Hyundai Santa Fe Complaints (2025)

242 consumer complaints on file.

#11730952April 13, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
I had stopped and put gas in for a full tank. Pulled out onto the Hwy heading towards Houston TX and was accelerating up to speed limit of 50MPH when the warning on the instrument panel displayed HYBRID SYSTEMS DISABLED pull over and stop immediately. Which I did, but I could not accelerate and was losing speed in traffic. I got safely parked and turned the vehicle off. I let the car sit for a few minutes and started it back up. All warnings were gone and the vehicle has performed normally since up to the current mileage of 9374. I took the vehicle to Hyundai today, 4/13/2026 and they hooked it up to the diagnostic system and it showed NOTHING.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730986April 13, 2026
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
While I was driving on the highway, a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) related to the blind-spot safety system appeared.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730968April 13, 2026
TIRES
Pirella extra load radial tubeless R85133 255/45 R20 105v M+S I have had two tires from this same line that has sidewalk bubbles and two tires that have completely been blown out all within one year... four tires in one year with problems.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730966April 13, 2026
TIRES:SIDEWALL
Tire sidewalk had a bubble in it after 6 months of use and normal wear and tear. Pirella extra load radial tubeless R85133 255/45 R20 105v M+S
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730965April 13, 2026
TIRES:SIDEWALL
The tire sidewall developed a bubble in it. The tire is only 3 months old.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730637April 12, 2026
SEATS
The 2nd-row seats in the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy feature motorized recline and folding functions. My testing reveals a significant safety flaw: the motorized "Seat Slide Forward" and "Rear Cargo Fold Down" buttons do not appear to have functioning pinch sensors and do not automatically disable when a passenger or object is detected. Specific Incident: On [XXX], while my [XXX] son was entering the vehicle, the "rear access" button was accidentally triggered. The seat began folding and sliding with him in the path of travel; the motor did not sense his presence or stop automatically. Fortunately, he was not yet buckled and was able to jump out of the way before I manually reversed the action. Technical Findings: Based on further testing (see attached results), any car seat installation would be severely compromised if these buttons are pressed. While the vehicle's system is aware when a seat belt is buckled, it fails to use this logic to lockout the motorized folding functions. All motorized movement should be disabled for any seat where the buckle is engaged to prevent injury to occupants or the structural compromise of a child safety seat. This issue is similar in nature to the recent recall of the 2026 Palisade (NHTSA ID: 26V160000). 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
#11730520April 11, 2026
STEERING
There is a terrible squeaking noise coming from the steering column. It feels like the car is unsafe to drive
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730277April 9, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Sudden loss of power (multiple incidences in the first 3000 miles, multiple service visits). While driving normally there was a sudden loss of power. Once at an interstate on ramp while attempting to merge, and three times while driving on city streets. The first dealer visit resulted in no action due to no codes and the problem not replicating. When I pulled into the dealer and shut off the car; I received an alert that the vehicle was officially transferred to me. When I restarted the vehicle, it operated normally. The consensus was that the vehicle was left in “dealer mode” and it was several days after I purchased the vehicle before the system was updated. The second insident was deemed to be a bad catalytic converter which was replaced by the dealer. The third incident was said to be due to a bad fuel rail sensor which also caused the catalytic converter from the second incident. The fourth incident occurred the day after the vehicle was repaired from the third instance. The vehicle was not safe to drive and was towed to the dealer, where it is today.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11729492April 6, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Vehicle exhibits delayed deceleration after releasing accelerator. Engine RPM remains elevated for several seconds, causing the vehicle to continue applying power unexpectedly. Issue began after recent repair and was not present before. Condition is intermittent but reproducible and affects drivability.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11729052April 3, 2026
SEATS
The contact owns a 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, the button was pressed to fold the second row passenger seat while the [XXX] daughter was still seated. During the incident, the electronic folding seat began to fold down onto the daughter, causing extreme distress to the child and crushing her into the seat. The button was pressed, which stopped the seat from continuing to fold down, and the child was freed from the seat. No medical treatment was required. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who examined the seat and determined no failure had occurred. The contact was informed that although the incident was extremely dangerous, the electronic folding seat had operated as intended. The contact was informed that the seat belt needed to be buckled to avoid the problem in the future. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance had yet been offered. The contact indicated that a similar incident resulting in a fatality had occurred in the Hyundai Palisade vehicle. The failure mileage was 20,000. 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
