Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2017 Hyundai Santa FE Sport
The 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport has moderate owner complaint activity, with a significant number of engine-related issues. Three NHTSA recalls highlight potential problems with brake systems, hood latches, and seat belt anchorages. These issues merit careful inspection. Limited safety complaint data suggests fewer safety concerns, but the potential for engine fires demands attention.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2017 Hyundai Santa FE Sport has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 356 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 2 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #22V056000 ABS Unit May Cause Engine Compartment Fire NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V358000 Secondary Hood Latch may Bind and not Latch NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V365000 Driver's Seat Belt Anchor not Fastened Correctly NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Engine 207 complaints
- Power Train 42 complaints
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic 41 complaints
- Unknown or Other 36 complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 29 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 27 complaints
Of the 356 complaints on file, 5 report a crash and 7 a fire; across all 356 complaints, owners report 8 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Engine failure
How to check: Listen for abnormal noises during idle and acceleration.
ABS module short causing fire
How to check: Inspect for signs of electrical burning under the hood.
Hood latch corrosion
How to check: Check secondary hood latch movement for smoothness.
Seat belt anchor loose
How to check: Check driver seat belt anchor visually and test for looseness.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for engine noises or rough idling.
Red flag: Unusual engine noises.
- 02
Accelerating
What to check: Notice any hesitation or engine misfire.
Red flag: Hesitation or jerking during acceleration.
- 03
Braking
What to check: Feel for any ABS system pulsations or noises.
Red flag: Pulsations or abnormal noises during braking.
- 04
Parking
What to check: Inspect the hood latch for proper operation.
Red flag: Hood doesn't latch securely.
- 05
Highway driving
What to check: Test seat belt fit and anchor security.
Red flag: Seat belt feels insecure or loose.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the ABS module been replaced?
- Are there any unresolved recalls?
- Has the hood latch been checked regularly?
- Did you experience any engine issues?
- Are all service records available?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Complete service history
- Proof of recall repairs
- Accident history report
- Title and registration documents
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2017 Hyundai Santa FE Sport at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2017 Hyundai Santa FE Sport? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.