general problems of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

All normal sounds completely stop working, no audio or volume at all: no turn signal, no collision warning, no gps audio, no radio; no hands-free phone volume. Hyundai service department advised they have never heard of this type of incident. All warning systems are completely silent.

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.

I tried to drive my 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe hybrid; the vehicle displayed a gear selection error message stating something like "gear already selected". The vehicle would not shift properly and would not power off or restart. I attempted multiple shutdown and restart attempts using the start/stop button with no success. The vehicle remained in this condition for about 30 minutes and would not allow normal operation or shutdown. Due to safety concerns, Hyundai roadside assistance was contacted and a tow truck was dispatched. Before the tow arrived, the vehicle spontaneously allowed shutdown without any intervention. This was a safety related failure involving the shift-by-wire system and vehicle power-down logic. The issue occurred without warning and left the vehicle inoperable. The vehicle had app 7150 miles at the time of the incident.

The vehicle intermittently fails to reverse properly, hesitates, jerks, and at times locks despite no obstruction present. This occurs during normal use and creates a serious safety concern, particularly when backing out of parking spaces or into traffic. In addition, the vehicle exhibits ongoing electrical issues, including intermittent warning lights, rearview camera distortion or failure, inconsistent system operation, intermittent inability to unlock using the key fob or door handle, and the vehicle fan or air system continuing to run for extended periods after the vehicle has been turned off. These issues occur without consistent warning and have not been resolved despite multiple service visits. The vehicle is also subject to an active safety recall (NHTSA recall 26v218000, manufacturer recall 298) involving the front seatbelt anchor. The recall remains unrepaired, with no remedy currently available. I have personally experienced the seatbelt becoming stuck and not releasing properly, which presents an additional safety risk. The vehicle also experienced a battery failure. I was initially informed that the battery could not be replaced without cost; however, it was later replaced. Despite repeated concerns, the hybrid battery system was not tested or evaluated, and this remains an unresolved issue affecting vehicle reliability and safety. Additionally, the vehicle has experienced tire tread separation and peeling requiring replacement. This is not consistent with normal wear and may indicate alignment, suspension, or other underlying vehicle-related defects. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership multiple times; however, the issues were not reproduced and no corrective repairs were performed. These problems are intermittent and occur during regular day-to-day operation. Collectively, these unresolved issues present an ongoing safety risk to the driver and others.

My 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe hybrid has recurring powertrain communication failures starting at only 67 miles and continuing at 5,300 and 6,200 miles. Diagnostic trouble codes include u010100 (lost communication with engine control module) and multiple u100xxx codes related to transmission and can bus communication failures. These indicate loss of communication between critical control modules. The issue has happened multiple times and remains unresolved. I am concerned this could cause drivability problems, warning lights, or sudden loss of power. This appears to be a system-level defect in the vehicle’s communication network.

Supplemental update – ongoing safety concerns and extended loss of use since submitting my initial complaint, my leased Hyundai vehicle (VIN [xxx] ) has now been presented for service for the third time for the same unresolved safety-related issues. The vehicle has been held by the dealership for eight (8) consecutive days during this service visit with no resolution and no clear timeline for return. Safety concerns remain unresolved, including: persistent toxic/chemical odor inside the cabin random rear hatch opening while vehicle is parked and locked repeated false “windows open” alerts electrical/body control system irregularities to date, I have not been provided with documentation confirming that cabin air quality testing, exhaust intrusion testing, or comprehensive electrical diagnostics have been performed. These unresolved conditions present ongoing safety risks and loss of use. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

My car was locked and battery had died. I was able to get in car with key from fob. I had to put car charger on battery in order to start car. This car is a year old with 18,531 miles.

The vehicle has two display panels, molded into a single frame. There is an infotainment panel on the right that handles music, maps, and phone interaction. There is an instrument panel on the left. The infotainment panel has not issues. The instrument panel blanks out for 3 - 5 seconds every few minutes, and then reappears. Occasionally the words "no signal" in big red letters will appear. Occasionally the gear selection letter will remain on the otherwise blank screen. The screen also shudders / tears occasionally before blanking. It does this whether the vehicle is moving or parked. I purchased the vehicle used, Jan 2 2026. I noticed the problem a couple of days later. It has continued. It is not getting any worse or any better.

Started car, reading paperwork and suddenly my car went into neutral bycitself and rolled backwards in a parking lot. Thank goodness no one was walking behind my car. This is the 2nd time it has happened. Additionally, twice previously, my car screen blacked off. 1 other time while sitting at a traffic light, the car shut off. I have been patient but now I'm afraid ti drive this car with only 2,650 miles on it.

I am submitting this complaint to formally report ongoing and unresolved vehicle safety defects involving a leased 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe. These defects include persistent toxic or chemical odors inside the passenger cabin, electrical and body control system malfunctions, and unintended vehicle operations that present serious risks to occupant health, vehicle security, and public safety. Despite multiple service visits and repeated requests, Hyundai dealerships have refused or failed to conduct comprehensive diagnostic testing, leaving the vehicle in an unsafe and unreliable condition.

