Hyundai Santa Fe Complaints (2026)

58 consumer complaints on file.

#11772919October 22, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Traveling the PA Turnpike with the cruise control on and traveling 73 mph. I was in the far left lane and just passed a slower car. There was nothing in front of me in the far left lane or the lane next for at least a half a mile. After just passing the slower car the forward collision avoidance came on and tried to stop the car. I put my foot on the brake as an instinctive action which I believe disengaged the Forward Collision Avoidance system. The dash board lit up saying it was the Forward Collision system. If there was another car/truck following me closely they would have hit our car and at that speed I am sure I would not be here writing this. Calling today the dealer to have this checked out. No one else has inspected or checked this problem yet.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11772601October 21, 2026
STEERING
Steering wheel makes a squeaking sounds after 5k problem. Widespread problem on the forums like in the Santa Fe Reddit page. Issue comes back even after new steering wheel replacement. Issue is believe to be the clock spring
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771798October 17, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
This is the SECOND occurrence in the past two weeks. I was traveling on a HEAVILY trafficked 10 lane divided interstate, doing the speed limit on cruise control when the vehicle suddenly and inexplicably lost power. It went into "limp mode" (will not go over 30 mph). Thankfully i was able to negotiate to the shoulder but the maneuver was EXTREMLY dangerous as the rest of traffic was moving between 60 and 80 mph. It was harrowing and extremely frightening. Warning lights that were displayed- First, a "Check hybrid system" message appears. Accompanied by SEVERAL other warning lights. Eventually, a "stop vehicle and check power supply" message appeared and would not even move in "limp mode". This appears to be either a bent connection plug or fuel injector issue. The first time this happened ([XXX]) it was towed to Southern States in Raleigh, NC (I purchased it from Johnson in Apex) where they concluded nothing was wrong. They claimed no codes were available other than some low battery codes. This was a lie. The vehicle app showed two codes-POC7300 and P193700. They did nothing but recharge the battery by running the engine. I feel this dealership put me in danger by putting me back on the road without a proper diagnostic. A simple Google search shows that this is a problem with other vehicles of this make and model. I was told it wasn't their job to Google problems. It's only a matter of time before this serious defect kills someone with less luck and driving skill. 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
#11771355October 15, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dash went dark, and 3 separate occasions the car would not accelerate while driving.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770318October 10, 2026
POWER TRAIN, SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On October 9, 2026, a 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy with approximately 2,702 miles experienced abnormal braking and severe jerking/vibration while being driven at low speed in a parking lot. The brake pedal had to be pressed all the way down to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. The tow truck driver independently experienced the same braking behavior while handling the vehicle. Multiple warning indicators appeared simultaneously, including ABS, brake system, electronic stability control, and driver assistance warnings. Dashboard messages included “Check Forward Safety System” and “Check Driver Assistance System.” Due to the impaired braking and drivability, the vehicle was not driven further and was towed to an authorized Hyundai dealership. Hyundai Bluelink history shows recurring engine/powertrain trouble codes P011400 dating to July 25, 2026, and P011300 first recorded September 18, 2026. The vehicle previously underwent a dealership repair for a sensor-related issue, reportedly involving an improperly connected component. It is unknown whether that repair is related to this incident. The dealership has acknowledged receipt of the vehicle, but at the time of this report, no diagnosis has been provided. The reported braking behavior was reproduced by the tow truck driver; dealer confirmation is pending. The vehicle is at the dealership for inspection. The exact cause remains UNKNOWN. The abnormal stopping response and unpredictable low-speed movement pose a risk of collision or injury, especially if they recur in traffic.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770066October 9, 2026
