Electrical System Problems of Hyundai Santa Fe - part 1

Fhw garage used car dealer [xxx], sold this Hyundai Santa Fe 2015 knowing the vehicle is defective. It stalls and stops in the middle of the road in high traffic. This Hyundai Santa Fe 2015 lock up the steering wheel, lock up the breaks, lock up the gas. It stalls and stops without warning then after it freeze and stop it flashes all of the warning lights on the dash board. Fhw garage is falsely advertising this vehicle in excellent condition. Its advertised on craigs list, and [xxx]. I was almost in a serious accident. [xxx] keeps getting his people in the workshop to machanically rig the vehicle to run and drive until someone gets killed when this vehicle is in a terrible accident. The gas cap dont screw on properly. Fhw garage [xxx] sold me this vehicle with full knowlege of the mechanical defects, and refuses to give my money back. I paid $5,400 cash plus traded my car. The Hyundai Santa Fe was $6,900. Deceptive practices fraud, and title jumping. Fhw still have the two cars after I purchased them. I would like to see fhw dealer license suspended or revoked. Give my money back and return my car. I will be filing a complaint affidavit with the flhsmv. [xxx] lied on the bill of sales how much I paid and he put $900 in his pocket. I will also file a complaint to fhw [xxx]. For defrauding me, misrepresentation saying the vehicle is in excellent condition when its mechanically defective, and dangerous should not be on the road to kill someone. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

Vehicle stalled while driving — unsafe loss of power. While driving at normal speed, the vehicle suddenly shut off without warning and the electrical system malfunctioned. I had to pull over and restart car. This created a dangerous situation and could have caused a collision. Prior to this incidenct, the vehicle had intermittent electrical issues during startup (flickering electronics). This is the first time the car has experienced during driving, and is now at the Hyundai dealership. The car has been reported as unsafe to drive. This appears similar to other Hyundai stalling/power loss issues and may indicate a developing safety defect. Requesting investigation.

See all problems of the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

On June 24, 2026, my spouse was operating our 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe when the vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic, and total electrical failure while actively on the roadway. The vehicle was stopped at a traffic light when all propulsion power was instantly lost, the engine shut down, and all electronic systems—including the center infotainment screens and instrument cluster—went completely dark. Safety hazard & entrapment incident: simultaneous with the total electrical failure, the vehicle's electronic door lock system malfunctioned. The rear passenger doors and rear liftgate locked completely and could not be disengaged or opened from the inside by the passengers. Due to this total power loss and lock failure, my young daughters were trapped in the rear seats. My spouse was forced to climb over the center console from the front seat into the rear cabin to manually extract our children through the front doors. The family had to abandon the disabled vehicle in live traffic and walk down the roadway to reach a safe location. This constitutes a severe safety hazard involving both sudden loss of motive power on a public road and occupant entrapment due to safety lock/latch failure during an electrical short. The vehicle has been towed to pohanka Hyundai of capitol heights for inspection.

While driving on the highway, my 2024 Santa Fe hybrid suddenly and without warning lost propulsion power. The loss of power was immediately accompanied by multiple simultaneous warning lights across the instrument cluster, glitching and abnormal behavior of the cluster display, and then a complete electrical shutdown of the vehicle. After the shutdown, the vehicle would not restart. The failure occurred in connection with a software update on the vehicle. At the time of the incident the vehicle had approximately 12,828 miles on it. Losing motive power while traveling at highway speed created a serious crash risk, as the vehicle was unable to maintain or recover speed in moving traffic. No crash, injury, or fire resulted. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Hyundai dealer for diagnosis. I have photographs of the instrument cluster taken at the time of failure showing numerous warning indicators illuminated at once. The symptoms I experienced — progressive or sudden loss of drive power, 12-volt/charging-related faults, and failure to restart — appear consistent with charging-control and DC-to-DC converter failures that have been the subject of prior recalls and complaints on Hyundai electrified vehicles. I am filing this report to document the incident as a safety concern.

