2022 Hyundai Santa Fe

I have had my Santa Fe SEL 2022 in the Hyundai service shop 3 times for the reoccurring "Shifter System Malfunction" warning. I have investigated this issue on the internet and found NHTSA reports this affects models equipped with the push-button "shift-by-wire" systems. Hyundai has acknowledged this issue with the TSB 23-AT-006H-2. However my vehicle continues to have this intermittent issue and the problem is never fixed. This electrical/mechanical issue poses a severe hazard to my safety as well as makes the car crippling and inoperable. My Santa Fe is unreliable to drive. I never know when I will get stuck somewhere and be stranded. No car owner should experience anxiety every time they drive because they fear the "Shifter Malfunction" warning will appear and make the car inoperable to drive. Then as of late in Oct 2026, I had another malfunction with my car that it went into limp mode and can't accelerate much higher than 25 mph and had to get my car towed to Hyundai Svc center. Could this be related to my reoccurring issue? The 1st time of the SSM warning was on 5/20/25. I could not get my car out of park. Shop found code in car related to SSM warning but it was operating normal for them. 2nd time of SSM warning on 6/30/26. I was stranded and called a friend for help. We had to disconnect battery for 15 min then turn car back on. Was able to take car out of park and drove to Hyundai service. It still had the engine warning light on did but techs said it did not show any codes. Shop had opening not until 7/14/26. Had my car for 7 days. I had to tell them of the TSB on the issue. They said they found issue with my wiring harness and replaced part. I thought my issue with the SSM was solved. IT WAS NOT SOLVED. For the 3rd time on 8/15/26, I once again got on my dashboard the "Shifter System Malfunction Service Immediately" warning. This was only a month and half from when the shop supposedly fixed the problem. They could not duplicate problem so no fix.

NHTSA ID

11775979

Incident

Aug 15, 2026

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): [XXX] Vehicle: 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Component: Rearview backup camera NHTSA Recall: 271 (Campaign Number 24V879000) I am submitting a safety complaint regarding the rearview backup camera on my 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe. The backup camera flickers when the vehicle is placed in reverse, causing an intermittent and potentially unreliable rearview image. This is a serious safety concern because the backup camera is an important safety feature that helps drivers identify pedestrians, children, pets, and obstacles behind the vehicle. When the image flickers or becomes unreliable, it can compromise the driver’s ability to safely maneuver in reverse and increase the risk of an accident or injury. I am concerned that this issue may be related to the rearview camera defect addressed by Hyundai Safety Recall 271 (NHTSA Campaign Number 24V879000). I would like NHTSA to investigate whether this problem affects additional vehicles or whether the existing recall adequately addresses the underlying defect. I am requesting that NHTSA review this complaint, investigate the cause of the backup camera malfunction, and determine whether additional safety action or an expanded recall is warranted. A malfunctioning rearview camera should not be dismissed as a minor inconvenience when it directly affects driver visibility and pedestrian safety. The vehicle’s VIN is [XXX]. I ask that NHTSA consider this specific vehicle and its reported symptoms when evaluating the scope and effectiveness of the existing recall. I respectfully request that this complaint be documented and considered as part of NHTSA’s ongoing vehicle safety investigations and recall evaluations. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11774899

Incident

Jul 1, 2026

I am filing a formal safety complaint against Hyundai Motor America for non-compliance with federal safety recall regulations regarding Recall 244 (NHTSA Campaign 23V181/235) for my 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe (VIN #[XXX]. I have been experiencing a severe parasitic battery drain that leaves the vehicle completely dead if parked for more than three days. This is a known, definitive symptom of moisture intrusion and short-circuiting within the tow hitch harness module covered under this active fire-hazard safety recall. The vehicle has died four times and required a full battery replacement. I have asked to have a re-check of the recall under Federal rule 49 USC 30120. I have filed a complaint with Hyundai and have a case #. They have now told me there's nothing they can do and I will have to pay to have it checked. The tow hitch is showing live voltage on a meter reader too. I've been advised to pull the fuses but there are none in the trailer hitch spots in the fuse box. The empty slots show an incomplete recall fix was performed or wired wrong causing an un-remedied parasitic power short active in this car. My car is a fire hazards! Hyundai won't help me. I have fully documented everything. I have been dealing with Hyundai for two month with no solution other than I have to pay them to re-check the recall and only at specific dealerships. What can I do? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11774301

