Hyundai Santa Fe Complaints

8,019 consumer complaints on file.

#11766539September 23, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The primary component failure is within the hybrid powertrain control architecture, specifically involving the transmission control system or internal transmission clutches/modules (TCM/HEV control module). The vehicle utilizes a 6-speed automatic transmission integrated with an electric motor. During highway cruising, the transmission locks into a single gear ratio or a protective "limp mode," resulting in a total loss of normal acceleration despite high engine RPMs. The vehicle and its components are fully intact and available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of others were put at severe risk because the sudden, unexpected loss of acceleration occurred while traveling at highway speeds in active traffic. When the transmission locked and power cut out, the vehicle rapidly shed speed and dropped to a hazardous 20-35 mph on a high-speed roadway. This created an immediate, extreme risk of a high-speed rear-end collision from vehicles traveling behind me, forcing me to make defensive lane changes toward the shoulder without normal engine power to navigate safely. This happens without warning no notices or errors pop up when it happens. The issue is intermittent and has been presented to an authorized Hyundai dealership technician multiple times. Because the vehicle often resets its communication modules and temporary limp-mode parameters once the ignition cycle is turned completely off and back on, the dealership technicians have encountered difficulty pulling permanent historical diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). However, the failure patterns match a widely documented, repeating issue among 2025 Santa Fe Hybrid owners regarding HEV torque calculation or loose engine wiring harness pin tension
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766019September 22, 2026
SEAT BELTS
Passenger front seat belt. If the seat belt would have been used , due to the area that is coming apart and there would be an accident, the belt could come apart. The dealer refused to even take pictures or call the manufacturer. I called the manufacturer myself and basically all they have done is put the issue on a back burner. I’ve ask for a higher level person. They said that they didn’t have a phone number for them . But they would put notes on the account to have someone call me . A week or so goes by, they called asking if the vehicle was still at the dealer, I told her no because we have to have it to go to work . At the 2 nd trip to the dealership, after she said to take it in, they acted like they never got a call from the manufacturer. They said that they were going to take pictures this time and send them in . I also took pictures this time and the last time. The dealership called their supplier in Dallas and said it was on back order, and it could take as long as a year to get one . When I talked to the manufacturer representative, I told her I made 1 call and they had one . If I found one , why couldn’t the dealership do the same thing . My understanding is that they are saying it’s because it has 62,000 miles at the time . Barely over the 60,000 . We took it in to have it serviced and to have the seat belt recall checked . I guess the date would have been about [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
#11766057September 22, 2026
ENGINE
While driving, the vehicle developed a strong odor of engine oil, followed within minutes by illumination of the red oil pressure warning light. Inspection determined that a bolt had exited the engine's timing assembly, broken the timing chain, and punctured the timing cover, discharging engine oil throughout the engine compartment while the vehicle was in operation. Engine oil was sprayed onto hot engine and exhaust components while the vehicle was being driven on public roads. This presents a fire hazard. The same failure also risks sudden loss of engine oil pressure and seizure without warning, which would cause an abrupt loss of motive power in traffic. Approximately twelve days before this failure, the check engine light illuminated. The vehicle was taken for service within two days. The technician was unable to clear the code or identify the cause and advised a dealer inspection. No warning of imminent catastrophic engine failure was provided by the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a Hyundai dealership, which quoted $6,932.28 plus tax and characterized the work as a "timing repair." This vehicle is equipped with the 3.3L Lambda II GDI V6. I am aware that this engine is the subject of Hyundai Warranty Extension TXX8 covering engine damage on 2013–2019 Santa Fe vehicles, and of a federal class action alleging premature failure of internal rotating components in this engine. The dealership's estimate made no reference to that extension, and Hyundai's public VIN lookup tool returns no campaigns for this vehicle. The vehicle remains at the dealership and the failed components are intact and available for inspection upon request. The failure was confirmed by both an independent service facility and the Hyundai dealership.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766135September 22, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
