Hyundai Santa Fe Complaints

8,019 consumer complaints on file.

#11744400June 16, 2026
ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:SUMP/TANK:DRAIN PLUG
See attached letter for complaint
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11744626June 16, 2026
WHEELS
I had a flat tire. When I recently bought the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, I did not think to ask about a spare tire, they have been standard on every car I bought in the past. However, this car did not have one and I had a flat tire. They provide a sealant which is supposed to get you to a tire repair shop to get the tire fixed. That was worthless. Not having a spare is dangerous if you are caught with a flat tire in a remote area with no cell service. In addition, I had to pay $144 to get towed to a tire repair shop to get a $15 repair completed. Common sense has been replaced with greed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11744314June 15, 2026
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
vehicle serviced on 5/7/2026 for Hyundai service campaign 9C2 immediately after noticed car was not driving as it had been prior to this update, sluggish acceleration on start, chugging and then rapid sudden acceleration. returned to service dept May19. Diagnostics revealed no issues, problem persisted. returned to service dept. May22. Informed Hyundai was looking into this issue related to the 9C2 update and awaiting a new update to fix the problem. As of todayJune15 there has been no action to remedy the problem. Do not feel safe driving a vehicle that hesitates when starting to drive and then accelerates roughly. this has happened consistently upon cold start up thus far but concerned it may happen while in traffic or at other times and result in an accident.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743968June 14, 2026
STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
Vehicle experiences severe, intermittent, un-commanded steering inputs from the Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) system at highway speeds (55-70 MPH). The steering wheel violently jerks toward adjacent traffic lanes/shoulders without operator input, lane drift, or warning, requiring immediate high-force manual intervention to overpower mechanical torque and prevent a collision or roadway departure. Chronology of manufacturer notice: - Oct 2024: Initial consumer dispute logs flagged steering safety concerns and unresolved campaign items. - Dec 2024: Opened Corporate Case 24164934, formally alerting consumer affairs to dangerous steering wheel jerking. - Jan 2025: Presented to an authorized dealer; an OTA software update was deployed, but intermittent tracking failures persisted, including failure to recognize lanes at night. - June 2026: Under Case 42680760, the system failed acutely on the interstate, jerking the vehicle out of painted lanes. The malfunction originates in the LKA steering control module and camera hardware, which are intact and available for inspection. Dealerships have not replicated the defect during brief diagnostic windows due to its intermittent nature. The manufacturer has deflected these notifications and refused a forensic diagnostic sweep or mechanical remediation. Instead, case managers attempted to close the file by offering partial financial goodwill for an unrelated cosmetic paint delamination defect on the same vehicle. No warning lamps or error messages precede these events; the system executes aggressive mechanical intervention with zero notice. This system error bypasses driver override thresholds, conflicting with vehicle crash avoidance frameworks. Because the computer fails to log diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) during these steering drops, the manufacturer exploits this data vacuum to deny structural remediation, creating severe multi-vehicle side-impact and rollover risks.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11744065June 14, 2026
SEAT BELTS, POWER TRAIN
We just brought this vehicle in for the ongoing transmission problem (previously reported to your agency after the car self-accelerated), as well as the missed seatbelt recall that was not addressed at the last dealership. I advised the service advisor that the seatbelt recall needed to be fixed. The service advisor contacted us several hours later to tell us that they were replacing the transmission. 10 days later we picked up the vehicle after the transmission replacement, and the service advisor told us they did not do the seatbelt repair, citing lack of parts and/or special order. I asked if this was a safety issue and if I should leave the vehicle with them for longer, but was told not to worry about it, and to bring the vehicle back at another time. Fast forward to today, and the vehicle is rolling forward when we start it. This is worse than the way it rolled forward before the transmission replacement. Coupled with the disregard for the seatbelt recall, I believe there is a serious safety issue with this vehicle. I have notified Hyundai Corporate, as well as our attorney, and will be contacting the dealership to drop the vehicle off. I have a video recording of the car rolling forward during startup, but it appears I cannot upload it here. I have forward that video to the above mentioned entities, and am happy to share it with your agency as well.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743719June 12, 2026
ENGINE
