NHTSA holds 8,863 complaints about the Hyundai Santa Fe across the 2001 to 2026 model years, and three years carry the most: the 2017 with 1,316, the 2013 with 803 and the 2007 with 683. From 2012 to 2020, engine is the top complaint category every year, peaking at 849 engine complaints for the 2017. The Santa Fe has 56 recall campaigns, and six of them carry a park-outside warning. NHTSA's audit query AQ23002 into Hyundai and Kia ABS module fires, which covers the 2013 to 2019 Santa Fe, is still open.
Hyundai Santa Fe Common Problems and Years to Avoid (NHTSA Data)
By the founder of CarWorthItPublished
Short answer
Hyundai Santa Fe years to avoid, going by NHTSA owner complaints: 2017 (1,316 complaints), 2013 (803) and 2007 (683), each at least twice the median model year (305). The components owners report most are engine (3,112), power train (1,017) and electrical system (937). NHTSA lists 56 recall campaigns and 15 defect investigations for the 2001 to 2026 model years.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls and defect investigations for the 2001 to 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe, 8,863 complaints in all, pulled September 28, 2026.
Hyundai Santa Fe complaints and recalls by model year
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation and distinct recall campaigns, for every model year with records, counted on September 28, 2026. The median model year up to 2021 drew 305 complaints; a year is marked to avoid when it is one of the three highest and drew at least twice that. Years after 2021 have had less time to collect complaints, so they are judged only if they already pass the same line.
| Model year | Verdict | Complaints | Recalls | Crash / fire / injury reports | Most-reported components |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Too new to judge | 36 | 0 | 0 / 0 / 1 | Forward collision avoidance (5), Seats (5), Tires (4) |
| 2025 | Too new to judge | 133 | 5 | 5 / 0 / 3 | Electrical system (28), Power train (21), Forward collision avoidance (20) |
| 2024 | Too new to judge | 150 | 7 | 11 / 1 / 7 | Power train (42), Electrical system (29), Forward collision avoidance (15) |
| 2023 | Too new to judge | 210 | 1 | 11 / 3 / 10 | Power train (44), Forward collision avoidance (36), Electrical system (36) |
| 2022 | Too new to judge | 199 | 5 | 8 / 1 / 4 | Power train (57), Engine (53), Electrical system (31) |
| 2021 | Typical | 166 | 7 | 4 / 2 / 2 | Power train (50), Engine (37), Electrical system (29) |
| 2020 | Typical | 213 | 2 | 13 / 9 / 12 | Engine (78), Power train (26), Electrical system (25) |
| 2019 | Typical | 225 | 3 | 17 / 12 / 10 | Engine (82), Power train (36), Electrical system (30) |
| 2018 | Above median | 429 | 5 | 13 / 12 / 8 | Engine (250), Service brakes (68), Hydraulic (48) |
| 2017 | Year to avoid | 1,316 | 7 | 19 / 30 / 16 | Engine (849), Power train (203), Service brakes (114) |
| 2016 | Typical | 305 | 3 | 10 / 12 / 8 | Engine (193), Power train (24), Service brakes (23) |
| 2015 | Typical | 336 | 4 | 10 / 19 / 7 | Engine (201), Service brakes (52), Power train (29) |
| 2014 | High | 655 | 7 | 16 / 45 / 14 | Engine (368), Service brakes (87), Electrical system (70) |
| 2013 | Year to avoid | 803 | 7 | 15 / 55 / 10 | Engine (381), Service brakes (104), Steering (99) |
| 2012 | Typical | 353 | 1 | 25 / 17 / 7 | Engine (228), Electrical system (43), Vehicle speed control (40) |
| 2011 | Typical | 181 | 3 | 12 / 8 / 7 | Engine (64), Electrical system (25), Vehicle speed control (24) |
| 2010 | Typical | 258 | 3 | 8 / 6 / 6 | Power train (109), Engine (37), Electrical system (28) |
| 2009 | Typical | 358 | 3 | 27 / 5 / 15 | Fuel/propulsion system (109), Engine (60), Vehicle speed control (51) |
| 2008 | Above median | 541 | 6 | 17 / 7 / 11 | Fuel/propulsion system (215), Electrical system (74), Air bags (70) |
