2023 Hyundai Santa FE
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 210 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 15th highest complaint count among 25 Santa FE model years with reports.
Of the 2023 reports, 11 involved a crash and 3 involved a fire. 15 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Trailer hitchesPark outsideMar 17, 2023
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Santa Fe, 2021-2023 Santa Fe HEV, 2022-2023 Santa Fe Plug-in HEV and Santa Cruz vehicles potentially equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Hyundai dealership. Water accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is completed. Dealers will install a new fuse and wire extension kit as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed starting May 16, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 244. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 22V-633.
Campaign 23V181000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
210 reports, newest first.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 65 MPH and depressing the brake pedal to slow for a vehicle that had passed and switched into the lane she was driving, the vehicle was shuddering. The contact stated that as soon as she had stopped depressing the brake pedal the shuddering ceased. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the shuddering when the brake pedal was depressed was intermittent but was recurring at various speeds while slowing down. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 18,756.
Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Lane departure, Oct 23, 2024
Currently have 518 Diagnostic History Codes (DTC)in memory. Additionally, I have 3 Active DTC’s. The codes are: DTC C160C87 DTC System CHASSIS DTC Sub System LKAS, and DTC C160C87 DTC System CHASSIS DTC Sub System SCC, and DTC C163881 DTC system CHASSIS DTC Sub System SCC FIRST OCCURRENCE: during actual assembly in Montgomery, AL plant. I have asked three Hyundai Service dealers for help. All have tried. Noting noted that contributes to the issues above. At first, my dealer replaced the front camera. Was told it was a heating issue. I have contacted Hyundai BLUELINK service for help. An information report was filed, TWICE. The first report I received feedback that Hyundai’s engineers had corrected the issue. On the following day, the codes returned. A second concern was filed with Hyundai BLUELINK. Hyundai Motor America Case#: [XXX] to wit: “Thank you for contacting Hyundai Motor America. We are in receipt of your e-mail and one of our representatives will get back to you shortly. Sincerely, Hyundai Motor America” Is my vehicle going to fail and cause me injury while operating it on an Interstate highway? This is quite concerning as I drive my car. All I want from Hyundai is to get this issue repaired. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Service brakes, Oct 23, 2024
Brake rotors warped. Beginning at approximately 5k miles, the steering began exhibiting a juddering upon applying braking. Over time, the juddering became more pronounced. At approximately 15k miles, I took the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer confirmed that the brake rotors were warped. The defective brake components put my safety at risk, as well as the safety of my passengers and others traveling on the road by impairing my ability to safely stop the vehicle and impairing my ability to safely operate the vehicle while braking. There were no safety lights or warnings. I am aware that there has been a technical service bulletin for this exact issue for this model/year vehicle. Neither Hyundai nor the dealer ever altered me to the possibility that the brake rotors might warp due to defective components. Hyundai has thus far refused to cover the full cost of repairs, totaling over $1,400.00.
Other or unspecified, Oct 1, 2024
SAFETY ISSUE: EXPLODING SUNROOF While driving my 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited to work approximately at 6:15AM CST on 9/30/2024 on I-170 southbound in St. Louis, MO, the panoramic sunroof exploded. Car systems did not contain an indicator light or alert that the sunroof was stressed and about to explode. No debris (stone, rock, tree branch, item falling off a car or truck) or falling bird causing this sunroof damage. After the sunroof explosion, I continued driving. No other damage to my automobile or any other car on highway.
Power train, Sep 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle failed to respond or accelerate as intended. The vehicle started to decelerate and lost motive power. The contact steered the vehicle to the shoulder and parked the vehicle. After restarting the vehicle, the failure was self-corrected, and the vehicle operated normally. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred several months later. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 9,500.
Other or unspecified, Sep 25, 2024
The vehicle's software update initiates upon start-up without the option to delay to a different time. The three updates I've received this year have taken 20-30 minutes each to complete, while I'm traveling. These updates disable hands-free calling, all media and GPS. I can't confirm if any other vehicle safety components are disabled. I don't use them. I contacted my dealer and they stated that's how it works, and there is no option to delay the update. When the update initiates it states the update can continue without the vehicle "ON". Wouldn't it be safer to have the ability to schedule it to a later time when the vehicle isn't being used? Similar to a cellphone update?
