2017 Hyundai Santa FE transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 29, 2026SCElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   Was driving down road car went into limp mode about caused a big wreck, check engine was flashing and heard a loud noise as I was trying to get to safety. Had the car scanned and was for code p1326 and looking at all the recalls nothing is for the 2.4l but y'all have been having a lot of issues with these theta 2 engines.

   NHTSA complaint #11767901 · source
2. Filed Sep 27, 2026MDEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   Immediately following the mandatory Hyundai Servie Campaign Update 9C2-ECU THETA 11my vehicle began exhibiting severe hesitation, very rough idling, jerking at slow speeds and when gear changes, difficulty going up inclines and almost feel at times as though it is about to lose power which poses life threatening situations especially when turning into traffic. I have reported it to the dealers who never once test drove the vehicle but said to me that they did and could find…

   NHTSA complaint #11767289 · source
3. Filed Sep 20, 2026OHEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   Component/System Failed: Engine assembly (Theta II 2.4L GDI) and Exhaust/Catalytic Converter. Description: The vehicle suffered a failure associated with the known Theta II engine defects. Engine oil consumption and internal engine wear directly led to unburned fuel and debris entering the exhaust stream, resulting in severe catalytic converter restriction/failure. Safety Risk: The combined failure caused sudden loss of power while driving, engine stalling, and significant…

   NHTSA complaint #11765645 · source
4. Filed Sep 9, 2026NEEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   Vehicle was brought to an authorized dealership for service, and while there Campaign 9C2 (ECU Software Update for Theta II Emissions Improvement) was performed. Immediately following this software update, the vehicle developed drivability degradation, specifically engine stutter/hesitation and rough transmission shifting during cold starts. When attempting to accelerate in the first few minutes of driving, the vehicle delays engagement and then suddenly surges or lurches…

   NHTSA complaint #11763180 · source
5. Filed Aug 31, 2026NCElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   Cold-Start Hesitation & Rough Shifting: Following the 9C2 ECU update, my vehicle is experiencing a brief period of throttle hesitation, rough shifting, or jerky transmission behavior specifically during cold-start operations.

   NHTSA complaint #11760934 · source
6. Filed Aug 28, 2026COTransmission & Drivetrain

   Known as an issue with Hyundai, but unresponsive to correct because no diagnostic code is sent. Transmission will shift extremely hard from 1st to 2nd gear randomly. In keeping track of the mileage, this appears to happen every 200 miles or so. Also, it faild to upshift correctly, making the entire car shudder. Also, at times it will not go into reverse gear. On one occasion, after finally doing so, it slammed so hard into reverse I almost collided with the car behind me.

   NHTSA complaint #11760479 · source
7. Filed Aug 24, 2026NJElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   My 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe, purchased new from Lynnes Hyundai in February 2017, has approximately 93,000 miles. The vehicle previously developed a significant oil-consumption/engine problem that was diagnosed by Hyundai, and Hyundai replaced the engine with a remanufactured engine. Approximately two weeks after the engine replacement, the check-engine light illuminated and DTC P1326 was identified. The dealership replaced the knock sensor. Approximately two weeks later, the…

   NHTSA complaint #11759120 · source
8. Filed Aug 12, 2026TXEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   Complete unmitigated loss of acceleration and power while traveling at highway speeds, creating an immediate life-threatening road hazard. Following a warranty engine replacement and mandatory dealer software flash at Clay Cooley Hyundai (Sherman, TX), the vehicle began experiencing powertrain communication issues. While operating the vehicle at 65 MPH on the highway, the vehicle completely failed to accelerate and lost propulsion power, nearly resulting in a catastrophic…

   NHTSA complaint #11756411 · source
9. Filed Aug 10, 202663,036 miFLTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while reversing, the vehicle jerked and shuddered abnormally. Additionally, the transmission hesitated, and the vehicle almost stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the contact was informed that the Service Campaign Number: 9C2 was completed. The contact was informed that the updated software was confusing the transmission and had caused the failure. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11755907 · source
10. Filed Aug 7, 2026IATransmission & Drivetrain

    The 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe was brought to dealership on 3/27/26 for an oil change and a computer update was completed for Emissions Improvement. Upon picking the vehicle up after service, it was noticeable that it was not shifting correctly. I spoke to the service department and asked if the memory was cleared with the update an if it was having to relearn how I drive and the said it should not be affected. This went on for a few days and I left the car with them to duplicate…

    NHTSA complaint #11755540 · source
11. Filed Aug 5, 2026CATransmission & Drivetrain

    A Hyundai recall 9C2 update was applied to my vehicle. Ever since that update my vehicle hard shifts on cold starts which I fear is damaging the transmission. Hyundai dealer was able to replicate this and keeps advising us that concern is ‘under review with Hyundai’. I have the service order that states this. This problem has been ongoing for Months! I think Hyundai needs to find a resolution to this as my research indicates it is impacting a lot of customers.

    NHTSA complaint #11755044 · source
12. Filed Jul 15, 2026PROther / UnknownSuspensionTransmission & Drivetrain

    My 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe (VIN: [XXX]) was brought to Herb Chambers Hyundai of [XXX], in December 2023 to address the Underbody Corrosion Recall/Campaign (9A0). The dealer performed the preventative service. However, the remedy completely failed because the frame was already severely structurally compromised by rust. In early 2024, I relocated to [XXX] with the vehicle. Now 2026, The front subframe sub-assembly deteriorated to a hazardous point, forcing me to spend a large…

    NHTSA complaint #11750549 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology