Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
340–25K
825–50K
1450–75K
1375–100K
23100–150K
3150K+
95 reports with mileage · 225 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Engine. Review the 196 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 36 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 33 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
7 crash reports8 fire reports3 injury reports
What owners actually said
320 reports
37,000 miles · Nov 18, 2020
Engine
VEHICLE DIED WHEN DRIVING ON CITY STREET THEN WOULD NOT START. HAD TO HAVE VEHICLE TOWED. WAS TOLD IT WAS THE ALTERNATOR AND THE BATTERY IS DEAD. HYUNDAI WON'T REPLACE THE BATTERY AS THEY SAID BATTERY WAS OVER 3 YEARS OLD. THE BATTERY WAS FINE UNTIL THE ALTERNATOR KILLED THE BATTERY. VEHICLE IS STILL AT DEALERSHIP SO I DON'T H…
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VEHICLE DIED WHEN DRIVING ON CITY STREET THEN WOULD NOT START. HAD TO HAVE VEHICLE TOWED. WAS TOLD IT WAS THE ALTERNATOR AND THE BATTERY IS DEAD. HYUNDAI WON'T REPLACE THE BATTERY AS THEY SAID BATTERY WAS OVER 3 YEARS OLD. THE BATTERY WAS FINE UNTIL THE ALTERNATOR KILLED THE BATTERY. VEHICLE IS STILL AT DEALERSHIP SO I DON'T HAVE ANY PAPERWORK YET
NHTSA ODI #11375284
300 miles · Oct 1, 2020
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control
I HAVE BEEN STOPPED AT A SINGLE LIGHT (ON A STATE HIGHWAY) AND WAITING TO TURN LEFT BUT WHEN I ACCELERATED THE VEHICLE DID NOT GO. BUT IN A SECOND IT TOOK OFF BUT I BRAKED BECAUSE BY NOW IT WAS NOT SAFE/CLEAR TO GO. ALSO, WHEN I USE CRUSE IT GOES DOWN HILL WHILE RAISING THE RPMS (ALWAYS), THIS IS MY THIRD HYUNDAI VEHICLE THEREFO…
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I HAVE BEEN STOPPED AT A SINGLE LIGHT (ON A STATE HIGHWAY) AND WAITING TO TURN LEFT BUT WHEN I ACCELERATED THE VEHICLE DID NOT GO. BUT IN A SECOND IT TOOK OFF BUT I BRAKED BECAUSE BY NOW IT WAS NOT SAFE/CLEAR TO GO. ALSO, WHEN I USE CRUSE IT GOES DOWN HILL WHILE RAISING THE RPMS (ALWAYS), THIS IS MY THIRD HYUNDAI VEHICLE THEREFORE I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS HAPPEN BEFORE.
NHTSA ODI #11362263
Mileage unknown · Sep 16, 2020
Unknown Or Other
WHERE THE AIR CONDITIONING COMES FROM IS BROKEN FROM INSIDE.I TRIED TO LOCK THE AIR WHEN IT WAS TOO COLD THEN VENT WENT INSIDE I DID THE SAME ON THE OTHER PART IT WENT INSIDE I TOOK IT TO GET CHECKED DAY TOLD ME THAT IT'S BROKEN FROM INSIDE
NHTSA ODI #11355311
24,000 miles · Aug 9, 2020
Unknown Or Other
THE VEHICLE WILL OCCASIONALLY STALL AND SOMETIMES WILL NOT START WITHOUT SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. STALLS OCCASIONALLY WHEN MOVING
NHTSA ODI #11344226
67,860 miles · Jul 22, 2020
Fuel/propulsion System
I WAS DRIVING A FEW MONTHS AGO AND AFTER GETTING FUEL MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. I DROVE IT FOR A WHILE AND IT CLEARED ITSELF. ABOUT 3 WEEKS AGO IT CAME ON ABOUT 50 MILES AFTER PUTTING FUEL INTO IT AND GOT IT CLEARED BY SOMEONE WITH OBS II READER. SINCE THEN IVE PUT ABOUT 2000 MILES ON MY CAR AND IT CAME ON AGAIN ABOUT 50 M…
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I WAS DRIVING A FEW MONTHS AGO AND AFTER GETTING FUEL MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. I DROVE IT FOR A WHILE AND IT CLEARED ITSELF. ABOUT 3 WEEKS AGO IT CAME ON ABOUT 50 MILES AFTER PUTTING FUEL INTO IT AND GOT IT CLEARED BY SOMEONE WITH OBS II READER. SINCE THEN IVE PUT ABOUT 2000 MILES ON MY CAR AND IT CAME ON AGAIN ABOUT 50 MILES AFTER PUTTING FUEL INTO IT. I REPLACED THE GAS CAP MAKING SURE IT WENT ON CORRECTLY BUT NOTHING. I SMELT LEAKING FUMES WITH THE GAS CAP ON. IM TAKING IT TO A REPAIR SHOP TOMORROW TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT.
