Hyundai Santa Fe Complaints

8,019 consumer complaints on file.

#11651609March 30, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, WHEELS
A year after I purchased vehicle the paint started peeling off the wheel. When I took it to the dealership they kept telling me they were still addressing problem and would get back to me. Contacted them several times and they still didn’t have the problem solved. Then the dealership changed ownerships. New dealership says not their problem. And it was too late at this point. I also have the paint on my hood of my car peeling. Both of these problems are gonna be very expensive to repair! I see this is a known problem. Hyundai needs to be accountable. I live in Auburn Al
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11651524March 29, 2025
ENGINE
motor blew up on 2/28/2025 safety was fine three different shops including two dealerships have confirmed a blown motor no warning lights or signs it was going to happen The company is denying my claim under there Extended Warranty Notification they sent me. This is happening to thousands of other customers. Lots of social media sights out there.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11651541March 29, 2025
AIR BAGS
The airbag light comes on intermittently when a passenger is sitting in the front seat. Took to a LaCrosse WI Hyundai dealer for OBD code. The dealer reported the following: “Body Elect Concern. ODS ECU and Seat Mat Failure. Inspected found code b149000 found code due to ECU failure. Tested seat mat and found mat also failed due to high resistance outside of spec range. Repair estimate given at $2,800.00.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11651405March 28, 2025
ENGINE
2107 Santa fe ultimate engine went to limp mode. I have 92k miles. The Vin shows no recalls. The warranty says 1st buyer. I am 2nd buyer, bought at 33k miles. I need help!!! There is no reason other than defect that my engine should have gone out! I've read plenty of things. Excessive oil consumption, rod bearing wear, crankshaft... I need Hyundai to replace my engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11651148March 27, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:DRIVER MONITORING:CAMERA/SENSOR
The Forward Attention Warning device located on the steering column (camera) cannot be disengaged. This device does not allow me to wear dark or polarized sunglasses, which I need since I have eye issues. This is a safety issue for me and others, especially since I am [XXX] [XXX] and there are times when the visor doesn't cover the sun. You can 'disengage' it in the Driver Assistance settings but it does not stop the warnings nor does it stop it from disengaging your cruise control. If you look to the side of the vehicle, look up to pull the visor down, or wear polarized or dark sunglasses, it will also shut off your cruise control. I have taken the vehicle in to the Gainesville GA Hyundai and told them about this issue but they have said that there is no fix for this. BTW -- there are a bunch of posts on Reddit about this issue. This problem isn't a failure of the system, it is a design flaw. I noticed it on the day I bought the vehicle. Now, it is an annoyance to the point that I am looking at buying a new vehicle. I have only had the vehicle a year....not happy. 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
#11650108March 24, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Loss of acceleration and stuttering when I was trying to get up to speed on the interstate going up a hill. Instantly blinking check engine light. Won't go above 2000rpm or 60mph. P1326 code read glow relay short circuit
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11650148March 24, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I was backing out of a parking spot and suddenly the car accelerated backwards into a wall. The floor mat was NOT on the accelerator pedal. Obviously, I might have accidently pressed the gas pedal. But, I strongly believe I did not. For me to be mistaken, all three of the following would have to be true: 1) I would have had to put my foot on the accelerator by mistake, even though I am of sound mind and body, I was not distracted, and I have been driving for decades without having done such a thing. 2) I would have had to continue holding my foot to the gas pedal even as I felt myself racing backwards. 3) Having slammed into the wall, I would have had to be unaware that I had caused the accident. That all three conditions were true seems highly unlikely. (Not impossible. Just unlikely.) I can't imagine stepping on the gas when I meant to step on the brake and then not realizing that I was doing so and then not remembering that I had done so. Cars have computers and computers sometimes have bugs. It seems more likely that a computer glitch caused the crash. And, I suspect that, if it has happened to others, they did not report it because they assume they would not be believed. (When I told a friend of mine what had happened, he told me that, on two separate occasions, he applied the brakes on his Hyundai (a different model) only to have the engine rev up and "fight" his braking. He had to press harder on the brakes to stop his vehicle.) Question: does the onboard computer record all of the car's and computer's activities? (Note: I called the police, who came to document what had happened. I don't believe he filed an official report, but if you need what he recorded, let me know.)