See all problems of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

Vehicle experiences severe, intermittent, un-commanded steering inputs from the lane keeping assist (lka) system at highway speeds (55-70 mph). The steering wheel violently jerks toward adjacent traffic lanes/shoulders without operator input, lane drift, or warning, requiring immediate high-force manual intervention to overpower mechanical torque and prevent a collision or roadway departure. Chronology of manufacturer notice: - oct 2024: initial consumer dispute logs flagged steering safety concerns and unresolved campaign items. - Dec 2024: opened corporate case 24164934, formally alerting consumer affairs to dangerous steering wheel jerking. - Jan 2025: presented to an authorized dealer; an ota software update was deployed, but intermittent tracking failures persisted, including failure to recognize lanes at night. - June 2026: under case 42680760, the system failed acutely on the interstate, jerking the vehicle out of painted lanes. The malfunction originates in the lka steering control module and camera hardware, which are intact and available for inspection. Dealerships have not replicated the defect during brief diagnostic windows due to its intermittent nature. The manufacturer has deflected these notifications and refused a forensic diagnostic sweep or mechanical remediation. Instead, case managers attempted to close the file by offering partial financial goodwill for an unrelated cosmetic paint delamination defect on the same vehicle. No warning lamps or error messages precede these events; the system executes aggressive mechanical intervention with zero notice. This system error bypasses driver override thresholds, conflicting with vehicle crash avoidance frameworks. Because the computer fails to log diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) during these steering drops, the manufacturer exploits this data vacuum to deny structural remediation, creating severe multi-vehicle side-impact and rollover risks.

See all problems of the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

While driving to work, the rear driver-side window suddenly fell down into the door without warning. The power window/regulator system appears to have failed. The window would not stay up or operate normally afterward. The failed component is available for inspection upon request. This created a safety concern because the vehicle could not be secured, outside air/noise entered the vehicle while driving, and rain/debris could enter the passenger compartment. It also created a distraction while driving because the sudden window drop was unexpected. There were no warning lights, dashboard messages, or prior symptoms before the failure. The issue has not yet been confirmed by a dealer or independent repair shop. The vehicle/component has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance, or others. The suspected failed component is the rear driver-side power window regulator or related window mechanism. Cause is unknown.

See all problems of the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

Vehicle: 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe | current mileage: 140,000 description of safety defect: while operating a 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe at speed, the vehicle suffered a sudden, complete, and catastrophic loss of motive power in the middle of a live, active roadway without any prior warning or dashboard indicator lights. The transmission abruptly dropped out of gear and the engine shut down entirely, trapping the driver and three young children in active traffic and creating an immediate, life-threatening highway safety hazard. The vehicle was towed to sport durst Hyundai in durham, nc, where technicians confirmed a total internal transmission failure where the gears fail to engage. This exact mechanical failure mechanism directly mirrors the severe engineering defect detailed in NHTSA campaign number 22v746000 (Hyundai safety recall 236) for electric oil pump failures causing a sudden loss of drive power. Hyundai motor America corporate case management has issued a flat denial of all safety and goodwill repair coverage based strictly on the vehicle's 140,000 miles, claiming that mileage absolves them of product liability for a catastrophic drivetrain safety defect that endangered three young children. Furthermore, the franchise dealership is actively withholding the gds diagnostic failure scan codes from the consumer, calling them "internal documents" to actively suppress federal evidence of this safety failure. Further, the authorized Hyundai dealership engaged in deceptive practices by refusing to put anything in writing, and refusing my request for any diagnostic information, including any report indicating diagnostic error codes, technician summary, etc.

I have videos of these two incidents and others that I could not upload. While driving on the PA turnpike at 4:25pm on 5/22/26 75 mph my accelerator pedal stopped responding, my front collision warning light, engine, epb, and numerous other lights came on across my dashboard despite there being no contact with any object and my speed rapidly dropped. The front camera came on as if there was an object too close. I was in the middle lane. While I was trying to move to the shoulder there were tractor trailers behind me and to my right that began flashing their lights because my speed drastically dropped and was unable to safely stay with the flow of traffic in the heavy rain. While still in drive car started changing through notices on my digital screen "check blind-spot safety system" "check forward safety system" with the car crash icon, and "check driver attention warning (daw) system. " then I began trying to press the accelerator pedal again and the car would not move at all but the tachometer was going to 2x1000rpm. When I turned the car off and turned it back on again the engine light was still on, but the accelerator pedal was responsive. About an hour later when the tow truck driver from aaa attempted to drive the car on to the flat bed the accelerator pedal was unresponsive again. This was at least the fifth time my vehicle had lost propulsion without warning. Every prior time bowser Hyundai had different reasons for the failure, made a repair, and said it was safe to drive. Another incident occurred 4/7/2026 using cruise control at 84 mph when the car unexpectedly lost propulsion. The accelerator was again unresponsive, I was on the turnpike with two children in the vehicle. I steered towards the shoulder and the car slowed to a stop. After that incident, bowser Hyundai replaced the transmission on the car. They notified me on June 18 that they believe they fixed the problem again but I don't feel the vehicle is safe for my family and worry it will be deadly.

