Hyundai Santa Fe Complaints

8,019 consumer complaints on file.

#11731192April 14, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Safety Concern – Lack of Air Conditioning Ventilation in Third Row Seating I am writing to formally report a safety concern regarding a vehicle that lacks adequate air conditioning and ventilation in the third-row seating area. The third row of this vehicle does not receive sufficient airflow, resulting in significantly elevated temperatures compared to the front and middle seating areas. This creates an uncomfortable and potentially unsafe environment for passengers seated in the rear. This issue raises several safety concerns, including: - Increased risk of heat-related illness, especially during warm weather conditions - Lack of proper air circulation, which may affect breathing comfort - Potential danger to vulnerable individuals such as children, elderly passengers, or those with medical conditions In addition, the absence of adequate ventilation in the third row appears inconsistent with standard safety expectations for passenger vehicles, where all seating positions should have reasonable access to airflow and temperature control. I am requesting the following: - A formal evaluation of the vehicle’s ventilation system - Clarification as to whether this is a design issue or mechanical defect - Appropriate corrective action to ensure safe and adequate airflow to all seating areas I would appreciate a timely response regarding how this concern will be addressed. Please note that I am documenting this issue due to its potential impact on passenger safety. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Se 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
#11731120April 14, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the horn was inoperable and inaudible when pressed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11731022April 14, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
First instance at 50-55 mph the transmission violently shook the car when downshifting to accelerate on multiple occasions. Dealership diagnosed the problem as a faulty transmission and replaced it at 44064 miles on March 18, 2025. Second time the car failed to accelerate when merging into traffic while the engine revved very high. Again it was taken to the dealership and the diagnosis was faulty transmission. A second transmission was in stalled at 51331 miles. Second transmission began downshifting hard upon accelerating at highway speeds. Retuned to dealership and diagnoses was faulty fuel injectors and all four were replaced on April 7 at 52960 miles. On April 10, 2026 the car displayed a check engine light after the car began shuttering at highway speeds and was immediately returned to dealership where it’s pending a diagnoses. Failure to safely accelerate when merging make this vehicle a safety risk.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730891April 13, 2026
POWER TRAIN, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The 2025 Hyundai Hybrid Santa Fe SEL has experienced two instances (Nov 2025, 11k miles & Apr 2026, 14k miles) where the combustion engine fails to provide power to the vehicle’s wheels. The engine continues to run, but only enough to maintain a charge to the hybrid battery system. When accelerating to speeds above 30 miles per hour or when traveling up inclines, the combustion engine’s rotations per minute (rpm) spiked, however the vehicle’s power-train still rapidly lost power and the hybrid battery drained significant charge. During one instance in November 2025, while attempting to accelerate to 55 mph up an incline, the hybrid battery drained enough that the vehicle was required to be pulled off the road to allow the battery to charge. During the April 2026 event, while containing a family of four (including to young children under six years of age), the vehicle failed to accelerate to 60 mph up an incline on an interstate freeway bridge. The vehicle rapidly slowed to between 20 and 30 mph, putting the family in grave danger from high-speed collisions. Following both instances, the on-board diagnostics computer was reset, “resolving the issue” and the Hyundai technicians elected to make no further repairs or replacements. The onboard diagnostics code P0191 was reported following the April 2026 event, however no codes or errors were identified by the Hyundai technician following the November 2025 event. No additional follow-up was performed, even though the vehicle remained under the manufacturer’s warranty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730909April 13, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
Our 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited Hybrid, which was purchased brand new in Massachusetts in 2024 has been rattling at the passenger side B-pillar since [XXX] and has been in the dealership now 5 times for repairs and 16 service days. They have found that the vehicle is missing spot welds from point of assembly. Hyundai, as repair attempt #5, provided the dealership with documented instructions to hammer and chisel the frame 6.5 inches apart and insert foam NHVpads to see if the rattling would stop, it did not. Hyundai Techline instructed the dealership to repeat this step again. The dealership refused citing major safety concerns with the frame of the vehicle. All documentation including Hyundai Techline guidance is available and submitted with this complaint. Thank you. 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
#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
#11730989April 13, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
we took it in to be looked at after it had a o2 sensor go bad I changed the sensor and checked fluids I noticed the oil was a touch low and it had metal on the dipstick. I took in to dealership for repair / replacement and Hyundai denied the claim. Even after I have video proof from the dealer technician saying there is metal and bearing material in the oil. I took it to another dealership and they found metal in the oil control valve and still denied it. We got the car back because we were not provided a loaner or a rental. I called back in with concern that the car had a weird burning smell and the car would die. Then it started sounding weird as well. Then called again Saturday because I checked oil and it had fuel smell in the oil. Now today it left my family stranded on the highway. I have th 100,000 mile ten year warranty and the car is only at 83480 miles now when this all started it was at 82000. I have expressed my concern of safety before it finally left my family vernable to be injured in the lane that it died in This afternoon. Many denied claims and now very dangerous situation that was preventable and could have cause fire or death. I brought to manufactures attention early to prevent a accident happening. I was denied all the way through the process .
