Hyundai Santa Fe Complaints

8,019 consumer complaints on file.

#11716212February 6, 2026
TIRES
I am reporting premature tire wear on OEM Goodyear Assurance 235/60R18 tires installed on my AWD 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL (VIN: [XXX] ). Component/System: OEM tires; documented and can be inspected at the dealership, which serves as a neutral, third-party verifier, or via submitted records. Safety risk: AWD vehicles require uniform tires; uneven tread risks drivetrain damage and unsafe handling, endangering myself and others. Confirmation: PA state inspection (11/17/2025) at 6,172 miles: Rear 3/32”, Front 5/32”. Dealer Delaney Hyundai (RO# 494892) documented the issue. Current mileage 7,074; tread wear ~1/32” per 881 miles, estimated current depth Rear 2/32”, Front 4/32”. Inspection: Documented by dealer and PA inspection; no manufacturer inspection yet. Warning symptoms: None beyond premature tread wear. Phone attempts to manufacturer: [XXX] (10:54, 7 min, snarky, refused escalation), 11:02 – 15-min hold no answer (son’s phone 8 min hold); [XXX] (11:17, 35 min), insisted on retail Goodyear center, finally agreed to supervisor callback (24–48 business hours). Requested resolution: Corporate review and replacement of all four OEM tires, including mounting, balancing, and disposal, coordinated with dealership documentation and PA inspection. No retail Goodyear referral should be required; inspection is only for verification as part of corporate review. 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
#11716017February 5, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
when using lane following the system repeatedly warns you to pay attention, usually when in heavy traffic and after repeated warning shuts of the cruise and lane following system. when using the cruise control system the system will suggest you take a break. both problems appear to be associated with an in cabin camera. i have driven my vehicle almost 25,000 miles and taken two cross country trips. the warning system has almost never warned me of a real problem. 99 percent of the time it is a false reading by the camera and occurs under challenging driving conditions when the last thing you need it to be told to pay attention when you truly are. during this winter i have driven more at night and the vehicle is basically un drivable because of false notifications. this has repeatedly happened in the 14 months i have owned the vehicle - the date below is just for when it happened today. i am more than willing to share details and would welcome a call
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11715522February 4, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I currently owned an 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe FWD with the 3.3 V6 Engine with approximately about 136,000 Miles. We were driving into Vegas when we heard the knocking Engine Sounds. Immediately we called the Dealership in Vegas advising them we were going to TOW the vehicle in. Once we get the Vehicle towed over to the dealership, we waited till the following Monday where it was authorized to have the engine replaced. We were so glad about that. The vehicle was going to be completed by early January and we got the news the Vehicle was completed but now having misfiring issues due to Faulty injectors. I was advised that this was not covered due to the mileage. This was an non issue when I turned in the vehicle to Hyundai. I made several attempts to contact my Case Manager and this was again denied due to the Mileage. For a vehicle with less than 140K miles and being less than 10 years old, we are very upset with this process and for Hyundai knowing that there were concerning issues with both the Fuel Injectors and Engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11715725February 4, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
My name is [XXX] I live at [XXX] my phone number is [XXX] my social security is [XXX] . I own a 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe that is subject to Safety Recall 25V-808 involving the rearview camera system. On [XXX] at 12:30pm while operating my vehicle, the rearview camera malfunctioned (the image was [blank / inoperative]). Due to the loss of rear visibility, I was involved in a minor accident while backing up. At the time of the incident, I had not yet received the recall repair. The malfunction experienced is consistent with the defect described in the recall notice regarding the rearview camera harness. This incident caused [minor vehicle damage / property damage. I am reporting this to document a safety-related incident connected to an acknowledged manufacturing defect.I am requesting that this incident be reviewed as a recall-related accident and that Hyundai advise on reimbursement or compensation options. 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
#11715329February 3, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Horn How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? My horn stopped working - cannot use it when driving to warn other drivers - safety issue Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Not reproduced, but dealership has confirmed the horn stopped working on three separate occasions. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Dealership - three times Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No. Hyundai dealership said my fuse blown on three separate occasions causing the horn to stop working. My horn stopped working a few months ago, then about a month ago and again last week - all due to blown fuses to which the dealership has no explanation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11715317February 3, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, VISIBILITY/WIPER
My Windshield is the problem. My granddaughter drives with me often and afraid the glass will shatter. Yes, the corporate office for Hyundai. No, this was done while driving, all occasions.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11715002February 2, 2026
ENGINE
