Electrical System Problems of Hyundai Santa Fe - part 1

Needed to use horn in an emergency situation and that's when I found out my horn no longer works. 20,000 miles on 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe.

See all problems of the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

I turned off the car and went inside the house. I was outside and could smell smoke. I walked to the front of the house and saw my neighbor who was calling 911 due to flames from my engine. The flames reached the yard and my garage where minor damage occurred. The vehicle was completely engulfed in flames before the fire department extinguished it.

See all problems of the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

My starter failed while out shopping. No issues starting the car departing from my home, but would not start in the store parking lot. My mechanic did not provide the broken part for inspection however everyone commented that is was very unusual for it to fail as I only have roughly 25,000 miles on it. My mechanic also mentioned that this was 2nd 2018 Hyundai sante fe in the past week he had to replace the starter on that vehicle had 60,000 miles. There were no warning lights prior to the event, I suspected it was the starter after having a new battery installed and no success starting because of the lights that remained on on the instrument panel.

See all problems of the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? horn how was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? my horn stopped working - cannot use it when driving to warn other drivers - safety issue has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? not reproduced, but dealership has confirmed the horn stopped working on three separate occasions. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? dealership - three times were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? no. Hyundai dealership said my fuse blown on three separate occasions causing the horn to stop working. My horn stopped working a few months ago, then about a month ago and again last week - all due to blown fuses to which the dealership has no explanation.

Horn stopped working at 47,474 miles check tire pressure system light is on, poor sensor at 45,650.

Took my 22 sante fe to the Hyundai dealership to have the blower motor checked since I have no air flow in my car. Dealership informed me that the engine harness needs replaced and that it melted the fuse box under the hood. So, I am not able to replace my blower motor at this time due to the melted fuse box. Dealership also advised that they have seen the same problem in multiple 22 sante fe. And that there is likely more with the same issue within the united states. I have been noticing a melting/hot smell in the car before the airflow quit and I took it to the dealership to be diagnosed.

See all problems of the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

Was coming off an exit on the interstate and started slowing down. My brakes act like they didn’t want to work. Grinding and the pedal was twitching under my foot. The car stopped thankfully, but then all linda of lights came on the my dash and will not go off. And 3 warning come up!.

See all problems of the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

I am writing to formally report an incident involving the service department at lakeland Hyundai (1500 w memorial blvd, lakeland, FL 33815). My 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe was brought in on 12/31/25 for an active engine recall involving the cylinder head cover oil leak repair (recall code 976 / campaign 24-01-026h). The vehicle was driven into the dealership in proper working condition. I was later informed that allegedly stripped bolts for the cover would require an out-of-pocket cost of $483. 36, despite this being a recall repair. There was also a required upper timing chain guide repair quoted at $58. 38 to complete the recall work. When I was called in on 01/12/26 to pick up the vehicle for completed work, I was charged $29. 99 for a multi-point inspection related to the recall, yet no documentation or billing was provided for the timing chain guide repair I was told was completed. Upon attempting to leave the lot, the check engine light was on and the vehicle immediately began shaking violently and producing a loud noise. The service representative could not identify the cause and later advised there was nothing further they could do, citing a p0300 code, and instructed me to return the loaner and retrieve my now-undrivable vehicle. My vehicle remains at lakeland Hyundai and is undrivable due to issues that arose immediately following recall service. I respectfully request guidance and resolution regarding responsibility for the damage, loaner coverage, and loss of transportation.

See all problems of the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

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.

Horn stopped working due to the same issue other Hyundai horns stopped working.

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe sport. The contact stated that the headlights suddenly illuminated without the vehicle being turned on, causing the battery to be drained. The contact recharged the battery to start the vehicle. The contact stated that the light switch failed to turn off the high beam headlights; however, the headlights and the indicators were no longer illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who stated that the junction block had failed and needed to be replaced; however, the contact was not sure of the cause of the failure and needed to repair the vehicle. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle that an interlock casing, fuse, and relay that had melted, and that the switches were not responding, but could not confirm what caused the failure. The contact learned that the vehicle was previously included in a recall for another junction box that had been repaired. The contact was unable to provide the recall campaign. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.

Official dealer refusal to perform critical safety recall (VIN: [xxx] ) description: I am reporting a formal refusal by the official Hyundai distributor in the dominican republic (magna motors) to perform critical safety recalls on my us-spec vehicle. Pending recalls: recall #251 (NHTSA 23v651000): abs module fire risk. Campaign #953: ksds software update. The dealer (magna motors) refuses to perform the service, claiming a "lack of tools," and has declined to provide a written explanation for this denial. This is a severe violation of safety regulations regarding life-threatening defects (fire risk). As the vehicle is a us-spec unit, I request NHTSA’s intervention to ensure the manufacturer (Hyundai) compels its local representative to complete these repairs immediately at no cost. Please note: I am using a us mailing address only to complete this form. The vehicle and I are physically located in the dominican republic. The local official distributor, magna motors, is failing to honor these NHTSA safety recalls. " information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

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.