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicle lost power and went into "limp mode" at highway speed on a busy interstate. I was able to get to the shoulder and "limp" to the next exit (would not exceed 30 mph) but I was lucky to be able to safely get there. The dealership said it was a battery issue? They acted like it was no big deal. To unexpectedly lose power at highway speed on a busy interstate was very frightening. (I had to negotiate several lanes to get on the shoulder). I also feel Hyundai is not taking it seriously. The dealership (Southern States) said no incidents came up in the computer scan and they just ran the engine for an hour to recharge the battery. Nothing makes sense here. About 15 minutes before the incident a warning came on the screen reading "there may be a problem with the engine management system". After trying to "limp" home, it completely died, requiring a tow to the dealership. Another warning "stop vehicle and check power supply" came on the screen followed by the dash lights going crazy like a pinball machine. This could have ended a lot worse.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768959October 5, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My digital instrument cluster is intermittently going black and displaying 'Lost Signal' while driving. I took the vehicle in a month ago and they stated they could not replicate and this was not a known problem, that I would need to record the issue in a video.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768565October 2, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
SUPPLEMENTAL FILING to NHTSA Complaint No. 11768270 (filed 2026-10-01 for this same vehicle, covering steering/suspension defects). This new complaint covers ONE separate, newly discovered defect only: the rear-view (back-up) camera shows NO image. On 2026-10-02 (defect discovered and photographed), shifting into Reverse produces only a solid green rectangle on the center display plus the text warning "Check surroundings for your safety." -- no camera image appears at all. The rear-view camera is completely non-functional, causing a total loss of rear visibility while reversing, a safety hazard under the rear visibility safety requirement (FMVSS 111). No crash, no fire, no injuries, and no warning lamps illuminated. Vehicle purchased new on 2026-09-14. The selling dealer previously refused to inspect or repair this defect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768270October 1, 2026
STEERING, SUSPENSION, WHEELS
Vehicle: 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, purchased NEW on [XXX] from Sports Durham Hyundai, Durham, NC. At approximately 1,000 miles, two steering-related safety defects have been present since purchase: 1) Abnormal noise coming from under the steering column while driving. 2) Wheel alignment problem: the vehicle pulls to one side while driving and the tires scrape the curb. Concerned about loss of steering control. The selling dealer refused to inspect or service the vehicle. Written notice of these defects was sent to Hyundai Motor America on 10/01/2026. The defects have not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center because the dealer refused inspection. No warning lamps or messages. No crash, fire, injury, or fatality has occurred. 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
#11765532September 19, 2026
SEATS
There is a safety risk on the 2nd row seats crushing a child. In my 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid (Calligraphy trim), I've had two incidents where a child in the 3rd row pressed the button in the trunk to close the 2nd row captain's chair seats, crushing a child that was in the seat. These seats are not supposed to fold down when occupied. When the vehicle is moving, or not in park, or the seat belt is engaged, the seats correctly do not fold when the folding button on the top of the seat is pushed. The same holds true when the folding button is engaged from the 3rd row/trunk, EXCEPT the seat will STILL fold while the car is in Park and the seatbelts are engaged. I believe this is a design or software flaw, as clearly the seat should not fold while a passenger is in the seat. This presents a clear safety risk as a child can not provide enough resistance to stop the seat from folding, leading to a risk of injury or death - evidenced by the March 2026 incident that killed a [XXX] in the similarly-designed Hyundai Palisade. A recall and stop-sale was issued for the Palisade but one was not issued for the Santa Fe. A video of a demonstration of this situation and resulting safety hazard is available here: [XXX] The notes from my Hyundai dealer service visit are also attached. The service technician confirmed the problem is not on my car specifically, but is an issue facing all cars of this type. The service technicians and manager also acknowledged the clear safety issue and in fact encouraged me to make an NHTSA safety complaint. 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
#11765417September 18, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
I was driving the hybrid vehicle uphill on a highway and there was traffic so we were driving under 5 mph for about 20 minutes. When speed picked up I went to accelerate and the vehicle, it never accelerated when I depressed the gas pedal, and stayed in electrical mode rather than switching over to gas. The vehicle then shut off in traffic and I could not pull over safely on congested two lane interstate 17 and I was afraid as vehicles were swerving and driving past and we could not get out safely. The "check hybrid system, Stop safely" warning came on the dash. This vehicle at the time only had 8,808 miles on it and is relatively new. I brought the vehicle in to the dealership but they said "tech scanned for codes. No DTC present. No warnings on cluster at this time. Tech checked for ECM SW upgrades. None available. Tech Road tested vehicle without any issue. No repair performed at this time." When I picked up my vehicle they only put that only the check hybrid warning light came on and left off their report that my vehicle completely stopped working.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763931September 13, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Rear Back Up Camera Had Moisture In The Lenses Making The Rear Back Up Assist Worthless. Nearly Caused Multiple Collisions While In Revers.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762602September 7, 2026
