2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Fuel system Problems

The contact owns a 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly lost power and decelerated to 30 MPH. While in heavy traffic, the contact pulled over to the side of the road, waited for the battery to charge, and drove to the dealer at a slow speed. The dealer inspected the vehicle and associated the failure with low ethanol and heavy contaminants in the fuel. The fuel pump was replaced, and a fuel injector service was performed, but 30 days later the failure reoccurred. The high-pressure fuel pump and the high-pressure fuel pump sensor were replaced and repaired. The contact stated that several days after the repair, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was returned to the same dealer, and the contact was informed of a catalytic converter failure caused by the contaminated fuel. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 14,362.

NHTSA ID

11775997

Incident

Sep 8, 2026

Mileage

14,362 mi

While driving at freeway speeds in normal traffic conditions, the vehicle experienced a sudden, complete loss of motive power and rapid deceleration. The accelerator pedal became entirely unresponsive. No warning messages, check engine lights, or diagnostic indicators appeared on the dashboard during or immediately after the failure leaving me blind to the vehicle's state. This loss of propulsion on a high-speed live freeway created an immediate, extreme safety hazard, forcing an emergency maneuver across active lanes of traffic without predictable vehicle control. Component or System: Engine / Powertrain / Fuel System (High-Pressure Fuel Pump / Fuel Rail Sensor) Recurring / Prior History: This is a severe, recurring safety defect. The exact same highway power loss and deceleration event occurred last month. The vehicle was brought to an authorized Hyundai dealership where a repair was allegedly completed on 9/11/2026. However, that repair failed to address the root cause, and the dangerous failure has now repeated itself. The lack of a dashboard warning light masks a systemic component failure (strongly suspected to be the high-pressure fuel pump or associated pressure sensors failing to maintain adequate rail pressure under load

NHTSA ID

11773143

Incident

Oct 22, 2026

Beginning in early October 2026, my 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy has repeatedly experienced a sudden and complete loss of propulsion while driving. During these incidents, dashboard warnings appear stating "Check Driver Assistance System" and "Check Hybrid System. Stop Safely." The vehicle indicates EV mode and completely loses the ability to accelerate or maintain speed. This is not reduced performance or hesitation. The vehicle loses all usable propulsion. The vehicle continues moving briefly while slowing, providing only a short window to reach the roadside. In moving traffic, this creates an extremely dangerous situation because there may be insufficient time or space to safely change lanes before the vehicle slows substantially. The failure occurs without advance warning. Shutting the vehicle off and restarting it temporarily restores normal operation, but the malfunction continues to recur unpredictably. On October 21, 2026, I brought the vehicle to an authorized Hyundai dealership specifically for this problem. The service department reported finding no diagnostic trouble codes and no applicable software updates. No cause was identified, and no repair was performed. The identical failure occurred again the following morning, October 22, 2026, less than 24 hours after the dealership inspection. The underlying cause remains unidentified. The dealership has not reproduced the malfunction, and the vehicle remains available for further inspection. This recurring complete loss of propulsion presents a serious collision risk to occupants and surrounding motorists, particularly in heavy traffic or at highway speeds.

NHTSA ID

11772975

Incident

Oct 7, 2026

On September 28, 2026, my 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid (49,682 miles) experienced a second sudden loss of propulsion while driving on the highway. The vehicle would not accelerate normally, the hybrid battery gauge dropped to a very low level, and the dashboard displayed a warning instructing me to stop the vehicle and leave the engine running to recharge the battery. I pulled over and waited with the engine running until the battery recharged sufficiently to drive to the dealership. This was the SECOND occurrence of a dangerous loss-of-propulsion problem. On August 21, 2026, while driving approximately 70 mph on I-75, the engine RPM increased dramatically despite the vehicle slowing down, as though the transmission had shifted into Neutral. There were no warning lights. The vehicle slowed to a stop and required towing to Hyundai of Kennesaw. Following the first incident, the dealership identified diagnostic code P0191 and replaced the fuel-rail pressure sensor under warranty. However, the September 28 failure occurred despite that repair. During the second dealership visit, technicians again identified P0191, confirmed the previously replaced sensor was functioning properly, and reproduced the problem during a road test. Live diagnostic data showed fuel pressure dropping to low-pressure pump readings. The dealership diagnosed a failing high-pressure fuel pump and replaced it under warranty. I retrieved the vehicle October 7, 2026, after the dealership reported a successful 10–12-mile road test. I am concerned that this repeated, sudden loss of propulsion presents a serious highway safety hazard, particularly because the initial repair did not prevent recurrence. I previously filed an NHTSA complaint regarding the August 21 incident.

