RoadVitals

2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
216
Latest Nov 9, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
15
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
15

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

49
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Oct 27, 2026

While traveling on [XXX] from [XXX] to [XXX] XXX, I initiated the adaptive cruise control. While engaged, with no other vehicles or other impediments on the roadway in front of me, the emergency braking system engaged and attempted to stop the vehicle. The first time this happened, I pressed the accelerator which disengaged the braking action. Later I reengaged the cruise control and after a few minutes, with no traffic near the vehicle, the same action happened again. I disengaged the adaptive cruise control and drove the vehicle manually with no further problems. I have scheduled an examination of the vehicle with a Hyundai dealer but have read of 25-30 similar issues with no resolution by Hyundai. This is a safety issue that will eventually cause an accident and needs to be resolved. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11766470 · filed Sep 23, 2026
All 49 reports naming driver assistance →

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

44
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Oct 5, 2026

I own a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy AWD equipped with the 2.5L turbo engine and 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. At approximately 39,900 miles, the check-engine light illuminated. Hyundai Bluelink diagnostics reported powertrain/TCU diagnostic trouble code P1C2D03, identified as a high-pressure electric oil pump motor position sensor fault. I am concerned because this same diagnostic trouble code and high-pressure electric oil pump/transmission issue was associated with Hyundai Safety Recall 236 (NHTSA Recall 22V746) involving certain earlier Santa Fe model years. Hyundai's recall documentation described the possibility of the transmission high-pressure electric oil pump malfunctioning and causing loss of motive power while driving. My vehicle is a 2023 model and therefore was not included in that earlier recall, but Hyundai has subsequently issued technical service information covering 2021–2023 Santa Fe vehicles equipped with the 2.5T engine and 8-speed wet DCT, including vehicles displaying DTC P1C2D03. The current Hyundai service procedure indicates that affected vehicles may require transmission replacement. I have stopped driving the vehicle because of my concern about a possible loss of propulsion and have scheduled an appointment with a Hyundai dealership for diagnosis. At this time, I have not experienced a loss of motive power or an accident. I am reporting the issue because a 2023 vehicle outside the original recall population is displaying the same fault code associated with the previously recalled transmission condition. I believe NHTSA should evaluate whether the affected population should include additional model years.

NHTSA ID 11762417 · filed Sep 6, 2026
All 44 reports naming powertrain (other) →

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

37
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Nov 4, 2026

Collision warning sensor alarm randomly comes on my dash and my car slams on the breaks. Very dangerous, I’m scared to drive down the highway going 60mph. 80,109 miles 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. I have not brought it in to a Hyundai dealership because they want a diagnosis fee and everything else. Hyundai should fix it. This alarm has happened several times than it will go away and come on like 3 times in a row, usually daily when I use the car

NHTSA ID 11762036 · filed Sep 3, 2026
All 37 reports naming electrical →

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

37
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I was driving, and the SUV all of a sudden lost power. I was trying to press harder on the gas pedal to keep up with the traffic, but the SUV was stalling. The SUV would not move, and as I kept trying to press on the gas pedal, a roaring noise like something was trying to turn but the engine kept trying to move the car. It felt like something in the car was trying to move but something kept slipping. I had to turn the car off in the middle of the street and restart it before it would move. Cars were blowing their horns. This is a safety issue and a dangerous Problem. The SUV just did the same thing a few days ago. I am calling the dealer to see what is wrong. I brought this car new 2023. It is under 12,000 miles

NHTSA ID 11755136 · filed Aug 5, 2026

We were at full stop with Auto Hold feature enabled. Car lurched / jumped forward with no depression of the gas pedal. This caused us to strike the car in front of us.

NHTSA ID 11743508 · filed Jun 11, 2026
All 37 reports naming engine →

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

27
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Oct 27, 2026

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 · filed Oct 26, 2026
All 27 reports naming brakes →

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while there was snow on the roof of the vehicle, the windshield wipers failed to operate as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer because there was space between the hood and the windshield where the snow was collected, causing the windshield wipers to fail to operate as intended. The dealer tightened the wiper blades; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 35,000.