| 2007 | Year to avoid | 683 | 9 | 30 / 8 / 16 | Fuel/propulsion system (121), Air bags (102), Electrical system (97) |
| 2006 | Typical | 106 | 1 | 11 / 3 / 6 | Air bags (28), Vehicle speed control (20), Service brakes (17) |
| 2005 | Typical | 216 | 3 | 18 / 0 / 10 | Air bags (74), Vehicle speed control (44), Service brakes (33) |
| 2004 | Typical | 303 | 3 | 32 / 7 / 27 | Suspension (69), Service brakes (43), Air bags (43) |
| 2003 | Typical | 308 | 4 | 26 / 5 / 17 | Suspension (56), Service brakes (42), Air bags (42) |
| 2002 | Typical | 171 | 4 | 9 / 2 / 6 | Suspension (60), Service brakes (21), Structure (17) |
| 2001 | Typical | 209 | 4 | 4 / 4 / 2 | Suspension (76), Electrical system (35), Engine and engine cooling (33) |
Counts are raw totals and are not adjusted for how many of each year were sold, so a big-selling year draws more complaints than a slow one. Crash, fire and injury columns count complaints that report one, as filed by the owner.
Check the value and recall status of a specific Hyundai Santa Fe
Model-year counts cannot tell you about the car in front of you. Enter its 17-character VIN for the free report: the exact year, trim and engine it was built with, the safety recalls NHTSA lists for its year, make and model, its crash-test ratings and running costs. No account. Then, from $2.99, see what that Hyundai Santa Fe is worth at its mileage near your ZIP code, with the listings behind the number, and whether the asking price is fair. The $6.99 Full Report also checks that VIN for recalls still outstanding.
2017: engine complaints well above any other year
The 2017 Santa Fe has 1,316 complaints, against a median of 305 per model year. These counts are raw totals, not adjusted for how many of each year were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints. Engine is listed on 849 of the 2017 complaints. In the narratives, 407 describe engine failure, seizure or knocking and 237 describe stalling or loss of power while driving. Recall 17V578000 covers the 2017 because the crankshaft assemblies may have been produced with surface irregularities in the crankshaft pin, causing engine bearing wear. A defect petition, DP24001, on 3.3L Engine Loss of Motive Power for the 2017 closed in May 2024 without a recall.
2013 and 2014: bearing wear, fuel pipes and fire reports
The 2013 (803 complaints) and 2014 (655) follow, with 381 and 368 engine complaints, and they have the most fire reports of any Santa Fe year, 55 and 45. Recall 17V226000 covers both for machining errors during the engine manufacturing process that may cause premature bearing wear. A second recall for both years, 18V934000, addresses a high pressure fuel pipe that may have been damaged or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, allowing fuel to leak. NHTSA's engineering analysis EA21003 into engine fires on the 2012 to 2014 closed in February 2024.
ABS module recalls with a park-outside warning
Five of the six park-outside recalls concern the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module, where brake fluid may leak inside the module or the module may malfunction, causing an electrical short: 20V520000, 21V303000 and 23V651000 (2013 to 2015), 22V056000 (2016 to 2019) and 22V810000 (2018). Three of those descriptions warn of an engine compartment fire, and NHTSA's audit query AQ23002 into these fires is still open. The sixth, 23V181000, covers the 2019 to 2023 because water on the tow hitch harness module circuit board may cause a short and a fire.
2007: air bags and the fuel system
The 2007 has 683 complaints and nine recalls, the most recalls of any Santa Fe year. Fuel/propulsion system (121), air bags (102) and electrical system (97) lead, and it tops the model for complaints mentioning brakes (150) and air bags (106). Recall 11V472000 (2007 and 2008) covers a driver's air bag clock spring that may become damaged over time, so the air bag may not deploy.
