2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE Complaints

am filing a formal complaint regarding an official software update provided by Hyundai that completely corrupted the infotainment/head unit system in my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. I purchased this vehicle from CarMax less than three weeks ago. The vehicle came equipped with Hyundai Blue Link, so I contacted Hyundai support to activate the service by pressing the Blue Link button inside the vehicle. Hyundai informed me that my vehicle required a software update because the current system did not contain the necessary software for Blue Link to function properly. A Hyundai representative directed me to Hyundai’s official update website and provided instructions for completing the update. Following Hyundai’s instructions exactly, I purchased and formatted a USB drive, downloaded the update using my VIN from Hyundai’s official website, properly extracted the files, and installed the update into the vehicle. During the installation process, the update failed and corrupted the head unit system. The display now continuously shows “Update Unsuccessful” with Error Code 106. Since the failed Hyundai update, multiple vehicle systems no longer function properly, including the backup camera, Bluetooth, hands-free calling, Blind Spot functionality, radio, map/display system, automatic headlights, and automatic radio shutoff when opening the driver door. I now have to manually operate systems that previously worked automatically. I contacted Hyundai customer support multiple times and was repeatedly transferred between departments. I was incorrectly referred to navigation support even though my vehicle has a non-navigation system. Navigation support confirmed this was a Hyundai issue and stated they could not assist. When I contacted Hyundai again, I explained every step I followed, and the representative acknowledged that I appeared to have completed the update process correctly. Despite Hyundai’s official software causing this failure

I was driving on a main road at 55-60 mph with my daughter and grandchildren in the car and had a sudden loss of power. I was almost hit from behind. The check engine light started blinking. And the car went into limp mode. I had to limp it to the nearest place to safely get off the road so as not to put my family in any other danger.There is not enough shoulder on the road to pull over safely. It was very stressful. Was able to get it in someone's driveway and then eventually towed to Auburn,NY Hyundai/Chevrolet where it is currently. It would not turn over to start again. It does have battery power. I am waiting to hear from the service techs as to what they think is wrong. They advised me that there is a $199 per hour diagnostic fee. I also told them that we noticed metal flakes in the oil when we checked it. I feel I should mention that the vehicle went into limp mode a few weeks ago also and the dealership told me the knock sensor was bad. I had that replaced at that time.

After conducting Hyundai Service Campaign 9C2 for an emission update, vehicle now lunges and lags when accelerator is depressed. Symptoms tend to be more present soon after vehicle is started and reappear less often after the vehicle engine is at optimal temperature. This problem was not at all present prior to the service campaign update. The vehicle had no warning lights prior to the service update. This problem causes a safety issue when acceleration is not consistently present in a time of lane merging and turning onto higher speed roads. There are no warning lamps on the vehicle currently. Hyundai customer service was contacted about problem and I requested to remove the campaign update as this safety problem was not present prior to the update. Hyundai would not attempt to do this and required me to pay a diagnostic fee of several hundred dollar to troubleshoot the source of the problem. I declined.

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the vehicle was using an excessive amount of oil. There were no warning lights illuminated. There was no indication of a leak. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact the failure was related to combustion chamber cleaning. The manufacturer was contacted, who informed the diagnostic fees were at her expense and there was no coverage. The failure mileage was approximately 94,700.

THIS IS AN UPDATE TO EXISTING NHTSA ODI COMPLAINT #11735718 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, TXXI Theta II engine defect. UPDATE: On May 7, 2026, Hyundai Case Manager acknowledged in writing "Your case is important to us" and "2.4L THETA concerns" for Case #42623761. This is written admission the vehicle has the TXXI defect covered by warranty extension to 120,000 miles. I gave Hyundai 48 hours to provide written authorization for oil consumption test per their TSB 22-EM-003H. After 3 days they are silent. They refuse email communication despite documented language barrier. Current Vehicle Status: - Active DTC P0010 causing loss of power and stalling risk - Oil Consumption: 1 liter per 600km, which is 3x Hyundai failure threshold in TSB 22-EM-003H - 95,772 miles, under TXXI 120,000 mile warranty limit - U.S. Spec vehicle covered by TXXI Warranty Extension Hyundai is violating Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act by refusing to honor written warranty for known safety defect. The P0010 defect causes sudden loss of power while driving. Requesting immediate NHTSA intervention to compel Hyundai to perform warranty repair.

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated and remained on, despite no accident occurring. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who could not determine the failure and advised the contact to visit the dealer. At the dealer, the vehicle was diagnosed with a failed passenger air bag inflator that needed replacement. The dealer also found that the SRSCM (Supplemental Restraint System Control Module) required replacement due to the part shorting the inflator. The airbag was replaced, but the dealer refused to replace the SRSCM as it was no longer under warranty. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure occurred at approximately 77,000 miles.

Immediately following the implementation of Service Campaign 9C2 and TSB 25-01-087H - ECU Update for THETA II Emissions Logic Improvement, the vehicle exhibits poor drivability (staggering/missing/hesitation) until the engine warms up. This is most noticeable just prior to the shift from first to second gear.

COMPONENT FAILED: Theta II 2.4L GDI engine connecting rod bearings. Vehicle has 95,000 miles. Engine available for inspection in [XXX] . SAFETY RISK: Engine knock + limp mode at 1500 RPM caused sudden loss of power on highway. Oil consumption 1L/700km risks catastrophic engine seizure while driving. CONFIRMED BY DEALER: Independent service center confirmed DTC P0010 from metal debris. Hyundai Motor America Case #42623761 confirmed recall coverage but refuses remedy. INSPECTION: Manufacturer aware via Case #42623761. Local Hyundai dealers non-responsive. No police/insurance inspection. WARNING SYMPTOMS: Engine knock started at ~94,000 miles. Check Engine Light with DTC P0010. Progressive oil consumption. Limp mode activated at 95,000 miles. HYUNDAI VIOLATION: Hyundai confirmed via email they refuse to honor Safety Recall 162 / Service Campaign 966 Lifetime Warranty for VIN [XXX] despite all symptoms matching recall description. Request NHTSA compel Hyundai to authorize Bearing Clearance Test and engine replacement. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Engine seized up on the interstate. Vehicle has ~97,000 miles. Towed to dealership. Dealership wanted $8,000+ to replace engine. Hyundai refused to honor their warranty of 15 years/150,000 miles. Remains at the dealership, unrepaired.

My vehicle had oil consumption problems that were fixed with a new replacement engine now my catalytic converter is going bad due to engine oil consumption problems and the dealer I deal with is refusing to help with this issue. There is only around 50k miles on the new engine. I would greatly appreciate your help with this Thank you!