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ProblemsByVinFile / 2017-HYUNDAI-SANTA-FENHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Hyundai
2017 Hyundai Santa Fe problems
The 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe has 945 NHTSA owner complaints on file — not a small number. 6 active recall campaigns.
The 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe has 945 NHTSA owner complaints and 6 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is engine at 509 complaints, typically surfacing around 75,532 miles (~$3,100 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
6
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2017 Santa Fe?
Avoid — the electrical system
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced.
6 fire-related complaints and 1 crash-related complaint on the engine
Electrical system: 54 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 6,500–43,000 mi
Brakes: 43 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 4,000–114,000 mi
Reliability score 5.6/10 — around the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
engine — 509 owner reports
· tends to show around 75,532 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
powertrain — 151 owner reports
· tends to show around 26,143 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
electrical — 54 owner reports
· tends to show around 31,872 mi · ~$850 to fix
brakes — 43 owner reports
· tends to show around 54,110 mi · ~$450 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: electrical is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 31,872 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 6 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 5.6/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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<p style="font:12px/1.5 system-ui,sans-serif;color:#64748b;max-width:640px;margin:6px 0 0">Source: <a href="https://problemsbyvin.com/2017-hyundai-santa-fe/" style="color:#b8540a;font-weight:600">2017 Hyundai Santa Fe reliability snapshot — ProblemsByVin</a></p>
When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2017 Santa Fe· engine
The car stop running in the middle of the highway. Was taken to the dealership and they sled us to pay close to 700 for an inspection. Since then I have been part of numerous groups that report similar issues with certain types of engines.
Sunroof exploded driving at speed limit on freeway,dry,clear,no snow,no vehicles near,esp in front of vehicle.loud bang,thought tire blew out,pulled over,saw roof glass broken.wind screen was forward,so no glass particles rained down,but this is safety hazard as l often drive my…
The brakes and rotors need to be replaced every 3-6 months. They have been fixed at least 4 times under warranty. Every time I take the car in I get asked if I drove through the mountains because they are fried. This vehicle has never been in the mountains because I fear what…
Engine failed due to excessive oil consumption while driving. Safety was put at risk due to poor build leading to failure while driving. It has been inspected by the manufacturer and was determined it needed to be replaced entirely. Low engine oil light came on, replaced oil,…
Had a problem with your 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Santa Fe, 2017-2018 Santa Fe Sport, 2019 Santa Fe XL, and 2014-2015 Tucson vehicles
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS multi-fuse, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 31, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 218.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Santa Fe vehicles equipped with 3
The engine bearing wear may cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport vehicles
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.
Fix: 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.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 5.6 out of 10 based on 945 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe?
On the NHTSA data, the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 6 fire-related complaints and 1 crash-related complaint on the engine; Electrical system: 54 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 6,500–43,000 mi; Brakes: 43 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 4,000–114,000 mi; Reliability score 5.6/10 — around the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Inspect the engine first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 509 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 75,532 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe a good used car to buy?
It scores 5.6 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 945 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is engine. Typical failure occurs around 75,532 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 509 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 75,532 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 75,532 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Hyundai Santa Fe has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 945 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2017/Hyundai/Santa Fe.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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