What to check on a used Santa Fe
- Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup, which lists any recall not yet repaired on that car (see what else a free VIN check shows) and confirm the ABS module campaigns are complete on any 2013 to 2019. If one is open, park outside until it is repaired.
- On a 2013 or 2014, confirm that 17V226000 and 18V934000 show as completed.
- On a 2017, confirm 17V578000 was done, and on the test drive listen for knocking and watch for stalling or a check-engine light.
- On a 2017 or 2018, check the oil level and look for leaks; these two years lead the complaints mentioning oil consumption or oil leaks, with 280 and 111.
- If a 2019 to 2023 has a tow hitch harness, confirm 23V181000 was completed.
- On a 2001 to 2006, look for corroded front coil springs (14V435000) and, on a 2001 to 2003, rear trailing arms (09V123000). These years lead the complaints mentioning rust or corrosion.
- Before you settle on a price, check the seller's asking price against the Santa Fes for sale near you with the used car price check.
Then check what a specific Santa Fe is worth by VIN: the valuation, from $2.99, prices that VIN at its mileage near your ZIP code against cars for sale.
What Hyundai Santa Fe owners report most
NHTSA files each complaint under one or more component categories. Across all 8,863 Hyundai Santa Fe complaints, these are the most common:
| NHTSA component | Complaints | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3,112 | 35.1% |
| Power train | 1,017 | 11.5% |
| Electrical system | 937 | 10.6% |
| Service brakes | 922 | 10.4% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 836 | 9.4% |
| Vehicle speed control | 636 | 7.2% |
| Air bags | 535 | 6.0% |
| Suspension | 450 | 5.1% |
| Steering | 433 | 4.9% |
| Hydraulic | 410 | 4.6% |
The categories are broad, so the owners' own descriptions were also searched for specific symptoms. These are counts of complaints whose text mentions each one, not diagnoses, and one complaint can mention several.
| What the complaint describes | Complaints | Share | Model years with the most |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 1,406 | 15.9% | 2007 (150), 2017 (138), 2013 (104) |
| Engine failure, seizure or knocking | 1,359 | 15.3% | 2017 (407), 2014 (192), 2013 (175) |
| Check-engine light | 1,251 | 14.1% | 2017 (253), 2008 (167), 2007 (118) |
| Stalling or loss of power while driving | 1,149 | 13.0% | 2017 (237), 2013 (128), 2014 (111) |
| Hesitation, jerking or surging | 674 | 7.6% | 2017 (176), 2010 (50), 2013 (40) |
| Steering | 650 | 7.3% | 2013 (100), 2014 (75), 2017 (56) |
| Oil consumption or oil leaks | 647 | 7.3% | 2017 (280), 2018 (111), 2014 (53) |
| Fire, smoke or a burning smell | 613 | 6.9% | 2017 (112), 2013 (95), 2014 (89) |
| Air bags | 580 | 6.5% | 2007 (106), 2005 (79), 2008 (69) |
| Transmission problems | 443 | 5.0% | 2010 (74), 2017 (58), 2024 (37) |
Hyundai Santa Fe recalls (56 campaigns)
Every recall campaign NHTSA lists for the Hyundai Santa Fe, newest first, with the model years it covers and NHTSA's own description of the defect, shortened. A recall on the model is not proof a given car was affected or left unrepaired: check a specific car by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or in the free CarWorthIt VIN report.
