Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2017 Hyundai Santa FE
The 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe has notable issues involving its ABS module, engine, hood latch, and seat belts which may affect safety and reliability. Potential buyers should inspect carefully for recalls and check for these problems during the inspection and test drive.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2017 Hyundai Santa FE has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 972 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #22V056000 ABS Unit May Cause Engine Compartment Fire NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V578000 Engine Bearing Wear may cause Engine Stall NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V358000 Secondary Hood Latch may Bind and not Latch NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V142000 Incorrect Tire Pressure Sensor Mode/FMVSS 138 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V842000 Trailer Brakes May Stay Illuminated NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V145000 Absence of Front Seat Belt Audible Warning NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Engine 651 complaints
- Power Train 166 complaints
- Unknown or Other 93 complaints
- Electrical System 70 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 61 complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 54 complaints
Of the 972 complaints on file, 14 report a crash and 23 a fire; across all 972 complaints, owners report 18 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Crankshaft wear
How to check: Listen for knocking noise from engine area.
ABS module short
How to check: Seek recall completion evidence for ABS unit.
Hood latch fails
How to check: Inspect hood latch for corrosion or binding.
Seat belt warning fail
How to check: Test seat belt warning light and sound.
Tow hitch wiring defect
How to check: Check for proper trailer brake light function.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises.
Red flag: Persistent knocking noise
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Ensure no unusual smells from engine.
Red flag: Burning or strong odor
- 03
City driving
What to check: Brake smoothly and check for softness.
Red flag: Spongy or weak braking
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Ensure smooth acceleration with no noise.
Red flag: Loud rattling or hesitation
- 05
Parking
What to check: Operate hood latch; ensure proper function.
Red flag: Hood does not latch securely
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the ABS module recall been addressed?
- Any history of engine issues or repairs?
- Are seat belt alerts functioning properly?
- Was the hood latch ever serviced?
- Is the trailer hitch wiring inspected regularly?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair documentation
- Service history records
- Accident history report
- Title and registration
- Warranty documentation
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2017 Hyundai Santa FE 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? 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.