Hyundai Santa Fe Complaints (2025)

242 consumer complaints on file.

#11774538October 29, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe - The sound for the blinkers, rear-view camera alerts, and radio sounds has gone out 2 times, once in XXX and then on XXX. This is a safety issue. I have had issues with an electrical battery drain with the key fob antenna being one of issues draining the battery and replaced in XXX. After the sound went out on XXX, I did not drive the vehicle for 1 day, then went to get into the vehicle on Wednesday, XXX and the vehicle was dead. No lights were on, it would not unlock. I missed the scheduled service appointment I had on the XXX due to the dead battery. The car had sat unused for less than 24 hours. I had to call Hyundai roadside assistance for them to jump the car off and tow it to the dealership yesterday afternoon. The battery drain started happening at 700 miles on the car, where I jumped it off myself, and continued to happen every month or two. I kept jumping it off and taking it to the dealership to let them know what was going on. Sometimes, they would investigate it, and sometimes nothing would get done about it. I have had to jump this vehicle off myself at least 6 times since XXX. Yesterday, I just called roadside assistance. There is clearly an electrical drain on the car battery somewhere in this vehicle. XXX, the car was located in [XXX] on a vacation and started having shuttering and engine light came on. This was fixed on XXX by replacing #4 fuel injector prior to 30,000 miles. This is not a reliable vehicle, or safe. 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
#11774189October 28, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
with not warming the vehicle would not start using the standard FOB. It would not be recognized. Fortunately, we had an alternative Digital Card (which is NOT standard equipment) that allowed us to start and drive the vehicle. Upon calling Hyundai support we were instructed to take the vehicle to the nearest Hyundai dealership for diagnosis. The diagnosis was a failed BDC (Body Domain Controller). This part took a week to arrive at the dealership and subsequent repairs were made. The dealership indicated that they had seen this problem before, but no service advisories from Hyundai were available for this issue. I have asked Hyundai for an explanation and nothing has been forthcoming. My primary issue with this problem is that if I had not acquired a digital card, at an additional cost of approximately $200, we would have been stranded, with no manner in which to start or drive the vehicle. There were no indications of a problem, no alerts in car, and no alerts via the My Hyundai web site via the internal diagnostics. The BDC just failed, with no explanation. Without any type of explanation or diagnostic information, who knows if or when this could occur again, and where.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11773143October 23, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
While driving at freeway speeds in normal traffic conditions, the vehicle experienced a sudden, complete loss of motive power and rapid deceleration. The accelerator pedal became entirely unresponsive. No warning messages, check engine lights, or diagnostic indicators appeared on the dashboard during or immediately after the failure leaving me blind to the vehicle's state. This loss of propulsion on a high-speed live freeway created an immediate, extreme safety hazard, forcing an emergency maneuver across active lanes of traffic without predictable vehicle control. Component or System: Engine / Powertrain / Fuel System (High-Pressure Fuel Pump / Fuel Rail Sensor) Recurring / Prior History: This is a severe, recurring safety defect. The exact same highway power loss and deceleration event occurred last month. The vehicle was brought to an authorized Hyundai dealership where a repair was allegedly completed on 9/11/2026. However, that repair failed to address the root cause, and the dangerous failure has now repeated itself. The lack of a dashboard warning light masks a systemic component failure (strongly suspected to be the high-pressure fuel pump or associated pressure sensors failing to maintain adequate rail pressure under load
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11772975October 22, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Beginning in early October 2026, my 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy has repeatedly experienced a sudden and complete loss of propulsion while driving. During these incidents, dashboard warnings appear stating "Check Driver Assistance System" and "Check Hybrid System. Stop Safely." The vehicle indicates EV mode and completely loses the ability to accelerate or maintain speed. This is not reduced performance or hesitation. The vehicle loses all usable propulsion. The vehicle continues moving briefly while slowing, providing only a short window to reach the roadside. In moving traffic, this creates an extremely dangerous situation because there may be insufficient time or space to safely change lanes before the vehicle slows substantially. The failure occurs without advance warning. Shutting the vehicle off and restarting it temporarily restores normal operation, but the malfunction continues to recur unpredictably. On October 21, 2026, I brought the vehicle to an authorized Hyundai dealership specifically for this problem. The service department reported finding no diagnostic trouble codes and no applicable software updates. No cause was identified, and no repair was performed. The identical failure occurred again the following morning, October 22, 2026, less than 24 hours after the dealership inspection. The underlying cause remains unidentified. The dealership has not reproduced the malfunction, and the vehicle remains available for further inspection. This recurring complete loss of propulsion presents a serious collision risk to occupants and surrounding motorists, particularly in heavy traffic or at highway speeds.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771783October 17, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
On September 28, 2026, my 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid (49,682 miles) experienced a second sudden loss of propulsion while driving on the highway. The vehicle would not accelerate normally, the hybrid battery gauge dropped to a very low level, and the dashboard displayed a warning instructing me to stop the vehicle and leave the engine running to recharge the battery. I pulled over and waited with the engine running until the battery recharged sufficiently to drive to the dealership. This was the SECOND occurrence of a dangerous loss-of-propulsion problem. On August 21, 2026, while driving approximately 70 mph on I-75, the engine RPM increased dramatically despite the vehicle slowing down, as though the transmission had shifted into Neutral. There were no warning lights. The vehicle slowed to a stop and required towing to Hyundai of Kennesaw. Following the first incident, the dealership identified diagnostic code P0191 and replaced the fuel-rail pressure sensor under warranty. However, the September 28 failure occurred despite that repair. During the second dealership visit, technicians again identified P0191, confirmed the previously replaced sensor was functioning properly, and reproduced the problem during a road test. Live diagnostic data showed fuel pressure dropping to low-pressure pump readings. The dealership diagnosed a failing high-pressure fuel pump and replaced it under warranty. I retrieved the vehicle October 7, 2026, after the dealership reported a successful 10–12-mile road test. I am concerned that this repeated, sudden loss of propulsion presents a serious highway safety hazard, particularly because the initial repair did not prevent recurrence. I previously filed an NHTSA complaint regarding the August 21 incident.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771860October 17, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
