10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
3,030 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

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problem #22

Feb 202026

Santa Fe

  • miles
On the morning of February 20 2026 at around 6:35am. I was on my way to work when the engine light started flashing and the speed started to decrease. I was traveling on a major highway in heavy rain with a lot of traffic. I had to put on my hazard lights and quickly pull off the road. The code given is P1326 which has to do with the engine and wiring harness. I just purchased the vehicle on Jan. 17 2026. The Carfax stated no open recalls.

- Middletown, PA, USA

problem #21

Nov 212025

Santa Fe

  • miles
Unknown Sometimes when i stop the vehicle the engine shuts off and wont come back on until i put the car in park and turn the ignition off. Not safe at all when your in heavy traffic

- Holdenville, OK, USA

problem #20

Oct 252025

Santa Fe

  • miles
2020 Sante fe with 59000 miles on it. Air stops blowing cold, I look it up and there is a TSB for the Evaporator Temperature Sensor from May of 2021. This is a safety issue because if you run the air conditioning or defroster if the sensor is bad it clicks off the compressor which can affect the fan and overheat the car. I watched it happen on my car when they ran the diagnostic trying to fix it. It came up as a bad sensor, and it clicked off the compressor. The fact that a 6 year old car with 59000 miles needs work on an air conditioner is ridiculous and in this case not safe.

- Falls Church, VA, USA

problem #19

Sep 102025

Santa Fe

  • miles
2020 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited AWD, VIN [XXX], 30,000 miles. Air conditioning fails to blow cold air; climate control displays -10?F, indicating a defective evaporator temperature sensor per Hyundai TSB 21-HV-002H (2021). Dealer diagnosed evaporator/thermostat failure, quoted $2,500, despite TSB specifying a $30-?"$50 sensor replacement. Vehicle is 9 months past 5-year warranty but under 60,000 miles. This known defect causes driver discomfort and potential visibility issues (fogging in humid conditions). I have dash photos and dealer quote. Request NHTSA investigate for recall due to widespread HVAC issues in Hyundai models. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Panama City, FL, USA

problem #18

Jul 252025

Santa Fe

  • miles
*Problem Parts:I only could check 1 box- should be Brakes and Steering too *ADAS: Lane Keeping Assistance too Over the course of two days, my 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe experienced a serious electrical and safety system failure. It started with the blind spot monitoring lights flickering in the side mirrors and warnings for Forward Collision Avoidance (disabled), ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Downhill Brake Control, Parking Brake & Brake Fluid (blinking red). The rearview camera failed and the screen remained on the radio display when in reverse. The Lane Keeping Assist Indicator shifted from white/green to orange. The next morning, I had trouble opening the vehicle with the key fob. Auto Hold, Master Warning, Forward Collision, ESC, and Downhill Brake Control lights were now steadily on. The MPH numbers on the dash were blurred, and a message appeared saying -??Put in P-?? even though the vehicle was already parked. The accessories light came on, but the engine would not start. Interior lights continued to work. I had to manually open the car and start it by pressing the fob to the button. While trying to exit a parking garage (where a tow truck couldn-??t reach me), more warnings appeared: AWD, Low Tire Pressure, Malfunction Indicator (not engine), and Power Steering. I felt tightness in the wheel and had to pull over. The temp and gas gauges dropped to zero along with the RPMs. I have a newer car battery and recently replaced fob batteries, so this was not a simple battery failure. I-??ve reported the issue to Hyundai Consumer Affairs. No recall appears under my VIN, despite similar failures being widely reported in this model. I-??m a single parent who typically drives with two young children, including one with serious medical needs. I rely heavily on this vehicle for medical travel. The vehicle has since been towed to a Hyundai dealership for diagnostics. This is a serious safety concern and could have led to a loss of control or failure in an emergency situation

- Amherst, MA, USA

problem #17

May 312025

Santa Fe

  • miles
Vehicle killed the battery even with new alternator and new battery. Dealership does not know why and it died while at the shop. Vehicle has extremely high oil consumption and light comes on every once in a while. Vehicle started shaking and took to two dealership. Vehicle was diagnosed with a burnt valve in cylinder one. Dealer stated they have not heard of this problem. Called Hyundai representative corporate and was told they never had this problem before and have not heard of it. Out of warranty and was informed I would have to pay for it even though it is common in these vehicles.

- Bonner Springs, KS, USA

problem #16

May 282025

Santa Fe

  • miles
Frequent intermittent dash warning lights, no speed indicated, no tach indicated, cycles through warnings of safety systems malfunctioning. No lane departure, no adaptive cruise, no cruise, no forward collision warning, no blind spot warning. The disabling of these systems puts all drivers at risk. Dealership replaced front camera and windshield to fix this issue. Not fixed, continues to alarm at random times while driving.

