections, then upshift mid-descent, followed by double-downshifting back to original gear. RPM spikes near 5,000 with engine whining. Occurs on gradual hills and is reproducible. Issue present from under 1,000 miles of ownership.
When: From under 1,000 miles through 3,000 miles of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive engine braking with cruise engaged on downhill; Multiple downshift events on same descent; Upshift followed by double-downshift cycle; RPM spike near 5,000; Engine whining
Repairs/costs cited: Hyundai case assigned to Angela Godbey; case closed 8-23-17 without resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai case opened and closed 8-23-17; case worker indicated problem is manufacturer-installed defect but provided no remedy.
Erratic transmission shifting with harsh engagement
Transmission shifts unpredictably, upshifts too early at low speeds (reaching 4th or 5th gear at 20 mph), then slams into lower gears when acceleration is attempted. Downshifts improperly, requiring complete stops before turns. Shifting felt as jarring impacts throughout the vehicle. Occurs in 90% of shifts. Software update applied by dealer at purchase (one month old) did not resolve the issue.
When: Present one month after new vehicle purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Early upshifting at low speeds (4th–5th gear at 20 mph); Harsh slamming into gears; Bucking when accelerating post-shift; Poor downshift response; Shifting jolts felt throughout vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Software update performed by Springfield Hyundai, PA; no improvement reported.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Software update applied; no further action documented.
Severe acceleration hesitation and lag from stop and low speeds
Vehicle hesitates 3–20 seconds when accelerating from a stop or low speeds, particularly during turns and traffic merging. Even with accelerator pedal fully floored, vehicle will not respond for extended periods, creating near-miss collision scenarios. Traction control light often illuminates despite dry pavement and no wheel slip. Occurs in all driving modes (ECO, Normal, Sport). Issue present within days of taking delivery and persists across multiple vehicles reported.
When: Within days of delivery; reported across vehicles from 800 miles to 20,000+ miles; some reports at under 9,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: 3–20 second delay in acceleration response from stop; Delayed response at 0–40 mph and 50–60 mph ranges; Traction control light flashing on dry pavement; Vehicle redlines without proportional acceleration; Engine revs hard but car does not move; Violent acceleration when power finally engages
Repairs/costs cited: Hyundai dealer claimed condition is normal; technical service bulletin reportedly available; one dealer cited traction control computer requiring update (not available at time of complaint).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai stated 'this is normal' per owner; technical service bulletin mentioned in one report; multiple service attempts failed to replicate or resolve issue.
Complete loss of accelerative power while turning
Vehicle suddenly loses all accelerative capability mid-turn or during low-speed acceleration, with accelerator pedal fully depressed producing zero engine RPM increase and zero vehicle speed increase. Episodes last 10–12 seconds during which vehicle coasts only 75–90 feet despite maxed throttle input. Occurs on clear, dry pavement with level road geometry.
When: Reported at 5 mph during turn onto highway; other incidents vary
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of engine response to throttle input; No RPM increase despite floored accelerator; Vehicle coasts without forward momentum; Episodes persist 10–12 seconds; Occurs in ECO driving mode
Engine stalling with traction control light during acceleration and turning
Engine stalls for 2–3 seconds during acceleration from stops and turns onto traffic with complete loss of power despite fully depressed pedal. Traction control light flashes during episodes on completely dry pavement. Vehicle engines rev extremely hard but do not accelerate. Multiple owners report this as widespread defect with hundreds of identical complaints online.
When: Reported at 8,500 miles and ongoing; pattern observed across many vehicles
Symptoms owners cite: Complete 2–3 second acceleration stall during turns and traffic entry; No acceleration response even with pedal fully depressed; Engine revs extremely hard without vehicle movement; Traction control light flashing on dry pavement; High risk of rear-end collision and T-bone accidents
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No resolution offered; online research shows pattern is widespread.
ESC/DBC/MIL warning lights with transmission limp-mode activation
Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), and Check Engine lights illuminate simultaneously while vehicle is stationary or in motion, accompanied by transmission warning that vehicle could lose power. Lights clear on vehicle restart but reappear. Dealership performed inhibitor switch installation under recall, but owner received no prior recall notification.
When: Occurring intermittently; recall work performed but timing unclear
Symptoms owners cite: ESC warning light illumination; DBC warning light illumination; MIL (Check Engine) light illumination; Transmission warning message on console: possible transmission failure/power loss; Vehicle hesitation during light activation; Lights clear on restart but return
Repairs/costs cited: Inhibitor switch installation/recall completed at dealership.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall—inhibitor switch installation completed; however, owner received no recall notice and cannot find documentation online.
Fractured piston and engine failure with no restart capability
Vehicle experiences abnormal bang/noise from engine compartment during acceleration at 45 mph, followed by inability to restart. Engine oil leaking observed after towing. Independent mechanic diagnosis: fractured piston requiring full engine replacement. Vehicle remains unrepaired.