I was driving down the road ( a busy Farm to market road) and my car lost power and died. Luckily i got off of the road. I tried to start the car again, but it kept dying. I had my son in law come help me move the car to a friends house so that I could get it to the dealership. It was after hours. I regularly get my oil changed and when my SIL checked the oil there was none on the dipstick. My SIL put oil in the car. My car was coming up on being due for a oil change. I am a single woman close to 50 yrs old and take my car in for maintenance. I then had my car towed to the local dealership to have an assessment done to find out what the issues is. The dealership reported that the timing was off and that bank 1 and 2 of the camshaft needs replaced. There is a known issue with the engine of this car doing the exact same thing my car did. There were no warning lights on to indicate a problem with the car. I inherited the car for my Mother In Law that passed away. She bought the car brand new and had it serviced regularly.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743730June 12, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The cruise control was set at 75 mph and we were driving down the interstate when the engine suddenly lost power and shut off. This happened with no warning and no warning lights activated. Several days later, we were driving down the interstate with the cruise control set at 72 when the engine again lost power and shut off. We were able to get the car to move again both times by shutting off the cruise control. No warning or warning lights activated either time the engine lost power. We were very lucky not to get hit by oncoming traffic both times the engine shut itself down.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743838June 12, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Overview Over approximately six months, I reported persistent drivability concerns to Hyundai on Perryville — specifically hesitation, engine trembling, power loss on acceleration, and eventually a flashing check engine light, particularly when the engine was cold. Despite multiple dealership visits and over $1,500 in out-of-pocket expenses, the root cause was not identified until my fifth visit: a clogged catalytic converter. Hyundai Motor America determined the repair was not covered and declined to explain the diagnostic basis for that decision. When I sought a second opinion at an independent shop (recommended by the dealership), that shop ignored my explicit instructions not to drive the vehicle, drove it, and the car broke down in their care. Their own invoice now states the vehicle needs a new motor. I am filing this complaint to document the full pattern of negligence, misdiagnosis, and failure of care by both parties.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743672June 12, 2026
POWER TRAIN
I have had my vehicle inspected twice for an intermittent issue with the rear driver's-side brake light. The brake light continues to go in and out even though the issue has not been identified during inspection. Multiple people have informed me that the brake light was not working, but when checked later, it was functioning again. Because the problem is intermittent, I am concerned that it has not been properly diagnosed. In addition, I have experienced ongoing transmission and drivability concerns. While stopped at traffic lights, the vehicle has occasionally accelerated unexpectedly or surged, and it can be difficult to shift into gear to proceed. I have also experienced hard shifting when moving from Park or Reverse into Drive. These symptoms continue to occur despite being told that no problems were found during inspection. I am requesting a more thorough diagnosis of both the brake light issue and the transmission/drivability concerns, as these problems are ongoing and may present a safety risk.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743648June 12, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Driving down the road and the sunroof just exploded. No rock, no nearby cars that could have kicked something up. Just crumbled in.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743619June 11, 2026
ENGINE
WHAT FAILED: The engine — the 3.3L Lambda II GDI V6 (engine family GHYXV03.31XE per the federal emissions label) — failed catastrophically: a connecting rod penetrated the engine block. The failed engine IS available for inspection on request. It has been preserved unrepaired since the failure, the rod penetration of the block is externally visible, and the vehicle is currently at Niagara Hyundai in New York. WHAT HAPPENED / SAFETY RISK: On [XXX], I was driving at approximately 65 miles per hour on [XXX] southbound near Bath, New York, with four occupants aboard, when the engine failed suddenly and without warning — no warning lamps, messages, or symptoms preceded it. The vehicle immediately lost all motive power at highway speed. I was forced off the roadway and through brush and debris to bring the vehicle to a stop. The sudden total loss of power at highway speed created an immediate loss-of-control hazard to my occupants and to surrounding traffic. CONFIRMED BY OTHERS: The tow was dispatched through a 911 emergency call. A New York State Trooper was at the scene and observed the debris trail. The towing company's invoice (T&R Towing and Service, Call #[XXX], [XXX]) records "Break Down," winch recovery, vehicle not drivable, and the tow operator's handwritten condition description: "Motor go Boom." The vehicle is now in the possession of a Hyundai dealership (Niagara Hyundai), and Hyundai Motor America has an open case (#[XXX]); however, Hyundai has refused to inspect or diagnose the engine unless I first pay to repair unrelated damage, so the manufacturer has NOT yet inspected the failure — leaving this safety defect undiagnosed by Hyundai. RELEVANT BACKGROUND: In 2024, Hyundai issued warranty extension TXX8 (15 years / 150,000 miles) for connecting rod bearing failure in this exact engine, acknowledging the failure mode. Mileage at failure was under 100,000 miles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743466June 11, 2026
ENGINE
I took it to Hyundai Dealership in November 2025 and did the Service Campaign 9C2 and TSB 25-01-087H software update. Since that happened my engine is jumpy and I have taken it back to dealer and they can't find anything. Several people with this issue have been found since on several forums after having the update. One said the dealer knows about the issue and so does Hyundai, but when I ask they know nothing.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743508June 11, 2026