- Fond Du Lac, WI, USA

problem #15

Jan 132025

Santa Fe

  • miles
The backup camera will sometimes have black lines and flash off/on while in reverse. Other times, it will display a solid blue screen and the camera doesn't show an image at all. I took it to the dealer and since they weren't able to replicate the problem, they didn't look at it. I showed them a video I recorded, but that wasn't good enough. It's happening more often and seems to mostly occur after the vehicle has been parked outside.

- Jefferson City, MO, USA

problem #14

Sep 262024

Santa Fe

  • miles
The vehicle seat caught fire overnight, Sept 26th, and was discovered the morning of Sept 27th 2024. The fire was contained to inside the vehicle and melted parts of the driver seat and lower part of steering wheel. The vehicle interior was covered in orange dust and had extremely toxic smell inside. Insurance 3rd party inspected and declared it a total loss. A few weeks later, a neighbor and fellow Hyundai SantaFe owner mentioned that he had heard of an issue with the Santa Fe catching fire. With this new information, I called Hyundai to alert them. Hyundai opened an investigation, but closed the claim since the 3rd party that declared it a total loss had already sold it as salvage. They also denied any recalls pertaining to my specific vehicle or knowledge that electrical fire was a potential issue for this model and year. There was a recall for a tow hitch that lead to fires....but mine did not have a tow hitch. Obvious concern is that this could be a wider issue than just 1 vehicle and lives and property of those owners and others could be at significant risk.

- Tampa, FL, USA

problem #13

May 282021

Santa Fe

  • miles
Back up camera glitches. Causes driver assist to take control at times when not necessary. Have has this in for service at least 4 times since purchasing vehicle in 2020. Service states repaired each time bit eventually happens again. This last time is getting more severe cause multiple electrical short in Overhead lights, Panoramic roof failure to close at times and rear hatch sometimes only partially opens. I saw recent recall for 2021 and 2022 Santa fe's, I believe this problem is what is happening with my 2020 Santa fe and the scope of the recall should be expanded.

- Stratford , CT, USA

problem #12

Mar 182024

Santa Fe

  • miles
Prior to these occasions, the Hyundai Santa Fe was constantly needing oil added. On top of that, starting on [XXX], my 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe coded with a check engine light blinking in the upper right corner of the dashboard. I was on [XXX] in NW Indiana on my way to a meeting. The SUV would not accelerate past 2,000 rpm and bogged down on a national interstate sending me into a panic. I had my car towed back to my house. I called my brother in law, [XXX], who sold me the vehicle in November 2020, to get advice on what to do next. I was told to have the vehicle towed to the nearest dealership. After having my car sit there for two weeks, Webb Hyundai finally looked at it. They upgraded the knock sensor software and had the knock sensor replaced. With the plethora of things that I asked to be repaired or looked at, they only fixed the knock sensor. Due to an extended warranty, I paid $100. Two days later, the SUV got a flat tire. The SUV sat for a week or week and a half due to a flat tire and the place not having it in stock. [XXX] driving back from getting my new tire put on in Valparaiso, Indiana, the vehicle coded again on [XXX]. It caused another very dangerous situation as the vehicle slows to 2,000 rpms. Once again, I had the SUV towed back to my home in Cedar Lake, Indiana. It sat for a few days while I was deciding my next move. This time, I had the vehicle towed to Gerald Hyundai, where my brother in law works and where the vehicle was originally purchased. The vehicle arrived [XXX], 2024. The SUV only sat for one day before telling me all the work that needed to be done. Some of the charges were covered by the extended warranty. Total bill was $540. The work was done on May 13, 2024. I could not pick up the vehicle until the weekend. However, my other car was in an accident, so I did not make it until [XXX] 2024. Shortly after picking up my vehicle, the SUV coded again on [XXX] going back to Indiana. More to follow.. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C

- Cedar Lake, IN, USA

problem #11

Apr 202023

Santa Fe

  • miles
Numerous different occasions since I bought the vehicle this year in March 2023 when on highway, side streets and even in parking lots with nothing, no cars no objects or humans in front or behind the vehicle my forward collision warning and rear end collision warning has came on which caused the car to break on its own and it is a safety concern. I have been to the dealer numerous times since I-??ve bought the vehicle and currently have reached out to Hyundai Motors of America and pretty much got told to suck it up nothing they can do for me as the computer isn-??t showing any codes or issues my car has now been at dealership where I bought it for 2 weeks now and no resolution besides come get the car and figure it out on my own and as a single mother with a child with disabilies I don-??t know what else to do.

