This bulletin provides best practice recommendations when performing brake service procedures.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Hyundai Santa Fe brakes problems
severe Owners of the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe have filed 43 NHTSA complaints about the brakes, typically surfacing around 54,000 miles at roughly $450 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
43
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
| Model year | brakes complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 Santa Fe | 43 |
| 2014 Santa Fe | 44 |
| 2015 Santa Fe | 23 |
| 2016 Santa Fe | 12 |
| 2017 Santa Fe (this page) | 43 |
| 2018 Santa Fe | 15 |
| 2019 Santa Fe | 7 |
| 2020 Santa Fe | 6 |
| 2021 Santa Fe | 4 |
2crashes
2fires
1injury
What stands out
Owners have filed 43 brakes 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.
Among the 20 model years of Hyundai Santa Fe in our records for brakes problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes 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.
This bulletin describes the procedure to inspect and identify fluid which may appear around the brake caliper area.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗If you are servicing an applicable vehicle with a âCheck Engineâ light on and one or more of the DTC listed below, follow the repair procedure and replace the related solenoid and oil pressure harness.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information on the rear wheel speed sensor for Santa Fe (CM), Santa Fe / XL (NC), Santa Fe Sport (AN), and Veracruz (EN) vehicles equipped with front wheel drive (FWD). The rear wheel speed sensor is available as a separate service part from the rear wheel hub assembly. When appropriate, it is recommended to replace only the rear wheel speed sensor instead of the full assembly.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information on the rear wheel speed sensor for Santa Fe (CM), Santa Fe / XL (NC), Santa Fe Sport (AN), and Veracruz (EN) vehicles equipped with front wheel drive (FWD). The rear wheel speed sensor is available as a separate service part from the rear wheel hub assembly. When appropriate, it is recommended to replace only the rear wheel speed sensor instead of the full assembly.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe a range of brake and ABS failures in the 2017 Santa Fe. The most severe incidents involve engine compartment fires traced to ABS module malfunction, with two vehicles becoming total losses after fires ignited—both occurred between 54,000 and 124,000 miles. Multiple owners experienced complete brake failure where the pedal had no effect, leading to crashes or near-misses at speeds up to 35 mph. No warning lights appeared in most brake-failure cases, leaving drivers unaware of the hazard until impact.
The ABS module emerges as a central problem. One owner's front brake caliper locked repeatedly; after replacing pads, rotors, and calipers twice, a bad ABS module was discovered and replaced at ~$3,000 out-of-pocket. Another reports brake pads and rotors burning out every 3–6 months despite normal driving. The advertised automatic emergency braking (AEB) system failed to activate in one owner's testing; both dealers and Hyundai stated it was working as designed despite video proof of non-response.
NHTSA Recall 22V056000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) addresses ABS and hydraulic brake defects tied to fire hazard. However, roughly two-thirds of these complaints are owners waiting for recall repairs—parts remained unavailable from February 2022 through mid-2022 and beyond. Dealers confirmed backorders; manufacturers acknowledged delays exceeding reasonable repair timeframes. One owner charged $1,106 for ABS sensor repair after Hyundai refused warranty coverage, claiming the part was unavailable.
Same Hyundai Santa Fe brakes reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
ABS Module Failure with Fire Risk
ABS module malfunction leading to loss of brake function, overheating, fire in engine compartment, and vehicle fire hazard. Multiple narratives cite NHTSA Campaign 22V056000 related to brake system fires and hydraulic issues.
When: 54,000–124,000 miles; some at lower mileage during recall notice period
Symptoms owners cite: Engine compartment fire or smoke; Brake failure while driving; Vehicle stalling with no warning light; Inability to restart; Loss of automotive power; ABS warning light illuminated (intermittent)
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 22V056000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic; Engine Compartment Fire)
Repairs/costs cited: Recall 22V056000 addresses this defect; owners report extended delays in parts availability. Some repairs completed after months of waiting. Costs not specified by owners in fire-related incidents; insurance total losses reported.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 22V056000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). Hyundai Recall 218 (ABS system). Parts unavailable for extended periods during recall implementation. One owner paid ~$1,106 for rear ABS sensors after recall appointment; dealer claimed part unavailability caused repair delays. Manufacturers notified in multiple cases; no proactive service bulletins or extended warranty coverage mentioned.
Brake Caliper Lock-Up and Premature Wear
Front and rear brake calipers locking up during operation or after pad/rotor replacement. Excessive brake rotor and pad wear requiring replacement every 3–6 months despite normal driving. Owners suspect ABS module involvement.
When: Throughout vehicle ownership; one owner at 3,000–114,000 miles with repeated cycling
Symptoms owners cite: Brake calipers locking up and not releasing; Premature brake pad and rotor wear (3–6 month cycles); Rotors described as 'fried' during routine inspections; Brakes requiring replacement 4+ times under warranty; Suspected automatic emergency braking overactivation
Codes mentioned: ABS module fault (inferred)
Repairs/costs cited: Replaced brake pads, rotors, and calipers on both front axles; ABS module replaced after lock-up recurred. Owner reports ~$3,000 total repair cost. Dealership repairs covered under warranty initially; owner eventually paid out-of-pocket after multiple failures.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Vehicle not covered by recall 22V056000 per owner. Warranty repairs performed; no formal recall or TSB issued for excessive wear pattern.
