2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Problems

Vehicle is 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid. Component that failed was the electrical system, specifically, the 12 V battery drained leaving the vehicle's electrical systems completely dead. Happened on two occasions: first in XXX, and second in XXX. Vehicle had to be towed in both instances. Our safety was put at risk in that my wife and I, who are both senior citizens, were essentially stranded in dark parking garages at night and left to arrange towing services under very difficult circumstances. In both instances, the electrical system was examined by Hyundai service technicians. The first time I was without the vehicle for 11 days. The second time I was without the vehicle for 22 days. Both service calls identified and confirmed that an unknown power drain was the source of the problem, and in both instances replacing the 12V battery was "the solution". The dealerships that serviced the vehicle ran all diagnostics and could not pinpoint the source of power drain; neither could assure me that it would not happen again, more or less at random. There were no warning lamps, messages or other indications of the problem prior to failure and the dealerships that serviced the vehicle (one in [XXX] and one in [XXX]) indicated that if it were to happen again, there likely would be no advance notice in that instance, either. Result: I have no confidence that the vehicle will not leave me stranded in an unsafe location/condition far from home or a vehicle service facility. Vehicle is parked in a surface lot next to our apartment in [XXX] while I shop for a new (non-Hyundai hybrid) vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65-70 MPH, the vehicle shut off. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and restarted the vehicle. During an oil change appointment, the dealer informed the contact of Hyundai TSB Number: 25-01-028H-1 (Seat Heater Unit Software Update) and associated the bulletin with the failure. The dealer completed the repair; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the failure identified in the TSB had caused the battery to drain. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the HPCU and main wiring harness were replaced twice, the battery was replaced once, and the transmission was replaced once; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20-25 MPH and coming to a stop on an incline, the vehicle shut off. Several messages, including "HEV Low Battery - Hibernation Mode", were displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was shifted into neutral and rolled into a nearby parking lot. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone and email, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 23,489.

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.

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.

I only am entering Automatic Emergency Braking because I have no other section to select. While my wife was driving our 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid at a speed of approximately 55 mph the vehicle suddenly, without any type of warning, began slowing down to a speed of 20 mph. A message appeard on the display above the steering "20 mph limit". The vehicle decreased the speed from 55 mph to 20 mph in approximately 5 to 6 seconds. She could not accellerate above 20 mph regardless of how hard she tried. She had no control of the speed. Fortunately she was on a two lane highway with little or no traffic. She stopped the vehicle and put it into Park, waited and began travelling again. It would not go over 20 mph and the message remained on the screen. She managed to get home. When the vehicle was parked, turned off and then turned back on the message was no longer on the screen. I then drove it directly to Hyundai dealership to report the problem. I was told they could do nothing unless they were able to get the vehicle to repeat the issue. I had to leave it at the dealership. I have since read that Hyundai has a "Fail Safe" mode that causes the vehicle to do that if there is an issue with the engine, hybrid mode, transmission or emissions. This issue happens with ablolutely no warning. I just begins to stop. My major complaint is that this could occurr when I am traveling at 70 mph on a major Interstate hwy while in the left lane in high traffice and have no way of maintaining my speed long enough to get to the shoulder of the road. This could easily create a major catastrophe. Hyundai should address this issue ASAP before someone is killed because they have no control of the speed of the vehicle.

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)

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.