My 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe hybrid with 1724 miles was unresponsive in the garage. Not able to get in the car because the 12v battery was completely drained. Hyundai dispatched a tow truck to take it to the local Hyundai dealership. A service provider did call me to let me know the car was there. He also told me that apparently this problem I had was a known issue with the 2025 Santa Fe hybrids. I had no advance warning of any imminent problems with the battery.

Battery/electrical: 3 separate occasions the battery drained completely overnight, requiring mechanical key to open and jumpstart services from aaa (covered under Hyundai services). Risk of leaving me stranded on isolated areas. Problem confirmed via 3 requests for aaa to jumpstart my vehicle. Hyundai service dept inspected vehicle, confirmed low battery levels, unable to reproduce issues overnight, reported no electrical or mechanical issues that would cause battery drain. No warning messages, lamps, or symptoms prior to each failure. Steering wheel column has friction squeak when using driver assist and adjusting direction. No issues at this time.

There have been several times that I have been driving and either turning onto a 4-lane road (2 lanes going each way) or driving on the parkway, where my car has slammed on the brakes by itself. Not only was I not prepared for this to happen, but neither were the cars behind me. I tend to drive with at least 1. 5 car-length space between myself and the car in front of me. Last week, I was making a right hand turn (going north) into the right lane from a residential street. The only other car near me was the one driving in the left lane (also going north). My car drove about 100 ft and maybe realized that there was a car next to me and just slammed on the brakes. I was suddenly thrown forward. My seat belt locked and I was thrown back into my seat. I had a bruise from my seat belt and came too close to slamming my head on my steering wheel. Thankfully, the car behind wasn't tailgating. About a month ago, I was driving on the parkway going east. I was originally in the right lane. I put on my blinker and when it was clear, I changed lanes to the middle lane. After I was clear and my blinker was off, my car started screaming to tell me that there was a car in my driver's blind spot (this happens every time I switch lanes). I drove for maybe 1. 5 - 2 miles and then suddenly, my car slammed on the brakes. Someone must be watching over me because the escalade behind me (definitely tailgating) was somehow able to swerve into the left lane and then swerve around me to cut me off in revenge. They were screaming and honking at me, while I was screaming and yelling at my car. They could have easily have plowed into me (we were driving at least 60mph) and could have caused a horrible accident that could have killed myself or others around me. I have notified Hyundai of this issue and have read many similar complaints online. Hyundai claims they cannot "replicate the situation" and therefore, Hyundai corp is unable to fix the problem.

I’ve had several instances where putting the vehicle into park the system doesn’t register the shifter button being pressed and continues to be in the current gear. Ithis seems to be a safety issue since it has happened multiple times ever since I bought the vehicle. I made sure to fully press the park button but it continues to stay in the drive or reverse gear the first time it happened I did not notice the vehicle did not register the gear change and the car started to roll forward towards a building.

On more than 10 occasions the SUV gets stuck in neutral upon starting the car. You can only switch between park and neutral and are unable to drive the car. It will not go into drive or reverse. Sometimes this problem lasts for 10 minutes. The car will not shut off during that time even when you press the stop button the screen just resets. The only solution is to wait or to press the hard reset button on the computer screen. It is a dangerous situation because if you need to go somewhere, you physically cannot drive the car. I took it to the car dealership when the car was almost brand new and they had it for eight days and they did a software update but I don’t think they found the problem. This problem is now having more and more frequently.

When I start the car or first start rolling the whole dashboard goes black! I can still hear sound but nothing on the screen. This is a safety issue. It flickers while driving then goes black.

Since I bought the car the forward attention warning goes off constantly. I’ve taken it to the dealership multiple times. They took off my eztag, stated it was blocking my camera. This is not the issue. Now there are 56 cars ahead of mine. This will be the 3rd time for the exact same complaint. It affects everything in the car. My cruise control doesn’t work because of this issue. If you turn the toggle back on it has more warning. Just the beeping constantly is going to cause an accident. I’ve asked Hyundai to buy it back they refuse. This is a known issue.

I am reporting a critical safety defect involving my brand-new 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe. While driving on the freeway, the vehicle experienced a complete brake system failure, nearly causing a serious accident. My boyfriend was driving at the time, and when he tried to brake, the vehicle did not stop. He had to take immediate evasive action to avoid crashing, which put both of us — and nearby drivers — in immediate danger. The vehicle was purchased about a month ago and had never been serviced or modified. After the failure, it was towed to hanlees auto mall Hyundai in richmond, California, where the service department inspected it and confirmed the problem was caused by a missing clamp, which is a critical component of the braking system. This appears to be a manufacturing or dealership oversight. They took photos, documented the issue, and made the repair — but they also told me they cannot guarantee this won’t happen again. There were no warning lights, messages, or symptoms before the failure — the brakes simply stopped working during operation on the freeway. As of now: •the issue has been confirmed by hanlees Hyundai in richmond. •I have not yet received a loaner vehicle. •the car is currently in my possession, but I do not feel safe driving it. •I have been in contact with supervisor steve at Hyundai of vacaville, who has offered to pick up the vehicle and provide a loaner, but that has not yet occurred. This is an extremely dangerous failure that occurred on a brand-new vehicle. I am requesting a formal investigation into this issue to determine if it’s isolated or part of a broader manufacturing defect with the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe. A missing brake component that results in total failure at freeway speeds is a life-threatening safety hazard and should be taken seriously by the manufacturer and federal safety officials.