I was driving down the road and came to a stop at a stop light. After accelerating again my car lost the ability to increase speed above 20 miles/hour and would not shift gears. I was heading to the turn lane to get on the interstate and quickly had to change lanes to find an area to pull over as I could not reach highway speeds. I turned the car off. I turned the car back on and the problem resolved. This is the second time this has happened. I have seen this problem mentioned dozens of time on reddit message boards including Hyundai buybacks on some of these vehicles. It doesn't sound like Hyundai has any idea what is causing this issue. This issue should be looked into further.

On [xxx] after spending the day at henson creek golf course in fort washington, MD, I returned to my vehicle and discovered that it had completely lost all electrical power and would not start. The vehicle exhibited no warning signs prior to the failure. Believing the issue to be related to the battery, I contacted aaa for roadside assistance. Aaa attempted to jump-start the vehicle, but the jump-start was unsuccessful. The vehicle was subsequently towed on may 18, 2026, to pohanka Hyundai in capitol heights, MD for diagnosis and repair. After approximately nine days, the dealership advised that the battery terminals had been secured and that no additional problem could be identified. On [xxx], the exact same issue occurred again; however, this incident was significantly more dangerous because it occurred while the vehicle was being driven. While traveling during morning rush hour through a busy intersection in northeast washington, DC, the vehicle suddenly and completely lost power without warning while in traffic. The vehicle stalled in the middle of the intersection, creating an extremely hazardous situation. Fortunately, motorists traveling behind me were able to stop in time, and no collision occurred. However, this incident could easily have resulted in a serious crash involving injuries or fatalities. The vehicle was towed to ourisman Hyundai in bowie, MD, where it is currently undergoing additional diagnosis. I am extremely concerned that this vehicle has experienced two complete electrical failures within approximately one month, including one incident that occurred while driving in heavy traffic. Because the dealership was unable to identify the root cause after the first incident, I am concerned that a serious defect may exist involving the vehicle's electrical system, battery system, wiring, power distribution system, or another component affecting vehicle operation and safety. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I was trying to back up a few times and not being able to see some objects behind while looking at the rear view camera on my Hyundai Santa Fe 2024.

I bought the 2024 Santa Fe xrt pro new off the lot sept. 2024. Brought it in for 3 different recalls but the electronic system panel is new: the panel lit up with every warning sign it can convey: from the engine light to the coffee break, to the emergency warnings. This has happened twice; once a few weeks ago and again a few days ago. My car is back at the dealership for repair to the electronic panel. The first time, the dealership replaced the entire panel as it is still under warranty. It's at the shop again and I don't know what they will do this time. I would trade it in, but the trade-in value sucks.

The contact owns a 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 mph, the vehicle unexpectedly decelerated to 25 mph with a “vehicle will shut down” warning message displayed. The contact stated that the engine then began to shut down, and although the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to accelerate and stalled. The failure occurred on multiple occasions, requiring the vehicle to be towed each time. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired and the contact was informed that the failure could not be duplicated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and multiple cases were opened, the failure mileage was approximately 3,300.

2 unrepaired recalls. Frame rusted and unsafe to lift to repair the other recall which is an oil leak onto the alternator. Car won't run now. Corporate asked if I had a lawyer. They have declared my car not fixable or drivable. Neither corporate nor dealer will return my calls. No info from them at all. No offer of a buyback. No anything.

See all problems of the 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

The right side power captain seat in the second row began to fold down without the button being pressed. It happened with and without the seatbelt plugged in. It came down while my toddler was in her rear facing car seat and began to crush the car seat and push on her feet. The chair would not stop the power seat motors even with both my wife and myself pushing back on the seat trying to free our daughter from the car seat. It continued to push down the moment there was more space to collapse. No errors or messages or engine lights of any sort were displayed anywhere. Even after removing our daughter it happened several times again.