| Campaign | Reported | Model years | Component | The defect, in NHTSA's words |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26V218000 | April 6, 2026 | 2024 to 2025 | Seat belts | The driver and passenger seat belt anchors may detach. A detached seat belt anchor will not adequately restrain the seat occupant, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. |
| 25V809000 | November 21, 2025 | 2025 | Air bags | The side curtain air bags may not have been installed properly, which can cause the air bags not to deploy as intended. Side curtain air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash. |
| 25V808000 | November 21, 2025 | 2024 to 2025 | Back over prevention | The rearview camera may not have been installed properly, which can damage the wiring harness and cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility." |
| 25V659000 | October 2, 2025 | 2024 to 2025 | Electrical system | The B+ positive terminal cover on the starter motor assembly may be improperly installed, which can cause an electrical short during a crash. An electrical short increases the risk of a fire. |
| 25V549000 | August 26, 2025 | 2025 | Engine and engine cooling | The connecting rod bolts in the engine may have been improperly tightened, which can cause a loss of drive power and engine damage, possibly resulting in an oil leak. |
| 24V879000 | November 21, 2024 | 2021 to 2022 | Back over prevention | Due to a damaged printed circuit board, the rearview camera image may fail to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility." |
| 24V843000 | November 7, 2024 | 2024 | Electrical system | The overhead console rear sunshade switch knob may not be fully recessed, which can result in unintentional closing of the sunshade. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window, Partition and Roof Panel Systems." |
| 24V561000 | July 26, 2024 | 2024 | Air bags | The main floor wiring harness may chafe against the passenger-side second-row bench seat assembly and become damaged, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally or prevent the air bags from deploying in a crash. |
| 24V529000 | July 12, 2024 | 2024 | Power train | A software error in the transmission control unit may result in a vehicle roll away when the vehicle is in PARK. A vehicle roll away increases the risk of a crash or injury. |
| 24V246000 | April 2, 2024 | 2024 | Back over prevention | The rearview camera image may be obstructed by a trailer parking assist message. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility." |
| 23V651000 | September 22, 2023 | 2013 to 2015 | Service brakes, hydraulic | NHTSA park-outside warning. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving. |
| 23V181000 | March 17, 2023 | 2019 to 2023 | Trailer hitches | NHTSA park-outside warning. 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. |
| 22V810000 | October 27, 2022 | 2018 | Service brakes, hydraulic | NHTSA park-outside warning. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving. |
| 22V746000 | October 6, 2022 | 2021 to 2022 | Power train | The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which can result in a complete loss of drive power. |
| 22V197000 | March 28, 2022 | 2022 | Engine and engine cooling | The oil supply pipe to the turbocharger may crack, which could result in an oil leak in the engine compartment. An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire. |
Show the other 41 Hyundai Santa Fe recalls
| Campaign | Reported | Model years | Component | The defect, in NHTSA's words |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22V056000 | February 3, 2022 | 2016 to 2019 | Service brakes, hydraulic | NHTSA park-outside warning. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire. An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury. |
| 21V00M000 | December 28, 2021 | 2020 to 2021 | Visibility | During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. A windshield that detaches from a vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury. |
| 21V524000 | July 9, 2021 | 2021 to 2022 | Fuel system, gasoline | Fuel may leak at the pipe connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel rail. A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire. |
| 21V308000 | May 3, 2021 | 2021 | Fuel system, gasoline | The fuel pipe connecting the high pressure fuel pump to the fuel rail may not have been tightened properly. An insufficiently tightened fuel pipe may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire. |
| 21V303000 | April 28, 2021 | 2013 to 2015 | Service brakes, hydraulic | NHTSA park-outside warning. Brake fluid may leak inside the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module, possibly resulting in an electrical short. An electrical short in the ABS module can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire while parked or driving. |
| 21V185000 | March 17, 2021 | 2021 | Air bags | The Occupant Detection System (ODS) module may not deactivate the air bag upon detection of a child restraint system in the front passenger seat. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection." |
