2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2017 Santa Fe
5
Engine complaints Red flag
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (647 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 647 NHTSA complaints
Power Train complaints Red flag
Note any hesitation, harsh shifting, or slipping during city and highway driving. (163 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 163 NHTSA complaints
Electrical System complaints Red flag
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (67 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 67 NHTSA complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System complaints Red flag
Note any stalling, hesitation, or fuel smell on the test drive, and verify that open fuel-system recalls were completed. (60 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 60 NHTSA complaints
Service Brakes complaints Red flag
Check pedal feel and stopping distance on the test drive, and confirm no brake warning lights are on. (59 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 59 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
41 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
6
Latches/Locks/Linkages Red flag
If the hood is not securely closed or the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Engine and Engine Cooling Red flag
The engine bearing wear may cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Electrical System Check
If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Seat Belts Red flag
Without a warning to remind the front seat occupants that their seat belts are not buckled, they may forget to buckle their seat belt, increasing their risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic Red flag
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2017 Santa Fe–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe have?
NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2017 Santa Fe. The most serious involve Tires (17V142000) and Latches/Locks/Linkages (17V358000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2017 Santa Fe?
The top complaint areas are Engine (647 complaints) and Power Train (163 complaints), out of 966 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2017 Santa Fe?
Run through the full inspection checklist below, verify any open recalls were completed, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Pay special attention to Engine, which drew 647 complaints for this model-year.