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

I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, which I purchased as a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle in April 2026 with approximately 15,000 miles. The vehicle currently has approximately 27,000 miles. While driving on the [XXX], my vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly lost propulsion. The vehicle’s electrical systems remained on, but it would no longer accelerate normally. There were no warning lights, messages, or alerts before the loss of power. I was in active freeway traffic with numerous vehicles behind me. Because my vehicle could no longer maintain speed or accelerate, I was placed in an extremely dangerous situation. I feared being struck from behind by another vehicle. It was a terrifying experience. I was eventually able to pull over to the side of the freeway. I turned the vehicle off and waited briefly before restarting it. I was then able to get off the freeway and reach a gas station. Once at the gas station, multiple warning lights illuminated on the dashboard, and I observed that the hybrid battery was not charging. The vehicle ultimately became undrivable. The vehicle was towed to Centennial Hyundai in [XXX] for diagnosis. The dealership advised that diagnosis could take approximately two to three days. This is the first time the vehicle has experienced this failure. However, the sudden loss of propulsion without any prior warning created a serious risk of a rear-end collision. I am concerned that this failure could happen to other Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid owners while driving at freeway speeds. I am requesting that NHTSA review this incident as a potential vehicle safety defect, including the sudden loss of propulsion, lack of advance warning, and apparent hybrid charging-system malfunction. At the time of this complaint, the cause of the failure has not yet been confirmed by the dealership. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

My 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid has multiple ongoing problems. Several are intermittent. BRAKES: The brake pedal intermittently sticks when I first start the car. STARTING/ELECTRICAL: On two occasions the vehicle would not start and roadside assistance had to come to start it. It is also sometimes hard to start. The Digital Key on my phone intermittently fails to unlock the doors or start the car. On occasion, all audio is lost at startup, including the radio, speakers, and turn signal sound. The front left speaker intermittently cuts out or sounds distorted. The passenger front door exterior handle/unlock intermittently fails. The driver side temperature knob is stuck at 77 degrees F. POWER TRAIN: The vehicle hesitates/stutters during the first half mile of driving after starting. SEATS: The driver seat memory intermittently fails to move to the saved position when the car starts. SUSPENSION: A creaking, spring-like noise occurs when the car rocks during initial acceleration and braking, possibly from the driver side front. I have reported this to the dealer twice before. Inspection: I have reported these problems to Westlake Hyundai in Thousand Oaks, CA, on previous visits and have another service appointment scheduled. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance. I am concerned about the brake pedal and no-start problems as safety issues.

On 08/22/26 at approximately 11:45 AM I was stopped at a traffic light and struck by a Ford Pickup truck whose approximate speed was 45 mph as described in the police officer who witness the accident totaling my Hyundai 2025 Santa Fe. No airbags were deployed. According to the police officer the frame was bent as well. Please see attached vehicles pictures

Any of the airbags failed to deploy during a significant crash. It is not available for inspection due to it being investigated by insurance. The driver and passengers' safety were affected in that more bodily damage could have occurred if they had hit the steering wheel or any other part of the car. I do not know if the problem has been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer, as i have tried to reach out to the dealer and they have not contacted me back. The vehicle is still being determined as if it can be repaired or it needs to be totaled. There were no indications of warning lamps, messages or other symptoms prior to failure.

My 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid has multiple ongoing problems. Several are intermittent. BRAKES: The brake pedal intermittently sticks when I first start the car. STARTING/ELECTRICAL: On two occasions the vehicle would not start and roadside assistance had to come to start it. It is also sometimes hard to start. The Digital Key on my phone intermittently fails to unlock the doors or start the car. On occasion, all audio is lost at startup, including the radio, speakers, and turn signal sound. The front left speaker intermittently cuts out or sounds distorted. The passenger front door exterior handle/unlock intermittently fails. The driver side temperature knob is stuck at 77 degrees F. POWER TRAIN: The vehicle hesitates/stutters during the first half mile of driving after starting. SEATS: The driver seat memory intermittently fails to move to the saved position when the car starts. SUSPENSION: A creaking, spring-like noise occurs when the car rocks during initial acceleration and braking, possibly from the driver side front. I have reported this to the dealer twice before. Inspection: I have reported these problems to Westlake Hyundai in Thousand Oaks, CA, on previous visits and have another service appointment scheduled. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance. I am concerned about the brake pedal and no-start problems as safety issues.

My vehicle randomly slows it self down while driving. I would be pressing the gas and the car would voluntarily slow down on its own with no warning. This problem can lead to plenty of accidents due to me or any other driver around me being unaware when my vehicle will brake on its own. The problem has been confirmed by Hyundai Patterson of Tyler, Texas and they have worked on my car twice to fix the issue and it still hasn't been fixed. The issue started about a month ago and when the incidents would occur in the beginning their would be no warning lights on my vehicle’s dash. As of recently there maybe a check engine light that will pop up when the incident occurs. It's a hit or miss.