NHTSA ID

11771783

Incident

Sep 28, 2026

The vehicle has a recurring intermittent failure that can leave it completely undriveable. When starting the vehicle, the instrument cluster displays “Check Hybrid System,” “Check Emergency Stopping function,” the check-engine light, and multiple warning indicators. The vehicle remains in Park and will not shift into Drive. This has happened multiple times. Disconnecting and reconnecting the 12-volt battery temporarily restores operation, but the problem later returns. After a reset, the check-engine light may remain illuminated for approximately one day before disappearing. During the most recent occurrence, the vehicle became disabled at approximately 8:00 PM in a retail parking lot while my family, including two young children, was with me. The vehicle would not move. We had to leave the vehicle and walk in the rain to obtain tools so the 12-volt battery could be disconnected and reconnected in order to get the vehicle operating again. The problem was reported in writing to a Hyundai dealership before an August 10, 2026 service appointment, including a request to retrieve and document stored and history diagnostic trouble codes. The condition remains unresolved and continues to recur. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Separately, this vehicle also has an unrepaired Safety Recall 288 involving the rearview camera. The vehicle has been taken to the dealer for recall service, but the recall remains incomplete because the dealer stated the required part was unavailable.

NHTSA ID

11770667

Incident

Sep 29, 2026

Vehicle intermittently fails to accelerate, usually happens after vehicle has been sitting 10 hours or longer. Had back to dealership 4 times, 3 times dealer was unable to reproduce concern. 4th visit dealer installed injectors, concern seemed to be gone for about 2 months but is back again.

NHTSA ID

11770365

Incident

Oct 10, 2026

Driving vehicle on surface street, engine would not accelerate past 3000 RPM. No immediate codes or warnings, backed off gas pedal and went to accelerate again. This time many warnings illuminated. Second report from myself for same issue. Wife has had the vehicle in for same problem 4 times, last time was last week.

NHTSA ID

11769868

Incident

Oct 8, 2026

Vehicle lost all acceleration, as if it were in Neutral. 3rd time this has happened in 14 months of ownership. Fault code generated in one instance, no fault found by dealer maintenance 2 other occasions

NHTSA ID

11768535

Incident

Sep 29, 2026

The vehicle repeatedly loses motive power while being driven at highway speed. It slows even with the accelerator pressed to the floor, does not shift into higher gears, and drops to 40 to 50 mph. On [XXX], the vehicle lost power at highway speed while I was driving. I had to stop on the shoulder of the hwy. The vehicle could not be driven and was towed to the dealer. The dealer opened R.O. No. [XXX] on 9-3, recording mileage in of 23,595. It inspected the vehicle and confirmed the concern. It replaced the fuel rail pressure sensor (Part No. 35342-2M400) under warranty, confirmed a good idle with no codes, and performed a test drive of about three miles. The dealer reported the vehicle ready on 9-15-26; mileage out 23,596. On [XXX], within a few miles of picking up the vehicle after the first repair, the malfunction indicator lamp illuminated. We returned the vehicle to the dealer the same day; the dealer recorded the mileage in as 23,602. The MyHyundai app shows active Diagnostic Trouble Code P00BD00 (Mass or Volume Air Flow "A" Circuit Range/Performance — Air Flow Too High), powertrain system, recorded at 23,600 miles, with a listed date of [XXX]. The dealer returned the vehicle on [XXX]. On [XXX], four days after the 2nd repair, we brought the vehicle back to the dealer. We reported that it was idling high, at about 1,200 to 1,900 RPM while stopped, and that we had heard a low clicking sound since the repair. The dealer did not keep the vehicle. The next morning, [XXX], about 7 miles from home, the vehicle lost power on a bridge on [XXX]. It slowed to about 50 miles per hour and did not appear to shift. I stopped on the bridge with my [XXX] daughter in the car. VDOT responded. My husband and I switched cars. [XXX] then drove the vehicle. After about two miles it again lost power, and he had to leave the highway and use secondary roads at low speed to get to the dealer. The car is currently at the dealership. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11768315