Incident

Oct 27, 2026

Following a paid Bluelink subscription renewal on my 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe, a server-side software malfunction has permanently locked out my factory Digital Key access. The vehicle's physical hardware has been reset, but Hyundai's backend servers refuse to clear the token, permanently disabling a primary vehicle access feature. Hyundai corporate support admits a database desynchronization but has left the ticket unresolved, stranding the owner without promised vehicle access utilities.

NHTSA ID

11771430

Incident

Oct 7, 2026

My fiancée’s Hyundai Santa Fe has been taken in for service multiple times due to a serious and recurring safety issue. The vehicle suddenly begins malfunctioning while being driven: all of the lights on the dashboard start flashing, multiple warning lights come on, the vehicle shuts off, and both the steering and accelerator become disabled until the vehicle can be restarted. This has occurred twice while driving on the interstate at speeds of 70+ mph, creating an extremely dangerous situation. Unfortunately, the issue occurred again today and resulted in my fiancée driving into a ditch when the steering locked up while she was making a right turn. Thankfully, she was not injured and was able to restart the vehicle and safely get out of the ditch. The vehicle has been brought in for service multiple times by different hyundai dealerships in an attempt to identify and repair the issue. However, each time, the dealership has stated that they cannot replicate the problem and that they cannot find anything wrong with the vehicle. We have video evidence documenting the vehicle malfunctioning and have provided the vehicle for inspection after these incidents. The battery was also recently replaced as a possible solution to the problem, but the exact same issue occurred again today despite the replacement. At this point, we do not feel that this vehicle is safe to drive. The fact that the vehicle has repeatedly lost steering and acceleration while being driven at highway speeds, and has now caused my fiancée to leave the roadway, makes this an extremely serious safety concern. We are requesting that this issue be thoroughly investigated and resolved before the vehicle is considered safe to operate again.

NHTSA ID

11768909

Incident

Oct 5, 2026

On May 31, 2025, I suffered a severe facial injury causing trigeminal neuralgia and concussion when the Smart Power Liftgate on my 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT failed to stop or reverse upon encountering obstruction. While unloading the trunk, I went to close the liftgate, lost my balance falling forward prior to it beginning to close. It struck my face and upper body with full mechanical force, failing to trigger the automatic safety reverse/anti-pinch strip sensors. The component suffered a total safety failure, bypassing the safety mechanisms intended to prevent bodily entrapment and crushing injuries. I was forced to seek emergency medical treatment. Official Emergency Room medical records from May 2025 explicitly document the facial injuries sustained directly from this automotive component failure. The vehicle remains dangerous as the anti-pinch sensors failed to operate as legally and mechanically mandated. There have been multiple incidents where the liftgate has failed to stop with coming into contact with pressure of even my toddler briefly or our dogs, but I was not aware this vehicle was equipped with this safety feature to begin with.

NHTSA ID

11764268

Incident

May 31, 2025

Vehicle on initial start up shows no issue. Driving for a short distance or stationary for a short time. Vehicle instrument panel will show a fault of Forward safety system. Errors on Lane keeping assist, High beam assist, and Driver attention warning. Smart camera module will be hot to the touch causing failure of Front view camera and Front Radar Module.