#11728351March 31, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am writing because my local Hyundai dealer is failing to make the repair in a timely manner consistent with what my recall notice stated, and is requiring that I make TWO trips to Hyundai in order to get this NECESSARY recall work completed. Meanwhile, if the camera fails, it could put me and others at risk. My service representative, [XXX] , and his service manager showed ZERO concern about my time or possible dangers if the rear camera fails, stating that it's Hyundai corporate that made the policy that customers must have their car inspected and photos taken of the rear camera harness assembly during this first visit, BEFORE ordering the parts under my vehicle's specific VIN number. Once they do this and submit it to Hyundai corporate, they say, the parts will be ordered and I will be contacted AGAIN to make yet ANOTHER appointment to have the parts installed. My letter from Hyundai says NOTHING about having to make two visits. It says to schedule an appointment, and the recall work will be done. I actually tried to call the 855 Hyundai number to schedule the work, and that operator said nothing about two visits; she was unable to book the appointment she'd given me, so directed me to the local Hyundai dealer, who also said NOTHING about two appointments being needed to have this recall work done. I am concerned, because i am scheduled to drive out of town in a high pedestrian and vehicle traffic area in two weeks and was doing my due diligence to get the recall work done before the trip. I feel that the two appointments are unnecessary when EVERY 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe with this feature is equipped with the same rear camera and rear camera harness assembly, such that there's no reason to have to FURTHER register it with my VIN, that this could all be done in one appointment. Requiring customers to come for 2 appointments--especially without telling them anywhere in the letter or during 2 phone calls--simply increases risk of injuries if the camera fails. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORM
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11728099March 30, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Traveling in a 55 zone on Rt 27 and my vehicle lost power and said pull over and charge vehicle with engine on. I did this once and the battery went up to half way charge then I could start to drive again. Less than a half a mile up the road climbing a good size hill by the town’s salt shed—the same issue occurred. I had to pull over again and allow battery to recharge. This is not a complete hybrid, it has a gas engine not sure why the hybrid and gas are not syncing up. Many users on the internet have reported the same issue that I have experienced. Someone needs to investigate this before major injury occurs.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11727705March 28, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ENGINE
Gas Motor is not engaging to assist electric drivetrain on a hybrid AWD 2025 Santa Fe. This resulted in a dangerous situation crossing a busy road from a stop sign. The Santa Fe rolled into the intersection at the drivers request, but did not accelerate normally (only to a maximum of a few miles per hour) and felt like an eternity to cross the road. Fortunately oncoming drivers from left and right were paying attention and slowed down and in one case honked aggressively to point out we driving badly. Pulling over to the side of the road, turning the vehicle off and then back on again has sometimes made it run normally, but we limited our trips at that point to first getting safely home and then delivering it to the dealer. The 20 mile drive to the dealer required pulling over twice to reset the vehicle so the electric motor would assist. We have had repeated warnings from the onboard system including "Follow up checks required - Engine Management System" and "There may be a problem with the engine management system Contact your Dealer". I will note that we have 11,000 miles and 11 months experience with the vehicle with NO problems. It may not be relevant, but these new faults began 2 days routine service for oil and tire rotation when recall was performed including ECU Software Update for Recall 25-01-028-1. Dealer is uncertain of problem and referring with outside tech assistance from Hyundai but we were told to expect 2 weeks for parts and repair and uncertainty as to whether that would fix it. In the meantime a vehicle with unreliable acceleration and top speed is unsafe and parked. I do note on this NHTSA website 2025 HYUNDAI SANTA FE HYBRID SUV AWD that there are 47 Complaints. 9 relating to this problem all beginning October 2025 and none prior back to the first post of Nov 2024 for this model. Complaints similar to this for engine management and speed and power loss account for 50% of complaints for this vehicle on the NHSTA website since October 2025.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11727441March 27, 2026
TIRES