Incident

Sep 2, 2026

I purchased my 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy Hybrid September 1, 2025. On June 24, 2026, I was driving on the interstate to work when my acceleration quickly dropped out and I wasn't able to go more than 30 MPH. This was terrifying to happen! I wasn't able to make it to an exit and had to pull off on the side of the interstate and await a tow. I took it to the dealership I purchased it from. Documentation stated that a fault code DTC P019100 (fuel rail pressure sensor) was identified. However, this sensor was not replaced. Instead, my paperwork indicates that the "air box was installed incorrectly at manufacturing and they fixed it." On August 13, 2026, I experienced a similar issue on a 45MPH secondary highway. I was able to restart it and get it to a Hyundai dealership a mile away (not the dealership I purchased from). After 5 days of no vehicle (and no loaner provided), the same code DTC P019100 presented and they replaced fuel rail pressure sensor. September 25, 2026, a critical error popped on my screen. Hyundai app says DTC P042000 (powertrain fault code). It's currently in the shop with the dealership I purchased from. I did put in a safety claim with Hyundai Customer Care and suggest all other users do the same to hold Hyundai accountable. I will attempt to update this if I can after resolution is hopefully identified. I'm very close to turning this car in and getting a more reliable vehicle. Which is unfortunate because I qualified for 0% APR financing when I purchased and I'll never get that deal again.

NHTSA ID

11767373

Incident

Jun 24, 2026

**What component or system failed, and is it available for inspection?** The vehicle's electrical/power system failed, causing a complete loss of power while driving. This is the fourth occurrence of this failure. The vehicle is currently at the Hyundai dealership and available for inspection. **How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?** The power failure occurred while driving on a busy road. The driver struggled to safely maneuver the vehicle (executing a U-turn) to get out of traffic and reach a safe location. The vehicle had to be towed as a result. **Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center?** The vehicle has been brought to the Hyundai dealership for this same issue four times. As of the most recent update, the dealership has not been able to identify the root cause or confirm a fix. **Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others?** The vehicle is currently with the Hyundai dealership (manufacturer-affiliated) for the fourth time for inspection related to this issue. No inspection by police or insurance has been reported. **Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the failure, and when did they first appear?** There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the failure. Warning lamps/messages appeared only after the vehicle lost power.

NHTSA ID

11764110

Incident

Jun 9, 2026

While driving, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power on the highway and would not accelerate beyond approximately 20 mph despite accelerator input. There were no warning lights or check-engine light. The condition created a safety hazard because the vehicle could not maintain normal traffic speed. Hyundai dealer has been unable to determine the cause on other vehicles with the same problem, and was trying to discourage me from reporting this. They also said that they'd keep the car for 3 days, and likely return it with no diagnosis, so do I really want to go through this? They seemed unconcerned that this is a very dangerous issue in a highway.

NHTSA ID

11761734

Incident

Sep 2, 2026

I've had this vehicle for 13 months, and it has roughly 13K miles on it. Since 7/3/26, it has been in the service department at Hyundai of Noblesville on three separate occasions. This all started on 7/3/26 when we were driving on the interstate and out of nowhere the vehicle lost critical power and would not go more than 20 MPH. There was some kind of warning message that momentarily popped up but then disappeared. We were so rattled, we didn't get a chance to take notice of what it said. It was towed to the dealership and they said they cleared the codes and drove it a little and the problem was resolved. It was driving OK and then on 7/15/26, we had just got onto the interstate and there was a sudden loss of power AGAIN. We had it towed to the dealership. They replaced the high pressure fuel pump and assured us that the problem was resolved. Then on 8/29/26, the same thing happened again on the interstate--critical loss of power. Had it towed to the dealership again. This morning, they say that it is the fuel pump railings that are the issue. I have placed a formal Hyundai Corporate Case and I am notifying you of this safety issue which presents major risk to the safety of anyone in the car.

NHTSA ID

11760870

Incident

Aug 29, 2026

When traveling home from work 8/27/26, my cruise control shut off and my car immediately went into “limp” mode. This almost caused me to get into an accident with a tractor trailer, in which, I may not have survived. Immediately pulled over and tried to find out what had caused this and how to get it fixed. Nothing worked to get it out of “limp” mode. There were no warning lights or messages, except LV3. Which was a completely different issue. This issue I was able to correct. Tried fixing the “limp” mode issue by doing as told by Google AI, turn car off, lock door with key fob, waiting 10-15 minutes for computer to reset. NOTHING. Also tried checking to see if there was a battery dump, in which this case would have been the fuel system not communicating with the hybrid battery system, NOTHING. I do have an appt with the dealership on 9/2/26 to have this looked at and inspected. I have not tried to start and or drive the car again, since. Do not want to be blamed by the dealership or manufacturer, that I did something wrong or caused more issues.

