Engine. Review the 643 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 161 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 67 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

14 crash reports23 fire reports11 injury reports

Power Train complaints

161 reports

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25 miles · Aug 28, 2016

Power Train

HESITATION WHEN TURNING AND ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, AS YOU DO WHEN PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC. CAR NEARLY COMES TO A STOP. NEARLY HAD AN ACCIDENT AND I HAVE LESS THAN 1000 MILES ON ODOMETER. DOES THIS INTERMITTENTLY AND IS BAR TO RECREATE AT WILL. HAPPENS MOSTLY IN NORMAL MODE. NEED A RECALL AND FIX!!

NHTSA ODI #10902038

800 miles · Aug 25, 2016

Power Train

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THE TRANSSMISION FAILS TO SHIFT DOWN UPON COMING TO A ROLLING STOP, SUCH AS WHEN COMING TO A STOP AT A RED LIGHT, THEN THE LIGHT GOES GREEN AND YOU ACCELERATE, OR TURNING IN AN INTERSECTION AFTER COMING TO A NEAR STOP, OR AFTER TRAFFIC SLOWS AND YOU COME TO A NEAR STOP BEHIND A CAR, THEN TRAFFIC BEGINS TO MOVE AND YOU ACCELERATE OUT OF THE SLOW DOWN. UPON ACCELERATION, THE CAR INITIALLY DOES NOT RESPOND, THEN IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE HESITATION, LURCHES FORWARD AS THE TRANSMISSION FINALLY SHIFTS TO A LOWER GEAR. THIS USUALLY OCCURS AT SPEEDS UNDER 10MPH. THE SITUATION IS DANGEROUS AS THE HESITATION IS NOT ONLY ABRUPT, BUT LEAVES YOU HANGING PRECARIOUSLY, MOMENTARILY DEAD IN THE WATER WHEN ACCELERATION IS NEEDED IN TRAFFIC. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER FEELS IT IS A SOFTWARE GLITCH. THE FREQUENCY OF THE PROBLEM IS INCREASING, AND MAY EVENTUALLY LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE PERFORMS WELL OTHERWISE.

NHTSA ODI #10898638

Mileage unknown · Aug 24, 2016

Exterior LightingPower Train

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ON LOW SPEED TURNS (BELOW 20 MPH) THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION EXHIBIT A LOSS OF POWER. THIS JEOPARDIZES MY FAMILY'S SAFETY WHEN TURNING IN TRAFFIC. I HAVE OPENED A CASE WITH HYUNDAI AMERICA (#9484960) WHO LEFT ME A VOICEMAIL (STILL HAVE IT) STATING THERE IS A SOFTWARE UPDATE TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE I DESCRIBED. I HAD UPDATE #16-01-032 APPLIED ON 08/15/2016. HOWEVER, THE ISSUE IS TILL PRESENT. I ALSO JUST DISCOVERED THAT WHEN TOWING A TRAILER THE RIGHT TURN SIGNAL DOES NOT WORK. THIS IS ANOTHER SAFETY ISSUE. ADDITIONALLY THE LIGHTS OF THE TRAILER CONSTANTLY RUN EVEN WHEN THE POWER IS COMPLETELY OFF. LASTLY THE HARNESS WHERE THE TRAILERS ELECTRICAL PLUGS INTO ON THE VEHICLE, POPS OUT OF PLACE WHEN PLUGGING IT IN. IN TURN CAUSING ME TO RESEAT THE VEHICLES HARNESS EACH TIME. I WANT OUT OF THIS VEHICLE BUT THEY WILL NOT OFFER ME A BUY BACK. I PLAN TO CONTACT A LEMON LAW ATTORNEY AS I AM UNABLE TO RECEIVE HELP OTHERWISE.

NHTSA ODI #10898148

15 miles · Aug 15, 2016

Power Train

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WHEN ACCELERATING AFTER SLOWING DOWN TO EITHER MAKE A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN CAR LOSES POWER TO THE ENGINE. IT APPEARS THAT THE CAR IS HESITATING TO ACCELERATE AND CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS WHEN ENTERING THE HIGHWAY. THIS CAN BE VERY FATAL ESPECIALLY FOR DRIVERS UNAWARE OF THIS ISSUE. IF IT PRESENTS ITSELF AT THE WRONG TIME CAN LEAD TO A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENTS WITH POTENTIAL FATALITIES. THIS HAS HAPPENED SINCE THE CAR WAS PURCHASED IN MAY 2016 CURRENTLY CAR HAS OVER 1600 MILES (3 MONTHS OWNED). POTENTIAL RE-FLASHING OF AUTOMOTIVE COMPUTER IS REQUIRED. COULD BE PART OF THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM AND THE CARS ROLL OVER SENSORS WHICH CAN BE CONTRIBUTING. HYUNDAI HAS TO RESEARCH THIS BEFORE SOMEONE GETS INJURED.