I've been having a few issues with my 2025 calligraphy hybrid I bought in November related to the main screen, sometimes when I start the vehicle it doesn't properly initialize and it will show me some of the icons and nothing else. No hud, no speedometer, no remaining fuel, no hybrid information. It's a huge safety issue, it seems to happen every couple of weeks. I thought it was the digital key not working properly so I disabled that but still having issues. I have to let the car sit for a few hours or overnight and then when I turn it on then it's back to normal. I realized that when the main screen is off, it doesn't capture the mileage so the mileage is off by close to 300 miles right now. Huge issue, I've had it happen on my way home from work (25 miles) at least 4 times, and once on a road trip (150 miles). Also when this happens because I can't see the speedometer, I have to use waze on the infotainment screen (which works without issue) to see my actual speed because the built-in navigation only shows me increments of 10 mph on the screen (this is just stupid).

I was on a semi residential-commercial street that turns on to a freeway entrance. I was turning right and unavoidably entered the freeway when the sudden loss of power occurred. The car slowed down to about 20 mph and pressing on the gas medal didn't yield any more power. I immediately pulled over to the emergency lane upon entering freeway to let fast moving vehicles pass me on the left side. I turned off the vehicle and turned it back on. It seemed to turn on as normal so I proceeded to drive home slowly, staying on the slow right lane of the freeway driving under the speed limit until I took my exit to get to my home. All seemed ok until I turned onto residential street near my home. Again the car slowed down suddenly to 20mph and giving it more gas did not make a difference. The time difference between the first and second (recorded) incident was 25 minutes apart, having driven the vehicle only 140 total miles. The dashboard flashed a 20mph speed limit even though I never set those parameters, didn't set cruise control, and I didn't have auto stop or hold buttons engaged. The car simply slowed down to a 20mph speed limit without my input to the vehicle settings.

Car was unused for less than a week and upon going to use it the vehicle was dead. Jumped vehicle and next day was dead again. In researching the problem, many other Santa Fe hybrid owners have run into this same issue. Dealership admitted many hybrids from Hyundai face this issue and recommended installing a trickle charger for when not using the vehicle for a couple days which seems ridiculous for a brand new vehicle. Likely something draining battery slowly in car.

Stopped for gas, vehicle started but would not go into gear, engine lights indicated 'check hybrid system', warning lights shown. 1/2 hr on the phone with dealership to assist. No problem detected when returning to home dealer. Second episode occurred, vehicle at dealer for the past 4 weeks. Episode repeated at dealership yet "no abnormalities are detected with diagnostics ".

Car did dashboard update on 4/10/25. Had less than 4300 miles. Unable to unlock car due to dead battery. Car unlock service opened door for tow company to jump battery and advise that the new 2025 Santa Fe hybrid battery needs to be replaced. May need other service (alternator or hybrid battery too) but the 12v battery had been drained. Interior lights would not turn on prior to this happening.

12v battery discharges and SUV has to be junp started. Hyundai removed the battery reset button that existed until 2023 model year. Manufacturer should do recall to change the 12v battery charging characteristics for 2024/2025 model years.

The forward attention warning at times alarms constantly, even though I am looking forward. It is highly distracting as it alarms many times per minute. A menu option exists in the settings to disable it, but that doesn't work. I have read online that this is a common problem with 2024 and 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe models.

When you stop the car , you cannot lock- unlock the car with keyfob. Nothing happens when you press these buttons on keyfob. And media screen inside the car is still on. But the car is off for sure. After few minutes only, keyfob works fine and you can lock-unlock, remote start etc. So for 5 minutes, you cannot do anything like locking the car, which is a safety hazard.

Vehicle fails to appropriately recognize when it is put in park. The dash shows a "p" indicating the vehicle is in park, but emits a continuous beeping sound with a message on the dash that reads, "auto stop is off. Shift to p or n and start engine manually. " however, when pressing "p" as it states I must do, it then reads, "gear already selected," before returning to the previous message. This is all while a "p" is illuminated and beeping is continuous. Throughout this time, if the brake is released, the car begins driving forward as though it is in drive, not park. I have 3 separate videos of this happening. To answer the above questions: the vehicle has repeatedly been inspected by a Hyundai dealership and each time I am told the issue cannot be replicated. I am happy to have it inspected again. It most certainly puts my safety and others at risk as it continues driving after I have engaged park. No police or insurance representatives have yet inspected it. No others warnings or messages appear before it occurs, only during. The issue first started just before 5k miles on the car and has since occurred at least 5 more times.