- Salisbury, MA, USA

problem #10

Jun 272023

Santa Fe

  • miles
******* delete voq ******* this complaint is being marked for deletion because it is requested by the consumer that they wish to have it removed ******* delete voq *******

- Rockledge, FL, USA

problem #9

May 112023

Santa Fe

  • miles
On Thursday, May 11, 11:45 am, I experienced a distressing incident at Moulton Elementary School in Laguna Niguel, CA, 92677. my car was parked near the school building, with the engine turned off and the gear set to park. I was there to pick up my children, and at that time, nobody was inside the vehicle. Unexpectedly, my car started moving backward as if in neutral gear, despite being in park mode. I estimate I was approximately 10 feet from the vehicle in front of the school building. The situation was alarming because numerous children were nearby, which could have resulted in a tragedy. Thankfully, no one was injured or hit by the moving vehicle. Instinctively, I attempted to stop the car by using my entire body to push against it. Unfortunately, my efforts were unsuccessful, and as a result, I sustained severe back pain. I have been on bed rest for the past five days due to the discomfort caused by the incident. Subsequently, the vehicle collided with another car, which belonged to a teacher. The incident shocked everyone, and the reason behind the car's unexpected movement remains unclear. Later, I discovered through online research that my car was actually on the recall list, but I had not been informed of this beforehand. As a result of the incident, we contacted the police, and they arrived at the scene can confirm that the car was indeed in park gear during the incident. It is vital to investigate this matter thoroughly to determine the cause of the vehicle's accidental movement and prevent future accidents. I hope that this statement provides a clear account of the accident that occurred at Moulton Elementary School. I strongly urge authorities and the involved parties to take immediate action to address the issues surrounding my car's movement and prevent any similar incidents from happening again.

- Laguna Niguel, CA, USA

problem #8

Mar 262023

Santa Fe

  • miles
Pantalla de instrumentos se apaga instrument display turns off

- Tegucigalpa, FL, USA

problem #7

Aug 172022

Santa Fe

  • 55,000 miles
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the vehicle alarm system failed to activate during a vehicle break-in. The vehicle was unoccupied at the time of the failure. A police report was filed. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to contact the insurance company and an appointment was scheduled for the vehicle to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided case number. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

- Decatur, GA, USA

problem #6

Jul 182021

Santa Fe

  • miles
The air conditioner quits working after a few minutes if the temperature is over 80 degrees. This has happened multiple times, at least 6 times. I took the car into Hyundai dealer and they said they could fine nothing wrong with it. As soon as we got it back from the dealer it happened again. Heat stroke was our only safety concern. No warning light has ever come on to report this breakdown.

- Fort Myers, FL, USA

problem #5

Mar 212021

Santa Fe

  • 4,900 miles
New 2020 santafe took delivery on January 4th, 2021, with less than 5000 miles on March 21st the vehicle refuse to start after it was started and shut off while we were sitting in a parking lot. While attempting to start it getting forward collusion warning but the engine would not crank. Towed to the local dealer was told they cannot diagnose the car because they could not read the onboard computer, unable to say what's wrong. The car was towed back to the dealer where purchase and was told it was a blown fuse maybe lighting strike and other theories what's wrong. The dealer would replace the fuse and computer after 52 days the care is still at the dealer waiting on parts. Total electrical failure with no recourse at the moment, Hyundai motor of America Consumer Affairs wants us to sign a settlement agreement to refund our expenses and have not fixed or replaced the car. The manufacture is totally dragging their feet and denying the car suffer a total electrical failure, while the battery was still in working condition according to aaa.

- Reddick, FL, USA

problem #4

Jul 092020

Santa Fe

  • 400 miles
Leased a 2020 Santa Fe on April 24, 2020 and on July 9, 2020 it stalled and all the lights on my dashboard lit up like a christmas tree and after 20 mins. Was able to start it. The dealer said nothing wrong. In August 2020 the car wouldn't start, after a road side assistance jump the dealer said I'm not starting it enough. In October same thing happened I got a new battery from the dealer. In December the same thing happened I got another new battery. They refuse to admit something is drawing power from the battery in the off position. Instead they say I'm not starting the car enough. I start the car 2 to 3 a week.

- Yonkers, NY, USA

problem #3

Sep 032020

Santa Fe

  • 1,140 miles
With less than 1000 miles on the car, the horn stopped working intermittently. (the majority of the time it didn't.) the dealer kept the car for a week. The determination was that the "driver air bag clockspring has internal malfunction". the paperwork shows that it was replaced. Yesterday, approximately three weeks after the repair, the horn failed to work again while driving on the highway. (based on past experience, speed doesn't seem to be a factor.)

- Stuart, FL, USA

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