2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2025 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
- Driver assistance3318.4%
- Electrical3318.4%
- Powertrain (other)2413.4%
- Tires & wheels179.5%
- Engine158.4%
- Visibility137.3%
- Seat belts84.5%
- Interior & seats63.4%
- Fuel system63.4%
- Steering52.8%
- Suspension52.8%
- Brakes52.8%
- Other / unspecified42.2%
- Body & structure31.7%
- Airbags21.1%
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
On three occasions while Highway Driving Assist / Smart Cruise Control was engaged, my 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid did not slow down for the vehicle ahead and continued at its set speed. I had to brake manually to avoid a collision. Dates and conditions: UNKNOWN exact dates. All three occurred within the past several weeks. Warning lamps or messages: UNKNOWN. I did not notice a warning before the system failed to slow down. Inspection: The vehicle has not yet been inspected for this problem. I have reported it to Westlake Hyundai in Thousand Oaks, CA, and it has a service appointment scheduled. It has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance. The vehicle also has other ongoing issues, including the brake pedal sticking at startup, two no-start events requiring roadside assistance, and intermittent electrical problems. I am concerned this is a safety defect that could cause a rear-end collision.
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe - The sound for the blinkers, rear-view camera alerts, and radio sounds has gone out 2 times, once in XXX and then on XXX. This is a safety issue. I have had issues with an electrical battery drain with the key fob antenna being one of issues draining the battery and replaced in XXX. After the sound went out on XXX, I did not drive the vehicle for 1 day, then went to get into the vehicle on Wednesday, XXX and the vehicle was dead. No lights were on, it would not unlock. I missed the scheduled service appointment I had on the XXX due to the dead battery. The car had sat unused for less than 24 hours. I had to call Hyundai roadside assistance for them to jump the car off and tow it to the dealership yesterday afternoon. The battery drain started happening at 700 miles on the car, where I jumped it off myself, and continued to happen every month or two. I kept jumping it off and taking it to the dealership to let them know what was going on. Sometimes, they would investigate it, and sometimes nothing would get done about it. I have had to jump this vehicle off myself at least 6 times since XXX. Yesterday, I just called roadside assistance. There is clearly an electrical drain on the car battery somewhere in this vehicle. XXX, the car was located in [XXX] on a vacation and started having shuttering and engine light came on. This was fixed on XXX by replacing #4 fuel injector prior to 30,000 miles. This is not a reliable vehicle, or safe. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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)
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
These tires will blow prior to 10,000 miles. They peel, fall apart and are very expensive to replace. These tires are not safe. The Hyundai Santa 2026 are not safe cars
Pirelli Scorpion 255/45 R20 I am filing this complaint regarding a serious and unacceptable defect with my Pirelli tires. To date, two of the four tires have proven to be defective. In both instances, the defect was not readily apparent while the tires were mounted on the vehicle. The problem was discovered only when a qualified tire technician attempted to remove the tires from their rims. In both cases, the tire structure collapsed during removal. This is extremely concerning. A tire should not collapse or fail structurally simply because a trained tire technician is removing it from the wheel. The fact that this has now occurred with two out of four tires strongly suggests that this is not an isolated incident. I have also researched complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and have found numerous complaints involving Pirelli tires and sidewall failures, including sidewall bulges, blowouts, tread separation, and other structural failures. My research indicates that there are at least 15 complaints specifically involving the sidewall giving way. NHTSA states that consumer complaints are used to identify potential safety-defect trends. There are also recent NHTSA complaints involving Pirelli tires reporting sidewall bulges and failures, including complaints involving relatively new tires. Given that 50% of my four tires have now exhibited a serious structural failure, I am extremely concerned about the safety and reliability of the remaining two tires. I do not believe I should be expected to continue using tires that may contain the same defect. I am requesting that Pirelli: Immediately investigate all four tires, including the two that have already failed. Provide a written explanation as to why these tires collapsed during professional removal from the rims. Determine whether this represents a manufacturing or structural defect. Replace all four tires at no cost to me, rather than requiring me to wait for additional
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
the ongoing safety defect affecting my leased 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe. This summarizes the facts as discussed, the danger this defect presents, and the urgent need for resolution. Summary of the Defect Since leasing the vehicle, it has intermittently and without warning decelerated to a complete stop (0 MPH) while driving, regardless of the speed at which I am traveling — including at approximately 30 MPH on local roads and at approximately 65 MPH on I-95. The specific facts of this defect are as follows: The vehicle decelerates to a full stop within approximately 5-10 seconds of the malfunction beginning, with no advance warning. After the vehicle stops, attempting to accelerate again takes approximately 30-45 seconds before the vehicle begins to move, and it does so only slowly. When this occurs, the vehicle beeps and a flashing green “OFF LIMITS” light appears. No check engine light or other diagnostic warning is triggered at any point. This has occurred approximately 25 times since I leased the vehicle. On the last three occasions I reported this, Hyundai/dealership personnel drove the vehicle and were unable to duplicate the problem. As I have repeatedly explained, the defect occurs intermittently and unpredictably, so this is not evidence the problem does not exist. The Danger This Defect Presents I want to be direct about the severity of this situation. A vehicle that decelerates to a complete stop without warning — whether on a local road or on a highway at 65 MPH — creates an immediate risk of a rear-end collision, a multi-vehicle accident, or worse. The fact that the vehicle then takes 30-45 seconds to regain even slow movement compounds this danger, particularly in moving traffic. This is not a comfort or inconvenience issue; it is a significant, stressful, and potentially deadly safety defect, both for me and for any passengers in my vehicle, as well as for other drivers on the road.