"what component malfunctioned. . . ?" - electrical system (suspected) "how was safety put at risk?" - we were unaware if the dashboard instruments were reading correctly. We also couldn't lock/unlock the doors or open/close the windows. The tailgate would also not open. "has problem been reproduced?" - not yet - plan to have the service center inspect. "has vehicle been inspected by the manufacturer?" - no "were there warning messages or symptoms?" - yes, when the issue occurred. The vehicle reported 13 warnings/alerts. Happened for the first time on 5/2/2026 general description: while the vehicle is parked or idling after sitting for a period of time, the dashboard suddenly displays approximately 13 warning alerts simultaneously, including a message stating "check emergency stopping function" among others. During this condition, multiple vehicle systems become inoperative, including: - power windows - could not open/close - door locks - could not lock/unlock - tailgate operation - could not open (it was closed) the vehicle appears to experience a system-wide electronic failure affecting both body controls and safety systems. The condition is intermittent but has occurred multiple times. Restarting the vehicle does not immediately resolve the issue. After driving for a period of time, the vehicle eventually returns to normal operation. This is a safety concern because: - critical safety systems (automatic emergency braking / driver assist features) are (potentially) disabled - basic vehicle functions (locks/windows) are unavailable. This is a concern if the door can't be opened and one needed to exit through the window in an emergency. - the failure occurs without warning and cannot be reliably reproduced on demand this appears to be a broader electrical or communication system failure rather than a single component issue.

On April 27, 2026, my 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe experienced an intermittent electrical/system malfunction affecting multiple vehicle systems at the same time. Multiple orange warning lights/messages appeared on the dash, including driver-assistance warnings and the master warning triangle. At the same time, the front turn signal stopped working, causing rapid flashing; the power locks stopped working; the windows would not roll up or down; and the rear liftgate would not open using the key fob or exterior liftgate button. The vehicle/component is available for inspection upon request. This created a safety and access issue. The malfunction affected exterior signaling, locks, windows, and rear cargo access. My dog was in a crate in the rear cargo area, and I could not open the liftgate normally to access him. The failure of locks/windows/liftgate could create a serious emergency risk if a person, pet, or cargo needed to be accessed quickly, and the turn signal failure affected my ability to safely signal to other drivers. The issue lasted approximately 30–40 minutes and did not immediately clear after turning the vehicle off and back on. It later returned to normal on its own. This has happened more than once. The vehicle was taken to a Hyundai dealership for inspection. The dealer has been working with Hyundai techline, but as of now they have not been able to reproduce the issue or find active diagnostic codes. I provided video evidence of the dash warnings from the incident. The dealer advised that scans currently show systems operating as designed because the issue is intermittent and not occurring during inspection. There were no prior symptoms before the failure. The warning lamps and messages appeared at the time the malfunction occurred. Seek reimbursement for rental car fees and diagnostic fee.

When the car is off and in park and you go to turn on the car on by pressing the brake and power button button, the electrical system doesn't register and wont turn the ignition on and the brake gets stuck and you cant start the car. The same thing happens when the cars auto ignition is turned off at a red light then you press the gas to go but it doesnt show the gear is in drive and the ignition turns off and wont turn back on. The major safety concern is when this happens at a red light or in traffic and my car stalls and I am at risk of getting rear ended. I have taken the car to the dealership twice now for the same issue. The first time they claimed it was fixed but it wasnt and now it is at the dealership again for the same issue and I have not received any remedy yet. There is no warning to this issue it happens out of know where and is extremely dangerous. The issue has been going on for several months.

