Hyundai Santa Fe Complaints

8,019 consumer complaints on file.

#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
#11768315October 1, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The vehicle repeatedly loses motive power while being driven at highway speed. It slows even with the accelerator pressed to the floor, does not shift into higher gears, and drops to 40 to 50 mph. On [XXX], the vehicle lost power at highway speed while I was driving. I had to stop on the shoulder of the hwy. The vehicle could not be driven and was towed to the dealer. The dealer opened R.O. No. [XXX] on 9-3, recording mileage in of 23,595. It inspected the vehicle and confirmed the concern. It replaced the fuel rail pressure sensor (Part No. 35342-2M400) under warranty, confirmed a good idle with no codes, and performed a test drive of about three miles. The dealer reported the vehicle ready on 9-15-26; mileage out 23,596. On [XXX], within a few miles of picking up the vehicle after the first repair, the malfunction indicator lamp illuminated. We returned the vehicle to the dealer the same day; the dealer recorded the mileage in as 23,602. The MyHyundai app shows active Diagnostic Trouble Code P00BD00 (Mass or Volume Air Flow "A" Circuit Range/Performance — Air Flow Too High), powertrain system, recorded at 23,600 miles, with a listed date of [XXX]. The dealer returned the vehicle on [XXX]. On [XXX], four days after the 2nd repair, we brought the vehicle back to the dealer. We reported that it was idling high, at about 1,200 to 1,900 RPM while stopped, and that we had heard a low clicking sound since the repair. The dealer did not keep the vehicle. The next morning, [XXX], about 7 miles from home, the vehicle lost power on a bridge on [XXX]. It slowed to about 50 miles per hour and did not appear to shift. I stopped on the bridge with my [XXX] daughter in the car. VDOT responded. My husband and I switched cars. [XXX] then drove the vehicle. After about two miles it again lost power, and he had to leave the highway and use secondary roads at low speed to get to the dealer. The car is currently at the dealership. 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
#11767827September 29, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The vehicle has been having ongoing issues with loosing power and lagging when accelerating. It is most predominate on hot days, although still happens at other times. The dealer can not reproduce the issue nor see there is a problem in the computer scan. They say the "lagging" they see is within normal limits. This has been in numerous times to be looked at, nothing is ever found. Finally a transmission error, "Transmission Error, check transmission oil immediately", came on and my car shut down. The car was towed to dealer. Dealer stated there is no problem with the car. The error did not show up on the scan, very preromantic, it should have showed up. Luckily I took a picture of the error. This is a life safety issue that should be addressed before someone pays with their life.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767901September 29, 2026
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
Was driving down road car went into limp mode about caused a big wreck, check engine was flashing and heard a loud noise as I was trying to get to safety. Had the car scanned and was for code p1326 and looking at all the recalls nothing is for the 2.4l but y'all have been having a lot of issues with these theta 2 engines.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767373September 28, 2026
POWER TRAIN, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I purchased my 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy Hybrid September 1, 2025. On June 24, 2026, I was driving on the interstate to work when my acceleration quickly dropped out and I wasn't able to go more than 30 MPH. This was terrifying to happen! I wasn't able to make it to an exit and had to pull off on the side of the interstate and await a tow. I took it to the dealership I purchased it from. Documentation stated that a fault code DTC P019100 (fuel rail pressure sensor) was identified. However, this sensor was not replaced. Instead, my paperwork indicates that the "air box was installed incorrectly at manufacturing and they fixed it." On August 13, 2026, I experienced a similar issue on a 45MPH secondary highway. I was able to restart it and get it to a Hyundai dealership a mile away (not the dealership I purchased from). After 5 days of no vehicle (and no loaner provided), the same code DTC P019100 presented and they replaced fuel rail pressure sensor. September 25, 2026, a critical error popped on my screen. Hyundai app says DTC P042000 (powertrain fault code). It's currently in the shop with the dealership I purchased from. I did put in a safety claim with Hyundai Customer Care and suggest all other users do the same to hold Hyundai accountable. I will attempt to update this if I can after resolution is hopefully identified. I'm very close to turning this car in and getting a more reliable vehicle. Which is unfortunate because I qualified for 0% APR financing when I purchased and I'll never get that deal again.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767289September 27, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Immediately following the mandatory Hyundai Servie Campaign Update 9C2-ECU THETA 11my vehicle began exhibiting severe hesitation, very rough idling, jerking at slow speeds and when gear changes, difficulty going up inclines and almost feel at times as though it is about to lose power which poses life threatening situations especially when turning into traffic. I have reported it to the dealers who never once test drove the vehicle but said to me that they did and could find no problem, however they did make me pay for repairs which never fixed the problem. I returned three times with the same issue. They recommended a Fuel Induction Service and a Auto Trans Service. Spark plug change. Igniton coils change. Nothing worked!