NHTSA ODI #11341026
41,000 miles · Jun 13, 2020
Fuel/propulsion System
SEVERE ACCELERATION HESITATION AFTER STOPPING, WHEN MAKING SLOW SPEED TURNS AND AFTER HITTING SLOW SPEED DIPS OR BUMPS. VEHICLE GIVES INTERMITTENT WARNING OF ROLLOVER OR EXCESSIVE VEHICLE ANGEL. THIS OCCURES DURING GOOD WEATHER CONDITIONS, HOWEVER, THIS BEHAVIOR CREATES COLLISION AND SAFETY HAZARDS, AS THE FUEL SYSTEM APPEARS TO…
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SEVERE ACCELERATION HESITATION AFTER STOPPING, WHEN MAKING SLOW SPEED TURNS AND AFTER HITTING SLOW SPEED DIPS OR BUMPS. VEHICLE GIVES INTERMITTENT WARNING OF ROLLOVER OR EXCESSIVE VEHICLE ANGEL. THIS OCCURES DURING GOOD WEATHER CONDITIONS, HOWEVER, THIS BEHAVIOR CREATES COLLISION AND SAFETY HAZARDS, AS THE FUEL SYSTEM APPEARS TO BE SHUT DOWN AS IF A ROLLOVER HAS OCCURED, WHEN IT HAS NOT!!
NHTSA ODI #11328646
11,312 miles · Mar 8, 2020
Electrical SystemEngine
80 MILES INTO A WEEKS VACATION MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, CAR WAS STILL DRIVABLE, BACKTRACKED 20 MILES TO DEALER, LEFT MY NICE CAR (11,000 MILES)THERE FOR THE WEEK WHILE USING A RENTAL CAR WITH 177,000 MILES ON IT. PROBLEM WAS PERTAINING TO CAMPAIGN 953 ENGINE PROBLEMS. A WIRING HARNESS WAS PUT IN, AND THE DEALER UPDATED THE SOFTW…
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80 MILES INTO A WEEKS VACATION MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, CAR WAS STILL DRIVABLE, BACKTRACKED 20 MILES TO DEALER, LEFT MY NICE CAR (11,000 MILES)THERE FOR THE WEEK WHILE USING A RENTAL CAR WITH 177,000 MILES ON IT. PROBLEM WAS PERTAINING TO CAMPAIGN 953 ENGINE PROBLEMS. A WIRING HARNESS WAS PUT IN, AND THE DEALER UPDATED THE SOFTWARE THAT HAD BEEN UPDATED THAT MARCH, AND THEY SAID THAT WAS ALL FIXED. I HAVE WATCHED THE VIDEO ON THIS CAMPAIGN PROBLEM, AND IT SCARES ME WHERE I CANNOT TAKE MY CAR OUT OF TOWN/ON VACATIONS OUT WEST! IF THIS ENGINE FAILS, I WOULDN'T ALWAYS BE ABLE TO GET TO A DEALER. I'M LIVING IN THE FEAR OF THIS, AND AM SUPPOSED TO HAVE "PEACE OF MIND" ENJOYING MY NICE CAR? I HAD TO LEAVE VACATION A DAY EARLY( RESORT PAID FOR THAT FINAL NIGHT WE DIDN'T GET TO ENJOY), SPENT THAT NIGHT IN HOTEL, JUST TO GET TO THAT DEALER TO PICK UP MY CAR BEFORE THEIR CLOSING TIME. I HAD TO FIGHT TO GET THE FULL REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE CAR RENTAL AND ONE NIGHT HOTEL BILL. THROUGH THE ATTORNEY GENERALS OFFICE, HYUNDAI FINALLY PAID THAT WHICH WAS ONLY FAIR WHEN A RECALL WAS INVOLVED! NOW I FIND THAT I HAVE CANCELLED GOING TO OUT OF TOWN FUNERALS, AND SHORT WEEKEND VACATIONS, BECAUSE MY ENGINE COULD GO OUT. I HAVE ASKED FOR A NEW ENGINE, AND THE LAST MESSAGE FROM HYUNDAI WAS ALL ABOUT MY CAR DOESN'T FIT THE DESCRIPTION FOR THE LEMON LAW....WHICH I HAVE NEVER MENTIONED.I HAVE ASKED FOR STATISTICS ON HOW MANY ENGINES HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE OF THIS CAMPAIGN 953 ISSUE, BUT NO ONE HAS ANY! IS THIS TRUE?? HOW CAN I GET MY ENGINE REPLACED, SO I CAN ENJOY MY CAR? THAT VIDEO SHOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN OUT THERE IF I AND OTHERS HAVE TO KEEP DRIVING WITH AN ENGINE THAT CAN BE DANGEROUS IN MANY WAYS!