| 20V746000 | December 1, 2020 | 2012 | Engine | The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which over time can result in engine damage. A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 20V520000 | August 27, 2020 | 2013 to 2015 | Service brakes, hydraulic | NHTSA park-outside warning. Brake fluid may leak inside the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module, possibly resulting in an electrical short. If the ABS module short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire. |
| 20V061000 | February 4, 2020 | 2007 | Service brakes, hydraulic | Moisture may enter the Anti-lock Brake (ABS) Module and result in an electrical short. An electrical short within the ABS Module may cause an engine compartment fire, even when the car is turned off, increasing the risk of an injury. |
| 18V934000 | December 28, 2018 | 2013 to 2014 | Engine | The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned, or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, allowing fuel to leak from the pipe. |
| 18V715000 | October 11, 2018 | 2019 | Air bags | The Side Curtain Air Bag (SCAB) mounting bolts may interfere with and damage the air bags during deployment. In the event of a crash, if the air bags become damaged during deployment they may not inflate properly, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 18V118000 | February 17, 2018 | 2018 | Steering | The steering wheel assembly may break, possibly resulting in the steering wheel separating from the steering column while driving. A steering wheel separation while driving can cause a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash. |
| 17V801000 | December 13, 2017 | 2018 | Air bags | The side curtain air bags on these vehicles have a component that may detach during deployment of the inflatable curtain air bag. If the component detaches during deployment, the curtain air bag may not inflate properly during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 17V578000 | September 20, 2017 | 2017 | Engine and engine cooling | The crankshaft assemblies may have been produced with surface irregularities in the crankshaft pin, causing engine bearing wear. The engine bearing wear may cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 17V577000 | September 20, 2017 | 2018 | Suspension | The front coil springs may have been improperly manufactured and, as a result, may fracture under certain loads while driving. If the coil spring fractures, it can puncture the tire, causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 17V365000 | June 5, 2017 | 2017 | Seat belts | In the affected vehicles, the bolt for the driver's seat belt anchor might not have been sufficiently tightened during assembly. If the bolt was not sufficiently tightened, driver's seat belt may come unanchored in a collision, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant. |
| 17V358000 | June 5, 2017 | 2013 to 2017 | Latches/locks/linkages | In the affected vehicles, the secondary hood latch actuating cable may corrode and bind, causing the secondary hood latch to remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed. |
| 17V226000 | March 31, 2017 | 2013 to 2014 | Engine and engine cooling | Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine. Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 17V142000 | March 6, 2017 | 2017 | Tires | The affected vehicles have a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that may not have been set in the correct mode during vehicle assembly, and therefore will not provide an appropriate warning in the event of an underinflated tire. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems." |
| 16V842000 | November 21, 2016 | 2017 | Electrical system | The affected vehicles may be equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result, in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment." |
| 16V145000 | March 10, 2016 | 2016 to 2017 | Seat belts | In the affected vehicles, the wires in the front seat belt buckle harnesses may be damaged by the seat's height adjuster mechanism, resulting in a failure to provide an audible warning when front seat occupants do not fasten their seat belts. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection." |
| 14V435000 | July 18, 2014 | 2001 to 2006 | Suspension | The affected vehicles may experience front coil spring corrosion from road salt, causing the coil spring to fracture and make contact with the tire. If the front coil spring fractures due to corrosion it could cause the coil spring to make contact with the tire, possibly puncturing the tire and increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. |
| 13V624000 | December 16, 2013 | 2014 | Tires | The tires may have a damaged sidewall. The damaged sidewall may result in a separation between the belt edges which could cause tread detachment or rapid air loss, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 13V355000 | August 12, 2013 | 2013 | Power train | Due to a manufacturing issue, the right front axle shaft may fracture. A fractured front axle may result in a loss of power to the wheels. |
| 13V113000 | April 1, 2013 | 2007 to 2011 | Exterior lighting | In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. |
