Hyundai Santa Fe Complaints

8,019 consumer complaints on file.

#11741371June 1, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
I was driving on the 202 at 80 MPH in the HOV lane and was engaging the cruise control. Pretty soon the car started beeping and it was saying something to the affect that I wasn't in control of the car. I started yelling and gently swerving not understanding what was going on to make it think I was indeed driving. It wouldnt' stop. I was in high traffic bumper to bumper than the dashboard started blinking and throwing a fit then it said it was going to shutdown the car!!! I tapped the breaks and then it stopped. Then a few months later same thing. Engage the cruise driving on the 202 roughly the same time of day- high traffic, it started again this time I started cussing, waiving my hands all around trying to get the car to know I was driving. It started saying it was going in to emergency shut down. I accidently hit my prescription glasses off my face in a panic and then it all stopped. I went home and googled what happened not understanding what this Forward system does or what it looks at. I had no idea the car was looking for my eyes. If I had been told this we would not have purchased the car in the first place. I have to wear prescription transition lens because I have chronic migraine syndrome. Light is one of many causes of my headaches and I live in the sunniest place on earth. So, I can't have this car. It is dangerous safety defect because t is issuing a false eye not detected alerts while wearing my glasses eventually leading to shutting the vehicle off. This creates a severe hazard, as the system will deactivate cruise control or initiate a sudden breaking at high speeds causing a collision or even death. I can't even drive my own car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11741374June 1, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
While driving on the freeway at approx 65mph, the car suddenly starting de-celerating and forced me to pull over to emergency shoulder/lane and try to determine the cause. The car is a "Hybrid" and the dashboard stated to put car in Park and Idle the Engine over 2000rpm to charge up the Battery. ( i still don't know which Battery they were speaking of...Engine Battery or Hybrid Battery) I sat there Idling the Engine for 15 minutes and slowly proceeded to get off the freeway and limped the car back to my home. I then called my selling Hyundai Dealer, as the car was still in warranty, and told them of my sudden problem and asking them what could it be??? They said they did not know until they saw the car and tested it with their computer equipment...please have it towed into their shop. So i did and 2 days later they called to say..NO Computer Codes showed any problem. They could not duplicate problem. I said ..."look on the internet...many people have reported sudden lack of power and limp mode activation....all pointing to the High Pressure GDI Fuel Pump Assy failure". Dealer said ..Oh..thanks we will look into that. 5 hours later Dealer called and said I was right, we replaced the Fuel Pump and come pick up the car. 4 months later and 6,000 miles later car is performing normally. I felt compelled to come forward to discuss this part failure as this incident on the freeway could have turned into a tragedy. Thank you
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11741031May 30, 2026
POWER TRAIN
In December 2025, a Hyundai dealer performed Service Campaign 9C2 (TSB 25-01-087H), an ECU software update for the 2.4L GDI Theta II engine, during a routine annual NY state emissions inspection. Immediately following this update, the vehicle began exhibiting an RPM flare of approximately 1,200-1,500 RPM during upshifting under light acceleration. This behavior did not exist prior to the update. The condition occurs when ambient temperature is above 50°F and the vehicle has been parked 2+ hours after a prior drive. No warning lamps or fault codes have been present at any point. The issue has been confirmed across four dealer visits at two Hyundai dealerships over five months. Attempted remedies included transmission ECU updates and adaptive resets — none resolved the condition. On the fourth visit, the technician personally experienced the issue and identified reinstalling the pre-update ECU calibration as the likely fix, but stated the prior software version was unavailable. The repair order was nonetheless closed as "vehicle operating as designed." The case has been escalated to Hyundai Motor America National Consumer Affairs and forwarded to Hyundai engineering with no resolution to date. Multiple other 2019-2020 Santa Fe owners report identical post-9C2 symptoms on public forums, indicating a pattern associated with this campaign's ECU calibration. The unexpected RPM surge and erratic shifting during acceleration creates an unpredictable driving experience that could cause hesitation in traffic situations requiring smooth acceleration.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11741053May 30, 2026
TIRES
New vehicle purchased February 2026 with OEM Pirelli tires. Had puncture in tire, but on repair, tire found to have inside sidewall bubble. No history of any impacts or hard strikes to tires. Discount Tire said probable tire defect, unsafe to drive even a few miles, so placed spare and we took car to dealer. No extended warranty but less than 2400 miles on gently used tire. Hyundai denied coverage under Pirelli warranty for nearly new tire, stating that it was due to some kind of undetermined impact to tire (all other tires thus far okay), and we paid for a new replacement tire. But given the lack of history, I noted that their are numerous online complaints regarding this same tire on larger vehicles, including 10 complaints filed already to NHTSA. I have filed an inquiry with Pirelli, but believe, given the numerous prior complaints and the EXTREME SAFETY RISK OF A BLOW OUT on a tire that appears to be defective. based on other reports and our experience, an investigation into this tire should be undertaken with possible recall and replacement of all of these tires with a safer model, at Pirelli's expense, should a defect indeed be found.