Vehicle was in driveway for 3 days. When I got into vehicle to drive I saw the windshield had a large crack on driver’s side approximately 16” long. No vandalism or rock damage caused this problem. Has to be a stress fracture.

Washer nozzles are non adjustable, and spray too low on windshield to effectively clean glass, especially at highway speeds. Severe visibility issue. I have reported the problem to Hyundai corporate customer service, who are escalating the issue to upper management. I have also brought the vehicle to my local dealer where it was purchased and made them aware of the issue. Dealer agreed with me, and has heard same complaint from many other owners of this model. This should be a simple fix by swapping in an adjustable nozzle.

I initially reported a rattling noise near the B-pillar to an authorized Hyundai dealership. A repair order was created documenting my complaint. Following further investigation, I was informed that spot welds in the B-pillar area had separated, requiring structural body repairs.

WHAT FAILED: A panoramic moonroof shattered before delivery and was replaced by the dealer before sale. Despite the replacement, loose tempered-glass fragments remained inside the occupant cabin, including the front passenger compartment and the second-row floor where my two minor children ride. One glass fragment also tore the passenger-seat leather. SAFETY RISK: Loose tempered-glass fragments left in occupant areas create a foreseeable laceration hazard during normal vehicle use, particularly for small children riding in the second row. The presence of enough glass to tear the passenger-seat leather demonstrates that hazardous fragments remained in the vehicle after the moonroof replacement. CONFIRMED BY SERVICE CENTER: Yes. The selling dealer Hyundai of Kirkland was aware that the moonroof had shattered and was being replaced before delivery. The salesperson disclosed the moonroof damage and showed us the vehicle in the service area while repairs were being performed before sale. INSPECTED / REPAIRS: Loose glass fragments were discovered the day after delivery, prompting an immediate call to the dealer and a return visit for cleaning and inspection. Glass fragments continued to be found afterward, requiring additional follow-up visits, including a second unsuccessful repair request approximately one month later. The dealership was aware that loose glass had damaged the seat; on 09/08/2025, the salesperson directed me to repair the tear myself with clear nail polish rather than initiating a warranty repair. See file attached with evidence. No repair orders or service documentation were provided for these interior repairs. The dealer ultimately performed cleaning, third-party leather restoration, and replacement of the passenger-seat cover on 11/04/2025. Because loose glass continued to be discovered after the second repair attempt, I purchased a Prosidium protection plan for future glass-related damage. WARNING SYMPTOMS: None. This was a pre-delivery issue.

I was driving around 60-65 mph and felt like the left rear wheel was having trouble catching the road. 15-30 seconds later I was put into a spin, did one full revolution before hitting the soft dirt embankment right after the on ramp for 10A on NJ-18 South. When I got out of the car, the left rear wheel looked like it had snapped from the main arm of the suspension. Airbags did not deploy.

I’m reporting a recurring safety issue with the Pirelli Scorpion All Season MS tires (255/45 R20) factory-installed on my 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy. At just over 7,500 miles, I began experiencing significant vibration at highway speeds. The dealership diagnosed the issue as defective tires — two were replaced, but the issue returned within 24 hours. I stopped driving the vehicle due to safety concerns. This problem appears to be common: I’ve found numerous reports of Scorpion MS tires showing early failure, poor balance, bulging, uneven and premature wear — all within low mileage. These issues compromise the vehicle’s stability and may present a serious hazard in wet or winter conditions. I’m concerned these tires are not structurally reliable and should not be standard on family SUVs like the Santa Fe. Hyundai and Pirelli should investigate this tire line for potential safety defects or recall. It also appears that the it's the MS, verde and AS Plus 3 from pirelli that have these issues. You can find additional complaints regarding these with a google search. They will be on reddit and facebook.