| 12V354000 | July 25, 2012 | 2007 to 2009 | Air bags | The occupant classification system (OCS) may need recalibration to accurately detect small statured adults. Improper classification or detection may cause the front passenger airbag not to deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger. |
| 11E040000 | October 6, 2011 | 2009 to 2011 | Equipment | The units are not water-tight and moisture can seep into the converter module and defeat the module's internal circuit protection. Without the circuit protection, the module can overheat possibly resulting in a fire. |
| 11V472000 | September 9, 2011 | 2007 to 2008 | Air bags | The clock spring contact assembly for the driver's air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) may become damaged through usage over time. The driver's air bag electrical circuit will experience a high resistance condition, potentially causing the driver's air bag to not deploy. |
| 11V261000 | April 28, 2011 | 2010 | Power train | The intermediate shaft may suffer from noise and excessive wear due to a misalignment of the intermediate shaft with the right side output gear. Continuing to drive the vehicle in this condition leads to the development of a whirring/whining noise and can eventually cause damage to the automatic transmission. |
| 10V613000 | December 9, 2010 | 2011 | Service brakes, hydraulic | Some of the rear brake calipers may not have been properly machined. As a result, brake fluid will leak, followed by illumination of the malfunction indicator light indicating the brake fluid level is low and should be checked, then a soft or spongy brake pedal feel, and if not serviced, reduced braking power which could increase the risk of a crash. |
| 09V123000 | April 16, 2009 | 2001 to 2003 | Suspension | Road salt applied in these jurisdictions during the winter months may result in progressive, internal corrosion of the rear trailing arms, which could lead to thinning or perforation of the rear trailing arm steel. Owners may see or feel slight to moderate changes in vehicle operation which will increase if the vehicle is not repaired. |
| 09V122000 | April 15, 2009 | 2007 | Exterior lighting | The stop lamp switch in the affected vehicles may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause the brake lights to remain illuminated when the brake pedal is released. |
| 08E055000 | September 3, 2008 | 2007 to 2008 | Trailer hitches | The accessory trailer hitch wiring harness converter module is mounted to the top surface of the rear bumper reinforcement. Some circuit board components may not have been thoroughly sealed to prevent moisture contact. |
| 08V272000 | June 19, 2008 | 2007 to 2008 | Equipment | These vehicles fail to comply with the labeling requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 110 "Tire Selection and Rims for Motor Vehicles." The black certification label affixed to the driver's side center pillar, incorrectly lists the gross axle weight ratings (gawr). |
| 08E016000 | February 7, 2008 | 2007 to 2008 | Trailer hitches | The accessory trailer hitch wiring harness converter module is mounted to the top surface of the rear bumper reinforcement. High current leakage or a short circuit of capacitor c1 could cause heat related damage to the wiring harness converter module. |
| 06V317000 | August 31, 2006 | 2007 | Fuel system, gasoline | On certain sport utility vehicles, the wall thickness of the right forward baffle of the fuel tank may be below specifications. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire. |
| 05V527000 | November 17, 2005 | 2005 | Air bags | On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with an occupant classification system (OCS) the right front seat of the vehicle may misclassify certain small children seated on the front edge of the seat as an adult. |
| 05V450000 | October 4, 2005 | 2005 | Air bags | On certain vehicles equipped with an occupant classification system (OCS) the right front seat of the vehicle may misclassify certain small children seated on the front edge of the seat as an adult. |
| 04V131000 | March 16, 2004 | 2003 to 2004 | Service brakes, hydraulic | On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with 3.5 liter v-6 engines, 4-wheel drive and antilock braking systems (ABS), if the brake pedal is depressed at speeds between 3 and 12 mph when the brake pad friction surfaces are wet, a vibration may occur between the brake discs and pads causing ABS sensor electronic signal noise to develop. At speeds below 5 mph, the ABS sensor signal noise may cause the ABS electronic... |
| 03V520000 | December 18, 2003 | 2001 to 2004 | Equipment | Certain sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 120, "Tire Selection and Rims for Motor Vehicles Other Than Passenger Cars." |
| 03V030000 | January 2, 2003 | 2001 to 2002 | Electrical system | On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with 2.7 liter v-6 engines, improperly manufactured crankshaft position sensors (cps) were installed. The cps cases were improperly manufactured and did not meet dimensional specifications. |
NHTSA defect investigations
Investigations are opened when NHTSA sees a possible safety defect, often from complaints like the ones above. PE is a preliminary evaluation, EA an engineering analysis, RQ a recall query into whether an earlier recall went far enough, DP a defect petition and AQ an audit query.