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)
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
I am reporting a potential safety defect involving repeated windshield chipping and cracking on my 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe. The vehicle was purchased new. The first incident occurred on April 15, 2025, approximately three months after I purchased the vehicle. While driving approximately 60 mph on a highway in clear, dry conditions with no gravel or unusual road conditions, a small rock struck the upper-right portion of the windshield. The windshield cracked from the impact. The windshield was subsequently replaced on June 6, 2025. In June 2026, while again driving approximately 60 mph on a highway under clear and dry conditions, a small rock struck the center of the windshield and caused a chip. In July 2026, approximately one month later, another small pebble struck the upper-middle portion of the windshield and caused another chip. There were no crashes, sudden braking, turning maneuvers, or unusual driving conditions involved in these incidents. I am concerned because the windshield has repeatedly chipped or cracked from relatively small rocks or pebbles. I have owned and driven other vehicles for many years and have never experienced this level of repeated windshield damage from minor road debris. The windshield was supplied by Hyundai. I believe the repeated failures warrant investigation into the quality, durability, material, manufacturing, or specifications of the windshield glass used in this vehicle. The windshield is an important safety component, and a chip can potentially develop into a larger crack and impair the windshield's integrity while the vehicle is being driven. I have photographs of the most recent chip and an invoice documenting the windshield replacement performed on June 6, 2025. I am requesting that NHTSA review this complaint and determine whether similar complaints exist and whether a safety-related defect or trend may be present in the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe.
The windshield spontaneously cracked while parked. There are no signs of impact to explain the crack. This can be a safety concern as it can continue cracking, impede visibility and even burst possibly sending glass towards occupants.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
After waiting a month (called in june car went in 7/28/26)for an appointment with my dealer for 2 recalls and a broken rear seatbelt the dealership has deemed my vehicle unsafe to drive and has impounded my vehicle for almost a week. They have to replace not only 1 rear seatbelts but ALL rear seatbelts. The original recall is for the front seatbelt.
The contact owns a 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V218000 (Seat Belts) and 25V659000 (Electrical System); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted; however, the recall repairs were denied due to a lack of maintenance records with an authorized Hyundai Dealer. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
NHTSA Vehicle Safety Complaint My 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe has a recurring problem when starting the vehicle. When I start the vehicle, the engine jumps abnormally. I have taken the vehicle to a Hyundai dealership multiple times specifically because of this problem. The condition continues to occur, but I have repeatedly been told that the dealership cannot find anything wrong and that they have to wait for a diagnostic code to appear before they can determine the cause. The vehicle has now developed an additional symptom. When I turn the vehicle off, it sometimes makes an abnormal prolonged gurgling/squeaking-type noise that continues for approximately 3-4 seconds. This shutdown noise is new and is occurring in addition to the recurring engine jumping during startup. No cause has been identified or repaired despite multiple dealership visits. I am concerned that an unidentified engine/powertrain problem is continuing and appears to be developing additional symptoms while I continue operating the vehicle. The vehicle remains available for inspection. I have also experienced problems with both middle-row seats not properly retracting/folding. I reported the problem to the dealership, but only one side was addressed. A component from the back of one seat has also detached. The detached component and vehicle remain available for inspection. I am reporting these conditions because they have continued despite repeated attempts to obtain diagnosis and repair. I do not know the underlying cause, and the dealership has not identified one. Its becoming worse then before so something is wrong.