This complaint goes with my issue 11727421. After I replaced my driver from in [XXX] , my passenger front blew out on XX entrance ramp from the expressway north of [XXX] . Called [XXX] and AAA took us to [XXX] . Replaced tire next day. Two tire failures on the same trip! This one was scary. Very busy highway there north of [XXX] . We were on the inside lane with little room to guardrail. 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
#11727421March 27, 2026
TIRES
255/45R20 We had a front driver tire get a bubble on our way to Florida. Had it replaced in [XXX] . On our trip back we had a blowout to the passenger front on XX just outside of [XXX] , in a very vulnerable area on the left side of the road. Called Hyundai SOS and they had AAA come. Got my wife out through the drivers door and over the guardrail while we waited. Called [XXX] as the traffic was flying by and the car has very little room on the berm. The tire blowing had no warning. Got a new tire the next day in [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
#11726897March 25, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
Vehicle experienced a loss of acceleration while driving. When pressing the accelerator, engine RPM increased significantly but the vehicle did not increase speed. The vehicle felt as though it was stuck in one gear and would not upshift or downshift. The issue was most noticeable while driving uphill, where the vehicle was unable to maintain speed despite full throttle input. This created a safety concern as the vehicle could not accelerate normally in traffic conditions. The problem has been progressively worsening over time. Initially there were mild symptoms, but it has become more severe and frequent, culminating in a near-complete inability to accelerate under load. No warning lights or messages were observed prior to or during the failure (if that’s true—adjust if needed). Vehicle has approximately 28,000 miles. The vehicle is currently at a dealership for inspection and diagnosis, but the issue has not yet been confirmed or resolved at the time of this report.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11726542March 23, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Vehicle would not accelerate in high speed zone.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11725839March 20, 2026
SEATS
Second row power seats will operate even when a carseat is present & installed using LATCH system, crushing occupant. Power seat button at base of second row seats are easy to inadvertently press while entering/exiting the seat (i.e when seat belt is not on), causing the seat to move forward crushing occupant. This has happened multiple times since taking ownership.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11725223March 18, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
Dear NHTSA Team, My car was in a minor accident Last. After that, the repair shop replaced my bumper and front camera. Don Franklin Somerset Hyundai performed a calibration on my new radar. They calibrated it six times, but there are still many issues with the HDA driving system. 1. False Dual-Side Warning When a vehicle is present only on the right side, the vehicle camera system incorrectly detects vehicles on both the left and right sides. In reality, there is no vehicle on the left side. In this scenario, both the radar warning and the camera detection are incorrect. 2. Wrong-Side Warning In some cases, when a vehicle approaches from the left rear, no warning is issued on the left side, while a warning is incorrectly displayed on the right side. In this scenario, both the radar warning and the camera detection are incorrect. 3. False Warning During Smart Driving While driving on the highway using the smart driving function, when the vehicle is required to turn left or right, the system may generate a false dual-side warning. As a result, the vehicle aborts the intended left or right turn and continues driving in the center of the lane. In this scenario, both the radar warning and the camera detection are incorrect. 4. while driving manually (without HDA engaged) or parking, the vehicle shows left-side or right-side collision warnings without clear cause. I reported these issues to Hyundai USA approximately three weeks ago. I was instructed to bring the vehicle to the dealership for inspection. However, during my recent visit, the dealership representative only reviewed the videos I provided and concluded that no issues were present, without conducting a physical inspection or test drive of the vehicle. Given the ongoing safety concerns and lack of proper diagnosis or resolution, I am submitting this complaint for your review and assistance. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Thanks, Best Regards, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724953March 17, 2026
SEATS
I am reporting a serious safety concern with my 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy (VIN: [XXX] ). While my child was seated in the second row, the folding seat button was accidentally triggered and the seat continued folding while my child was still in the seat. My child screamed in distress, and I am concerned this created a pinching or crushing hazard. This appears to be a dangerous condition because the seat continued moving even though a child occupant was present. The button may also be too easy to trigger during child entry or exit. I believe this issue should be investigated before a more serious injury occurs. 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

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