Engine Issues: A week ago, on two separate occasions, my Santa Fe cutoff while driving suddenly. A day later, I noticed a rhythmic knocking upon starting my vehicle. The knocking would increase during acceleration and decrease when I let off. I am only at 83,000 miles on this 2018 vehicle. I took the vehicle in for an oil change and they didn't notice anything off about the oil. Afterwards it slightly improved; however, once I was able to get it to the shop they said there were metal shavings in the engine/oil and it was a complete engine failure costing $12,000 to replace. There were no indicators that there was an issue on the dash.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11715021February 2, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving, the vehicle will suddenly fail to accelerate beyond approximately 45 mph, even with the accelerator fully depressed. During these events, the engines RPMs increase significantly without a corresponding increase in vehicle speed. When this occurs, the hybrid battery fails to hold or maintain a charge, and the vehicle appears to enter a reduced-power or limp mode condition. This condition makes the vehicle unsafe to operate, particularly in traffic, on highways, or when merging or passing is required. This issue has occurred multiple times and is ongoing. The vehicle has been taken to the dealership 5 separate times (currently in there now for the 5th time) for the same issue. Despite repeated repair attempts, the dealership has been unable to identify or permanently correct the problem, and the condition continues to occur. The safety impacts are as follows: -Vehicle cannot maintain normal traffic speeds -Sudden loss of acceleration -High RPMs without propulsion -Inability to safely merge or respond to traffic. This defect substantially impairs the use and safety of the vehicle. Yes, the problem has been reproduced and confirmed by the dealership on each occasion and the issue continues even after several repair attempts. No warning lights have ever been displayed. The first time in the dealership was 5/10/25 No injuries/accidents (the issue is still safety-critical even without a crash)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11715168February 2, 2026
ENGINE
I hadn't used the car in a few weeks (rarely leave the house because I work from home). I went to visit a friend on December 26th or 27th (don't remember exact date). On the way there the engine started having a knocking noise. On the way home after eating a meal with the friend, the knocking got louder, and the car was losing power. As I drove up a hill, the engine was providing almost no power, and then I heard a very loud bang, and a blue-ish, white smoke cloud came out from under the car, and it died completely. As a secondary issue, since this was right after Christmas, I couldn't find an open shop to have it towed to, so it was left on the side of the road overnight. The next day when I drove back to meet a tow-truck driver at the car, we found it had been broken into overnight, and my wife's childhood Christmas decorations were stolen. Nothing else of value was taken. I did have police come out and make a report at the time. I only just discovered that the engine was under a recall for "Campaign 966" for this exact issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714997February 2, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I tried to drive my 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid; the vehicle displayed a gear selection error message stating something like "gear already selected". The vehicle would not shift properly and would not power off or restart. I attempted multiple shutdown and restart attempts using the Start/Stop button with no success. The vehicle remained in this condition for about 30 minutes and would not allow normal operation or shutdown. Due to safety concerns, Hyundai roadside assistance was contacted and a tow truck was dispatched. Before the tow arrived, the vehicle spontaneously allowed shutdown without any intervention. This was a safety related failure involving the shift-by-wire system and vehicle power-down logic. The issue occurred without warning and left the vehicle inoperable. The vehicle had app 7150 miles at the time of the incident.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714950February 2, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Total horn failure, both horns. Took vehicle to the dealership, diagnosed both horns need to be replaced. None in stock. Horns ordered , no dates known by Hyundai when they will be in stock. Hyundai admits it h. Known with many models Driving a car in Buffalo NYwith. Out a horn driving a vehicle,r Nissan , is VERY DANGEROUS and scary. I do not think that Hyundai is taking this issue seriously and they need a recall and plan to fix this problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714851February 1, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy repeated horn failures since purchasing vehicle new. Will be having 5th and 6th horns replaced with no effective remedy as vehicle has less than 11K miles on it and this urgently safety failure needs to be corrected. There is no warning of the horn failure until you need them to prevent an emergency/collision warning.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714843February 1, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
I have had the driver’s side wiper blade stop working properly twice since purchase. The first instance involved ice within the vicinity of the wiper arm mount on the driver’s side. There was compacted snow and ice next to the arm motor mount location. When the wiper was activated, the wiper could not extend fully vertical due to the snow and ice in the corner and this caused the wiper arm to become loose. The driver’s wiper arm then failed to properly operate and frequently overlapped the passenger wiper arm/blade which still functioned. The arm was replaced under warranty at a dealership. The second time this happened, I was driving during a snowstorm and the wiper was turned on with minimal snow and ice accumulation from roughly one hour of driving and occasional wiper use. The snow buildup between the driver’s wiper blade and the A pillar prevented the blade from completing a full sweep of the windshield and the driver’s side wiper came loose and failed to function properly. It frequently became entangled with the passenger wiper blade, causing visibility issues while driving. I have an appointment for this. The wiper arm itself has splines that match up with the wiper motors located between the hood and windshield. If an obstruction of snow or ice either holds the wiper blade down or prevents a full range of motion, the wiper motor easily strips these splines from the wiper arm, resulting in wiper arm failure, damage/bending of the arm(s) and cosmetic damage to the plastic A pillar trim (from wiper over extending past A pillar. The design of the vehicle wiper recess location prevents lifting the wiper arms if there is any snow or ice accumulation on the vehicle and the wipers are in the normal down position. Combine this with the lack of any melting capability from the windshield defroster or a dedicated wiper defroster, there is no way to ensure the wipers will function properly when needed during a snow or rain storm and freezing conditions.