| Number | Opened | Status | Hyundai Santa Fe years | Subject | Recall campaign linked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DP24001 | February 8, 2024 | Closed May 16, 2024 | 2017 | 3.3L Engine Loss of Motive Power (LOMP) | No |
| AQ23002 | November 17, 2023 | Open | 2013 to 2019 | Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires | No |
| DP22003 | September 12, 2022 | Closed December 12, 2023 | 2010 to 2021 | Loss of Motive Power | No |
| EA21003 | December 22, 2021 | Closed February 5, 2024 | 2012 to 2014 | Engine Fires | 23V877 |
| DP21003 | November 12, 2021 | Closed June 20, 2023 | 2007 to 2016 | Throttle control system vulnerabilities | No |
| PE19003 | March 29, 2019 | Closed December 22, 2021 | 2011 to 2014 | Non-crash Vehicle Fires | 20V061000 |
| DP18003 | August 21, 2018 | Closed May 10, 2019 | 2011 to 2014 | Non-crash Vehicle Fires | 18V907000 |
| RQ17004 | May 18, 2017 | Closed December 22, 2021 | 2012 to 2014 | Scope and Timeliness | 17V226000 |
| PE13025 | July 5, 2013 | Closed September 20, 2013 | 2013 | Front Axle Shaft Failure | 13V355000 |
| PE12029 | October 9, 2012 | Closed June 26, 2013 | 2011 | Steering Shaft Universal Joint Failure | No |
| PE11010 | April 7, 2011 | Closed May 10, 2011 | 2010 | Transmission Intermediate Driveshaft | 11V258000 |
| PE09003 | January 14, 2009 | Closed April 24, 2009 | 2007 | STOP LAMP SWITCH FAILURE | 09V122000 |
| EA08023 | October 28, 2008 | Closed April 17, 2009 | 2001 to 2003 | REAR TRAILING ARM CORROSION FAILURE | 09V123000 |
| PE08040 | July 2, 2008 | Closed October 29, 2008 | 2001 | REAR SUSPENSION TRAILING ARM FAILURE | No |
| PE02012 | January 31, 2002 | Closed August 12, 2002 | 2001 | ENGINE SEIZURE | No |
How these numbers were counted
Complaints: NHTSA's complaints API for NHTSA model names SANTA FE, SANTA FE ICE, SANTA FE SPORT, SANTA FE XL, each complaint counted once per model year; hybrid and plug-in versions, which NHTSA files separately, are not included. Recalls: distinct campaign numbers from NHTSA's recalls databasefor the same names and years. Investigations: NHTSA's defect investigation file. All pulled September 28, 2026. These are counts of reports, not failure rates, and they say nothing about any individual car. For that, check the VIN.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the Hyundai Santa Fe?
Engine is the most cited NHTSA component category, on 3,112 of 8,863 complaints, followed by power train (1,017), electrical system (937) and service brakes (922). In the complaint narratives, 1,406 mention brakes, 1,359 describe engine failure, seizure or knocking and 1,251 mention a check-engine light.
What Hyundai Santa Fe years should I avoid?
The years to avoid are the 2017 (1,316 complaints), 2013 (803) and 2007 (683). The 2014, with 655, is also more than twice the median of 305 per model year. No year from 2022 onward is above that line yet, though newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
How many recalls does the Hyundai Santa Fe have?
NHTSA lists 56 recall campaigns for the Santa Fe. Six carry a park-outside warning: five for the ABS module on 2013 to 2019 models, such as 23V651000 for the 2013 to 2015, and one, 23V181000, for the tow hitch harness module on the 2019 to 2023.
Does the 2017 Santa Fe have engine problems?
Engine is listed on 849 of the 1,316 complaints for the 2017, and 407 of them describe engine failure, seizure or knocking. It was recalled under 17V578000 for crankshaft pin surface irregularities causing engine bearing wear, and a defect petition on loss of motive power, DP24001, closed in 2024 without a recall.