Brake System Hydraulic Failure / Fluid Leak
Brake line corrosion or hydraulic system failure causing brake fluid leaks and complete loss of brake function. One owner noted Canadian recall for brake line corrosion.
When: Occurs during normal driving; one incident at low speed (under 25 mph)
Symptoms owners cite: Significant brake fluid puddle under vehicle (rear axle area); Loss of brake function while depressing pedal; No warning lights illuminated; Brake line rupture or corrosion
Repairs/costs cited: Brake line failure apparent; owner notes availability for inspection. Canada issued recall for brake line corrosion on this vehicle.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No U.S. recall issued for brake line corrosion as of narratives. Canadian recall exists but not mentioned as coordinated U.S. action in these complaints.
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) System Malfunction
AEB system non-functional or unresponsive despite being advertised feature at purchase. No warning stages displayed as documented in manual. System sold as key purchase incentive but does not operate.
When: Early in vehicle ownership after purchase
Symptoms owners cite: No visual or auditory warning on collision approach; No LCD warning message or alarm; No brake intervention or emergency braking activation; System does not respond to test scenarios (balloon collision test)
Repairs/costs cited: None; dealers stated system working as designed. Owner provided video evidence; both dealer and Hyundai America declined to investigate or test functionality.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer and Hyundai America stated AEB functioning as designed despite owner video evidence of non-activation. No recall or TSB issued; no diagnostic testing performed by manufacturer.
Brake Pedal Unresponsiveness / Loss of Braking Power
Brake pedal depressed but vehicle fails to decelerate or stop. Multiple modes: complete loss of power, simultaneous acceleration, or delayed stopping requiring multiple pedal applications.
When: Various mileages: 4,000, 33,000, 35 mph low-speed incident, 121,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal depressed; vehicle does not stop; Brake pedal applied; vehicle accelerates aggressively; Loss of automotive power with brake failure; No warning lights illuminated; Vehicle requires multiple brake pedal applications to stop
Codes mentioned: Alternator fault (one case: 121,000 miles)
Repairs/costs cited: One case: alternator replaced. Other cases: no diagnosis or repair completed; vehicles totaled or towed. Costs not detailed except alternator replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in multiple cases. One case attributed to alternator; no root cause found in other cases. No recalls or TSBs issued specific to brake failure mode.
ABS and Brake Warning Light Issues / Sensor Faults
ABS warning light illumination, infotainment display failures affecting backup camera, and intermittent start failures. Suspected ABS module or sensor circuit faults.
When: Intermittent throughout ownership; one case at 3,000 miles with recall notice
Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light on instrument panel (intermittent or persistent); Infotainment screen going blank; backup camera inoperable; Intermittent vehicle start failure; All safety lights on (AEB, TPMS, ABS) with uncontrolled braking; Traction control malfunction; Hydroplaning during rain with warning lights active
Codes mentioned: ABS system malfunction, Rear ABS sensor fault (one case: $42 per sensor, $1,106 total quoted)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to diagnose persistent issues despite multiple visits. Recall 22V056000 parts unavailable. One owner charged $1,106 for rear ABS sensor repair; Hyundai refused to cover under warranty after recall 218 (dated 2/2/22).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 22V056000 and Hyundai Recall 218 (ABS system) issued. Parts unavailable during recall implementation. Hyundai charged owner for sensor repair post-recall announcement, claiming parts unavailable and repair costs not covered under warranty.
Recall 22V056000 Parts Shortage / Delayed Repair Implementation
Extended delay in providing recall repair parts for ABS/hydraulic brake system. Multiple owners notified of recall but unable to schedule repairs for weeks to months due to parts unavailability.
When: Recall issued Feb 2022; complaints filed through May 2022 and later with no parts available
Symptoms owners cite: Recall notification received; parts not available for repair; Dealer confirms parts on backorder; Manufacturer exceeds reasonable time for recall repair; Owners waiting 3+ months with no repair schedule
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 22V056000
Repairs/costs cited: Repairs eventually completed (one case noted 01/04/2023 completion); others unresolved months after recall issuance. Parts distribution disconnect confirmed by VIN tool in multiple cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 22V056000 issued. Hyundai/dealers informed of recall requirement but unable to provide parts during window reported (Feb–May 2022 and beyond). No interim safety measures or loaner vehicles mentioned. One case: repairs completed Jan 4, 2023, months after recall notice.
Synthesized from 43 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
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 will happen if it really were driven through the mountains. However, no excessive braking occurs to cause them to be…
Had brakes trouble with your 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe?
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 brakes problem on the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe?
It's a meaningful issue. 43 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 10 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 4,000 and 114,000 miles, with the median around 54,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 4,000; a quarter make it past 114,000. 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 $450 for brakes 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 brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes 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.
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.