Vehicle will suddenly shutdown in the middle of the road. This could easily have caused a crash at any time. Several batteries have been replaced due to alternator not charging the battery. Then the battery has to be jumped for emergencies. I have taken the car in for repairs of the recall twice. I was told that the front end would come off and parts would have to be replaced because of the age of my vehicle they would not fit again. I need a solution to this problem.

See all problems of the 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe sport. The contact stated that while driving at 25 mph and approaching a stop, the vehicle stalled. The battery, check engine, and oil warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA campaign number: 22v810000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where an unknown diagnosis was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The warranty claim was denied. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

Engine control harness with under fuse box due to melted fuse box. This caused my blower motor and relay to go bad. No air flow currently in car due to control harness. Dealership stated that there has been several sante fe that has came in this year with the same issue.

Horn completely out, yes available. I was unable to warn another driver from entering my lane several times. Warn a pedestrian from stepping out into traffic. Confirmed by the dealer. The horn was inspected replaced at my own cost on March 2025 by December 2025 the part is no longer operational. I asked the dealer to honor the warranty they declined saying the mileage was passed the warranty terms.

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 had just exited from the highway and was driving into my town. While doing so, I had both hands on the steering wheel and suddenly the car started beeping and flashing warnings/ alerts indicating that my hands were not on the steering wheel, which they were. Within seconds the car began to deaccelerate and pull me off the road to my right hand side. I initially had no control over the vehicle. Then again- without explanation it began to register hands on the steering wheel and I was able to resume control of the vehicle. I believe the lane assist feature was on at the time. It all happened very quickly. Had I still been on the highway as I was moments before, there was enough traffic that I would have been pulled into another vehicle or caused an accident if people saw me suddenly rapidly deaccelerating/braking in front of them because they would have no warning and a very tiny amount of time to react. Then, in an other instance that followed shortly thereafter, my boyfriend was driving with one of the lane assist on. While driving, the weather changed and it began snowing and freezing rain that was freezing when it hit the windshield. The lane assist began to have trouble seeing the lines on the road since the snow and ice were obscuring them somewhat. It began to beep and gently correct the car- which was not appropriate in this case (we understand that the road conditions were beyond its abilities to safely discern things accurately). My boyfriend who had two hands on the wheel trying to carefully navigate this sudden burst of weather so at not to slide. He tried turning it off, but it wasn't turning off, and couldn't troubleshoot it without taking his hands off the wheel. He instructed me to turn it off through the settings menu in the infotainment system, which seemed to disable it. Prior to these dangerous problems, I had experienced some seemingly sensor- related malfunctions with the tire pressure monitoring system. I'm out of room to write more.

See all problems of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

While driving my 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe, the vehicle experienced a complete dashboard and system blackout, as if the vehicle shut off and rebooted. This has occurred on two separate occasions. On one occasion, while stopped at a traffic light, the dashboard went completely black and restarted. After the system rebooted, the vehicle would not accelerate or move when the accelerator was pressed. I had to turn the vehicle off, restart it, and wait before it would drive again. The suspected malfunction involves the vehicle’s electrical/infotainment and related vehicle control systems. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of others were put at risk because the vehicle lost critical dashboard information and temporarily lost the ability to accelerate while in traffic, creating the risk of being struck by other vehicles. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized Hyundai dealership (world Hyundai of matteson). On December 23, 2025, I was informed by the dealer that a system/infotainment “glitch” had been identified and that a replacement part would be ordered. However, the part was never replaced. The dealer later stated that because the issue could not be duplicated during test drives (approximately 85 miles driven), the repair was not authorized. The dealer acknowledged the issue could not be reproduced on demand. The manufacturer (Hyundai) has not yet physically inspected the vehicle beyond dealership involvement. No police or insurance inspections occurred, as there was no crash. There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the failure. The failure occurred suddenly with a complete dashboard blackout and system restart. The first occurrence happened prior to December 23, 2025; the second occurred afterward. The issue is intermittent and unresolved. I am concerned that the defect must reoccur while driving in order to be repaired, posing an ongoing safety risk.

