Hyundai Santa Fe Complaints

8,019 consumer complaints on file.

#11724503March 15, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
While driving on the interstate at 70mph the vehicle’s fuel injectors failed causing the vehicle to lose power suddenly.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724023March 13, 2026
ENGINE
Catastrophic Engine Failure - Cam phasers blew apart and severely cracked the valve covers. This occurred with no prior warning lights. Minutes before failure, there was engine hesitation and noise and then severely reduced power, causing a safety issue while driving. Vehicle was towed to local Hyundai dealer who identified the cam phaser failure ausing external engine damage of the valve covers and complete loss of oil. This occurred only 3,000 miles after an oil change.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723993March 12, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
The panoramic sunroof of a 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Limited spontaneously shattered while in transit on the highway. A resoundingly explosive “bang” preceded large shards of falling glass — leaving a massive hole in the sunroof’s front panel. The incident seemingly occurred without direct contact of any kind…no flying debris, no overpass roads, no inclement weather.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723881March 12, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
-shift lever in transmutation stopped working so car would go into auto shut off and then would not drive once I took my foot off the break. Would not switch gears or drive. Had to shut car off then turn back on to get it to switch gears. -safety was put at risk majorly. Car did that in 5 lanes of traffic with me and kids in car and couldn’t drive. We almost got hit. -dealership said no issues found until I took it in a second time for the same issue then they said it was the translation shift leaver. -Briggs Kia inspected it -no warnings at all -This happened MULTIPLE times. Put the most current date
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723500March 11, 2026
TIRES:SIDEWALL
Pirelli Scorpion M+S (size 255/45R20)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723493March 11, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
"TAKE A BREAK" - the feature prompts the driver to “Take a Break” with that text and a‘Coffee Cup” logo after a certain period of continuous driving. There are instances when turning it off is necessary and Hyundai has removed that option - high distracting false alarm rate. The alert, visual and auditory are intrusive, unnecessary, demonstrate a high false alarm rate leading to frustration and distraction. While designed as a safety feature, it has the opposite effect. The system inaccurately interprets the driver’s behavior as signs of fatigue with alerts popping up at an alarming rate. Perfectly normal and safe driving behaviors see the alert popping up again and again. Further there are environmental interferences - bright sunlight, reflections off glasses, bumpy roads requiring frequent corrections - system interprets these as driver inattention and cannot tell the difference between drowsy driving and navigating a poorly maintained highway. New Hyundai models do not allow the driver to disable the Take a Break alert. “You’re cruising down the highway, minding your own business, alert and focused, when your Hyundai flashes a coffee cup icon and tells you to take a break. Again - this for the third or fourth time in 20 minutes. You’re not tired, not swerving, and frankly, you’re getting annoyed”. The system is disruptive and unsafe as it disrupts the driver activating when the system detects inattentive driving, suggesting breaks even if the driver does not feel fatigued. The alert can illuminate even during short drives of less than 30 minutes. The alert can occur extremely frequently, especially during long drives, which is extremely annoying. The warning can appear shortly after starting a trip and may repeat every few minutes, which is extremely frustrating. It is far more disruptive than safe and helpful.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723381March 10, 2026
TIRES:SIDEWALL
With only 3320 miles on vehicle have a Bubble on sidewall didn't hit anything. P 255/ 45 R 20 105V Pirelli States could happen if it was a pothole.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723216March 10, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My horn stopped working. Not under warranty but I believe it is a safety issue. A replacement horn is not available and not under warranty. Online search revealed this is a common issue
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11722965March 9, 2026
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The engine rod broke creating a big whole in the engine which caused the engine and underneath of car to start on fire. There was a massive recall for this same issue in 2021-2023 for the year car! It is available for inspection! Yes safety was at risk, the car was on fire on the Highway in the middle of rush hour. The problem was confirmed by Progressive and I contact Hyundai. The car was inspected by the police and insurance company. No lights, messages and the car was running fine before the fire!