At approximately 42,000 miles, the AC system on my 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe suffered a potential immediate and premature failure, creating a severe driving safety hazard. The AC expansion valve began actively leaking refrigerant inside the dashboard, rendering the climate control system completely inoperable of normal operation. In Florida's high humidity and heavy rainstorms, this loss of proper AC function means the windshield defogging/defrosting mechanism fails to dehumidify cabin air. This results in sudden, severe window fogging while driving, heavily obstructing visibility and creating an imminent crash risk. Furthermore, as a senior managing multiple health conditions, a gradual, then total loss of cooling in extreme Florida heat poses a direct medical and physical safety hazard. The independent repair facility that fixed our vehicle noted an alarming pattern, servicing about 6 newer Hyundai models from our car's age group for similar AC failures and expansion valve leaks within a single month. Because an expansion valve is designed to last the life of a vehicle, this failure at 42,000 miles—combined with active industry investigations into internal Hyundai compressor degradation shedding debris downstream in the AC system—strongly indicates a systematic material defect. We have spent about $2,800 out-of-pocket to recharge the system, add dye, lose the charge again, and ultimately replace the valve inside the dashboard. Unfortunately, because Hyundai refuses to check our vehicle at their expense to find and remove potential Teflon or metal filings caused by this widespread compressor issue, and if needed, replace the compressor and other compromised components, this internal degradation can continue to cause recurring component leaks and damage at our unaffordable expense, while continuously releasing refrigerant into the air.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11765740September 21, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The vehicle experienced a sudden, intermittent engine stall while driving, specifically when slowing down or coasting to a stop in live traffic. When the engine dies, the vehicle immediately loses engine power, power steering, and power braking assist, creating an extreme safety hazard. After stalling, the vehicle refuses to restart for several minutes. An authorized Hyundai dealership previously replaced the high-pressure fuel pump under warranty to address this issue, but the dangerous stalling has persisted over the last 2,000 miles. The vehicle continues to randomly shut off without throwing a permanent check engine light or diagnostic trouble code, and the manufacturer has failed to correct this critical safety defect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11765645September 20, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Component/System Failed: Engine assembly (Theta II 2.4L GDI) and Exhaust/Catalytic Converter. Description: The vehicle suffered a failure associated with the known Theta II engine defects. Engine oil consumption and internal engine wear directly led to unburned fuel and debris entering the exhaust stream, resulting in severe catalytic converter restriction/failure. Safety Risk: The combined failure caused sudden loss of power while driving, engine stalling, and significant driveability hazards, creating an immediate risk of a rear-end collision on public roads. Confirmation & Inspection: The failure was confirmed and diagnosed by a certified service facility. Replaced components and diagnostic documentation remain available for inspection upon request.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11765440September 19, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, POWER TRAIN, SEATS
NHTSA Vehicle Safety Complaint My 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe has a recurring problem when starting the vehicle. When I start the vehicle, the engine jumps abnormally. I have taken the vehicle to a Hyundai dealership multiple times specifically because of this problem. The condition continues to occur, but I have repeatedly been told that the dealership cannot find anything wrong and that they have to wait for a diagnostic code to appear before they can determine the cause. The vehicle has now developed an additional symptom. When I turn the vehicle off, it sometimes makes an abnormal prolonged gurgling/squeaking-type noise that continues for approximately 3-4 seconds. This shutdown noise is new and is occurring in addition to the recurring engine jumping during startup. No cause has been identified or repaired despite multiple dealership visits. I am concerned that an unidentified engine/powertrain problem is continuing and appears to be developing additional symptoms while I continue operating the vehicle. The vehicle remains available for inspection. I have also experienced problems with both middle-row seats not properly retracting/folding. I reported the problem to the dealership, but only one side was addressed. A component from the back of one seat has also detached. The detached component and vehicle remain available for inspection. I am reporting these conditions because they have continued despite repeated attempts to obtain diagnosis and repair. I do not know the underlying cause, and the dealership has not identified one. Its becoming worse then before so something is wrong.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11765456September 19, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Hyundai performed recall #9C2, on 7/2/26. Since that time, the engine has a full time miss. When it is cold, it will hesitate, kick and buck. Hyundai is aware of this. Their solution is to warm the car for 3 to 5 minuets before moving. What happens if there is an emergency and you can't wait? Possible accident with injuries trying to pull into, or cross traffic! I have filed a case with Hyundai, and they just update that they are aware and working on a solution with no expected date for the software fix. This is a serious problem, and they need to fix SOON! Also, when an engine runs like this, over a period of time it will destroy the catalytic converter. Who's going to pay for that??