While driving- in total movement- the car completely shut off. Without any prior warning or indication. Immediately after, the car restarted, drove a couple blocks over, continuing to shut off while driving. It was then towed. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? the warning lights did not appear until after the car quit. They all came on & flashed & quickly went back out. Uncertain which component misfired or is affected- possibly related to an engine or fuel/ cylinder failure. Car is at mechanic for inspection. Our safety & lives were in critical jeopardy as the vehicle stopped without warning while driving in traffic congested area. It is unknown if this is a known issue or if this situation has been replicated however the current mechanic facility has experienced the same issue with this vehicle. Also strong odor of gas was experienced during shutoff.

See all problems of the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

Both horns on my 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe have failed 3 times. The first set was covered under warranty (3/24), the second set cost $499. 64 (3/25). Now both horns are nonfunctional after just being replaced this spring. After reviewing many complaints on the Hyundai community form, it is very obvious there is a major issue with their horns ( and not just the Santa Fe model). Twice this week I was in need of my horn to alert other drivers but instead had to make quick maneuvers to avoid an incident. My vehicle currently cannot pass a state inspection.

While driving after dark, a different car traveling in opposite direction almost caused head on collision while driving in the wrong lane. Driver of the Santa Fe attempted to activate horn on vehicle to alert other vehicle that they were traveling in the wrong lane/direction, but horn failed to sound. Driver was narrowly able to avoid physical collision as a result. Driver took vehicle to dealership and it was determined both high and low horns had failed again (total horn system failure), and the dealership replaced under warranty. This is the second time in less than 2 years of ownership the horns have failed and needed to be replaced. Dealership stated horn failure is common in the 2023 Santa Fe, but is only covered under the 5 year/60000 mile warranty despite being a known defective part. Hyundai should offer a voluntary recall to repair affected vehicles with redesigned parts as the horns failing is a known issue and failure can result in severe safety risk while driving.

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.

On a clear road a sencor comes on detect comes on says detection collision. The breaks come on when you are traveling on interstate or two lane roads. When you are traveling 75 mph and breaks come on all of a sudden on the highway. We are lucky we never got hit in the back of the car going that fast. We will stop 75 to 35 mph in 10 seconds.

Horns assemblies are failing repeatedly. Since ownership of the vehicle (2023 and a cpo platinum wrap), I have had to replace a single horn, or both horns three times with local Hyundai dealerships. Mostly the right horn would fail, then the left. I am currently making efforts to have my vehicle’s horns serviced for the fourth time as they are not working. I have been to my dealership on Dec 16, 2025 & Jan 15, 2026, to have the horns repair to no avail. In December, a diagnosis was performed with no action. Yesterday, one part (horn) was not available, and I was quoted a fee of $400 to perform the task. This is extremely concerning as this is not a consumable part or fluid. This is a required vehicle safety item. There are TSB's for other models in the Hyundai line with similar failure of horns ( TSB's: 24-be-018h & 25-be-005h). These failures have not been covered under the Santa Fe line or the other remaining Hyundai models of similar years of production and experiencing like failures of horn assemblies as of this date.

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.

Unknown sometimes when I stop the vehicle the engine shuts off and wont come back on until I put the car in park and turn the ignition off. Not safe at all when your in heavy traffic.

See all problems of the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

At stop sign and car with auto start stop on and at the time of releasing the brake, car was not able to start engine. Car had to be shifted to parking position to start engine.

Horn has failed 4 times.

Component/system: automatic emergency braking / forward collision-avoidance (aeb/fca) system and/or electronic parking brake (epb). The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. What happened: while driving my 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe (VIN: xxx) at highway speeds, the vehicle suddenly and aggressively applied the emergency braking system on two separate occasions within the same day (approximately 45–60 minutes apart). In both instances, the red emergency braking warning lights illuminated on the dashboard, and a warning sound activated. There were no vehicles, obstacles, or hazards in front of me either time. The braking was forceful and abrupt, causing rapid deceleration at highway speed. Both events occurred under normal, clear driving conditions. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6) safety risk: my safety and the safety of other drivers were put at significant risk. Sudden unintended braking at highway speeds can easily lead to a rear-end collision since the deceleration was not caused by driver input and gave no warning. Reproduction / dealer confirmation: the dealer has not been able to reproduce the issue, and no diagnostic trouble codes have been found so far. The vehicle is currently at the dealership for inspection. Inspection: the vehicle has been inspected by the Hyundai dealership, but the cause has not been identified. No manufacturer field engineer, police, or insurance inspection has taken place yet. Warning lamps / prior symptoms: during the failures, the red emergency braking indicator and audible warning activated immediately when the brakes engaged. There were no warning lights or symptoms prior to either event. Assessment: cause unknown. The problem appears to be an intermittent malfunction of the automatic emergency braking system, forward collision sensors, or related braking components. No diagnostic codes were stored. This is a serious safety issue that occurred twice within one hour and could easily result in a collision.