Beginning on 04/17/2026, my vehicle began displaying multiple safety-related dashboard warnings simultaneously, accompanied by audible alerts. The warnings included the forward collision safety system, blind-spot monitoring, electronic parking brake (epb), stability and traction control, lane keep assist, and auto hold — all activating at the same time. These warnings reappeared on several occasions and were photographed with date and location data embedded in each image. My vehicle was brought to burlington Hyundai dealership, where a repair order was opened and a loaner was provided. The car was returned without the issue being fixed. Within days, the same warnings reappeared and the situation worsened. On multiple occasions, the engine shut off completely and the transmission shifted into neutral on its own while my vehicle was being driven at approximately 20 to 40 mph. On at least one occasion, the parking brake engaged automatically without any input from the driver. A dashboard photo clearly documents the message "engine off! shift to n, then start engine. " these failures are a serious danger to everyone on the road. When the engine shuts off while driving, normal steering and braking ability is lost. When the parking brake engaged on its own, the car stopped abruptly with no warning. Any one of these incidents could have caused a serious accident or injury. My vehicle was returned to the dealership for a second repair visit and a second loaner was provided. The dealership confirmed via text that the car was still in the shop but never followed up with a diagnosis or timeline. When the dealership was called directly, no update was provided. As of 06/04/2026, my vehicle has been at the dealership for at least 30 days across two visits — 11 days for the first and at least 19 days for the second — with no confirmed root cause, no completed repair, and no clear communication.

The steering left side electrical components quit working at the same time without warning. This is all related to the air bag clock spring a serious safety defect that disables the airbag and possibly horn. I have taken the vehicle to a Hyundai dealership for diagnostics and this is what was found. "needs immediate attention [primary]: ssd : steering or suspension diagnosis air bag - clockspring assembly / spiral cable: clock spring has shorted out causing all the buttons on the left side of the steering wheel not to work this assembly consists of a clock spring, which is a coil that retracts and expands inside its housing as the steering wheel turns. Its function is to maintain electrical continuity for all the components on the drivers airbag.

See all problems of the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

Fuel injector failed the entire engine on my 2022 Santa Fe had to be completely replaced. The dealership put in a new engine. Santa fe is only four years old. That is highly unusual.

3 times now, I am driving and the vehicle goes into limp mode, the "d" on the dash is flashing but the vehicle sends no codes. The tech said the vehicle can immediately delete the code and they can't fix it if they can't duplicate it. It also hesitates when accelerating and is dangerous to myself, my 4 children and anyone driving around me when it goes into limp mode. There is no code, therefore they say they can't do anything about it.

Hola, he llevado mi coche al concesionario 4 veces las 2 primeras veces me dijeron que eran recall el auto en parking siguió caminado los volví a llevar después DE 20 días dijeron que unos roedores se habían comido el harness ese fue el diagnóstico que me dieron hablé con el seguro y el seguro iba a pagar PA reparación cuando les pidió foto del problema cambiaron la versión DE que no que disculpa que no está comido por roedores cuando ellos me dieron un papel que Decía eso me cobraron 570 diales por otro diagnóstico ya el seguro no quiso arreglar eso pude una queja con Hyundai motor y nada nadie se hace responsable e llevado el auto a 3 talleres diferentes y nadie sabe que tiene el auto y el dealer cada vez que fuy me Decía una cosa diferente que puedo hacer al respecto.

I was told by a mechanic that something electrical is wrong with the vehicle it causes the engine to misfire. Different issue than before.

See all problems of the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

During on driving, engine stopped 3 or 4times since Jan/2025 last time engine stopped yesterday around 6:30pm on 3/30/2026 at [xxx] between [xxx] and [xxx] in los angeles information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I was driving on March 20, 2026 at about 12:00 pm when I suddenly noticed smoke, a strong gasoline smell, an oil smell, and a burning odor coming from the vehicle. I pulled over immediately because I believed the vehicle was unsafe and at risk of fire. The vehicle had to be towed. An independent repair shop later found a fuel leak at the high-pressure fuel line / fuel pump area, a loose ground wire on the right-hand side of the engine, a valve cover gasket leak, and engine timing chain noise. I was informed that gasoline had sprayed throughout the engine bay. This created an immediate fire hazard even though no actual fire occurred. This problem was especially concerning because the vehicle had been inspected and serviced by an authorized Hyundai dealer in December 2025, less than about 3,000 miles earlier. The loose engine ground wire and fuel leak raise serious concerns about vehicle safety and the adequacy of the prior inspection. I contacted Hyundai the same day and reported this as a fire-risk safety issue, but I did not receive timely assistance. Because immediate dealer service was not available, I had to authorize emergency repairs at a local shop for safety reasons. No warning lights were noted before the incident. The failure was confirmed by the repair shop.