When: 104,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal loud bang from engine compartment; Sudden loss of power during acceleration; Vehicle unable to restart; Oil leaking from engine
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic diagnosed fractured piston; engine replacement required but not performed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified of failure.
Rapid oil consumption and engine knocking with check engine light
Engine burns oil at extreme rate, requiring refill every 7–10 days. Vehicle exhibits shuttering, clicking, and knocking noises during operation. Check engine light illuminates. Oil pressure sensor failure reported in one case, allowing pressurized oil to leak into electrical harness and reach ECM, creating fire/electrical failure risk. Multiple instances of incomplete engine repairs and refusals.
When: Early in ownership (some reports near 70k miles); one incident at higher mileage with abnormal oil consumption first noted at 70,000-mile service despite regular maintenance
Symptoms owners cite: Extreme rapid oil consumption (refill every 7–10 days); Low oil warning light flickering intermittently; Engine shuttering, clicking, and knocking noises; Check engine light illumination; Vehicle deceleration during driving; Inability to accelerate; Oil leaking into electrical harness (oil pressure sensor failure)
Repairs/costs cited: Oil consumption test requested by dealer in some cases but not completed; oil pressure sensor failure mentioned in one case but stated as not covered under 10-year 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, though fire/electrical failure coverage disputed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai repeatedly declined to address oil-consumption issue; owners report shutdown by manufacturer; engine replacement refused in multiple cases; one owner reports vehicle sitting in dealer lot for month-long wait before inspection.
Burnt exhaust valve and catalytic converter failure
Vehicle refuses to accelerate and shakes vigorously while driving. Check engine light flashes on and off. At 67,000 miles, dealership diagnoses burnt exhaust valve on cylinder #2 and catalytic converter failure, recommending full engine replacement.
When: 67,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Refusal to accelerate; Vigorous shaking while driving; Check engine light flashing on and off; Continued shaking and rattling during deceleration and stops
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership recommended full engine replacement; repairs not detailed in complaint.
Left rear differential structural failure with pinion nut loosening
Left rear differential fails catastrophically at 25,000 miles on a 5-year-old vehicle. Repair shop inspection reveals pinion nut was loose, causing pinion gear to walk forward and backward within housing, resulting in differential wear and catastrophic failure. Shop assessment: structural defect should not occur at this low mileage.
When: 25,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Differential noise or failure indicators; Potential traction loss
Repairs/costs cited: Pinion nut loose; pinion gear walking in housing; differential structural failure. Repair shop: Connie & Dicks, Claremont, CA.
Brake system failures, strut noise, and fuel pump failure in rapid succession
Owner reports multiple significant powertrain and chassis failures in rapid succession: brake locking issues requiring rotor and pad replacement, right strut failure causing noise and pulling, fuel pump failure requiring replacement, and differential slipping (despite replacement). Additionally, vehicle exhibits low oil light shortly after oil change requiring supplemental oil addition and consumption test request. Pattern suggests systemic reliability issues across multiple systems within six months of ownership.
When: Within 6 months of April 2023 purchase; fuel pump failure and strut issues within 2 weeks to 2 months; differential issue and oil light within 4–6 months
Symptoms owners cite: Brake locking without warning; Right strut noise and vehicle pulling; Fuel pump failure (limp/no-start); Differential slipping after replacement; Low oil light post-service; Rapid oil consumption indicators
Repairs/costs cited: Rotors and pads replaced; right strut replaced (still pulling); fuel pump replaced; differential replaced (still slipping); oil consumption test requested.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No clear manufacturer response documented; owner states 'nobody has figured out what's going on.'
Synthesized from 36 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
I have maintained my car regularly. I use LOFSYNBLEND oil at 7500 mile intervals per car and oil manufacturer. At 70000 mile oil change the tech showed me that less than a quart of oil came out of the crankcase during the oil change. There were no visible leaks, no visible smoke coming out of the exhaust when I drove the car, and NO warning light. This was the first time that this issue was…
The engine in my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, specifically the 2.4L Theta II engine, failed and is available for inspection upon request. This failure caused the vehicle to stall unexpectedly while driving, creating a serious safety hazard due to the sudden loss of power and control. The issue has been diagnosed by a Hyundai dealership, which confirmed the engine requires replacement due to…
Transmission shifting is erratic. Stumbles/slams into gear 90% of the time. Shifting is felt throughout entire car. Transmission upshifts way to early when slowly accelerating or driving at low speeds. Car could be going 20 MPH and has already put itself in 4th or 5th gear. Then when you try to accelerate, the car bucks and will eventually slam into the lower gear that it should have been in.…
Starting from a dead stop or at low speeds this vehicle hesitates to go for at least 3-4 seconds making it unsafe if another vehicle is coming at you. When turning from a dead stop the anti slip light comes on when this occurs, this has happened during dry weather. This occurs most frequently in either eco or regular driving mode, not so much with sport mode. I don't like driving in sport mode…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 36 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 13 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 8,500 and 24,000 miles, with the median around 10,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 8,500; a quarter make it past 24,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.