Other or unspecified, Sep 20, 2024
I purchased a 2023 SantaFe brand new mid-January, In June I noticed an issue with the car. I called Steele Hyundai in June to get an appointment and was told by Margarita that they didn’t have availability until September. REALLY. So, I went online and filled out an appointment and got an earlier appointment for August. Crazy Right? I then contacted Hyundai corporate to file a complaint, and was given a case number and Tina is the case worker. I brought the car in on [XXX] and left it there till [XXX]. Problem ended up a transmission needed replacement. WOW, quality!! I picked the car up on that Friday and it sat in the garage during labor day weekend. I first got back in the vehicle on Tuesday, [XXX] and knew immediately it wasn’t fixed. I decided to go to a different dealership for service World Car Hyundai in San Antonio and made an appointment for [XXX]. I called [XXX], spoke with Todd and explained needing a loaner. He asked me what I was bringing it in for, told him I had the transmission replaced. He said to give it a week to get the computer to adjust to my driving. SAY WHAT? So, I did and no bueno. I called again on Thursday, [XXX] to bring it in to World Car and spoke with Justin and made an appointment for Tuesday [XXX]. On Saturday, [XXX], we took the car to Austin for my husband to determine what he thought, he said, “this car isn’t drivable”. On Monday, [XXX], I cancelled my appointment for World Car because Todd said Steele knows the history of what work they did, and it would be best. My husband dropped the car off at Steele on Monday without an appointment. The service director Rene is familiar with my vehicle and today when I called him about the car, he said it’s the TRANSMISSION AGAIN. My question is what is wrong with the quality of the engineering or the quality of the service technology. I DON’T trust this car, I need a SOLUTION. I need an answer. I need you to fix this problem with this C INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 20, 2024
The forward collision warning system engages and slows the car, often very abruptly, when on the highway and only when cruise control is on. It happens after we have been on the highway for a few hours, thus the dealer cannot reproduce the incident. It happens a few times on every road trip and is very disturbing when there are no other vehicles or obstacles in the road or nearby. We have reported this to the dealer several times and they can find nothing wrong. I provided a photo to the dealer of the dashboard showing the cruise control on, the forward collision system DISENGAGED, and the forward collision warning activated. Dealer states they have recalibrated the system but can replace no parts unless a part is found to be faulty. The latest suggestion yesterday from the dealer was to "get out" of the car before the issue gets worse.
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Sep 18, 2024, crash
I was driving the car moving in reverse to exit my driveway. I placed the car in Park and while the engine was running I exited the car. Upon exiting the car, the car immediately started to roll forward and crashed through my garage door leveling it to the ground. The car continued moving forward into the garage and came to a stop blocked by built in shelving at the back end of the garage. I could have been injured had the car started to roll while I was exiting the car or had some been in front of the car. No warning lamps or messages prior to the incident. The car has a safety feature if moving in Drive or Reverse and the driver door is opened the car shifts into Park. That feature failed. The car was inspected by a Hyundai dealer and claim no error codes found and dismissed any other information as provided in this report
Visibility/wiper, Sep 18, 2024
Vehicle sun/moon roof exploded/shattered while driving on the highway with no apparent external cause. Sunroof was closed, driving middle lane, slightly below speed limit. Fortunately the material blind was closed otherwise the glass could have struck the occupants. Drove to manufacturer dealership who insisted it was a stone and not a manufacturer defect and to claim through insurance, which means a $1000 excess. I know this happens on various vehicles, noted on many forums.
Electrical system, Sep 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the horn was inoperable. The lower horn sound had dissipated. Then shortly after the higher horn stopped working. There was no sound when the horn pad was depressed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who informed the contact about the cost for the repair, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, opened a case, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
Engine, Sep 4, 2024
Driving at a low speed and blind spot warning light comes on, then all warnings light up and car loses all power and goes into limp mode. Engine light stays on, but will start back up after it is shut off, open and shut car door and restart. Engine light stays on. Has happened to me three or four times. In the past, the engine light will eventually go off before I can get it to the dealership. Hyundai said they couldn’t duplicate the problem last time it was taken in, so nothing could be done. Gives error code P063512 each time and says EMS which I assume means emissions.
Electrical system, Aug 15, 2024
A few times recently our car has had a hard time starting even though it's only a year old. It's like it's having a hard time turning over. And then when driving, it has a hard time accelerating - it almost feels like the car is in neutral while trying to drive. It jerks and shimmies to the point where you have to pull over to see what's going on. We were on a pretty busy road and couldn't accelerate to the point of safely merging into traffic. An online forum said it was a "loose ground" that's causing the acceleration issues.
Electrical system, Wheels, Engine, Jul 21, 2024
Driving up steep hill to my mom’s house car would not drive up, as it hesitated I pressed gas pedal to no avail. I turned off car, got out & nothing was blocking me. Turned car back on & accelerated, this time it went forward.
Other or unspecified, Jul 21, 2024
I was driving down the expressway and my sunroof exploded. It scared me so bad that I swerved and almost lost control of the car. I thought something hit me.
