Hyundai Santa Fe Complaints

8,019 consumer complaints on file.

#11690708October 1, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. After scanning the vehicle, the contact received a code for torque converter damage. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the TCM update was needed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The oil light was illuminated and then turned off. The contact became aware that the engine oil was 4 1/2 quarts low, and it was determined there was an oil consumption issue with the engine. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690706October 1, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving my 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe on the interstate, the “Keep your eyes on the road” alert repeatedly activated even though the driver was attentive and looking forward. After multiple warnings, the system escalated to a message that the vehicle was about to be disabled, which created a serious safety concern. This happened even though the Driver Attention Warning feature is disabled in the vehicle’s settings. The issue appears to be caused by the steering-column driver monitoring camera system falsely detecting inattention. The constant alerts are distracting, and the threat of the vehicle disabling features while driving at highway speeds is dangerous.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690702October 1, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have had 6 car appointments and on my 3rd horn replacement in this car. It goes completely out and it is a safety hazard to not have any horn. It loses both the high and low pitch horn
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690571September 30, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving 80 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormally loud banging sound, and there was smoke coming from underneath the hood and through the A/C vents, which blocked the visibility of the roadway. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that a significant amount of oil was leaking from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine). The dealer was contacted about the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to tow the vehicle to the dealer for repair, and a case was filed. The manufacturer informed the contact that the repair could not be covered under the recall due to the vehicle having a Branded Title; however, the contact stated that the Branded Title was issued because the vehicle had sustained cosmetic damage from hailstone impact. The failure mileage was 133,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690433September 29, 2025
ENGINE
At about 105,000 miles the oil ran dry after 800 miles of fresh oil change, it just started using oil no leaks no smoke from the tailpipe.now I have to add a qt every 200 miles and on start up the top of the engine rattles for a few seconds. A loud rattle. I have taken it to the dealership several times they did a engine cleaning and several other things but it didn’t help just cost about 800 bucks. Prior to that we changed oil every 5000 miles. Not always the same place, the dealership, Tess corners auto did quite a few of them. Some by jiffy lube. We don’t take the car on long trips anymore, afraid it will not make it. Karen n Chris
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690364September 29, 2025
SEAT BELTS
Having great difficulty releasing the seat belt. At times, have to repeat pressing red release button. I’ve been using seat belts in more than 50-75 cars on my life experience and never had trouble releasing my seat belt. This problem is consistent with all family members who drive this car. I’m concerned if an emergency situation occurs, my family will not be able to get out of car quickly.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690291September 29, 2025
ENGINE
My 2023 Santa Fe Limited has 3,000 mils on it. At least four times it had low speed hesitation (lags then revs up for a few seconds). It’s a problem with the DCT (Dual Clutch Tranny) Hesitation pulling onto a highway poses a significant risk of a faster car colliding into my car. I called my car dealer and the service manager said they know they are having problems with this. He said they tried everything to remedy the problem but, there is no solution. They said the only way not to have the problem is to get a different car!!! Hyundai should have a recall on this hesitation matter before someone gets injured or killed. It’s a safety issue. The last time it happened will be the date of my incident report.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690074September 27, 2025
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
In May 2025, the vehicle (2017 Hyundai Santa Fe) developed severe sluggishness. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and I was told the engine would need to replaced due to a recall. Four months later (week of Sept 14 {exact date not known}), the engine was replaced and the vehicle made available for pickup. I drove it home (8.1 miles) and all seemed normal. It sat in the driveway for approx. one week. On Sept 22, 2025, I drove to the store (8.4 miles round-trip). On the way to the store, the engine light came on. I immediately called the dealership and reported the problem. The car was taken in that night (a trip of 8.1 miles) and left at the dealership. On Sept 23, 2025, I was informed that the intake manifold needed to be replaced (this had caused the engine light to come on) at my cost of approx $1000. The car remains at the dealership (unused by me). Online research revealed that if debris had been found in the manifold, it was to be replaced along with the engine (Hyundai TSB #22-EM-010H DATE JULY 2022). The following has been cut-and-pasted from the web: The issue of the intake manifold not being replaced or cleaned after an engine failure is a direct result of the core defect. When the old engine failed, it likely shed metallic debris and shrapnel. That debris could have traveled into other components, including the intake manifold. If the manifold is not cleaned or replaced, the new engine draws that old metallic debris back in, causing it to fail again almost immediately. NHTSA indirectly mandated that the repair must be COMPLETE AND EFFECTIVE. When a dealership refuses a critical part of that repair (like cleaning the manifold), they are effectively carrying out an incomplete remedy to a safety recall, which is a violation of the manufacturer's federal obligation under the Consent Order. It is my contention that residual debris in the intake manifold caused the warning light and will quite possibly damage the new engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690079September 27, 2025
ENGINE
On [XXX}, my 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL 2.0T (VIN: [XXX] ) experienced sudden complete engine failure accompanied by a strong burning smell. The vehicle would not start or turn over, stranding me and creating a safety hazard. The burning smell indicated potential fire risk. This appears to be related to the known Theta II engine defect that has caused multiple recalls and engine fires in Hyundai vehicles. Despite dealer confirmation that the engine was clean and well-maintained with no customer fault, Hyundai has denied warranty coverage. The sudden failure pattern with burning odor represents a serious safety defect that could endanger drivers and passengers. 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