I initially reported a rattling noise near the B-pillar to an authorized Hyundai dealership. A repair order was created documenting my complaint. Following further investigation, I was informed that spot welds in the B-pillar area had separated, requiring structural body repairs.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771054October 14, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
Vehicle went into “ limp mode” It is a hybrid and the electric motor was in operative and top speed is around 35 MPH Unsafe to drive
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771111October 14, 2026
POWER TRAIN
On 2 seperate instances while driving down the highway the car suddenly loses power and goes into limp mode. The battery and the engine are not communicating to power the vehicle. It will no go over 30 MPH and then says to pull over and charge the battery.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771150October 14, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
the ongoing safety defect affecting my leased 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe. This summarizes the facts as discussed, the danger this defect presents, and the urgent need for resolution. Summary of the Defect Since leasing the vehicle, it has intermittently and without warning decelerated to a complete stop (0 MPH) while driving, regardless of the speed at which I am traveling — including at approximately 30 MPH on local roads and at approximately 65 MPH on I-95. The specific facts of this defect are as follows: The vehicle decelerates to a full stop within approximately 5-10 seconds of the malfunction beginning, with no advance warning. After the vehicle stops, attempting to accelerate again takes approximately 30-45 seconds before the vehicle begins to move, and it does so only slowly. When this occurs, the vehicle beeps and a flashing green “OFF LIMITS” light appears. No check engine light or other diagnostic warning is triggered at any point. This has occurred approximately 25 times since I leased the vehicle. On the last three occasions I reported this, Hyundai/dealership personnel drove the vehicle and were unable to duplicate the problem. As I have repeatedly explained, the defect occurs intermittently and unpredictably, so this is not evidence the problem does not exist. The Danger This Defect Presents I want to be direct about the severity of this situation. A vehicle that decelerates to a complete stop without warning — whether on a local road or on a highway at 65 MPH — creates an immediate risk of a rear-end collision, a multi-vehicle accident, or worse. The fact that the vehicle then takes 30-45 seconds to regain even slow movement compounds this danger, particularly in moving traffic. This is not a comfort or inconvenience issue; it is a significant, stressful, and potentially deadly safety defect, both for me and for any passengers in my vehicle, as well as for other drivers on the road.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771234October 14, 2026
SEATS
While driving on the interstate at highway speed, the power driver's seat began moving forward on its own without any switch being pressed. It didn't stop and kept moving toward the steering wheel. I am 6'3" and normally sit far back, so the seat was pushing me into the steering wheel and I could no longer sit safely or control the vehicle normally. I had to exit the highway abruptly and pull onto the shoulder to avoid a crash. This put me and other drivers around me at risk. Since the incident, the power driver's seat does not respond at all. None of the seat switches (forward/back, recline, height, tilt) produce any movement or sound. I checked the fuses and they are all intact. I have video of the switches not working. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by a dealer. It is under warranty and will be taken to a Hyundai dealer for diagnosis and repair. The vehicle and the failed seat components are available for inspection. Warning lights or messages before the failure: none Suspected cause: UNKNOWN, possibly a seat motor, seat control module or wiring fault. I have videos to share.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770541October 12, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Vehicle was turned on and in park. I placed my child in the back seat, opened the driver door and was able to enter the vehicle. The car began to roll down the driveway, while in park, and ran me over. It continued to roll backwards into a tree and was stopped by rolling into my neighbors home.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11770667October 12, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
The vehicle has a recurring intermittent failure that can leave it completely undriveable. When starting the vehicle, the instrument cluster displays “Check Hybrid System,” “Check Emergency Stopping function,” the check-engine light, and multiple warning indicators. The vehicle remains in Park and will not shift into Drive. This has happened multiple times. Disconnecting and reconnecting the 12-volt battery temporarily restores operation, but the problem later returns. After a reset, the check-engine light may remain illuminated for approximately one day before disappearing. During the most recent occurrence, the vehicle became disabled at approximately 8:00 PM in a retail parking lot while my family, including two young children, was with me. The vehicle would not move. We had to leave the vehicle and walk in the rain to obtain tools so the 12-volt battery could be disconnected and reconnected in order to get the vehicle operating again. The problem was reported in writing to a Hyundai dealership before an August 10, 2026 service appointment, including a request to retrieve and document stored and history diagnostic trouble codes. The condition remains unresolved and continues to recur. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Separately, this vehicle also has an unrepaired Safety Recall 288 involving the rearview camera. The vehicle has been taken to the dealer for recall service, but the recall remains incomplete because the dealer stated the required part was unavailable.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770365October 10, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Vehicle intermittently fails to accelerate, usually happens after vehicle has been sitting 10 hours or longer. Had back to dealership 4 times, 3 times dealer was unable to reproduce concern. 4th visit dealer installed injectors, concern seemed to be gone for about 2 months but is back again.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769868October 8, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Driving vehicle on surface street, engine would not accelerate past 3000 RPM. No immediate codes or warnings, backed off gas pedal and went to accelerate again. This time many warnings illuminated. Second report from myself for same issue. Wife has had the vehicle in for same problem 4 times, last time was last week.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768535October 2, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicle lost all acceleration, as if it were in Neutral. 3rd time this has happened in 14 months of ownership. Fault code generated in one instance, no fault found by dealer maintenance 2 other occasions
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
#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
#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
#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
#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

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