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767162September 26, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Fighting with Hyundai for a year over the vibration in the front, steering and seat seats. First, they said tires. Hyundai case mgmt #XXX. The tires were replaced by mfr warranty, vibration never stopped. @18253miles. 3 times they assessed problem but not recorded.XXX I told tech to record on invoice. XXX they kept the car for several days, brought in a specialist, gave me a rental. Couldn’t find the problem again charged me $235 for a repair thing not only couldn’t find but couldn’t fix. On XXX Bloomington dealer emailed me, take elsewhere 2nd option. [XXX] drove our car and four other cars. All of them vibrate. he really did research. The other dealer did not. He documented everything shared it with the case manager at Hyundai. At least six trips to have this looked out. cannot figure out why it vibrates. Hyundai sent me an email .XXX “Based on these findings, the dealership determined that the condition is consistent with the operating characteristics of like vehicles and does not indicate a warrantable defect or malfunction. The dealership has completed all applicable diagnostic procedures outlined by Hyundai and has confirmed that your vehicle is operating as designed. At this time, there are no additional repairs or corrective actions available, as no abnormal condition has been identified. Therefore, we are unable to offer any further repair or resolution regarding this concern” Well, I know this may not be in your mind as safety issue. In the future, there are concerns about a car vibration, causing problems. They didn’t record the problem at first, and then they stopped, repairing it before lemon law. Not to mention when you take a drink of coffee or put your arm across the camera in front of your face on the steering wheel, it de-accelerates and shuts off the cruise in the middle of heavy traffic at Highway speeds. Which is a great way to get killed in [XXX] traffic. Please reach out with questions. 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
#11766962September 25, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The Radiator fan remains on when the vehicle is turned off and requires the fan to be unplugged to disengage. If it is not unplugged it will continue to run until the battery is dead. If not caught at the time exiting the vehicle then I am left stranded until I can get the vehicle jumped but even with a dead battery if you plug up the fan again will continue running nonstop. The vehicle does not run hot. There are no known issues that present before this happens and no error codes when hooked up to diagnostics.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767018September 25, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have written and escalated to Hyundai Corporate about the same issue happening twice to me already and I just got the car in April. May, July, and now September 25th the car loses acceleration while on the interstate at high speeds. attaching letter sent to them in which they denied any assistance.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766699September 24, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
It seems like the computer or electrical system is failing in the main ECU and the entertainment console. The car's entertainment console will blink when driving over a bump or while braking. It will disconnect from apple carplay and won't reconnect. More importantly, it will turn the car completely off while braking sometimes. This happens while moving. There was an incident where the car didn't wake up and unlock with the key fob first thing in the morning. I had to unlock it with the physical key. Once I opened the door th car woke up and the alarm went off.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766702September 24, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I bought my 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe at Auto Fair Hyundai in [XXX] in XXX new. This is my third Hyundai from this location over the years. I have always serviced it there ever since I bought it. ( oil changes, tire rotation etc.) Back in XXX while driving home from [XXX] to [XXX] on [XXX] I hit the brakes in the left hand lane, in traffic and my vehicle shut off and wouldn’t restart. Very scary luckily a young man helped push my car off the highway. I sat 5 minutes or so and it restarted. I was told to disable the start/ stop feature which I did. On XXX I went back to auto fair in [XXX] with my issue. I was told I needed a new battery there was corrosion $408. I had them clean the corrosion $95 and I’d bring the vehicle to my mechanic friend where my battery was tested and it was good. I was told to disable the start/stop feature. I went out XXX and forgot to disable the feature and I stalled at 4 way intersection. Stuck there people beeping, traffic backing up and drivers passing by running red lights very frustrated. Yesterday I called Auto Fair service department (on a recorded line) asking if this is an ongoing issue with this make/model. Is there a recall? I was told they haven’t heard about this issue at all and she said good luck. I have 5 year warranty and there is only 24,000 miles on my vehicle. I found a forum online with many others with Hyundais having this issue. This is an accident waiting to happen I’m also reporting it to Hyundai Corporate and Highway safety commission. 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
#11766705September 24, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The AWD coupler has failed and the rear wheels feel like they are slipping and catching when I accelerate from a stop, particularly when turning. The car was taken to the dealership and inspected, but no longer under warranty as we are not the original owners.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766290September 23, 2026
