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.
Power train, Nov 2, 2023
My 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe have a recall to fix the trailer hitch, since that I notice some issues with the shifting with a loss of power while driving, my car is 15k miles and showed a check-engine light. I made an appointment for the dealership the next morning. After two days, I was told that the car needs a new transmission. After 3 days still waiting for the car to be fix.
Forward collision avoidance, Nov 2, 2023
When traveling along the front collision warning system is triggered even though nothing is around the vehicle. The car remains running, but there is no response from the gas pedal. I have to coast to the side if possible or stop and turn on flashers (very dangerous on interstate highway). Once safely stopped, turning off the car and then starting again reboots the system and it runs fine until it happens again randomly. The check engine light stays on for a day, but does not light up the next morning. The dealership does diagnostics, but nothing shows up as wrong. It happens so fast there is no way to take a picture or video before the warning disappears. So far I have been lucky as this has happened at least 6 times. It is dangerous and I am terrified someone will not see flashers and run into me at highway speeds.
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Oct 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that on two separate occasions while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle decelerated. The check engine warning light illuminated, and a message displayed on the infotainment screen indicating “Engine System Emergency, Take Vehicle to the Nearest Dealer”. The contact was able to veer the vehicle into a parking lot where it was idled. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that no appointments were available; however, the technician used a code reader that retrieved message: “5 Volts drop to the ECM”. The contact stated that the technician then pressed the START/STOP button to restart the vehicle and reset the check engine warning light. The contact stated that he was able to drive the vehicle back to his location where he parked the vehicle. The following day he restarted the vehicle however, the failure recurred. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised that if the check engine warning light was not illuminated there was no need to have the vehicle diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 1,108.
Power train, Oct 10, 2023
My 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy with 14k miles showed a check-engine light. I had noticed some strange behavior in the shifting with a loss of power while driving at low gears. I made an appointment for the dealership the next morning. Was told today that the car needs a new transmission.
Power train, Oct 2, 2023
Vehicle has just over 4k Miles on it. Several times I tried to accelerate and while the engine RPMs would increase, the vehicle would not accelerate. Very dangerous when turning right on a red light and when merging into traffic. I came close to getting T-Boned on 4 occasions, and rear-ended on 3 occasions. This vehicle is not reliable and puts passenger lives in danger. Today the "Shifter System Malfunction-Service Immediately" warning came on and I was not able to shift into any gear and the vehicle put itself into neutral. Looking at the forums, this has been a problem throughout the Hyundia vehicle lineup for years with the DCT transmission. I don't understand how they can continue to sell these vehicles when there is a known safety issue with the DCT transmission. I have tried to contact Johnson Hyundia in Cary NC and left multiple messages with the service dept, but they have never returned my calls.
Vehicle speed control, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 22, 2023
Occasionally the cruise control when accelerating will exceed the set speed and continue to climb and I will be going 20 miles faster than the set speed and climbing. The only way to sop this is to turn cruise off, slow down and restart. My thought is it happens after I have disengaged the cruise and then when safe reengage which is done by pressing the switch straight down. In my previous vehicles I would push the control up. I may be doing this by accident and giving the system an unknown command. Whatever I am doing to create tis situation is too easy to do and creates a safety issue. this has happened multiple times.
Power train, Sep 11, 2023
when I tried accelerate, the car jerked and then the transmission began to slip and I coasted to a stop. I cranked the car and slowly began to drive the car while it felt like the transmission was slipping. My first thought was that the transmission was low on fluid but later found that this is a sealed transmission. Luckily there was no traffic during this incident. There was no warnings lights or any warnings whatsoever.
Other or unspecified, Aug 28, 2023
I was driving on the freeway when it sounded like an explosion inside the vehicle occurred. I was not sure what it was at first, and then I started to hear glass rattling in the sunroof area. I pulled over and looked on top of the vehicle and the sunroof glass has exploded. Nothing hit the vehicle, so heat must have caused the sunroof to explode. It was approximately 103 degrees outside per the vehicle's thermometer.
Power train, Aug 19, 2023
I purchased a new 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe and on multiple occasions when trying to accelerate the vehicle has failed to go above 30 mph. I have put on about 6,000 miles. When I pull over and restart the car. The issue seems to resolve. This is quite dangerous when trying to get on the highway or accelerate to pass for myself, passengers in the car and others. The dealer has not been able to repeat the issue. No warning or error codes appear. After repeated returns to the dealer, the dealer has now refused to review the vehicle without a $200 charge to investigate. I am happy to make the vehicle available for inspection.