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11650164March 24, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact stated that the brake pedal was inoperable. The contact stated that the vehicle vibrated while depressing the brake pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the ABS module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 119,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11650089March 24, 2025
ENGINE
The purchase price was $35,800. As of today, I have paid a total of $24,590. The vehicle has a manufacturing defect that has significantly impacted its performance. The engine has been problematic, as it appears to be consuming oil, and it often fails to start on the first attempt, requiring me to press the button multiple times. The most concerning issue is that the car can unexpectedly shut off while I am driving. Additionally, there is an abnormal noise coming from the engine. I consider this situation serious, as it poses a significant risk to my safety. These symptoms appear on January 13/2025. I want to emphasize that I have completed all scheduled maintenance on time. I filled out reports regarding this issue, and I have attached two reports that confirm the vehicle is consuming 2 quarts of oil per 1,000 miles, vehicle is consuming oil due manufacturing defect. These reports were given to me by Safford Hyundai.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11649989March 23, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
The driver assist program will not work if the driver is wearing sunglasses. If you are using driver assist, which includes cruise control, and are wearing sunglasses, the vehicle gives a driver attention warning. The vehicle will them cut off the cruise control causing the vehicle to rapidly drop its speed. This is incredibly dangerous at highway speeds way speeds. Hyundai and its dealerships are aware of this issue but have not offered a solution. Also you cannot disable the driver camera that cause the driver attention warning. We have also had this occur while driving at night without sunglasses. My understanding is that this issue is across all model lines.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11650017March 23, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, POWER TRAIN
vehicle will not change out of EV electric mode and return to gas power causing hybrid battery drains to zero, vehicle loses acceleration, you can push the gas pedal to the floor and you have no acceleration, very UNSAFE when you are in traffic, no power to maneuver or avoid other vehicles quickly if needed, potential for accidents, hybrid system warning lights and alarms go on, have to try and pull over safely, battery will not recharge or takes a very long time to do so, only recourse is to shut vehicle off and restart which seems to reset vehicle, which in turn does not leave any warning lights other than codes on to show dealer, very dangerous to lose all acceleration capacity while in traffic, this has happened multiple times with the latest being today 3/23/25, vehicle is available for you to inspect, have had other powertrain codes issues as well, dealer has replaced fuel pump and erg valve but it does not resolve this hybrid issue, this battery drain issue has occurred multiple times but no resolution, help!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11649926March 22, 2025
ENGINE
I had a recall on the oil leak and took care of it to dealership in Weston Fl they had car for 2 days pick car up. I replaced to alternator because it was full oil prior to me taking it to the dealership. Now a few months later there is still a leak and it’s leaking on my alternator, again same place they said they fix. I have the paperwork. I am having smoking issues that they said was fixed it, but looks like the put glue on it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11649784March 21, 2025
ENGINE
The engine completely failed while I was driving. This is the second engine failure I’ve experienced with this vehicle. My first engine blew at 100,000 miles, and despite having a warranty, Hyundai refused to cover it. In a panic, I had to deplete my savings to buy a replacement engine, which only lasted six months before failing again. Hyundai still refuses to cover the second failure. The failed engine may still be available for inspection if needed. I was driving on the highway with both of my children when the engine completely shut off in the middle of the road. This left us stranded in a dangerous situation with speeding cars all around us. A sudden engine failure at high speeds could have caused a major accident, risking my life, my children’s lives, and other drivers' safety. The failure was confirmed by a service center, but Hyundai refuses to take responsibility for the defect or provide coverage under my warranty. The vehicle has been inspected by a service center, but Hyundai has refused to inspect or assist in any way. There were no warning lamps or messages before the engine shut down. The failure was sudden and unexpected, leaving me in a life-threatening situation on the highway.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11649788March 21, 2025
POWER TRAIN