ENGINE, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
We were at full stop with Auto Hold feature enabled. Car lurched / jumped forward with no depression of the gas pedal. This caused us to strike the car in front of us.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743206June 10, 2026
ENGINE
My wife was driving our 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe around March 8, 2023 with our 3 children in the vehicle. She began merging onto interstate 70 when the vehicle made a noise and became undriveable. She could still steer but pushing the pedal down did not do anything. She had to carefully pull over off of the highway so that she did not get in an accident. This vehicle had to be towed to a mechanic who said the engine had seized up and that the oil is gone from the engine and that I would need to have it sent to a Hyundai dealer. This vehicle had 108,334 miles on it so it was just past Hyundai's 100,000 mile warranty. This vehicle was towed to a Hyundai dealer who confirmed that the engine was locked up and that an oil sample found metal in the oil. The dealership recommended to replace the engine with a used one for over $11,000 which I declined then charged me $160 for evaluating. No warning lights or indicators were ever showing any issues. We did notice sometimes after an oil change that they would state on the invoice that the oil was a half quart low. This vehicle was parked in a garage and never had a drop of oil leak. Hyundai recently extended the warranty for this vehicle to 150,000 miles and then declined my repair claim due to the repair not being done at a dealership. The sudden loss of power while driving was a scary incident for my family but thankfully no one was hurt.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743251June 10, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
See attached document for complaint.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743243June 10, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEAT BELTS
Hola, he llevado mi coche al concesionario 4 veces las 2 primeras veces me dijeron que eran recall el auto en parking siguió caminado los volví a llevar después de 20 días dijeron que unos roedores se habían comido el harness ese fue el diagnóstico que me dieron hablé con el seguro y el seguro iba a pagar pa reparación cuando les pidió foto del problema cambiaron la versión de que no que disculpa que no está comido por roedores cuando ellos me dieron un papel que decía eso me cobraron 570 diales por otro diagnóstico ya el seguro no quiso arreglar eso pude una queja con Hyundai motor y nada nadie se hace responsable e llevado el auto a 3 talleres diferentes y nadie sabe que tiene el auto y el dealer cada vez que fuy me decía una cosa diferente que puedo hacer al respecto
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743203June 10, 2026
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
Vehicle: 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe | Current Mileage: 140,000 Description of Safety Defect: While operating a 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe at speed, the vehicle suffered a sudden, complete, and catastrophic loss of motive power in the middle of a live, active roadway without any prior warning or dashboard indicator lights. The transmission abruptly dropped out of gear and the engine shut down entirely, trapping the driver and three young children in active traffic and creating an immediate, life-threatening highway safety hazard. The vehicle was towed to Sport Durst Hyundai in Durham, NC, where technicians confirmed a total internal transmission failure where the gears fail to engage. This exact mechanical failure mechanism directly mirrors the severe engineering defect detailed in NHTSA Campaign Number 22V746000 (Hyundai Safety Recall 236) for electric oil pump failures causing a sudden loss of drive power. Hyundai Motor America Corporate Case Management has issued a flat denial of all safety and goodwill repair coverage based strictly on the vehicle's 140,000 miles, claiming that mileage absolves them of product liability for a catastrophic drivetrain safety defect that endangered three young children. Furthermore, the franchise dealership is actively withholding the GDS diagnostic failure scan codes from the consumer, calling them "internal documents" to actively suppress federal evidence of this safety failure. Further, the authorized Hyundai dealership engaged in deceptive practices by refusing to put anything in writing, and refusing my request for any diagnostic information, including any report indicating diagnostic error codes, technician summary, etc.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742869June 9, 2026
ENGINE
I was told my top side of my engine failed, and they only cover bottom side engine failure. As well as pieces was missing. When I looked at the video it showed that my screws has fell off vs removed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743064June 9, 2026
ENGINE
The engine burns oil fast. You have to replace oil on a regular bases. The car also looses fluids fast as well. This causing the engine to over heat. This causes the cylinder to head blow.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742763June 8, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving and decelerating to approximately 10 MPH onto an exit ramp, the vehicle suddenly stalled and failed to restart. The contact noticed that there was blue smoke coming from the exhaust pipes, and several unknown warning lights and messages illuminated, including the Check Engine warning light. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed that a fuel injector had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 35,652.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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