NHTSA ODI #10896173

3,000 miles · Aug 9, 2016

Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS ACKNOWLEDGED, BUT THERE WAS NO REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE F…

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NHTSA ODI #10894366

Mileage unknown · Aug 3, 2016

Power Train

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT THE GEAR OUT OF PARK. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER AND THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SMART JUNCTION BOX NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES AND ASSISTED THE DEALER WITH THE DIAGNOSTIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI #10892948

75 miles · Jul 28, 2016

Power Train

THE CARE HAS LESS THAN 200 MILES ON IT. IT HAS A SERIOUS HESITATION PROBLEM WHEN SLOWING DOWN AND THEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE. THIS HAS CAUSED ME A COUPLE OF NEAR COLLISIONS WHEN SLOWING DOWN THROUGH AN INTERSECTION AND THEN ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE THROUGH. THE CAR WILL NOT RESPOND IMMEDIATELY TO MAY ATTEMPT TO ACCELERATE. THERE …

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NHTSA ODI #10889259

20 miles · Jul 23, 2016

EnginePower Train

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SOMETIMES AFTER SLOWING TO MAKE A TURN THE CAR'S ENGINE SEEMS TO "STUMBLE" FOR A SECOND BEFORE ACCELERATION CAN BEGIN. COMES AS A SURPRISE AND BECAUSE OF THE HESITATION CATCHING ME OFF-GUARD I AM PITCHED FORWARD IN MY SEAT. NOTHING CATASTROPHIC, BUT VERY ANNOYING AND COULD BE DANGEROUS TO A DRIVER NOT KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS A BRAND NEW CAR AND I NOTICED THIS PROBLEM AFTER ONLY A DAY OR TWO OF OWNERSHIP. I SUSPECT THIS IS A SOFTWARE ISSUE AND CAN BE FIXED WITH A REFLASH OF THE ECU, BUT THAT'S JUST MY BEST GUESS. HAVE NOT CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP YET, BUT THOUGHT I'D FILE THIS COMPLAINT FIRST TO SEE IF A RECALL CAN BE ISSUED TO FIX THIS PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI #10887903

50 miles · Jul 20, 2016

Power Train

I AM EXPERIENCE A HESITATION IN THE ACCELERATION FROM EITHER A DEAD STOP OR A ROLLING STOP. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS PUSHED, THERE IS A 1-2 SECOND DELAY IN POWER. THE ENGINE APPEARS TO CUT OUT AND THEN IT KICKS IN AND TAKES OFF. THE FIRST HAPPENED WITH 50 MILES ON THE CAR AND HAS HAPPENED OVER TWO DOZEN TIMES OVER THE NEXT 370…

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NHTSA ODI #10886262

200 miles · Jul 20, 2016

Power Train

HESITATES WHEN TAKING OFF. JERKS AT ABOUT 10 MPH AND THEN AGAIN AT ABOUT 20 MPH BUT NOT AS BAD AS AT 10 MPH. HESITATES WHEN GIVEN GAS AFTER JERKING. FEELS AS IF I HAVE GOT TO ABOUT 10 MPH THEN SLAMMED ON MY BREAKS BEFORE IT WILL START TO GO AGAIN. I'M SCARED TO TRY AND PULL OUT INTO BUSY TRAFFIC. I AM WORRIED I WILL GET HIT…

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NHTSA ODI #10886199

Official recalls

22V056000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

Feb 3, 2022

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.

17V578000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

Sep 20, 2017

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Santa Fe vehicles equipped with 3.3L engines. The crankshaft assemblies may have been produced with surface irregularities in the crankshaft pin, causing engine bearing wear.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: The engine bearing wear may cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify all owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the engine, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 168.

17V358000 · Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch

Jun 5, 2017

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport vehicles. 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the hood is not securely closed or the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary latch cable, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owner's may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for the recall is 163.

17V142000 · Tires:pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems

Mar 6, 2017

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. 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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An underinflated inflated tire can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the TPMS sensors, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for the recall is 159.

16V842000 · Electrical System:wiring; Trailer Hitches

Nov 21, 2016

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 19, 2015, to November 14, 2016, and 2017 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured November 28, 2015, to November 14, 2016. 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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected accessory trailer hitch wiring harnesses, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 13, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 153.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Trailer Hitches

Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected accessory trailer hitch wiring harnesses, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 13, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 153.

Electrical System:wiring

Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.

16V145000 · Seat Belts:front:warning Light/devices

Mar 10, 2016

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured September 1, 2015 to February 12, 2016. 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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Without a warning to remind the front seat occupants that their seat belts are not buckled, they may forget to buckle their seat belt, increasing their risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and reroute the wires in the front seat belt buckle harnesses to their proper locations, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 27, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 141.

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

DP24001 · 3.3L Engine Loss Of Motive Power (lomp)

Opened Feb 8, 2024 · Closed May 16, 2024

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a petition on February 2, 2024, requesting a defect investigation into an alleged defect of the "engine" on the following vehicle model: 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles equipped with the 3.3L V-Shaped GDI Lambda-II engines. The petition cites allegations of a loss of motive power, often resulting in an engine seizure. The stall is preceded by a knocking sound, decreased performance and no warning lights. An analysis of the subject vehicle population was undertaken using complaints submitted to ODI along with manufacturer data. It was determined that the frequency of events is low for the subject population, while those that specifically report a loss of motive power event have a high mileage at the time of incident. The 2017 Santa Fe is equipped with a service interval reminder for the consumer that must be set by the consumer themselves or at a dealership. A Technical Service Bulletin (19-EM-002H) instructs the dealership to set the maintenance reminder at the completion of routine maintenance service or anytime a repair is performed that requires new engine oil. This maintenance reminder will help reinforce the need for proper oil maintenance intervals. Additionally, the Santa Fe vehicles with 3.3L V-shaped Lambda-II engines will be added to Hyundai’s existing Technical Service Bulletin (23-EM-007H) related to combustion chamber cleaning. These actions will help limit negative consumer incidents related to loss of motive power. Lastly, Hyundai has extended the limited engine warranty for MY 2013-2019 Santa Fe vehicles equipped with 3.3L V-shaped Lambda-II engines included in the Petition. The updated coverage is 15 years, or 150,000 miles and details are contained in Technical Service Bulletin 24-EM-003H. In view of the service interval reminder, combustion chamber cleaning, and extended warranty actions being taken by Hyundai, ODI is denying this Defect Petition. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the report cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

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.