Hyundai Santa Fe Complaints

8,019 consumer complaints on file.

#11760358August 28, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
At approximately 67,000 miles, the vehicle experienced a sudden vibration when accelerate and decelerate. Engine light was on and vehicle had a hard time to maintain speed above 40mph. Cars were honking behind us due to the lack of speed on road. It happen all of a sudden and cause me and my wife panic at first. The car was took to the closest dealer ([XXX] Hyundai [XXX]) and they found the problem was due to an internally leaking fuel injector, requiring a complete out-of-pocket replacement. This is a known, widespread manufacturing defect directly addressed by Hyundai Technical Service Bulletin TSB #25-FL-001H (which supersedes 23-FL-002H-1). The bulletin explicitly states that 2021–2022 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.5L GDI engines suffer from premature internal fuel injector failure caused by internal filter breakage, forcing owners to pay out of pocket for a design flaw acknowledged internally by the manufacturer. 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
#11760439August 28, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
My vehicle recently received the Hyundai 9c2 emissions upgrade they required and since then the vehicle has had predictable acceleration issues for the first several minutes after the vehicle. While trying to slowly accelerate the vehicle with unpredictably lurch forward. Many people have been reporting this.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760466August 28, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
While operating the vehicle, the vehicle suddenly began severely hesitating and stalling. During the incident, engine RPM surged to approximately 6,000 RPM and accelerator pedal response became abnormal. The vehicle was not responding normally to accelerator input, which significantly affected the ability to operate the vehicle safely. The vehicle subsequently recorded diagnostic trouble code P0304 – Cylinder 4 Misfire Detected. The abnormal operation of the vehicle during the incident was also captured on video. The vehicle was taken to an authorized Hyundai dealership for diagnosis. The dealership has advised that because the condition is not currently occurring and they have been unable to duplicate the problem, they may be unable to diagnose or repair the vehicle. The safety concern is not simply an illuminated check-engine light or a stored P0304 code. The concern is the combination of severe hesitation/stalling, abnormal accelerator response, and the engine surging to approximately 6,000 RPM while the vehicle was being driven. The cause of the condition has not been identified and, at the time of this complaint, the vehicle has not been repaired for the underlying problem. I am concerned that this condition could recur without warning while accelerating, entering or crossing traffic, or traveling at highway speeds. A recurrence could result in an inability to accelerate normally, unexpected vehicle behavior, loss of normal vehicle operation, or a collision. Hyundai has been notified of the issue and I have requested further technical investigation of the engine misfire as well as the transmission/TCU and electronic throttle/accelerator systems due to the high-RPM event and abnormal accelerator response. I am submitting this complaint because this appears to be a potentially serious safety-related defect and I want NHTSA to have a record of the incident and determine whether similar stalling, high-RPM, acceleration, transmission, or engine-misfire.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760479August 28, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Known as an issue with Hyundai, but unresponsive to correct because no diagnostic code is sent. Transmission will shift extremely hard from 1st to 2nd gear randomly. In keeping track of the mileage, this appears to happen every 200 miles or so. Also, it faild to upshift correctly, making the entire car shudder. Also, at times it will not go into reverse gear. On one occasion, after finally doing so, it slammed so hard into reverse I almost collided with the car behind me.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760160August 27, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Horn stopped working
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760005August 27, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The door to the gas tank is a push door which is temperamental. I can be at the pump and push the door to pop it open and it won't. I'm at the point where I have to pop my gas tank open before I even get to the gas station because to pull up to the pump and not be able to put gas in the tank is a waste of time. There is no lever to flip along side the driver seat because it is a push to open door.. it is available for inspection, however, it is temperamental. I will video it so I have proof as it works and it doesn't work. It has not been inspected by anyone only because if it is a defect in the motor for the door, I want Hyundai to recall it. I have gone on YouTube to see if there are remedies and yes, there are videos on how to open the door in case you cannot push it open. I cannot do this because I'm not ruining the back of my car as there is no compartment to open as shown in the YT video. I am not one to let my tank get down to less than 1/2 tank, especially not now. But why am I worrying about popping the door open when I'm not even at the gas station yet??
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759869August 26, 2026
SEAT BELTS
The driver-side seat belt buckle on my 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe will not latch. This is a safety-critical failure under FMVSS 209/210. The vehicle has not been in a collision. The dealership and Hyundai Consumer Affairs bot stated that the seat belts are only covered under te 5 yr/60K warranty and refused to treat this as a safety defect. The buckle failure prevents proper restraint and poses a serious safety risk.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759322August 25, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving in the evening around 9:00 pm with AC on crash detection lights came on along with other emergency dashboard lights . Speed was limited to 23 miles per hour .