Forward collision avoidance, Aug 16, 2023
The front collision warning/assistance system on this vehicle does not appear to be working. The dealer claims that it is working. It seems that the protocol for testing for proper function is flawed and no one is tacking ownership of this issue. They are saying that in order to test the system a near collision must be imminent and to simulate this puts the technician at risk of injury (understandable); Nevertheless, I have been in situations where I should have at least received a warning and there was none. On a test drive by the service manager with me in the vehicle the front collision assistance was verified on and active. The cruise control function was tested and worked to adjust the speed of the vehicle appropriately which tells me that assistance is available. It appears that the either the collision sensor is not recognizing collision danger or the danger message is not getting to the warning trigger and possibly the assistance trigger. This situation should be reported to the appropriate department a Hyundai for review.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Aug 11, 2023
May 5th 2023 my car was broken in to.The back passenger window was broken out and the steering column was tour out .The car was undrivable. The car was towed May 18th to Nalley Hyundai.I just got my car back today Aug 11. I understand Hyundai is suing TikTok I was given a number.She said when they go to court.When .
Service brakes, Air, Electrical system, Jul 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the downhill assist, traction control, auto stop, blind spot, and ABS warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to pull over and called the local dealer and was informed that the vehicle was safe to drive. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes independently activated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the wheel speed sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.
Lane departure, Jul 23, 2023
when driving in the rain, the driver side (left) blind spot is not functional. When the right turn signal is used, the camera shows the right side of the car and the triangle on the right mirror lights up if there is vehicle in the blind spot. In the rain, the camera lens is as clear as when it is not raining. when the left turn signal is used, due to poor aerodynamics, there is a large drop of water on camera lens which prevents driver from seeing the blind spot on the left side. The large drop of water is displayed on the dash instead of the left side of the vehicle.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Jul 19, 2023
Driving at 25 mph and the vehicle alerted "shift to neutral" and came to a complete stop and stalled. Had no warning, couldn't even pull to side of road. Could not start again and had to be towed.
Power train, Jul 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at 75 MPH, the vehicle stalled and decelerated to 25 MPH as several warning lights flashed on the instrument panel. After multiple attempts, the contact managed to restart the vehicle and drove to her destination. The contact sustained severe emotional trauma due to the failure but did not seek medical attention. The contact drove the vehicle to the dealer where they informed her that the throttle body was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 2,689.
Air bags, Jul 8, 2023, crash, fire
I was recently involved in a front side swipe accident where a person ran a red light and hit me while I was passing through an intersection. The impact was all in the front of the vehicle where the air bag had deployed. The air bag caught on fire within seconds after it had deployed. Thankfully I was conscious to where I was able to unbuckle my seat belt quickly and someone came to my aid quickly enough to where I was able to exit the vehicle safely.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 6, 2023
Over the last Tom th, I have encountered some pretty scary issues with my brand new Santa Fe purchased in April. Last week, while driving, after I turned on adaptive cruise control, the system alerted me that “smart crusade control conditions weren’t met” and kept trying to engage the front left brake — this occurred three days in a row. After turning off the smart cruise control and entering residential roads, the front left brake tried to engage in a manner that seemed consistent with ABS issue. I brought car in two days later to Dublin Hyundai and they said they couldn’t find anything wrong with it. I picked the car up yesterday morning and then last night while driving on the highway, it alerted me that I need to “check highway drive assist system” and a warning light came up. After about 5 minutes, the car jerked me incredibly hard to the left on the freeway and then athe light turned off. Then two days ago, I was driving my car on the highway the car randomly said “emergency braking system activated” twice, while going 70 on the freeway in the middle of nowhere. This was while driving safely and no cars nearby either time. I looked online and it appears this is a problem that’s occurred in many Santa Fe’s, so there is clearly an issue with manufacturing (which I’m assuming is the same case as the previous issues I’ve run into).
Trailer hitches, Jun 26, 2023
2023 HYUNDAI SANTA FE- Consumer states: I saw the notice on TV regarding a recall on my specific vehicle for the trailer hitch issue. I immediately contacted my local Hyundai dealership and scheduled an appointment. The Service Department concluded that my vehicle was included in the recall, I was told that they had not yet received a recommendation from Hyundai on a remedy for this fire hazard. My invoice indicates "your vehicle does have a Genuine Hyundai Towing hitch and 4-pin harness installed, there is currently no remedy available however you can continue driving the vehicle, but it is recommended that you park the vehicle outside until a remedy has been performed.April, 2023, I called the Hyundai Corporate Office and was assigned a case manager, Rohan. I suggested that Hyundai buy back the vehicle, with 5000 miles on it, because if I cannot tow my boat, it's useless to me, and also because I cannot park the vehicle in my heated 3 car attached garage. Rohan said he would try to find a local business to install a new hitch. I would have pay for it and submit the bill to Hyundai for reimbursement. The next time I heard from Rohan, he instructed me to find a local business to install the hitch. I did contact a couple local businesses and they all indicated that they wanted nothing to do with the Hyundai recall. My question to Rohan was, if he thought a private business could do the fix, why hadn't Hyundai come up with a timely fix, given the potential devastation that the outcome could have if a fire did occur. At the end of April, 2023, Rohan stopped accepting and responding to my calls. I believe that Hyundai has failed to timely remedy the towing hitch issue which, according to Hyundai, may ignite a fire even with the ignition turned off. Hyundai has known that these issues existed well before it was announced on TV in March, 2023 but did not officially notify the owners of the vehicles until the end of May, 2023. It is very unnerving driving this vehicle knowing this is the one that could catch fire anywhere, anytime! This should be considered for a Class Action Law Suite or a Wisconsin Lemon Law Case.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 23, 2023
I was driving on the highway and the car phantom emergency braked for no reason at all.
