2023 Hyundai Santa Fe

I have had the horn replaced once by the dealer earlier this year (late spring/early summer). Recently, I tried my horn to see if it works since I never use it and it did not work. I noticed that there is an issue with the 2023 Hyundai horns not working and this is a safety issue. Since I am a disabled veteran, I would like for my vehicle to be in running order to include all safety features working like they are supposed to, which is why I am making this report.

NHTSA ID

11776835

Incident

Sep 10, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the horn was inoperable when the horn pad was depressed. The contact stated that the horn was replaced on four separate occasions by the dealer; however, the failure recurred. The dealer was contacted and an appointment was scheduled. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by email through an executive assistant. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.

NHTSA ID

11775566

Incident

Oct 28, 2026

Mileage

57,000 mi

I was at a stop light, when it turned green I accelerated and the car automatically implemented emergency braking. No one was in front of me. Thank goodness no one was behind me or they would’ve rear-ended me.

NHTSA ID

11774093

Incident

Oct 27, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the vehicle had caught on fire, however, the origin of the fire was unknown. The vehicle was unoccupied during the fire. The fire was self-extinguished. A Fire Department report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 12,338.

NHTSA ID

11774024

Incident

Oct 16, 2026

Mileage

12,338 mi

No crash, injury, warning lamp, message, or loss-of-braking event occurred. The issue involves the brake hydraulic system and the fluid specified for my 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy. Hyundai’s owner specification requires SAE J1704 DOT-4 LV / ISO 4925 Class 6 brake fluid. During a brake-fluid exchange, an authorized Hyundai dealer installed BG 84032, which BG identifies as conventional DOT 4. BG sells a separate product, BG 84132, identified as Low Viscosity DOT 4 meeting ISO 4925 Class 6. The original BG 84032 has since been correctly replaced by an independent repair facility and is not available for inspection. I have attached all materials I believe are relevant. Both BG product specifications are available from the BG website. My safety concern is that conventional DOT 4 does not meet the Class 6 low-temperature viscosity requirement specified for this model and other high-volume Hyundai models, which could affect ABS/ESC hydraulic response under low-temperature, icy, or snowy conditions. The Hyundai dealer’s repair order documents installation of BG 84032, consistent with the MOBIS part listing for the vehicle. An email exchange between the dealer and a Hyundai Motor Americas (HMA) parts advisor suggests a lack of understanding of the required fluid specification. HMA customer service twice confirmed to me the vehicle requires a 'DOT 4 LV' fluid. There appears to be conflicting Hyundai information: the owner specification requires DOT-4 LV/Class 6; the reservoir cap states only 'DOT 4' and Hyundai/MOBIS service information simply lists conventional DOT 4. In addition, a call to the Lithia Hyundai (Reno) parts department also resulted in a recommendation for conventional DOT 4, suggesting this may be systemic rather than an isolated dealer error. No police or insurance inspection occurred. I am asking NHTSA to determine the extent to which this represents a broader safety-related service-information issue.

NHTSA ID

11773775

Incident

Sep 16, 2026

My 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy has experienced transmission problems since it was new and currently has approximately 20,000 miles. I brought it to the dealership approximately three to four times for these concerns, but I was told they could not find a problem or any diagnostic codes. Recently, while driving on the highway, the vehicle lost power and would not accelerate even with the accelerator pedal pressed all the way down. I had to pull over to the side of the highway. Without turning off the engine, I shifted into Park and then back into Drive. The vehicle began moving again, but the transmission continued slipping. On [XXX] I brought the vehicle to Key Hyundai of Manchester for scheduled maintenance and again reported the recurring transmission problems. The dealership requested a diagnostic fee of more than $200, which I declined because I had repeatedly reported this problem since the vehicle was new. They completed the scheduled maintenance without performing the requested transmission diagnosis. After leaving the dealership that same day, the vehicle repeatedly malfunctioned while I was driving, and the check engine light came on. I returned to the dealership. A scan showed three fault codes related to the transmission, clutch, and a sensor. I asked to leave the vehicle and receive a loaner because I feared another loss of power on the highway could cause a rear-end collision. I was told the person who could authorize a loaner had left for an appointment, could not be contacted, and that I should return Monday. On [XXX], I called and spoke with Anthony, whom I was told was in charge. He told me I needed to bring the vehicle in and would have to join a waiting list for a loaner. On [XXX], I brought the vehicle back, and it is currently at the dealership being evaluated. My primary concern is safety: recurring transmission slipping and a loss of acceleration that left me unable to maintain speed on the highway. IINFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C

NHTSA ID

11769015

Incident

Oct 2, 2026

The AWD coupler has failed and the rear wheels feel like they are slipping and catching when I accelerate from a stop, particularly when turning. The car was taken to the dealership and inspected, but no longer under warranty as we are not the original owners.

NHTSA ID

11766705

Incident

Jul 1, 2026

I bought my 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe at Auto Fair Hyundai in [XXX] in XXX new. This is my third Hyundai from this location over the years. I have always serviced it there ever since I bought it. ( oil changes, tire rotation etc.) Back in XXX while driving home from [XXX] to [XXX] on [XXX] I hit the brakes in the left hand lane, in traffic and my vehicle shut off and wouldn’t restart. Very scary luckily a young man helped push my car off the highway. I sat 5 minutes or so and it restarted. I was told to disable the start/ stop feature which I did. On XXX I went back to auto fair in [XXX] with my issue. I was told I needed a new battery there was corrosion $408. I had them clean the corrosion $95 and I’d bring the vehicle to my mechanic friend where my battery was tested and it was good. I was told to disable the start/stop feature. I went out XXX and forgot to disable the feature and I stalled at 4 way intersection. Stuck there people beeping, traffic backing up and drivers passing by running red lights very frustrated. Yesterday I called Auto Fair service department (on a recorded line) asking if this is an ongoing issue with this make/model. Is there a recall? I was told they haven’t heard about this issue at all and she said good luck. I have 5 year warranty and there is only 24,000 miles on my vehicle. I found a forum online with many others with Hyundais having this issue. This is an accident waiting to happen I’m also reporting it to Hyundai Corporate and Highway safety commission. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11766702

Incident

Sep 19, 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.