NHTSA ID

11760351

Incident

Aug 27, 2026

Our family was driving on the highway at 55mph (I-495 in Alexandria, VA), the car instantly began to decelerate, despite having my foot completely on the accelerator and we had to limp over to the side of the road onto the shoulder. We had to wait multiple times for the hybrid motor to re-power itself to get off an exit at 10-15 mph. The car is now in "limp mode" and will not drive above 35 mph. This is the 4th time that we have had the same issue occur. Hyundai has provided a different fix each time, but they have yet to find an answer as to why this instant loss of acceleration keeps occuring. In the wrong circumstance. This instant loss of acceleration could be deadly and cause severe injuries to the individuals in the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11758911

Incident

Aug 23, 2026

sudden loss of propulsion / limp mode, particularly under load or at highway speeds.

NHTSA ID

11758162

Incident

Aug 11, 2026

On XXX, at approximately 6:30 PM, my wife was driving our 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid on [XXX] when the vehicle suddenly lost propulsion power. It would not accelerate past approximately 55 mph. With the accelerator pedal pressed fully to the floor, the vehicle did not gain speed. I drove the vehicle myself the same day, immediately after she arrived home, to verify the problem, and I reproduced the identical condition. The vehicle accelerates normally from a stop, but at approximately 40 to 50 mph it stops accelerating and will not exceed approximately 50 to 55 mph regardless of accelerator input. No warning lamps illuminated and no messages appeared on the instrument cluster before, during, or after either event. The vehicle health check in the official Hyundai application reports the vehicle status as normal. The driver receives no indication that anything is wrong. This is a serious safety hazard. Sudden inability to accelerate in traffic creates a substantial risk of a rear-end collision and makes it dangerous to merge onto a highway, pass, or clear an intersection. Because there is no warning, the driver cannot anticipate it. The vehicle has approximately 13,741 miles and was purchased new on XXX. Scheduled maintenance was performed at the selling dealer on XXX at 7,924 miles. The vehicle has not been driven since XXX and is available for inspection on request. It is scheduled for dealer inspection on XXX. The problem has not yet been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer. I am aware of numerous owner reports of a similar loss-of-power condition in 2025 Santa Fe Hybrid vehicles in which the gasoline engine reportedly fails to engage and the vehicle operates on hybrid battery power alone. In several of those reports the trouble code cleared itself before the dealer inspected the vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11755812

Incident

Aug 7, 2026

1. The SUV experiences complete power loss and goes into limp mode. Have been in nearly 3 accidents on highways with a vehicle that goes from 65 to 35 with no warning and then cannot accelerate or gain speed. 2. Battery, out of no where, goes from 3/4 full to 1 or 2 bars. 3. Extreme shaking of the vehicle while driving and at rest. 4. Vehicle is less than a year old and has been in for the same issue 4x. Currently with dealership since 6 July with no communication despite calls and in-person visits. 5. Loaner not provided despite car being under warranty and brand new.

NHTSA ID

11752967

Incident

Feb 9, 2026

While driving on the freeway at approx 65mph, the car suddenly starting de-celerating and forced me to pull over to emergency shoulder/lane and try to determine the cause. The car is a "Hybrid" and the dashboard stated to put car in Park and Idle the Engine over 2000rpm to charge up the Battery. ( i still don't know which Battery they were speaking of...Engine Battery or Hybrid Battery) I sat there Idling the Engine for 15 minutes and slowly proceeded to get off the freeway and limped the car back to my home. I then called my selling Hyundai Dealer, as the car was still in warranty, and told them of my sudden problem and asking them what could it be??? They said they did not know until they saw the car and tested it with their computer equipment...please have it towed into their shop. So i did and 2 days later they called to say..NO Computer Codes showed any problem. They could not duplicate problem. I said ..."look on the internet...many people have reported sudden lack of power and limp mode activation....all pointing to the High Pressure GDI Fuel Pump Assy failure". Dealer said ..Oh..thanks we will look into that. 5 hours later Dealer called and said I was right, we replaced the Fuel Pump and come pick up the car. 4 months later and 6,000 miles later car is performing normally. I felt compelled to come forward to discuss this part failure as this incident on the freeway could have turned into a tragedy. Thank you