#11689845September 26, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am writing to formally express my serious concerns regarding an ongoing safety issue with a certified used vehicle I purchased from McDonough Hyundai, [XXX] , in December 2024 and the dealership’s repeated failure to resolve the issue, even after a car accident occurred due to this malfunction. Two months after purchase, I discovered that my horn did not work when I attempted to use it. I brought the vehicle back for service and was told the issue had been resolved. However, the horn continued to malfunction. I have returned to the dealership approximately five times with the same complaint. Each time, I was told the horn works, yet it continues to fail intermittently. In June 2025, I was involved in a car accident and was unable to alert the other driver because the horn did not work. Despite the severity of the situation, no one at the dealership has taken appropriate action to identify or correct the issue. During my most recent visit, Service Manager [XXX] witnessed firsthand that the horn did not work. His technician pressed it once, and because it worked in that moment, the vehicle was returned to me without further inspection. This intermittent failure has still not been addressed. I have time-stamped video evidence showing the horn failing just two days after the last service visit. A non-working horn is a major safety hazard. The repeated dismissal of this issue is unacceptable. I expected better from a pre certified used vehicle. I would be happy to provide any information needed to resolve this issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11689997September 26, 2025
ENGINE
CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. With no prior indications, the engine seized while driving on side street at 25mph. Engine blew hole in block and dumped engine parts, including piston rod, piston and engine block remnants, and oil on street. Very dangerous as power steering stopped and was unable to turn. Very low miles, 40,680, with all maintenance performed by dealer. Filed a report with Hyundai USA, no action taken.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689964September 26, 2025
ENGINE
Vehicle was not driven for 2 days. The check engine light is one and says "active airflap issue" the flaps appear to be open when a/c is on and closed when vehicle is off. There is no debri or anything arount the air flaps. This could cause potential overheating and should not happen in a years time. We travel for my husband's job and this could be very dangerous. We thought we were buying a new RELIABLE vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689850September 26, 2025
SEAT BELTS
Driver and passenger seatbelts not always latching or becoming unlached while driving
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689613September 25, 2025
ENGINE
On September 4, 2025 as I pulled on to Interstate I-70 my car suddenly lost power. Gas engine died. Loud attention sound started. Instrument cluster started flashing red with message "EV system failure, stop immediately" EV battery showed full depletion although a moment before it showed about 75% power. There was only enough propulsion to keep moving slowly. Since this was a construction zone the shoulder was blocked off and roadway was reduced to only one lane. I had no where to go. A large truck narrowly avoided rear ending me. I was scared and felt helpless. Eventually I was able to pull off and shut off the car. It was able to be re-started immediately with no warning indicators and EV battery power restored. This loss of power has happened 6 times before during the time I have owned the car. Last time was in March 2025. Each previous time it happened I was traveling at about 35 miles per hour and while annoying I did not fear for my life. On March 6, 2025 I had the dealer, McCarthy Hyundai, check out this problem. There were no detectable problems or problem codes. I was told that it might have been caused by the oil dip stick not being fully seated. It was obvious they had no clue what caused this but that I should come back if it happened again. I have reported this to Hyundai customer service who would not confirm that this was a problem encountered by many others. From looking at reports on the internet, my problem is not unique except for being life thretening. Customer service had me bring it back to dealer. Yesterday, September 24, I picked up the vehicle whohad it for a week to try to fix the problem. Once again there were no error codes. Only problem they found was an ignition coil which needed to be replaced. They could not give a convincing explaination of how a bad ignition coil could cause a complete failure of the gas motor and EV system or why if the coil was sole problem that it would only cause this failure every 3 to 6 months. Please help!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689494September 24, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The transmission was replaced and I picked up my vehicle on 16 September. 23 September, all of the transmission lights, warning, lights and check engine light came on. The vehicle is being towed back to the dealership with transmission issues again.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689156September 23, 2025
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Vehicle was in driveway for 3 days. When I got into vehicle to drive I saw the windshield had a large crack on driver’s side approximately 16” long. No vandalism or rock damage caused this problem. Has to be a stress fracture.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689104September 23, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Vehicle began to display Front collision avoidance system error/ radar blocked. This also disabled the 'smart' cruise control features. This happened any time the cruise control was engaged and we encountered traffic. The unit was in the dealer's service department for a week, and the front radar module was replaced and reprogrammed under warranty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688912September 22, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The engine has been running rough for awhile and emissions light came on. My car was having problems accelerating, 2 years ago the light came on but didn’t stay on so the dealer couldn’t diagnose problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688732September 21, 2025
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Maintenance has been maintained on this SUV. SUV has about 20,000 miles. While at a complete stop at stop light, the SUV jerked a few times and when attempting to drive the accelerator pedal the SUV would not respond. I then put in park then back in drive slow acceleration, was able to pull over. After turning SUV off and waiting a few minutes , turned SUV back on engine light is on. Home is 10min. away, engine light is on and acceleration sucks. By time I park the engine light is off. Wait 2 hrs. drive around the block no light acceleration is off. Dealership is not helpful no engine lights can 0914not tell what is wrong with SUV. Its has been a week no engine light but acceleration still fill off.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688658September 20, 2025
SUSPENSION, WHEELS, POWER TRAIN
We had notice that my wife's 2024 Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy AWD, is shuddering and vibrating at low speeds 20 to 40 mph always. Probably now is a little more accentuated. There is nothing on the steering wheel, but in the whole vehicle. Because this is not new, and I am not always driving this vehicle, I need your assistance as soon as possible.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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