I was driving around 60-65 mph and felt like the left rear wheel was having trouble catching the road. 15-30 seconds later I was put into a spin, did one full revolution before hitting the soft dirt embankment right after the on ramp for 10A on NJ-18 South. When I got out of the car, the left rear wheel looked like it had snapped from the main arm of the suspension. Airbags did not deploy.

Purchased new 2025 Hybrid AWD Santa Fe with 47 miles on 8/3/25 at 6pm. By 6:30am on 8/4/25 I noticed an occasional knocking when coming to a stop, reversing, turning and at times driving forward. The knocking became more frequent and noticeable as the day went on with more driving and not once did a service message or warning light display. At 1pm on 8/4/25 with an added 100 miles, I drove it to Hyundai Service Department to have them diagnose the issue which they immediately heard. After 8 days, I was told it was a control arm issue which them lead to a complete suspension rebuild on the driver side. I could have lost total control of the vehicle due to the bad control arm. They claimed the passenger side was fine and I picked up my car on 8/12/25 4pm. By 6:30am on 8/13/25 the knocking was back and car is pulling to the right. Car is back in the service shop to further investigate the knocking. I believe Hyundai is trying to cover up this issue as the service report they initially gave me had no mention of the control arm or suspension rebuild. I refused to sign and asked for another service report stating what the issue was and how it was repaired.

The contact stated that while driving, a slow leak on the inside side wall right rear passenger side. The vehicle was taken when taken to the dealer to replace. Left front driver side, had a bubble in the side wall. The tire was replaced. In another occurrence, was noticed on the The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with front right and back right bubbles on the outside wall of the tire. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 7,000. The

I’m reporting a recurring safety issue with the Pirelli Scorpion All Season MS tires (255/45 R20) factory-installed on my 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy. At just over 7,500 miles, I began experiencing significant vibration at highway speeds. The dealership diagnosed the issue as defective tires — two were replaced, but the issue returned within 24 hours. I stopped driving the vehicle due to safety concerns. This problem appears to be common: I’ve found numerous reports of Scorpion MS tires showing early failure, poor balance, bulging, and premature/uneven wear — all within low mileage. They stated that it was still an inherent issue with the tires and I would need new ones. Thus I requested to have a different set tires given the issues with these. These issues compromise the vehicle’s stability and may present a serious hazard in wet or winter conditions. I’m concerned these tires are not structurally reliable and should not be standard on family SUVs like the Santa Fe. Hyundai and Pirelli should investigate this tire line for potential safety defects or recall. I understand that it is the Scorpion MS, AS Plus 3 and the Verde with these similar issues. Unfortuneately for some reason your site won't let me post my photo, but I was able to file it under the same VIN under my report for the Santa Fe.

While driving on the interstate at highway speed, the power driver's seat began moving forward on its own without any switch being pressed. It didn't stop and kept moving toward the steering wheel. I am 6'3" and normally sit far back, so the seat was pushing me into the steering wheel and I could no longer sit safely or control the vehicle normally. I had to exit the highway abruptly and pull onto the shoulder to avoid a crash. This put me and other drivers around me at risk. Since the incident, the power driver's seat does not respond at all. None of the seat switches (forward/back, recline, height, tilt) produce any movement or sound. I checked the fuses and they are all intact. I have video of the switches not working. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by a dealer. It is under warranty and will be taken to a Hyundai dealer for diagnosis and repair. The vehicle and the failed seat components are available for inspection. Warning lights or messages before the failure: none Suspected cause: UNKNOWN, possibly a seat motor, seat control module or wiring fault. I have videos to share.

The dealer is unable to remedy the defect within a reasonable time. It’s been two months with no fix and my family’s safety is in jeopardy.

Check emergency, stopping function alert. Check hybrid system stop safely. Both alerts came on the dash the steering wheel vibrated 11 other alerts popped up in the car steered me to the side of the road. It would not start again and This has happened four times in the 7 months I’ve had the car Hyundai cannot figure out what the issue is. In fact they tell me there is no issue because it’s not happening to them while it’s been there for almost a month.