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759564August 25, 2026
ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe gasoline model. My VIN was included in Hyundai Safety Recall 263 / NHTSA Recall 24V-529 involving the Transmission Control Unit and potential damage to the dual-clutch transmission. On September 25, 2024, at fewer than 5,000 miles, the transmission failed and the vehicle was taken to a Hyundai dealership. The transmission repair/replacement was approved and the vehicle remained out of service until October 21, 2024. On June 5, 2026, the vehicle would not start and required towing to an authorized Hyundai dealership. The vehicle has remained at the dealership continuously since June 5 and has not been returned to me. The dealer has undertaken multiple unsuccessful repair/diagnostic efforts during the current visit. I am currently being told that the condition involves the engine/powertrain. Hyundai is now sending an engineer to the dealership because the condition remains unresolved. I am reporting this history because this vehicle experienced a transmission failure shortly after being subject to a federal transmission-related safety recall and has now developed another major engine/powertrain condition while still relatively new.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759442August 25, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe VIN [XXX], June 2024 build, 62k miles. Vehicle experienced total loss of power and drive, matching NHTSA recall 24V-529 / 263 for DCT failure. Dealer is refusing to perform recall, refusing to provide diagnostic codes via email, and demanding title and all service records before any work. Dealer claims new engine needed but won’t provide proof. This is a safety defect and dealer is violating recall law." 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
#11759120August 24, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
My 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe, purchased new from Lynnes Hyundai in February 2017, has approximately 93,000 miles. The vehicle previously developed a significant oil-consumption/engine problem that was diagnosed by Hyundai, and Hyundai replaced the engine with a remanufactured engine. Approximately two weeks after the engine replacement, the check-engine light illuminated and DTC P1326 was identified. The dealership replaced the knock sensor. Approximately two weeks later, the check-engine light illuminated again with a recurring P1326 condition. The vehicle is currently at Lynnes Hyundai and has been there approximately three weeks while they attempt to determine the cause. Hyundai Techline is involved. Prior to the current repair visit, while traveling approximately 60 mph, the vehicle experienced a very forceful hesitation that jerked the vehicle. I immediately slowed down and pulled onto the shoulder. The vehicle continued to hesitate intermittently while I drove slowly to safety. I was concerned that the vehicle could lose power or shut down while I was driving at highway speed, creating a risk of a crash. The recurring P1326 condition has been confirmed by the Hyundai dealership. The vehicle and engine have been inspected by Hyundai/Lynnes Hyundai multiple times, including after the engine replacement. The current recurring condition has not been resolved. The check-engine light is the warning lamp associated with the current condition. I do not know the underlying cause of the recurring P1326 condition; Hyundai is currently attempting to diagnose it. The vehicle is currently available for inspection at Lynnes Hyundai.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759180August 24, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
Please keep in mind that I am not a mechanic and only a consumer so my specific knowledge of vehicle systems is limited. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. On July 9, 2026 while reversing out of my sloped driveway my Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy Hybrid conducted a sudden, uncommanded emergency brake stop without warning or cause. This occurred one week prior as well on an unknown date. The system appears to misinterpret the angle of the incline and encroaching tall vegetation as a solid obstacle. This uncommanded malfunction caused a rapid deceleration that directly caused and exacerbated my post concussive syndrome, cervical strain, occipital neuralgia, hyperacusis, and noxacusis, requiring treatment at an Urgent Care clinic on Saturday July 11; the unresolved defect poses an immediate crash and bodily injury hazard. I am going to also need pain management therapies. I attended an appointment at the McGrath Hyundai of Cedar Rapids on Monday July 13 for assistance with this among other things that were occurring with my vehicle. I also have been reported experiencing an interconnected systemic electrical failure, including dashboard cluster loading lag, a complete failure of the Head-Up Display (HUD) to register speed limits, and intermittent green color distortion on the blind-spot turn signal camera display, which shares the camera network used by the reversing safety systems. These issues began around the same time as the sudden emergency braking. I am unsure if they are related however it would make sense. They did not fully conduct the tests necessary to locate the problem as a simple diagnostic scan will not do that. The sensor calibration might be off among other causes. The dealership did not look at the EDR to determine the history of this emergency stop occurring. I am currently working with a Hyundai Corporate investigator whom their team agreed for my vehicle to be inspected by a field engineer. I am currently awaiting their call.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11759187August 24, 2026