Forward collision avoidance, Jul 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the Emergency Braking System was erroneously activated, causing the vehicle to abruptly stop in the middle of the road. During the failure, the message "Emergency Braking System Engaged" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted regarding the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Other or unspecified, Jul 13, 2024
Horn does not function. Trip to the service department and was advised it’s a known issue and they will call me when one comes in. This car is one year old and the horn not working is a major safety concern for me. A search online shows this is an issue for several buyers without a recall notice.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 6, 2024
There is an extreme amount of hesitation/delay from when you depress the accelerator and when the vehicle accelerates. I have had multiple incidences (both from a complete stop and while already moving) where I depress the accelerator and there is a concerning amount of lag time before the vehicle initiates movement. This has almost led to multiple accidents. This defect happens in all drive modes. This issue appears to have gotten worse over the time we have owned the vehicle. We did not notice this issue earlier on. We bought the vehicle brand new in Dec. 23.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 24, 2024
Several times lately of extended crank. Saturday evening, car had been parked for 4 hours, did remote start and had extended crank of about 2 seconds. Car ran for about 3 minutes before we left. We left home and hit main road, tried to accelerate and vehicle seemed to go into limp mode. Would keep cutting the fuel out if tried to accelerate even above 40 mph. No check engine light came on. Put in neutral, could not get above about 3500 rpm. Vehicle was in smart mode where decides which mode to be in (normal, fuel economy or sport), when would try to accelerate it would try to change to sport as it knew power was not there. Was on a 6 lane highway and could not get up to speed. Finally was able to pull to side of road, shut engine off, waited a few seconds, restarted and issue went away, still no check engine light. I have contacted my local dealer, they said they have seen on another vehicle, was not sure of outcome, having service manager call me. Lots of complaints online forums of similar issues.
Wheels, Jun 19, 2024
Tire inside sidewall blew out on rear right tire. No curb, no pothole. 40mph speed
Tires, May 24, 2024
I was driving at around 11 a.m. on a city road at about 30 miles per hour when front passenger tire suddenly popped and car began to swerve almost colliding with vehicle in adjacent lane. The TPMS alert showed up on dashboard after the tire popped. There were no potholes or any objects that the car hit. The car along with tires had been inspected during routine maintenance at the dealer five days prior to this incident and no issues were found on tires or any lights on the dashboard. There were also no symptoms leading up to the tire suddenly popping. I contacted the manufacturer who referred me to an authorized center. After submitting the claim at the authorized center, they provided a replacement 255/45R20 at 50 percent discount.
Other or unspecified, May 22, 2024
Driving down the interstate yesterday & heard a very loud ‘POP!’ Looked when I got home to find that the sunroof glass had shattered (as has, apparently, happened to more than a few vehicles by Hyundai, as well as other manufacturers), & fell onto the fabric liner below it. Thankfully, I did not have any of my grandchildren in the back seat at the time, & the sunroof was closed. At the very least, Hyundai needs to replace and repair the glass, & be sure, before it’s returned to me, that it’s better than it was when it was new.
Other or unspecified, May 22, 2024
WHEN I WAS DRIVING TO WORK THE MORNING OF 5/20/2024, MY PANORAMIC SUNROOF EXPLODED OUT OF NOWHERE. PART OF THE GLASS FELL ON MY HEAD RESULTING IN A CONCUSSION.
Engine and engine cooling, Structure, May 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the vehicle was overheating while driving. Additionally, the contact stated that upon noticing that coolant was leaking onto the ground, he opened the hood and discovered that coolant was leaking from the radiator. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that a foreign object had struck the radiator, causing coolant to leak into the engine compartment. The dealer informed the contact that a failure caused by a foreign object was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that upon examining pictures of the failure provided by the dealer, he noticed that there were rocks stuck in and near the radiator. The contact determined that the large gaps of the front grill were allowing foreign objects to strike the radiator. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened; however, the case was later closed. The failure mileage was approximately 11,591.
Forward collision avoidance, Lane departure, May 3, 2024
I've been driving in Arizona on southbound [XXX] just south of [XXX] and noticed an issue that is very odd. I have a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe that has Highway Driving Assist that does both speed control and distance from the vehicle ahead of me and Lane Keeping Assist. After I pass [XXX], but before an overpass for [XXX], my vehicle, if those systems are on, goes haywire and all those safety systems turn off. I have experienced it on at least 3 of the lanes on that stretch. It happens both early in the am and later regardless of sun. It doesn't happen on northbound. As more cars have these features, this interference should be looked in to. I have not experienced this on any other of our highways. Here's a link to the the rough location. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)