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
#11765542September 19, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Service update 9C2. Car hesitates or slightly bucks on a cold start. No remedy to fix yet.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11765544September 19, 2026
ENGINE
My son was driving the vehicle normally. There were no issues, warning lights, abnormal feel to the drive, and no odd noises. Suddenly, all of the warning lights on the dashboard lit up, acceleration dropped and he could no longer accelerate. He pulled off the main road and there was a burning smell and the vehicle was inoperable.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11765583September 19, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
While driving on a highway at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle abruptly suffered a catastrophic loss of power and entered "Limp Mode," creating a severe safety hazard on the roadway. The vehicle was safely maneuvered and pulled over to the side of the road. Upon shutting the vehicle down and attempting to restart it after a few minutes, the powertrain completely failed to engage, refusing to shift into either Drive or Reverse. The vehicle became entirely disabled and required a flatbed tow to the dealership. Dashboard Warning Messages: - "Transmission Control System" - "Check Hybrid System" Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): - P177700 (Transmission / Hybrid Powertrain Control Malfunction) - P178400 (Transmission Control System / Electric Oil Pump or Actuator Circuit Fault)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
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
#11764874September 17, 2026
ENGINE
The car started having problems immediately after replacement with a new battery. The issue with the ISG (Idle Stop and GO System) started appearing. When the Auto Stop Indicator turns green, the car stalls which puts my life at risk. I have spoken to a number of mechanics and I am not getting a satisfactory answer on how to fix this problem.. One mechanic told me it was the starter which turned out not to be true. I have also spoken with a number of other mechanics and they are clueless on how this problem can be remedied. And the Hyundai dealter wanted $275 just to look at it but with no guarentee. The whole issue is putting my life and other motorists at risk.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11765014September 17, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and failed to properly accelerate, with the check engine warning light illuminated and flashing. The vehicle was later towed to the local mechanic, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure; however, engine oil was added to the engine. After retrieving the vehicle, the contact discovered that the engine oil level was low shortly after the engine oil was added. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil and the vehicle was taken back to the local mechanic. The mechanic confirmed that the engine oil level was low, and metal shavings were found in the engine oil. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and the contact was informed that an oil consumption test was needed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The failure mileage was 137,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11765103September 17, 2026
POWER TRAIN
I am filing an urgent complaint against Hyundai motor America for a direct violation of the national traffic and motor vehicle safety act. The manufacturer is actively refusing to honor and execute the mandated remedy for federal safety recall 263 (NHTSA campaign 24V-529). My 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT suffered an immediate transmission failure, throwing DTC P086800, which is the precise fail-safe error logic covered under this safety recall. When escalated to Hyundai Motor America Corporate Consumer Affairs (Case #XXX), a corporate case manager issued a formal written denial. The manufacturer explicitly stated that the safety recall remedy would not be covered because the vehicle is "past its 10-year/100,000-mile warranty period". This denial is legally fraudulent. Under federal law, safety recalls do not carry mileage, time, or warranty status restrictions. Furthermore, my vehicle is a 2024 model year, making the manufacturer's claim of it being "over 10 years old" a clerical impossibility. Because my vehicle is a primary tool for my livelihood as a rideshare driver, this unlawful denial has caused extreme, compounding injuries. The vehicle entered limp mode and was rendered entirely undrivable. Hyundai's refusal to provide a loaner vehicle or repair the safety hazard has completely cut off my ability to earn an income. As a direct result of this prolonged corporate delay, I have suffered sudden job loss and immediate housing displacement, rendering myself and my family homeless and stranded in the state of [XXX]. I have suffered greatly having to sleep on the streets due to this non-compliance. I request that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration immediately investigate Hyundai Motor America Case Management for systemic compliance violations regarding Recall 263, and compel the manufacturer to replace the failed transmission assembly immediately at zero cost 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
#11764268September 15, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
On May 31, 2025, I suffered a severe facial injury causing trigeminal neuralgia and concussion when the Smart Power Liftgate on my 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT failed to stop or reverse upon encountering obstruction. While unloading the trunk, I went to close the liftgate, lost my balance falling forward prior to it beginning to close. It struck my face and upper body with full mechanical force, failing to trigger the automatic safety reverse/anti-pinch strip sensors. The component suffered a total safety failure, bypassing the safety mechanisms intended to prevent bodily entrapment and crushing injuries. I was forced to seek emergency medical treatment. Official Emergency Room medical records from May 2025 explicitly document the facial injuries sustained directly from this automotive component failure. The vehicle remains dangerous as the anti-pinch sensors failed to operate as legally and mechanically mandated. There have been multiple incidents where the liftgate has failed to stop with coming into contact with pressure of even my toddler briefly or our dogs, but I was not aware this vehicle was equipped with this safety feature to begin with.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11764176September 14, 2026