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11722808March 8, 2026
POWER TRAIN
On 6/7/2023 with the original owner, the vehicle displayed code P1c2D03, according to carfax history the transmission was replaced 7/12/2023. I purchased the vehicle in May, 2025. In December, 2025, while driving to work I experienced intermittent loss of ability to accelerate, followed by the vehicle again displaying code P1C2D03 in the Bluelink app. The dealership performed a software update and told me to come get my car. On Monday, February 16, 2026, I started the vehicle and the dash displayed "Transmission error. Check transmission fluid immediately!", I again had it towed to the dealership where it has remained for the past three weeks. Now I have been called again to pick up the vehicle as the dealership cannot duplicate the error. At this time I am unsure if the service center actually checked the transmission fluid as the warning indicated should be done.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11722454March 6, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The dealership I bought it from (Vineland Hyundai) I have had trouble with before where they say they fix things and they don’t. Last year there was a recall for the back camera not working. I took it in and supposedly they fixed it. Well, a few months later, the camera does not work at all and the problem issues with it is exactly what the recall says. I contacted the Better Business Bureau and the dealership and even though they have it in the system as completed clearly it was not done or it would not done correctly and right now I have no back camera. They refuse to help. I seriously doubt this was done at all being I’ve had issues with service said they did things before and did not. I even asked Hyundai if I could get this done at a different dealership that is more trustworthy and they refuse to help. I’m hoping you may be able to intervene and have them actually do this recall correctly.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11722432March 6, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
When I try to open the fuel cover it wont' open. I have to lock and unlock my car, sometimes up to 10 times, to get the fuel fill door to open. This eventually is going to leave me stranded somewhere stranded. Some of my same year and model are covered under recall for this issue by when I call Hyundai my VIN is not covered. I would like it to be covered and repaired.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11722183March 5, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil after approximately 1,500 miles, 2 weeks after an oil change was performed. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle was sluggish while attempting to accelerate. The check engine warning light has been illuminated since purchasing the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with turbocharger failure. The contact was informed that the turbocharger needed to be replaced. There was no oil found on the dipstick when the oil level was checked. The dealer was contacted and informed of the failure. The dealer determined that an oil consumption test was needed. Additionally, a cleaning of the oil system and an oil change were recommended. The vehicle was not repaired because it was not under recall. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed to determine the cause of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11722313March 5, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate to 40 MPH. In addition, the Hill Descent Assist and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was turned off and restarted, and the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact stated that previously, there was a delay with the engine cranking with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times; however, the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was taken to alternate dealers; however, the failure was not duplicated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11722281March 5, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
When making a right turn from a complete stop, the vehicle intermittently exhibits noticeable hesitation and reduced acceleration compared to normal straight-line launches. This has occurred approximately 5–6 times. The delay in power delivery creates an unsafe condition when merging from on-ramps into higher-speed traffic, as the vehicle does not accelerate as expected. This mismatch between expected and actual acceleration can lead to misjudgment of traffic gaps. No warning lights or diagnostic messages have appeared. The issue appears intermittently and specifically during right-turn launches from a stop.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11722167March 5, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
When I start the car or first start rolling the whole dashboard goes black! I can still hear sound but nothing on the screen. This is a safety issue. It flickers while driving then goes black.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11722136March 4, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have attached a photo since I couldn’t save it
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11722135March 4, 2026
ENGINE
I am submitting this complaint regarding a safety-related incident involving my 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe on February 14, 2026. While driving, the vehicle suddenly began to overheat, creating an immediate safety hazard. I was close to my home and was able to return there safely, but once parked, I observed coolant leaking from the front of the vehicle. Due to the risk of further overheating or engine failure, the vehicle was not drivable and had to be towed to a local Hyundai dealership. At the time of the incident, the vehicle had fewer than 38,000 miles and was purchased brand new. Despite this, the dealership informed me that the repair would not be covered under warranty, claiming the radiator damage was caused by “road debris.” However, they did not provide any evidence of an impact, puncture, or external damage. The only documentation offered was a video showing coolant spewing from the radiator after a technician inserted an object into the grille. This video does not demonstrate any pre‑existing road damage or confirm that debris caused the failure. I requested proof of actual damage multiple times, including photographs or inspection notes showing an impact point, but none was provided. Without verifiable evidence of external damage, I am concerned that this may represent a premature component failure or a potential safety defect in the cooling system. The sudden overheating while driving, combined with the lack of substantiated cause, raises significant safety concerns for me and potentially for other owners of this model. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11721857March 3, 2026
TIRES
Have had two sidewall bubbles appear, one was right front tire with approximately 7000 miles, second was left front tire with 11,500 miles. Both were OEM equipment on 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe hybrid limited fwd. Tire size 255/45/R20. No blowouts. Replaced tires at great expense and inconvenience immediately upon finding bubble on sidewall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11721831March 3, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
I was sent a letter in the mail asking to bring in my vehicle for a safety recall involving the rearview camera. I scheduled an appointment with Key Hyundai of Milford, CT. After waiting for an hour, I was told that the dealership did not have the part needed to perform the repair and that they would call me when the part came in. It has been three weeks and I have not received a call or been contacted in any way. I got the sense that because this was not a paid service it was a very low priority for the service department. Because of that, I feel reluctant to trust the dealership with the repair.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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