NHTSA ODI #11316882
10 miles · Mar 7, 2020
EngineUnknown Or Other
EVERYTIME I ACCELERATE THERE IS A HORRIBLE . AND SOMETIMES WHEN COMING DOWN FROM ACCELERATING TO STOP IT SEEM TO BE GRINDING. THERE IS A SLIPPING SOUND THAT COMES AND GOES. ON CITY STREETS AND TURNING
NHTSA ODI #11316688
31,000 miles · Dec 17, 2019
Unknown Or Other
MY VEHICLE HESITATES RANDOMLY UPON ACCELERATION AFTER HAVING STOPPED.....GOING FROM FIRST GEAR TO THIRD....IT FEELS LIKE IT IS ABOUT TO STALL, SO I LET UP ON THE GAS PEDAL AND THEN IMMEDIATELY PRESS IT AGAIN TO ACCELORATE.....AS I THEN ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE LURCHES FORWARD ABRUPTLY, JERKING EVERYONE INSIDE THE VEHICLE....IN RE…
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MY VEHICLE HESITATES RANDOMLY UPON ACCELERATION AFTER HAVING STOPPED.....GOING FROM FIRST GEAR TO THIRD....IT FEELS LIKE IT IS ABOUT TO STALL, SO I LET UP ON THE GAS PEDAL AND THEN IMMEDIATELY PRESS IT AGAIN TO ACCELORATE.....AS I THEN ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE LURCHES FORWARD ABRUPTLY, JERKING EVERYONE INSIDE THE VEHICLE....IN READING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, IT SEEMS TO HAVE OCCURED IN YOUR 2017 SANTA FE SPORT SUVS.....
NHTSA ODI #11289538
Mileage unknown · Dec 13, 2019
Exterior Lighting
PURCHASED VEHICLE IN JUNE 2018 AND NOTICED A PROBLEM WITH HEADLIGHTS, SHADOW ON ROADWAY WHEN DRIVING. I NOTICED IN HOUSING THAT THERE WERE FINGER PRINTS ON LENSES AND TOOK VEHICLE BACK TO DEALER FOR REMEDY...THEY REPLACED HEADLIGHT ON DRIVER'S SIDE. DID NOT THINK ANYTHING ELSE ABOUT IT UNTIL I DROVE THE VEHICLE DURING DARKNESS…
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PURCHASED VEHICLE IN JUNE 2018 AND NOTICED A PROBLEM WITH HEADLIGHTS, SHADOW ON ROADWAY WHEN DRIVING. I NOTICED IN HOUSING THAT THERE WERE FINGER PRINTS ON LENSES AND TOOK VEHICLE BACK TO DEALER FOR REMEDY...THEY REPLACED HEADLIGHT ON DRIVER'S SIDE. DID NOT THINK ANYTHING ELSE ABOUT IT UNTIL I DROVE THE VEHICLE DURING DARKNESS. SHADOWS WERE OBSERVED ON SIDE OF ROAD THAT COULD AND DID HIDE BIKERS/WALKERS ON THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY. UPON CLOSER INSPECTION OF THE LIGHTS WHILE PARKED, I NOTICED THAT THESE SHADOWS WERE ALSO OBSERVED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. PASSENGERS IN VEHICLE ALSO NOTICED HEADLIGHT PROBLEMS ON BOTH SIDES OF VEHICLE. I CONTACTED DEALER ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND WAS TOLD THAT THIS WAS MADE THAT WAY DURING MANUFACTURING. AS TIME PASSED, ANYTIME THAT I TOOK VEHICLE OUT DURING NIGHT TIME HOURS, WHETHER ON THE HIGHWAY, INTERSTATE, OR COUNTRY ROAD, THESE DARK SPOTS WERE ALWAYS VISIBLE AND CONTINUE TO PREVENT ME AS A DRIVER FROM SEEING THE ROADWAY IN ITS ENTIRETY. A PHOTO IS ATTACHED THAT WAS TAKEN TODAY, BUT THE PROBLEM HAS PERSISTED AND HAVE MET WITH NO SOLUTION BEING OFFERED BY THE DEALER OR MANUFACTURER. I DECIDED TO FILE A FORMAL COMPLAINT ON THIS ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE'S LIGHTING PROBLEMS.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2018 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. 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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS multi-fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 16, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 237. This recall is an expansion of recall 22V-056.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Santa Fe, 2017-2018 Santa Fe Sport, 2019 Santa Fe XL, and 2014-2015 Tucson vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS multi-fuse, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 31, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 218.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2018 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The side curtain air bags on these vehicles have a component that may detach during deployment of the inflatable curtain air bag.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the component detaches during deployment, the curtain air bag may not inflate properly during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, if the detached component were to enter the vehicle occupant compartment, there could be an increased risk of occupant injury.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver and passenger side curtain air bags, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 171.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2018 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The front coil springs may have been improperly manufactured and, as a result, may fracture under certain loads while driving.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the coil spring fractures, it can puncture the tire, causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: All of the affected vehicles are currently unsold on dealer lots. Dealers will replace both front coil springs, free of charge prior to the vehicle's sale. The recall began November 6, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 167.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2
AQ23002 · Hyundai And Kia Abs Module Fires
Opened Nov 17, 2023 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.
DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power
Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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