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
"take a coffee break" warning goes on an inappropriate amount of time. When I drive straight down the highway it alarms. However, if i cross the white lines it does not alarm. Also when this alarm turns on all other sounds systems in the car go silent including the GPS/Apple Carplay. I have missed exits and turns due to this alarm going off. There is no way to turn it off or make it less sensitive. I consider this alarm to be unsafe and annoying.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762605September 7, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The Driver Attention sensor cannot be turned off. In a recent trip it engaged a dozen times over a one hour ride, a ride I was completely fully alert for. I find the warning itself to be a safety issue and very distracting while I'm trying to drive and follow a map to have it constantly be going off. A simple software update to provide ability to turn it off would resolve this and there are hundreds of similar complaints about this that I can find in message boards. Unacceptable.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762478September 6, 2026
TIRES
Size 245 / 45 R 21 It's already my second tire thta gets a bubble on the side wall without any know crash One tire blew mid driving for no apparent reason on less than 10K miles I recommend you recall all those tires they are dangerous
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761943September 3, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating. The failure occurred mostly while making a left turn and while accelerating from a stop and continued for 10-seconds before self-correcting. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that there was almost a crash during the failure. The failure was not self-corrected after one failure. The vehicle was turned off and restarted, and the failure was then self-corrected. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failures, and there was no DTC found. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 5,100.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760551August 29, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Oil light comes on and beeps when putting on brakes suddenly.
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
#11758488August 21, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Driving through a green light going 45 mph and my car had an episode of “phantom braking” and decided to automatically brake out of NO WHERE. Slinging me forward and scaring me. No warning signs or chimes came on before, during or after the incident. It made no sense. I’m scared to drive this car with my baby in it now in the fear of going the speed limit or driving on the freeway with it randomly auto braking out of no where and making me crash with my child in the car or something worse happening with my baby inside the vehicle. I’m very displeased and worried.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11758112August 19, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Component Failure I was driving on [XXX] in [XXX] at 70 miles per hour. My red oil indicator light came on, and within seconds the vehicle suffered a catastrophic power loss. I had zero control of the propulsion. I was in the right lane and managed to steer to the shoulder. I contacted Hyundai Roadside assistance/Hyundai care. They sent a wrecker in about an 45-1 hour as I sat on the side of the highway. I was then put into a wrecker and my car was loaded on a flatbed truck and we then took a 45 minute drive to [XXX] to Weisner Hyundai where the vehicle was left for diagnostic testing. Safety My safety was undeniably at risk due to going the speed limit to zero in seconds. It put me in harms was due to other drivers on the road not expecting a car to stop at those speeds, unable to react in time without causing a collision which could have resulted in significant bodily injury or death for myself, my passenger and possible many others on the road that were around me. I was afraid, not sure what had happened, very distraught and traumatized. I fear for my safety in this vehicle. Service Center The car was taken to Weisner Hyundai at this time they have been unable to replicate or discover any code. They have seen the oil light come on. They have had my vehicle since XXX until today XXX when they were going to send it to [XXX] Hyundai where I purchased the vehicle. Inspections I am not sure about who all has looked at it within the dealership. Warnings The only warning I had was a red oil lamp that appeared on the dash seconds before the catastrophic loss of power. Special Note, I just found out that my vehicle originally had repairs done as it came from transport to the engine/oil components which were not disclosed to me by the dealership prior to me purchasing the vehicle "new" at full price. The dealership had knowledge that the vehicle already had issues that cause the malfunction and sold it knowing the dangers. 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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