The 2nd-row seats in the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy feature motorized recline and folding functions. My testing reveals a significant safety flaw: the motorized "Seat Slide Forward" and "Rear Cargo Fold Down" buttons do not appear to have functioning pinch sensors and do not automatically disable when a passenger or object is detected. Specific Incident: On [XXX], while my [XXX] son was entering the vehicle, the "rear access" button was accidentally triggered. The seat began folding and sliding with him in the path of travel; the motor did not sense his presence or stop automatically. Fortunately, he was not yet buckled and was able to jump out of the way before I manually reversed the action. Technical Findings: Based on further testing (see attached results), any car seat installation would be severely compromised if these buttons are pressed. While the vehicle's system is aware when a seat belt is buckled, it fails to use this logic to lockout the motorized folding functions. All motorized movement should be disabled for any seat where the buckle is engaged to prevent injury to occupants or the structural compromise of a child safety seat. This issue is similar in nature to the recent recall of the 2026 Palisade (NHTSA ID: 26V160000). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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)
Gas needle not going down took and dropped off at Lee Hyundai of Fayetteville North Carolina 28309 8/15/2026 picked it up 08/17/2026 They claim they drove it six miles but they didn’t told it was supposed to be that way sold we filled up when we left the dealer ship drove 78 miles needle still not moving
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
Multiple occasions of the ADAS lane centering system operating unsafely. The worst one was on a gentle left-hand curve on a concrete surfaced bridge at night. The system allowed the vehicle to slowly drift to the outside of the lane. When it was fairly close to the white line, it jerked the wheel back to the left and then released the steering to my control while pointed hard into the oncoming lane. It will do similarly during the day when approaching a center turn lane on the highway. Sometimes it will decide that it should be in the turn lane, will make a rapid input, and then return control to me, now pointed at the oncoming lane. When the vehicle returns control to me, it indicates it by making the steering wheel and lines in the HUD grey, no chime, no warning icon, just green to grey and release the wheel in whatever direction it's pointing. It also sometimes slows drastically for vehicles that have exited the highway when on cruise control or applies hard braking for vehicles in the other lane while in a curve on a hill. There are no lights or malfunction warnings and the vehicle self-diagnostic says everything is operating correctly.
There is a terrible squeaking noise coming from the steering column. It feels like the car is unsafe to drive
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
My 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe experienced a sudden rear passenger-side suspension failure while driving under normal conditions. I was driving straight when I heard a loud bang. The vehicle immediately became unable to continue driving. The rear passenger-side wheel was visibly tilted inward at the top. There was no collision, pothole impact, or other known incident that caused the failure. The vehicle was purchased new and has fewer than 30,000 miles. The dealership has presented an approximately $11,000 repair estimate and indicated that the failure is not covered under warranty. I am concerned about the safety and reliability of the vehicle’s rear suspension system and request that this incident be documented and investigated for a possible component defect or safety 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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Vehicle experienced sudden loss of power while driving. Transmission warning and ABS warning lights appeared at the same time. The vehicle would not shift properly and began skipping and dropping gears. Smoke was visibly coming from the center underside of the vehicle near the transmission area. There was a strong burning oil or rubber smell inside and outside the vehicle. This created a serious safety risk due to loss of acceleration and potential fire hazard from smoke and burning odor. The issue has been intermittent since early ownership, including jerky shifting and hard engagement. The dealer documented dual clutch transmission communication faults and ABS faults but returned the vehicle the same day stating it was a loose ground. The problem has continued after repair. Vehicle is available for inspection. The defect involves the powertrain and related electrical systems.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
While driving, the chest clip fell apart into multiple little pieces. I was not aware until we were parked at our destination and I went to remove my child from the seat. I am unaware how long he did not have a chest clip for during the duration of the ride. It also broke apart into pieces small enough for my child to choke on. I have reached out to the company.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Engine Hood getting so hot it is bending or causing metal to bend , like someone sat on middle of hood. Popped it out and keeps forming a bend after driving. Not instelly but keeps coming back
The contact owns a 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that after purchasing the vehicle new, it was discovered that all four doors had structural deformities that appeared as dents. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who indicated that the deformities were caused by improper stamping of the doors during the manufacturing process. The contact was concerned that the structural integrity of the vehicle was compromised during the manufacturing process and was concerned about the safety of the vehicle if the vehicle was in a crash. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side door failed to properly open and close due to structural deformities. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 4,000.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
NHTSA Complaint Summary Vehicle: 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Issue: Airbag non‑deployment in a 40‑mph side‑impact collision On January 20, 2026, my 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe was struck by another motorist directly along the driver side awaiting to make a left turn. The other motorist crossed the centerline at an estimated impact speed of approximately 40 mph, according to the police report. The collision caused significant damage along the front and entire driver side of the vehicle. Despite the severity and direct nature of the impact, neither the side curtain airbags nor the front airbags deployed. The impact was so much that the other motorist ended up behind my husband in the left turning lane once he stopped. My husband, who was driving, suffered a head abrasion and a concussion from the force of the impact. Since the crash, he has continued to experience persistent headaches and intermittent dizziness when standing, which began immediately after the collision and have not resolved. The lack of airbag deployment in a high‑energy side‑impact crash raises concerns about a potential malfunction in the airbag sensors or side‑impact detection system. This incident presents a significant safety risk, and I am reporting it so NHTSA can evaluate because as I've researched there have been other incidences of similar non‑deployment issues are with 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles. I can provide photos, the police report, medical documentation, and repair estimates upon request.
The contact owned a 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a deer jumped out in front of the contact's vehicle. The contact's vehicle crashed into the deer, where it came to a stop by the side of the roadway. The contact stated that none of the air bags deployed. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The vehicle was condemned as a total loss. The contact did not sustain any injuries. A Police report was filed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 10,024.
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .