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2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Report

Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.

Updated May 30, 2026·Daniel Wilson·1 Critical Recall
2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Report

Overall Score

7.2/ 10
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution

Key Takeaways

  • Engine issues are the most prevalent concern, with frequent reports of oil consumption, hesitation, and potential for catastrophic failure.
  • A critical safety recall addresses a potential ABS module malfunction that can lead to an engine compartment fire; confirm this has been remedied.
  • While overall safety ratings are high (5-star overall, frontal, and side crash), the rollover rating is 4 stars.
  • Fuel economy is respectable for its class, averaging 21 MPG combined.
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OverviewWho This Car Is ForReliability & ProblemsVehicle SpecsUnlock Full ReportFAQ
Overview

2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport

The 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport offers a practical package with commendable safety scores, but its below-average reliability verdict, driven by a high volume of engine-related complaints, demands careful consideration from used car shoppers. Issues such as oil consumption, hesitation, and potential engine failure are significant ownership risks. Despite these concerns, its comfortable ride and all-wheel-drive capability make it a potentially appealing option if thoroughly inspected and priced accordingly.

Critical Failure Risk

A significant number of owners report engine hesitation, stalling, and lack of acceleration. This can be linked to oil consumption and potential internal engine component issues, as highlighted in owner complaints.

Early detection can help you avoid a $500-$3,000 repair.

Open Maintenance Analysis →

Safety & Bulletins

Open Recalls3
Service Bulletins0
Full Recall History →

Owner Complaints

416
Engine175
Detailed Issue Breakdown →

Performance & Efficiency

Horsepower
185–240HP
Torque
178–260 lb–ftLB-FT
Fuel Efficiency
Combined
21
MPG
City
19
MPG
Highway
24
MPG
Full Vehicle Specifications ↓

Reliability

7.7/ 10

Practicality

6.3/ 10

Watch-outs include high fuel consumption.

Buyer Fit

Who This Car Is For

Best for

Buyers prioritizing safety ratings and comfortable family transport over long-term mechanical certainty.

+2 more buyer-fit notes in the full report

Avoid if

Buyers seeking a trouble-free, low-maintenance ownership experience.

+2 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report

2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Reliability Analysis

Explore comprehensive reliability data including official safety recalls, consumer complaints, and common mechanical failures for the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport.

  • Recall TimelineOfficial safety notices
  • Owner ComplaintsReal driver reports
  • Failure AnalysisKnown part defects
Specs

Vehicle Specs

Fuel Type
Regular
Seating Capacity
5
Horsepower
185-240 hp
Torque
178-260 lb-ft
Transmission
Automatic (S6)
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Body Style
Suv
MSRP Range
$25,350 - $37,450
EPA Combined MPG
21

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See the full 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport buyer report before you decide

Unlock the complete checklist, maintenance outlook, and buyer verdict in one place.

Most Common Issues

1. ENGINE

Most reported

Usage: 175 reports

2. Braking System

Usage: 41 reports

See all common issues in the maintenance guide

First Service Interval

- Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation and Inspection - Brake System Inspection - Fluid Level Checks (Coolant, Brake, Power Steering)

Est. shop cost: $100 - $200

7,500 mi

Unlock the full maintenance guide for every scheduled service interval and cost forecast.

Full pre-purchase inspection checklist
Complete maintenance schedule (5 service intervals)
Repair forecasts with mileage and cost context
Full buyer-fit guidance and who should avoid it
Full specs and trim-level context
3 recall campaign details & remedy notes
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FAQ

FAQ

Is the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport reliable?▾

The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is 7.7/10. Reliability score is 7.7/10. NHTSA recalls: 3. Owner complaints: 416.

How practical is the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport for daily use?▾

Practicality score is 6.3/10. Watch-outs include high fuel consumption. EPA combined economy is 21 MPG. Seating capacity is 5. 4 passenger doors are listed. Boot capacity is 1002 litres.

What is the overall score for the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?▾

The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is 7.2/10. Overall score is 7.2/10 (Good). Confidence 85%. Maintenance 7.9/10. Practicality 6.3/10.

What does it cost to own and maintain a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?▾

Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation and Inspection - Brake System Inspection - Fluid Level Checks (Coolant, Brake, Power Steering) at 7,500 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $400 - $700. Repair prediction highlight: Engine (typical at 80,000 miles, estimated cost Min: $2,000 • Max: $5,000+).

What is the MSRP range for the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?▾

MSRP range is $25,350 - $37,450.

What engine is in the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?▾

Engine specs list Inline-4 • 4 • 2.0. Output is 185-240 hp • 178-260 lb-ft.

What transmission does the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, transmission is Automatic (S6). The paired drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive.

What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?▾

EPA combined estimate is 21 MPG.

What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?▾

7 standard and 5 optional driver assistance features. Key features include Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control.

What is the fuel economy range for the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, fuel economy range is 19-27 mpg combined.

How many people fit in a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, seating capacity is 5.

What body style is the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, body style is suv.

What drivetrain does the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Automatic (S6).

What are the NHTSA safety ratings for the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?▾

NHTSA ratings: Overall 5/5 • Frontal 5/5 • Side 5/5 • Rollover 4/5.

What are the most common engine problems on the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?▾

Top complaint category: engine (175 reports, 42.1% of complaints).

Are there open safety recalls on the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?▾

This model year has 3 official safety campaigns listed.

Should buyers consider alternatives to the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?▾

Alternatives listed in this guide: 2017 Toyota RAV4 and 2017 Honda CR-V.

Start Here

Maintenance guide

Costs + intervals

Recall report

Campaigns + remedy notes

Owner complaints

Issue volume + categories

In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Who This Car Is For
  3. 03Reliability & Problems
  4. 04Vehicle Specs
  5. 05Unlock Full Report
  6. 06FAQ

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