ENGINE, SERVICE BRAKES, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My vehicle randomly slows it self down while driving. I would be pressing the gas and the car would voluntarily slow down on its own with no warning. This problem can lead to plenty of accidents due to me or any other driver around me being unaware when my vehicle will brake on its own. The problem has been confirmed by Hyundai Patterson of Tyler, Texas and they have worked on my car twice to fix the issue and it still hasn't been fixed. The issue started about a month ago and when the incidents would occur in the beginning their would be no warning lights on my vehicle’s dash. As of recently there maybe a check engine light that will pop up when the incident occurs. It's a hit or miss.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759237August 24, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The vehicle suffers from recurring, sudden loss of motive power and transitions into engine "limp mode" while driving in active, heavy traffic. This severe drivability defect has occurred on four separate occasions under Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P00AF00 (Turbocharger/Supercharger Boost Control "A" Module Performance) and related boost/MAP faults (P0234). During these episodes, the vehicle abruptly loses acceleration capability without warning, creating an acute collision risk when navigating highway traffic and intersections. The turbocharger assembly has required replacement three separate times due to recurring oil contamination from the engine crankcase. Despite meticulous maintenance (documented synthetic oil changes every 3,000–5,000 miles since new), the manufacturer and dealership have repeatedly blamed peripheral turbo components rather than diagnosing or repairing the root cause (I suspect excessive engine crankcase pressure/piston ring blow-by based on the significant oil deposition on the turbo, map sensor, and pooling in the intake line).
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11758995August 24, 2026
POWER TRAIN
On multiple occasions the error “transmission system error check transmission oil immediately” Have taken vehicle to dealership 3 separate times. Believe entire unit to be faulty
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11758839August 23, 2026
ENGINE
My 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe 3.3L V6 (148,000 miles) has documented oil consumption and a recurring DTC P0278 (Cylinder 6 Contribution/Balance). Hyundai's formal oil-consumption test confirmed oil consumption, but said it was below the threshold for combustion-chamber cleaning. The check-engine light and P0278, and losing acceleration ability continue to recur. The vehicle is available for inspection. Hyundai has confirmed the oil-consumption issue but has not determined the cause of P0278 or performed the TXX8 engine inspection I am requesting. I am concerned about worsening engine performance, loss of power, or engine failure, particularly given Hyundai's history of engine-bearing issues with certain 2017 Santa Fe 3.3L engines. I am not claiming diagnosed bearing failure; I am requesting a TXX8 inspection to determine whether an eligible engine condition exists. I have contacted both the dealership and Hyundai Corporate, but have been told I must repeat the oil-consumption test. At 148,000 miles, I am requesting prompt inspection before the 150,000-mile TXX8 limit and covered repair/replacement if an eligible condition is found.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11758892August 23, 2026
AIR BAGS
On 08/22/26 at approximately 11:45 AM I was stopped at a traffic light and struck by a Ford Pickup truck whose approximate speed was 45 mph as described in the police officer who witness the accident totaling my Hyundai 2025 Santa Fe. No airbags were deployed. According to the police officer the frame was bent as well. Please see attached vehicles pictures
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
3
Deaths:
0
#11758911August 23, 2026
POWER TRAIN, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Our family was driving on the highway at 55mph (I-495 in Alexandria, VA), the car instantly began to decelerate, despite having my foot completely on the accelerator and we had to limp over to the side of the road onto the shoulder. We had to wait multiple times for the hybrid motor to re-power itself to get off an exit at 10-15 mph. The car is now in "limp mode" and will not drive above 35 mph. This is the 4th time that we have had the same issue occur. Hyundai has provided a different fix each time, but they have yet to find an answer as to why this instant loss of acceleration keeps occuring. In the wrong circumstance. This instant loss of acceleration could be deadly and cause severe injuries to the individuals in the vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11758932August 23, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
Brake Lights Stay, On ESC OFF Light Illuminated, Cruise Control Won't Engage, Unable to Shift Out of Park. Fuse had to be pulled because the battery was going dead due to lights not turning off. Its doing the same thing that is outlined in this recall (NHTSA Campaign ID: 13V113000)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11758783August 22, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Symptoms are those described in Hyundai recall 236 (delayed shifting,hesitation, stalling). Vehicle has had multiple TSP services at Hyundai but symptoms persist intermittently. Software updates do not fix issue. Hyundai dealer has no other remedies.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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