NHTSA ID 11713548 · filed Jan 27, 2026

AC evaporator drain design problem June, 2024 approx. 3500 miles under warranty, AC evaporator drain line backed up into the passenger front right. Brought it to service - they unclogged and drained the line at no charge. June 2025 approx. 12,K miles under warranty, AC drain backed up again. The excess water drained onto my feet as a passenger and collected under the front seat, saturating the rug area, potentially causing additional mildew and respiratory causing irritation. Service required an appointment. drained it charged $88. Filed a complaint incl Hyundai Motors ; was told the $88 charge was irreversible - cause was weather. The CAR HEALTH HAZARD seems to stem from a major design flaw The air intake is in the windshield wiper cowl resulting in wet tree and leaf debris , bird droppings, etc collect even when the car is not in use. Thus, when heat or air conditioning is activated, air comes in through the air intake and then through the difficult to acces filter recessed behind the glove box , then into the passenger area When the AC drain hose is plugged, it backs up through the dirty filter and then out, to accumulate under the passenger seat allowing more mildew. Re:My 2024 mile blockage, the water was drained, but the filter was not mentioned. In 2025 with the $88 bill, the water was drained no mention the filter. Draining the water does not correct the problem. It should be required at every service the l drain hose is checked, water drained. and filter changed at no charge until a design correction to cover the cowling or an interim solution is installed We lnotice that we have sporadic respiratory problems in the first of miles of riding in all the car From Hyundai Motor America - We expect reimbursement for the $88 service charge. Warranty draining the water and new filter annually. and an NHTSB approved fix of the problem and an NHTSB approved redesign of future models

NHTSA ID 11682430 · filed Aug 22, 2025
All 13 reports naming visibility →

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

This complaint concerns a serious, unresolved powertrain/propulsion safety defect in my 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. While traveling approximately 70 mph, the vehicle suddenly lost propulsion and would not accelerate normally while surrounded by highway traffic.MOST IMPORTANTLY, THERE WAS NO WARNING OR ADVANCE INDICATION. No warning lights, messages, or symptoms appeared before the loss of propulsion. I had no opportunity to anticipate the failure or prepare to safely exit traffic. This placed me and other motorists at immediate risk of a serious or potentially fatal collision.A Hyundai dealership inspected the vehicle and documented DTC P284001, Shift Fork D Position Fault. Despite this documented fault, the underlying safety issue remains unresolved. Hyundai has not identified a permanent correction or established that the vehicle is safe to operate.There has not been another incident because I will not risk another sudden loss of propulsion by driving the vehicle. The absence of another failure does NOT mean the problem is resolved. The vehicle remains available for inspection.I have repeatedly sought assistance from Hyundai and the dealership without a meaningful resolution. Newer information regarding a possible computer reset/relearn procedure has also been presented, but the dealership refuses to perform it.I reviewed NHTSA complaints for 2023 Santa Fe vehicles and found multiple reports describing similar safety symptoms, including sudden loss of propulsion, inability to accelerate, abnormal transmission shifting, and loss of speed. This raises serious concern that this may not be an isolated failure.A vehicle that can unexpectedly lose propulsion at highway speed WITHOUT ANY WARNING creates an extreme crash risk. I respectfully request that NHTSA review the similar complaints, investigate whether a broader transmission/powertrain safety defect exists, and determine whether corrective action is necessary before this results in serious injury or death.

NHTSA ID 11755949 · filed Aug 10, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving and decelerating to approximately 10 MPH onto an exit ramp, the vehicle suddenly stalled and failed to restart. The contact noticed that there was blue smoke coming from the exhaust pipes, and several unknown warning lights and messages illuminated, including the Check Engine warning light. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed that a fuel injector had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 35,652.

NHTSA ID 11742763 · filed Jun 8, 2026
All 12 reports naming fuel system →

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Oct 27, 2026

I have been fighting this issue now for 2 years, vibration while driving interstate speeds, especially right rear seat. I have had tires replaced twice trying to fix balance issue only to find out that one rim will not road force balance correctly, even with tire matched it only reduced road force balance to 20lbs (30lbs with out match). I have had it at discount tire and Gettel Hyundai of Lakewood ranch, FL several times. Hyundai sent a senior tech to look at tires, did not speak to me to get explanation of my concern, did a balance, got same numbers and said was good to go. My other 3 rims have a max road force of 12lbs without even being matched. This causes vibrations when driving, extra wear and force on the tire and is a safety concern. This rim is the issue and Hyundai refuses to fix it.

NHTSA ID 11725596 · filed Mar 19, 2026
All 8 reports naming other / unspecified →

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Driving on sunny day, the fixed roof glass located between the windshield and sunroof exploded across the entire width of the glass insert with a very distracting noise.