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740975May 30, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving to work, the rear driver-side window suddenly fell down into the door without warning. The power window/regulator system appears to have failed. The window would not stay up or operate normally afterward. The failed component is available for inspection upon request. This created a safety concern because the vehicle could not be secured, outside air/noise entered the vehicle while driving, and rain/debris could enter the passenger compartment. It also created a distraction while driving because the sudden window drop was unexpected. There were no warning lights, dashboard messages, or prior symptoms before the failure. The issue has not yet been confirmed by a dealer or independent repair shop. The vehicle/component has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance, or others. The suspected failed component is the rear driver-side power window regulator or related window mechanism. Cause is unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740912May 29, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 unrepaired recalls. Frame rusted and unsafe to lift to repair the other recall which is an oil leak onto the alternator. Car won't run now. Corporate asked if I had a lawyer. They have declared my car not fixable or drivable. Neither corporate nor dealer will return my calls. No info from them at all. No offer of a buyback. No anything.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740926May 29, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEATS
My 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe (VIN: [XXX] ) is suffering from a severe, systemic vehicle-wide electrical network failure. The main digital instrument cluster screen has suffered four separate total blackouts (XXX), completely eliminating all driver visibility of the speedometer, odometer, safety malfunction telltales, and critical warning alerts while operating the vehicle at highway speeds. The vehicle has also experienced continuous battery collapses, recurring navigation freezes, and malfunctioning proximity key fobs/electronic door locks that fail to secure or unlock the vehicle.Most severely, on XXX, a defective, short-circuiting heated seat element experienced an uncontrolled thermal spike and caused physical thermal burn injuries to the right side of my body during an out-of-state trip. Photographic evidence of the physical body burns has been preserved. The authorized dealership was presented with this defect during an extended 38-day shop visit immediately following the incident but was completely unable to diagnose, or repair this severe electrical safety hazard. The vehicle remains unsafe to occupy. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11740922May 29, 2026
POWER TRAIN, SERVICE BRAKES
My 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe (VIN: [XXX] ) was manufactured on March 14, 2024, in [XXX] . The vehicle is currently experiencing dual-clutch transmission (8DCT) juddering, shuddering, and extreme hesitation when trying to accelerate from a complete stop at traffic lights and intersections. This creates a severe lag in acceleration, leaving the vehicle dangerously exposed to oncoming traffic. This component failure directly mirrors the mechanical hazards outlined in NHTSA Safety Recall 263. Because my manufacturing date falls just outside the official recall window, this vehicle has not received a formal recall remedy, yet it actively exhibits the identical, dangerous powertrain defects, suggesting the recall's production scope may be too narrow. Furthermore, in November 2024, the vehicle suffered a catastrophic safety failure where it completely lost all propulsion power for approximately 30 seconds while moving through the middle of a live intersection. Most recently, on XXX, right after being released from an extended 38-day service stay at an authorized dealership, the electronic infotainment displayed an active warning screen stating the car should be shifted to park while the vehicle shifter was physically and securely locked in Park. Time-stamped video evidence of this active transmission/braking sensor failure has been captured and preserved. The vehicle remains an active, uncorrected threat to my physical safety on the road. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740884May 29, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS, POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the anchor in the third row detached. The vehicle rolled while in the drive position. The vehicle failed to accelerate. While reversing, the vehicle jerked. No warning lights The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on five occasions and was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000. The VIN was not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740634May 28, 2026
POWER TRAIN
My vehicle experiences severe, unpredictable harsh downshifting/surging when slowing down, specially from 3rd to 2nd and 2nd to 1st gear. The transmission kick causes unexpected vehicle hesitation and deceleration changes in active traffic: presenting an immediate crash hazard. The dealership head technician has physically test-driven the vehicle and confirmed the failure. However, Hyundai Corporate is refusing to replace the failing transmission under 10 years/100,000 mile warranty because the vehicle's computer has not yet thrown an electronic error code. The manufacture is actively trying to force me to drive an unsafe vehicle until the transmission completely fails in traffic, putting my family and other drivers at severe risk. May 28, 2026 currently milage is around 88,000. The dealership currently has the vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740682May 28, 2026
AIR BAGS
We were driving on interstate 49 going south near Chester Arkansas when traffic came to a stop. I was rear ended by a vehicle driving 75 mph. My car hit the car in front of me where there was damage to both the passenger and driver side front area of the car. No airbags deployed in spite of the severity of the front and rear impact of the vehicle. I sustained three compression fractures to my back with several abrasions and bruises. Both my vehicle and the vehicle in front of me were declared total losses.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
3
Deaths:
0
#11740722May 28, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