See all problems of the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

After performing regular oil changes, and even a new fuel pump sensor, I experienced an issue. Last oil change was within the past two weeks. Driving home from the mountains, I heard a knocking sound from the engine bay. I narrowed it down to all gears above 2500rpm, increasing knocking with rpm speed. I took it easy on the engine, mostly coasting down the mountain. Suddenly during acceleration on an uphill, a pop sounded, and copious white smoke started coming from the engine bay. I pulled over despite having no power brakes but I was fortunate to be near an off ramp in a rural area. Trying to troubleshoot roadside, I noticed fluid on the tie rod, but I wasnt able to determine what kind of fluid it was. When I try to start the car, there is one single click, the engine wont even attempt to turn over. Oil, battery and check engine lights are all on. After towing, I found that the fluid leaking from the vehicle is oil. The vehicle is currently at a transmission shop, but from my research, this isnt a transmission issue but a blown rod bearing the Hyundai engines are know for. I will be contacting a dealership to see if they will at least confirm my diagnosis.

Engine rattles noise when starting the car after sitting for more than an hour it makes that sound another issue is that when I turn the headlights on all interior lights shuts off including the instrument cluster radio and ac climate control buttons.

See all problems of the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

Bottom brake lights will not work but top high brake light works. I was stopped by police three times. They state all three brake lights must operate.

The vehicle experienced a significant failure of the body control module (bcm). This resulted in multiple electrical malfunctions, including don't detected the key, despite the low mileage (12,000 miles), the electronic systems have proven unreliable, and the vehicle is currently undergoing warranty repairs at the dealership. "the sudden failure of electrical components could lead to a crash or leave the driver stranded in an unsafe location. I am concerned about the long-term reliability and safety of this vehicle’s electronic architecture. " after arriving home and shifting the vehicle into 'park', the car began to roll backward on its own. The vehicle continued to move until it struck my garage door. This incident occurred unexpectedly after the transmission was supposedly secured in park. It was necessary to apply the brakes to make it stop. Although the physical damage was minor (scratches), this unintended movement represents a severe safety risk that could have resulted in a serious accident or injury. " I've also noticed that it makes strange shifts in the transmission when going down a steep hill.

My 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe (VIN: [xxx] ) is suffering from a severe, systemic vehicle-wide electrical network failure. The main digital instrument cluster screen has suffered four separate total blackouts (xxx), completely eliminating all driver visibility of the speedometer, odometer, safety malfunction telltales, and critical warning alerts while operating the vehicle at highway speeds. The vehicle has also experienced continuous battery collapses, recurring navigation freezes, and malfunctioning proximity key fobs/electronic door locks that fail to secure or unlock the vehicle. Most severely, on xxx, a defective, short-circuiting heated seat element experienced an uncontrolled thermal spike and caused physical thermal burn injuries to the right side of my body during an out-of-state trip. Photographic evidence of the physical body burns has been preserved. The authorized dealership was presented with this defect during an extended 38-day shop visit immediately following the incident but was completely unable to diagnose, or repair this severe electrical safety hazard. The vehicle remains unsafe to occupy. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle failed to immediately start, but started after several attempts. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the starter, oil filter, and engine filter, and changed the oil. On a hot day, there was a loud sound coming from the vehicle, and it was noticed that the unoccupied vehicle was attempting to start independently. The contact unlocked the vehicle and opened the vehicle door, put the keys in the ignition, and continued to crank for approximately four minutes. The accelerator pedal was pumped, and the vehicle stopped. There was smoke coming from the vehicle, and the vehicle eventually stopped. There were flames coming from the vehicle. The contact called 911, an independent mechanic, her father, and the fire department. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire and disconnect the battery. The mechanic determined that the engine cover was burned. There were no reported injuries. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact indicated that the failure was related to NHTSA campaign number: 11e040000 (equipment). The insurance company referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

See all problems of the 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe purchased new in may 2024. On three occasions since December 2025, while driving, the dashboard went completely black as if the vehicle shut off. The Hyundai startup logo then reappeared while the vehicle was still moving, and the vehicle lost acceleration. The most recent event occurred at highway speed, approximately 65-70 mph, requiring us to coast to the shoulder. No warning lights appeared before the event. A video of the most recent incident is available. Dealer inspected vehicle but could not duplicate the problem and reported no error codes.

My vehicle activates the emergency braking system while driving. It has happened several times now, almost causing a collision. I took it to the dealership, they held it for a week and gave it back to me telling me they could not find anything wrong with it. They did not fix anything at all. It has since done it once more.