NHTSA ID 11727870 · filed Mar 30, 2026

My wife was parking the car at carport, all of sudden unintended acceleration happened and hit through the wall. The damage on the car was $12478.57 and damaged the wall and storage on both sides of carport. My wife is scared to drive this car.

NHTSA ID 11666275 · filed Jun 11, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My wife was parking the car at carport, all of sudden unintended acceleration happened and hit through the wall. The damage on the car was $12478.57 and damaged the wall and storage on both sides of carport. My wife is scared to drive this car.

NHTSA ID 11666275 · filed Jun 11, 2025

Incident: I have been almost rear ended numerous, numerous times despite having my turn signal on an appropriate distance from my turning point. Safety Issue: The rear signal lights are small and are only located on the bumper. The location of these signal lights are way too low for most driver's to even notice them! The signal lights also look like reflectors on the rear bumper especially in broad day light, making the detection of a signal even more difficult! I do like the Santa Fe, it is my second one, but had I known that the turn signal lights were located where they are, I would have NEVER purchased this vehicle as the risk of getting rear ended is too high.

NHTSA ID 11572394 · filed Feb 16, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I was in a car accident on September 30, 2025. I was hit from behind by a dump truck and was pushed into the car in front of me. My seat belt in my Santa Fe did not tighten, and my head hit the steering wheel. There is something wrong with the seat belts. I was going to take it to the dealer to check after repairs, but my car is a total loss. Just wanted you to know the seat belts failed, and it could happen to others who own this type of vehicle. The air bag did not deploy, but my understanding is that the car has to be going a certain speed.

NHTSA ID 11693746 · filed Oct 16, 2025

Driver and passenger seatbelts not always latching or becoming unlached while driving

NHTSA ID 11689850 · filed Sep 26, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Shuddering Issue with Current Vehicle: - Problem: Progressive shuddering during take-off, accelerating, slowing down, and braking uphill.

NHTSA ID 11629441 · filed Dec 7, 2024

May 5th 2023 my car was broken in to.The back passenger window was broken out and the steering column was tour out .The car was undrivable. The car was towed May 18th to Nalley Hyundai.I just got my car back today Aug 11. I understand Hyundai is suing TikTok I was given a number.She said when they go to court.When .

NHTSA ID 11538034 · filed Aug 11, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

See attached document for complaint

NHTSA ID 11582187 · filed Apr 10, 2024

Stopped at left turn lane light. Light turns green and vehicle engine revolutions increase as I press on gas pedal but car does not move. Cars behind me lean on their horns and take evasive maneuvers to go around me. Car finally goes very slowly and transmission disengages in middle of left turn leaving vehicle in middle of intersection with oncoming traffic. Luckily everyone stopped and vehicle very slowly moved through the intersection to side of road. Vehicle is brand new and in my possession less than 48 hours. Vehicle is at dealership for troubleshooting.

NHTSA ID 11517742 · filed Apr 18, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I had adaptive cruise control on and debris hit my windshield and I went into the rumble strip and eventually into the guard rail where the car essentially pingponged from there until it eventually stopped when the metal hit the front. It appears the emergency brake did not activate and the lane keep did not activate. My air bags did not deploy.

NHTSA ID 11649463 · filed Mar 20, 2025

I was recently involved in a front side swipe accident where a person ran a red light and hit me while I was passing through an intersection. The impact was all in the front of the vehicle where the air bag had deployed. The air bag caught on fire within seconds after it had deployed. Thankfully I was conscious to where I was able to unbuckle my seat belt quickly and someone came to my aid quickly enough to where I was able to exit the vehicle safely.

NHTSA ID 11531008 · filed Jul 8, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I was driving at around 11 a.m. on a city road at about 30 miles per hour when front passenger tire suddenly popped and car began to swerve almost colliding with vehicle in adjacent lane. The TPMS alert showed up on dashboard after the tire popped. There were no potholes or any objects that the car hit. The car along with tires had been inspected during routine maintenance at the dealer five days prior to this incident and no issues were found on tires or any lights on the dashboard. There were also no symptoms leading up to the tire suddenly popping. I contacted the manufacturer who referred me to an authorized center. After submitting the claim at the authorized center, they provided a replacement 255/45R20 at 50 percent discount.

NHTSA ID 11590614 · filed May 24, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

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