Engine Hood getting so hot it is bending or causing metal to bend , like someone sat on middle of hood. Popped it out and keeps forming a bend after driving. Not instelly but keeps coming back
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740635May 28, 2026
POWER TRAIN
While running errands around town, I noticed my 2023 Sante Fe 2.5T was sluggish shifting out of first gear into second. The RPMS revved to about 3K before the transmission shifted into 2nd. I didn't notice any problem shifting into 3rd and above. I drove to a gas station for fuel and shut off my car. When I started it and began to drive, I received an immediate warning to take the car to a dealer and the check engine light came on. The car had the same problem getting out of 1st gear at each of the traffic signals I got caught at on my way to the dealership about 2 miles away. The following day, the service department contacted me and determined I needed a new transmission due to the failure of the Dual Clutch electric high pressure oil pump in the transmission. They submitted a parts request and Hyundai approved a refurbished DCT warranty replacement. The transmission only has 50200 miles on it I am second owner but the car was a CPO so I have full warranty coverage. I was given a loaner under Hyundai' warranty provisions. My main concern is that although this vehicle is a 2023 Sante Fe, it was put in service around August of 2022 and would therefore have the same transmission as the 2021 and 2022s covered under Hyundai recall 236, but this has yet to be acknowledged as far as I know. Please investigate my situation and consider further requirements of Hyundai! Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740595May 28, 2026
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY:WHEELCHAIR LIFT/RAMP, BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: OTHER
See attached document for complaint.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740547May 28, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Hyundai Corporate is refusing to ground or provide alternative transportation for a documented, warranty-covered engine cooling fault (Code P2181), creating a highway stalling risk. Hyundai's legal compliance team reviews these logs daily.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740312May 27, 2026
ENGINE, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
reporting a serious safety concern involving my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport with the Theta II engine. While driving on the highway, my vehicle suddenly lost power without warning. The vehicle became unsafe to drive and I had to pull over and have it towed. There was no warning light before the failure. The vehicle has been regularly maintained. Hyundai later stated there was internal engine damage. My vehicle also shows an open engine-related recall/campaign since November 2025. I have found many similar complaints from other Hyundai owners describing sudden loss of power, excessive oil consumption, and engine problems involving the Theta II engine. I contacted Hyundai Motor America and provided documentation and videos, but I have not received a meaningful response. I am concerned this issue may represent a serious safety defect because the sudden loss of power occurred while driving on a highway.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740391May 27, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
The engine has 1205 miles on it and seized up. Autofair hyundia of Manchester denied us. We did get a warning light a couple days before. But to late just the dealer inspected it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740318May 27, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, STEERING, STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
The contact's girlfriend owns a 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently swerved from side to side. The message “Consider Taking A Break” was displayed and the Driver Attention Warning (DAW) warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the Automatic Emergency Braking activated while driving near a vehicle or object, slamming the vehicle to a stop and causing the cruise control to deactivate. The message "Keep Hands On Steering Wheel" was displayed even though the contact's hands were on the steering wheel. The contact also stated that the front and rear driver's side doors were vertically bent from a manufacturing defect. The contact stated that his girlfriend feared for her safety while driving the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case a filed. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740281May 27, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
My 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid AWD was serviced under warranty on 4/22/2026 for a driveability concern after experiencing a loss of power while driving. The service history shows part HY35326-2M500 was replaced. On or about 5/25/2026, the same issue occurred again while driving at highway speed. The vehicle suddenly lost motive power and dropped from approximately 70 mph to approximately 30 to 40 mph, creating a serious safety risk because the vehicle could not maintain speed with surrounding highway traffic. No warning lamps, dashboard messages, or diagnostic codes appeared during the failure. The vehicle is currently at a Hyundai dealership for inspection and repair for the repeat issue and should be available for inspection upon request. The prior dealer record appears to describe the issue generally as a “driveability concern,” but the current repair diagnosis and full repair notes are still pending. It is unknown whether the dealer has reproduced or confirmed the failure during the current visit. I am reporting this as a sudden loss of motive power at highway speed involving the fuel/propulsion system, engine, and/or powertrain.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740276May 27, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
My vehicle activates the emergency braking system while driving. It has happened several times now, almost causing a collision. I took it to the dealership, they held it for a week and gave it back to me telling me they could not find anything wrong with it. They did not fix anything at all. It has since done it once more.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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