When accelerating the transmission slips. My mechanic said Hyundai has a memo saying they are making a new torque converter due to these problems, and I will need a new torque converter. The torque converter is on backorder and according to my mechanic, will not be available for many months; thus indicating there are many other folks with the same problem. This is very dangerous when accelerating, as the speed drops off due to the slippage, and can put me in a dangerous position if I need to accelerate to avoid a potential situation. It has also presented issues from a dead stop, pulling out into traffic, where the slippage puts me at risk. This has been going on for quite some time, and my mechanic has been doing what Hyundai memos instuct.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11649820March 21, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
Since buying this vehicle I have had problems with shaking while braking… specifically while going at a higher speed downhills. At 3000 miles I took it in and they shaved down my rotors and stated it would need to be replaced if it didn’t fix it. The problem continued, when I would bring it to the dealership they would deny being able to replicate the problem. Upon searching on Reddit I saw that others are having problems with their rotors on their Santa Fe prematurely needing replacement. This has been a problem since I bought the car and I feel like it’s a significant safety problem that Hyundai will not cover under warranty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11649385March 20, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
The start of this journey to Wesley Chapel Hyundai service department were 4 or 5 lights on the dashboard. I can’t remember what day I called to make the appointment-probably a week before the appointment as followed. I made appointment to take my Sante Fe Sport to Wesley Chapel for Monday 02/17/2025. The vehicle was not driven after the multiple lights came on the dashboard. That was their earliest appointment for service. On [XXX] the Santa Fe Sport was towed to Westly Chapel service department because a neighbor came over to tell us that the car lights were blinking. The car was not on. When they lifted the hood on the vehicle there was smoke and the smell of something burnt. They disconnected the battery, and the vehicle was towed by AAA to the Westley Chapel Hyundai. We live in a mobile home and park the car close to the kitchen window. This scared me. What could have been was losing my home to fire. Thankfully it didn’t happen. My question is how does an ABS ASSY go bad under 30,000 miles on a vehicle? And we are being told that some pump went bad first that caused the ABS ASSY to go bad. So also, I question how does a pump go bad under 30,000 miles on a vehicle? Should this ABS ASSY failure been covered under a recall? I have attached the Hyundai of Wesley Chapel invoice. Thank you, [XXX] & [XXX] [XXX] 33541-7345 [XXX] [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
#11649463March 20, 2025
AIR BAGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
I had adaptive cruise control on and debris hit my windshield and I went into the rumble strip and eventually into the guard rail where the car essentially pingponged from there until it eventually stopped when the metal hit the front. It appears the emergency brake did not activate and the lane keep did not activate. My air bags did not deploy.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11649227March 19, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a stoplight, the vehicle failed to respond. The Auto START/STOP feature failed to restart the engine as designed. The contact stated that the Turbo light was illuminated as if the turbo was activated, even though the contact had not activated the feature. The vehicle was taken to a Certified mechanic who determined that the turbo had failed. The turbocharger was replaced. After the vehicle was repaired, the failure reoccurred while the vehicle was idling or parked. There were no warning lights illuminated. The dealer was informed of the failure however, the vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11649290March 19, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE, STEERING
Engine oil disappear at 2,000 miles. Car dead stop while driving without any warning ⚠️ break fails at 95 degrees curves. Steering wheel loose and make noise. Hyundai dealer refused to fix the issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11648992March 18, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Was going down the highway at 65 when my vehicle completely lost the accelerating component. Almost got rear ended so I pulled off. Then made it to work when it happened again. The engine light came on and gave 2 codes. Finally got it towed to the dealership where they have decided it’s either a new timing chain or new engine due to mechanical loss. They discovered there was no oil in the car and they have also found metal shavings in my oil. Now they are telling me I need a whole new engine. I only have 124000 miles on this car. The car was driving perfectly fine the day before and had just been to the dealer and looked over 1,500 miles before and I was told everything was perfect working condition. I am out $4000 on a car I bought a year and a half ago in October 2023.Was told my warranty only lasted a year.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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