NHTSA ID

11741374

Incident

Jan 14, 2026

My 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid AWD was serviced under warranty on 4/22/2026 for a driveability concern after experiencing a loss of power while driving. The service history shows part HY35326-2M500 was replaced. On or about 5/25/2026, the same issue occurred again while driving at highway speed. The vehicle suddenly lost motive power and dropped from approximately 70 mph to approximately 30 to 40 mph, creating a serious safety risk because the vehicle could not maintain speed with surrounding highway traffic. No warning lamps, dashboard messages, or diagnostic codes appeared during the failure. The vehicle is currently at a Hyundai dealership for inspection and repair for the repeat issue and should be available for inspection upon request. The prior dealer record appears to describe the issue generally as a “driveability concern,” but the current repair diagnosis and full repair notes are still pending. It is unknown whether the dealer has reproduced or confirmed the failure during the current visit. I am reporting this as a sudden loss of motive power at highway speed involving the fuel/propulsion system, engine, and/or powertrain.

NHTSA ID

11740281

Incident

Apr 22, 2026

Since February 2026 I have had daily incidents of the hybrid system error where the vehicle is only relying on the hybrid battery to move. I've had a few near miss accidents as my car crawls through an intersection. Was almost rear-end after leaving a stop sign and the hybrid system error popped up and the car doesn't accelerate. In order to temporarily fix the system, the car must be shut off and restarted. There is not always a safe place to be pulled over to perform this shut down. It is a driving hazard and not safe to drive. It has been to the shop now a 3rd time with no resolution. I have reached out direct to Hyundai Corporation with my concerns and they have documentation. The car is a 2025 model and has less than 5,000 miles. I fear a serious accident from this system error and Hyundai needs to resolve ASAP.

NHTSA ID

11733192

Incident

Feb 13, 2026

I had stopped and put gas in for a full tank. Pulled out onto the Hwy heading towards Houston TX and was accelerating up to speed limit of 50MPH when the warning on the instrument panel displayed HYBRID SYSTEMS DISABLED pull over and stop immediately. Which I did, but I could not accelerate and was losing speed in traffic. I got safely parked and turned the vehicle off. I let the car sit for a few minutes and started it back up. All warnings were gone and the vehicle has performed normally since up to the current mileage of 9374. I took the vehicle to Hyundai today, 4/13/2026 and they hooked it up to the diagnostic system and it showed NOTHING.

NHTSA ID

11730952

Incident

Apr 9, 2026

The 2025 Hyundai Hybrid Santa Fe SEL has experienced two instances (Nov 2025, 11k miles & Apr 2026, 14k miles) where the combustion engine fails to provide power to the vehicle’s wheels. The engine continues to run, but only enough to maintain a charge to the hybrid battery system. When accelerating to speeds above 30 miles per hour or when traveling up inclines, the combustion engine’s rotations per minute (rpm) spiked, however the vehicle’s power-train still rapidly lost power and the hybrid battery drained significant charge. During one instance in November 2025, while attempting to accelerate to 55 mph up an incline, the hybrid battery drained enough that the vehicle was required to be pulled off the road to allow the battery to charge. During the April 2026 event, while containing a family of four (including to young children under six years of age), the vehicle failed to accelerate to 60 mph up an incline on an interstate freeway bridge. The vehicle rapidly slowed to between 20 and 30 mph, putting the family in grave danger from high-speed collisions. Following both instances, the on-board diagnostics computer was reset, “resolving the issue” and the Hyundai technicians elected to make no further repairs or replacements. The onboard diagnostics code P0191 was reported following the April 2026 event, however no codes or errors were identified by the Hyundai technician following the November 2025 event. No additional follow-up was performed, even though the vehicle remained under the manufacturer’s warranty.

NHTSA ID

11730891

Incident

Apr 11, 2026

Vehicle experienced a loss of acceleration while driving. When pressing the accelerator, engine RPM increased significantly but the vehicle did not increase speed. The vehicle felt as though it was stuck in one gear and would not upshift or downshift. The issue was most noticeable while driving uphill, where the vehicle was unable to maintain speed despite full throttle input. This created a safety concern as the vehicle could not accelerate normally in traffic conditions. The problem has been progressively worsening over time. Initially there were mild symptoms, but it has become more severe and frequent, culminating in a near-complete inability to accelerate under load. No warning lights or messages were observed prior to or during the failure (if that’s true—adjust if needed). Vehicle has approximately 28,000 miles. The vehicle is currently at a dealership for inspection and diagnosis, but the issue has not yet been confirmed or resolved at the time of this report.

NHTSA ID

11726897

Incident

Mar 24, 2026

Vehicle would not accelerate in high speed zone.

NHTSA ID

11726542

Incident

Mar 23, 2026