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
#11730963April 13, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vulnerable exposed radiator to road debris from the front and underneath my 2022 Santa Fe. It seems that this is an issue that is not covered by warranty and owners are held responsible with filing an insurance claim or pay out of pocket. Manufacturer needs to provide some type of protection for radiator or lose repeat customers.
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
#11730527April 11, 2026
ENGINE
My wife was driving the vehicle by the left lane on route 9A northbound on elmsford at a speed around 35 mph. The vehicle suddenly came to stop completely while driving. My wife tried to start it but it didn't start. We called the police to come help us due to the ongoing traffic while the towing was on its way. Our mechanic told us the engine was seized and needs a replacement. The vehicle is a 2018 and has only 118000 miles. We do oil changes periodically every 3000 miles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730529April 11, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Today, i received an extended warranty for my horn. There is a known issue with water getting into the horn and causing them to fail. Upon researching this, people have reported having their horns changed several times. This is a safety matter that an extended warranty is not fixing. Please enforce a recall so that this matter may be properly resolved. Canada has already issued a recall, I hope we can do the same. Thank you.
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
#11730403April 10, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The digital screens that contain the gauge cluster and infotainment array intermittently flicker, black out, or go to static. Sometimes it's one side or the other and sometimes it is both. When the gauge cluster screen is affected, the heads-up display on the windshield also turns off. All of this can happen while the vehicle is idle or while driving. Sometimes the displays flicker and sometimes they just black out or go to static for the entirety of the drive. It is available for inspection. The biggest safety concerns are the complete lack of a speedometer or warning lights when this problem occurs. The problem did not have to be reproduced by the dealer because the screens and the HUD were completely blacked out when the vehicle was taken in for service. The problem was supposedly "repaired" with an "update". The problem has since resurfaced. The vehicle was inspected by service center personnel at a Hyundai dealership. When asked, a representative of that dealership stated that the problem is common amongst all Hyundai models featuring digital displays. There was no warning of the problem. One day the problem did not exist and the next it did.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730232April 9, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
My 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe (approx. 153,000 miles) developed a new stalling and engine-dying-at-idle condition immediately following a knock sensor replacement performed by a Hyundai dealership. Prior to this repair, the vehicle ran normally with no stalling or idle issues. The vehicle was originally brought in for diagnosis related to code P1326, which is covered under Hyundai Service Campaign T6G (engine rod bearing / knock sensor campaign). The dealership replaced the knock sensor but subsequently claimed my vehicle's P1326 condition did not qualify under Campaign T6G. Immediately after the knock sensor replacement, the vehicle began stalling and completely shutting off at idle — a condition that did not exist before the dealer's service. I returned the vehicle to the dealership to address this new issue. The vehicle has now been at the dealership for over three (3) weeks with no diagnosis update, no repair timeline, and no communication from the service department. I am filing this complaint for two reasons: 1. Safety concern: An engine that stalls and dies at idle presents a serious risk of loss of vehicle control, particularly in traffic or at intersections. 2. Service Campaign T6G: I believe the underlying condition and the dealer-caused stalling issue are both connected to the knock sensor system covered by this campaign. I request that NHTSA review whether this vehicle qualifies under Campaign T6G and whether dealer-caused damage following campaign-related service should be addressed under the campaign or a related recall. The dealership's failure to communicate for 3+ weeks and their claim that my vehicle is not covered under Campaign T6G warrants regulatory review.
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
#11730294April 9, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
The vehicle experienced a significant failure of the Body Control Module (BCM). This resulted in multiple electrical malfunctions, including don't detected the Key, Despite the low mileage (12,000 miles), the electronic systems have proven unreliable, and the vehicle is currently undergoing warranty repairs at the dealership. "The sudden failure of electrical components could lead to a crash or leave the driver stranded in an unsafe location. I am concerned about the long-term reliability and safety of this vehicle’s electronic architecture." After arriving home and shifting the vehicle into 'Park', the car began to roll backward on its own. The vehicle continued to move until it struck my garage door. This incident occurred unexpectedly after the transmission was supposedly secured in Park. It was necessary to apply the brakes to make it stop. Although the physical damage was minor (scratches), this unintended movement represents a severe safety risk that could have resulted in a serious accident or injury." I've also noticed that it makes strange shifts in the transmission when going down a steep hill.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

← Back to Hyundai Santa Fe