TIRES
Pirelli Scorpion 255/45 R20 I am filing this complaint regarding a serious and unacceptable defect with my Pirelli tires. To date, two of the four tires have proven to be defective. In both instances, the defect was not readily apparent while the tires were mounted on the vehicle. The problem was discovered only when a qualified tire technician attempted to remove the tires from their rims. In both cases, the tire structure collapsed during removal. This is extremely concerning. A tire should not collapse or fail structurally simply because a trained tire technician is removing it from the wheel. The fact that this has now occurred with two out of four tires strongly suggests that this is not an isolated incident. I have also researched complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and have found numerous complaints involving Pirelli tires and sidewall failures, including sidewall bulges, blowouts, tread separation, and other structural failures. My research indicates that there are at least 15 complaints specifically involving the sidewall giving way. NHTSA states that consumer complaints are used to identify potential safety-defect trends. There are also recent NHTSA complaints involving Pirelli tires reporting sidewall bulges and failures, including complaints involving relatively new tires. Given that 50% of my four tires have now exhibited a serious structural failure, I am extremely concerned about the safety and reliability of the remaining two tires. I do not believe I should be expected to continue using tires that may contain the same defect. I am requesting that Pirelli: Immediately investigate all four tires, including the two that have already failed. Provide a written explanation as to why these tires collapsed during professional removal from the rims. Determine whether this represents a manufacturing or structural defect. Replace all four tires at no cost to me, rather than requiring me to wait for additional
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11764017September 14, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
ON 3 separate occasions the vehicle has suddenly quit going.twice going through an intersection after taking off. the third time going up hill near my house. the car would only go 10 mph. A message would come up on the dash that reads " transmission system error, Check transmission oil immediately. That was not the problem. The Hyundai dealership performed a recall update on the computer the first time.but that didn't solve the problem as a week later the same thing happened .Again the car was towed to the dealership. this time another transmission service was performed according to a tech line information. after retrieving my car from the dealership I drove it for less than a week and the same thing happened. The car was towed back to the dealership again.Now the dealership says they can't do any repairs as the computer will not store any malfunction codes so they will know what to repair. I have been in contact with Hyundai Motor America and a case file has been established. " 43176412 ". Hyundai will not accept any responsibility for placing a computer in a car that will not retain a MIL code. Hyundai now tells me they have done all they can and for me to get my car from the dealership and drive it. That is ridiculous. Hyundai wants me to put myself in danger of having a wreck because the car loses power in front of traffic behind me. People start slamming on brakes to keep from hitting me and blowing their horns.I'm also afraid of some loose cannon out there having road rage at me because I can't get out of the way. As for the car and Hyundai , no mention of the shortcomings of the computer was mentioned until the 3rd time the car was towed back to the dealership. Also, there is some type of serious problem with the transmission which Hyundai is failing to be concerned with . This is a dangerous situation. do I need to be seriously injured or worse before Hyundai addresses this issue ?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11764110September 14, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
**What component or system failed, and is it available for inspection?** The vehicle's electrical/power system failed, causing a complete loss of power while driving. This is the fourth occurrence of this failure. The vehicle is currently at the Hyundai dealership and available for inspection. **How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?** The power failure occurred while driving on a busy road. The driver struggled to safely maneuver the vehicle (executing a U-turn) to get out of traffic and reach a safe location. The vehicle had to be towed as a result. **Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center?** The vehicle has been brought to the Hyundai dealership for this same issue four times. As of the most recent update, the dealership has not been able to identify the root cause or confirm a fix. **Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others?** The vehicle is currently with the Hyundai dealership (manufacturer-affiliated) for the fourth time for inspection related to this issue. No inspection by police or insurance has been reported. **Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the failure, and when did they first appear?** There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the failure. Warning lamps/messages appeared only after the vehicle lost power.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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