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714689January 31, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving at highway speeds (59–75 mph), the vehicle suddenly lost propulsion power and entered a reduced-speed “limp mode,” rapidly decelerating and creating a dangerous traffic situation. The dashboard displayed a “Hybrid Power Control Unit” warning along with audible alarms. During the second incident, the vehicle failed to shut off when the engine stop button was pressed. Multiple adult witnesses were in the vehicle on each dangerous traffic situation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714497January 30, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The car was purchased new on June 30, 2021. On January 25, 2024 at 38,347 miles the horns failed to work and were replaced under warranty. About a week ago (c. January 24,2026) the horns again failed. The dealer was called and I was told that there was no recall on the horns and I would have to pay around $91 for the horns plus labor. The service manager told me that this is a common problem that has to do with where the horns are mounted on the vehicle. They are behind the front bumper and exposed to the elements. I feel that this is a serious design flaw and a safety issue that should be addressed by the manufacturer. There should be a recall instead of customers buying new horns every two years. Had the horns failure occurred during an emergency situation it could have resulted in an accident and possible loss of life.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11713858January 28, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
Took my 22 Sante fe to the Hyundai dealership to have the blower motor checked since I have no air flow in my car. Dealership informed me that the engine harness needs replaced and that it melted the fuse box under the hood. So, I am not able to replace my blower motor at this time due to the melted fuse box. Dealership also advised that they have seen the same problem in multiple 22 Sante Fe. and that there is likely more with the same issue within the United States. I have been noticing a melting/hot smell in the car before the airflow quit and I took it to the dealership to be diagnosed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11713703January 27, 2026
ENGINE
My 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe began consuming oil at an excessive rate—approximately one quart every 250 miles. The vehicle had around 97,000 miles when I first became concerned. I brought it to the Hyundai dealership for evaluation, and they instructed me to continue driving the vehicle and return after 1,000 miles of driving so they could document the consumption. I returned after only 500 miles because of the rapid loss of oil and my concern for driving the vehicle in that condition. While following the dealership’s required oil‑consumption test procedure, the engine performance deteriorated. The vehicle eventually began stalling and had to be towed to the dealership. Because I was required to keep driving the vehicle as part of Hyundai’s diagnostic process, I accumulated an additional 4,000 miles, which pushed the odometer just over 100,000 miles. After completing the test, the dealership submitted a claim for an engine replacement, but Hyundai Corporate denied the claim solely because the mileage exceeded 100,000—despite the fact that the over‑100,000 mileage resulted directly from Hyundai’s own required testing procedure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11713690January 27, 2026
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that after purchasing the vehicle new, it was discovered that all four doors had structural deformities that appeared as dents. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who indicated that the deformities were caused by improper stamping of the doors during the manufacturing process. The contact was concerned that the structural integrity of the vehicle was compromised during the manufacturing process and was concerned about the safety of the vehicle if the vehicle was in a crash. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side door failed to properly open and close due to structural deformities. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 4,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11713619January 27, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving after dark, a different car traveling in opposite direction almost caused head on collision while driving in the wrong lane. Driver of the Santa Fe attempted to activate horn on vehicle to alert other vehicle that they were traveling in the wrong lane/direction, but horn failed to sound. Driver was narrowly able to avoid physical collision as a result. Driver took vehicle to dealership and it was determined both high and low horns had failed again (total horn system failure), and the dealership replaced under warranty. This is the second time in less than 2 years of ownership the horns have failed and needed to be replaced. Dealership stated horn failure is common in the 2023 Santa Fe, but is only covered under the 5 year/60000 mile warranty despite being a known defective part. Hyundai should offer a voluntary recall to repair affected vehicles with redesigned parts as the horns failing is a known issue and failure can result in severe safety risk while driving.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11713618January 27, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Component/System Failure: The electronic throttle control system malfunctioned. The vehicle is reporting powertrain diagnostic trouble codes P2118 and P2101 through the Hyundai manufacturer mobile application (Bluelink), indicating an electronic throttle actuator / throttle control motor issue. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: This malfunction poses a safety risk because it can cause sudden loss of throttle response, reduced engine power (limp mode), or stalling while driving. Loss of throttle control increases the risk of a crash, especially in traffic or at intersections. Reproduction / Confirmation: The issue is ongoing. The check engine light remains illuminated and the fault codes continue to be displayed in the Hyundai mobile application. The problem has not yet been diagnosed by a dealership due to lack of immediate service availability. Inspections Performed: The vehicle has not yet been inspected by a Hyundai dealership or the manufacturer due to delayed service appointments. No inspections have been performed by police or insurance representatives. Warning Indicators / Symptoms: The check engine light illuminated and remains on. Diagnostic trouble codes P2118 and P2101 are displayed in the Hyundai mobile application. The warning light first appeared in late January 2026. Current Vehicle Condition: The vehicle is considered unsafe to drive due to the active electronic throttle control fault and risk of sudden loss of power.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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