Other or unspecified, Jun 16, 2023
Hello, I would like to point out a safety issue many new car manufacturers have actually implemented. I've witnessed this safety issue at two accident myself. Most automakers today lock your car doors automatically unnoticed by most drivers . The door locks are operated by electrical current only, if a accident destroys your car battery mechanically or by shorting out the battery in water, a person is unable to unlock their door. Thereby trapping them inside their car. In case your car is on fire or submerging in water you are trapped. There normally is a mechanical lock release if you are aware of how to use it, most people today if questioned have no idea how to do that. My son recently purchased a new Ford pickup that when the doors are locked the little plunger that you would pull up manually to release your door lock is recessed in the panel to the point you cannot grab hold of it. GMC truck owners are told to just pull the handle three times and the door will unlock, this is a true statement, if, the battery is connected. Research will show many people drowning and killed by automobile fire, When they have been perfectly physically capable of escaping the car If the door lock had not prevented them from escaping. It Is such a simple fix, just by redesigning the mechanical operation to only luck the door from the outside not the person inside. This auto lock future can not be changed on this car as i have requested. Please contact me with questions. Thank you for your help in saving lives! [XXX] My back ground has been 25 years with IBM in R&D also aircraft electrician, and industrial electrician INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Vehicle speed control, Jun 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the RPM would be elevated while the vehicle was idling. The failure recurred while the brake pedal was depressed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The failure recurred approximately 3-4 times within 30 days. The failure recurred approximately 15 times within 6 months of owning the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 12.
Vehicle speed control, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 2, 2023
Driving on highway with cruise control selected to 80 mph. Left signal is applied to travel to left lane to pass a semi trailer. When the vehicle is half way into the left lane, the automatic system applies hard braking even though the semi trailer has not been detected as too close. Vehicle slowed to 74 to 75 mph before cruise control was turned off. Vehicle behavior is a total surprise to vehicles following since the braking is unexpected on a clear road. Repeated the symptoms several times. This braking does not occur if the vehicle ahead in the right hand lane is an automobile. This only occurs if it is a large vehicle such as a semi. Moving quickly or slowly to the passing lane affects the total time the braking is applied. The slower the movement, the longer the braking is applied. Repeated this behavior at 75 mph and 70 mph with similar results.
Power train, May 16, 2023
While driving under normal conditions with vehicle in Drive, transmission shifting into Neutral with no driver input or action and the engine remained running. Transmission indicator remained in Drive, and engine would rev, without forward propulsion. This occurred three times is close proximity, within 30 minute period. Each time, shutting down the vehicle, waiting approximately 5 minutes to restart, the vehicle would then shift into Drive normally and move under power. There were no warning messages or indicators prior to or during the three episodes. Dealer was unable to diagnosis any errors, even using GDS. If the vehicle had been moving at highway speed or on a more congested roadway, this could have posed a significant safety risk to the occupants and any nearby vehicles, as the driver may have not been able to safely pull off the roadway when the vehicle lost propulsion (shifted to neutral).
Power train, Service brakes, May 9, 2023
Car was purchased January 21st had 3000 mile on it when service was needed for these issues. On march 23rd as I started driving my car wouldn't go above 30 mph, when pressing on the gas pedal the car wouldn't accelerate, the rpm gage would go to 4 but engine wouldn't make noise car wouldn't speed up. I put the car in park and back in drive with no improvement. I pulled off at a gas station restarted the car and it was fine. During this time the auto on off button was orange on the cluster which I had never seen it that color before. Was looked at by the dealer but wasn't reproducible. Not sure the cause, but safety was in jeopardy due to not being able to go with speed of traffic. Also a couple weeks after purchase brakes began to squeal, took car to dealer on march 28th was told brake pads were sanded and cleaned, upon leaving dealer brakes continued to squeal, car is now back at dealer, supposedly needing front rotors and pads replaced. Dealer won't drive car until rotors replaced. Safety was in jeopardy cause of possible brake failure and resulting accident.
Other or unspecified, May 8, 2023
While traveling on state highway I heard a sudden, loud pop, similar to a gunshot sound. I looked everywhere and noticed that the sunroof was shattered. It is panoramic and was open. The rear, unopened section was completely shattered. Upon closer inspection there is a jagged hole about 1.5 inches in length in the sunroof. Although the rear part of the sunroof was intact, there were shards of glass scattered throughout the cabin.