NHTSA ID

11762513

Incident

Sep 3, 2026

On June 20 2026 at 2:07pm Central Time there was a check engine light displayed on the dash of my vehicle 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy, while it was parked in the garage of my home and was just powered up. I had then performed the vehicle diagnostics test (pictures attached) that showed that there was an issue with the 'Transmission Control System' with detail that a full system check is recommended and to schedule an appointment with a dealer. I had later proceeded to contact local dealer 'Huffines Hyundai McKinney' for service as I was due for an oil change anyway. As I was driving the vehicle from my home which was about 13 miles away from the dealership, I noticed that the vehicle had great trouble shifting from 1st gear to higher gears, that the speed would be 20mph or lower no matter how much the accelerator was pushed and I had to drive very carefully in traffic due to the low speeds. I was told at the dealership by 3pm that day that there were no active recalls on my vehicle, that the transmission related recall that was showing up on google search for that DCT code wasn't specific enough to my vehicle and to book an appointment for vehicle diagnostics and transmission repair/replacement at full cost to myself. The multi-point inspection report after oil change showed nothing about the check engine light issue or that the issue was even diagnosed by the dealership. From that day until today Aug 29 2026, I've noticed that the vehicle still has trouble shifting from the 1st gear, that the vehicle drives normally when increased time is allowed between power up and start of drive (~2min of engine running idle) and that the check engine light reappears after a trip of quick power up and drive. There was atleast one instance where I had to pullover onto the shoulder to avoid high speed traffic while driving in the right lane.

NHTSA ID

11760554

Incident

Jun 20, 2026

This bulletin provides information related to the navigation and head unit software changes introduced in the 2026 2nd Navigation Map and Software Update. The changes may vary depending on vehicle type, model, and navigation system. Refer to the 2026 2nd Navigation Map and Software Update Key Improvements and Additional Improvements tables in this TSB for a list of specific changes. The software can be downloaded via Navigation Updater (NAU) and updated by USB.

Some Hyundai vehicles may be equipped with a parking distance warning (PDW) sensor(s) that may trigger various DTCs and display warning messages on the instrument cluster, resulting in the PDW sensor(s) failing to detect nearby objects or triggering multiple false alarms. This condition may be a result of external damage to the PDW sensor membrane or sensor cover from rock chips or road debris, a collision, or previous vehicle repairs or modifications.

Some vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin outlines the combustion chamber cleaning procedure for vehicles diagnosed with this condition. All internal combustion engines consume some engine oil during normal operation, depending on driving conditions and mileage, and this procedure should only be performed when deemed necessary based on inspection and diagnosis of the vehicle as outlined in TSB 26-EM-015H, Engine Oil Consumption – Inspection & Repair Guidelines, or the latest revision.

Certain vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin provides the inspection and repair procedures for vehicles exhibiting this condition. All internal combustion engines consume engine oil as part of normal engine operation. Oil consumption rates may vary based on mileage, operating conditions, driving habits, and maintenance history. Hyundai recommends following the prescribed maintenance schedule and periodically checking the engine oil level using the dipstick to maintain proper engine oil level.

Some vehicles may have an inoperable horn that may be caused by foreign substances causing internal parts to oxidize. Hyundai is extending the warranty coverage for the horn replacement under this condition to 10 years or 120,000 miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use (whichever occurs first) and is valid for original and subsequent owners. If a horn needs to be replaced, follow the instructions within this Technical Service Bulletin (TSB)26-BE-001H-2 to install the latest design. Please note that any vehicles under 10 years/120,000 miles are covered by this TSB, even if vehicle is with original warranty of 5 years/60,000 miles.

Some vehicles may have an inoperable horn that may be caused by foreign substances causing internal parts to oxidize. Hyundai is extending the warranty coverage for the horn replacement under this condition to 10 years or 120,000 miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use (whichever occurs first) and is valid for original and subsequent owners. If a horn needs to be replaced, follow the instructions within this TSB to install the latest design. Please note that any vehicles under 10 years / 120,000 miles are covered by this TSB, even if vehicle is within original warranty of 5 years / 60,000 miles.