ENGINE
At times the engine will freeze up, stall the car while driving, or the car will altogether turn off when at a stop sign or light, while the car is still on. I've had the oil changed before the mileage indicated expired because the engine light came on and I was told the car had no oil at all when I know the oil was just changed within a 3 months time frame.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766360September 23, 2026
ENGINE
Codes P0172 and P016B. Oil has fuel in it due to high pressure fuel pump leaking. Possible premature engine failure or fire. This is a 2020 santa fe limited 2.0T.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766368September 23, 2026
ENGINE
I am reporting an intermittent transmission/shifting issue that has not been resolved despite multiple visits to the dealership. On several occasions, when shifting my vehicle from Park into Drive or Reverse, the vehicle will not engage the selected gear and remains in Park. When this happens, the vehicle is not drivable until I place it back in Park, shut the engine off, and restart it. After restarting, the transmission will usually engage normally. I have reported this issue to the dealership multiple times. The dealership has connected diagnostic equipment to the vehicle; however, no diagnostic trouble codes have been stored, and they have been unable to identify the cause. Despite the lack of codes, the problem continues to occur intermittently. My concern is that this issue could create a safety hazard if the vehicle fails to engage a gear when needed, such as when entering traffic, leaving a parking area, or attempting to move the vehicle out of a dangerous situation. The fact that the vehicle only operates properly after being shut off and restarted suggests a possible defect within the shifting, transmission, or electronic control system. I am requesting that this complaint be documented and investigated, as the issue remains unresolved and may affect other vehicles of the same make and model.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766397September 23, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
On 03/26/2026, my 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe received Hyundai Service Campaign 9C2 (TSB 26-01-013H-1), which included an Engine Control Module (ECM) software update for Theta II emissions improvement. The vehicle did not have the following drivability problem before this software update. Immediately after the 9C2 update, the vehicle began jerking/bucking slightly at low speeds, most noticeably around 10-20 mph when coasting with no accelerator input or when applying very light throttle. Acceleration response also feels slower than before the update, with noticeable hesitation when the accelerator is pressed. The problem is most noticeable during the beginning of a drive when the vehicle is cold. After driving for some time and the vehicle warms up, the symptoms improve, although the change in drivability remains noticeable compared with operation before the update. There have been no warning lights or warning messages associated with the problem. The issue began immediately following the ECM software update. The vehicle has not yet been returned to the dealer for diagnosis or confirmation and is available for inspection. I am concerned about the safety implications of delayed or unpredictable acceleration response, particularly when entering traffic, crossing an intersection, or merging when timely acceleration may be necessary. I am reporting this because the condition began only after Hyundai Service Campaign 9C2 was performed and I believe NHTSA should evaluate whether this ECM software update is causing similar drivability and acceleration problems in affected vehicles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766422September 23, 2026
TIRES
These tires will blow prior to 10,000 miles. They peel, fall apart and are very expensive to replace. These tires are not safe. The Hyundai Santa 2026 are not safe cars
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766470September 23, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
While traveling on [XXX] from [XXX] to [XXX] XXX, I initiated the adaptive cruise control. While engaged, with no other vehicles or other impediments on the roadway in front of me, the emergency braking system engaged and attempted to stop the vehicle. The first time this happened, I pressed the accelerator which disengaged the braking action. Later I reengaged the cruise control and after a few minutes, with no traffic near the vehicle, the same action happened again. I disengaged the adaptive cruise control and drove the vehicle manually with no further problems. I have scheduled an examination of the vehicle with a Hyundai dealer but have read of 25-30 similar issues with no resolution by Hyundai. This is a safety issue that will eventually cause an accident and needs to be resolved. 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
#11766535September 23, 2026
SEAT BELTS
I got recall notice, called and scheduled appointment for July 10. I brought my car in and told them I was having issues with the seatbelt sticking sometimes. When I went to pick it up, they said the part had been ordered and would be in a few days. I never heard from them and contacted them to check on 7/21, 7/27, 8/5, 8/20, 8/28, and today. They have never reached out to me once. Today my seatbelt got stuck and I couldn’t get out of my car. I have been patient and I need the seatbelt fixed before something happens and I can’t get out or my children can’t get out.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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