Equipment Problems of Hyundai Santa Fe - part 1

Hyundai - daw - driver attention warning / forward attention warning system this issue warrants immediate consideration for a recall. Despite wearing glasses, sunglasses, or no glasses, the problem persists. I occasional do remove my glasses while driving, and the warning continues to sound. This occurs regardless of the time of day, weather conditions, or whether I am sitting upright or reclining. The warning randomly activates and deactivates, sometimes without any intervention. Occasionally, I simply allow the warning to sound without taking any action, and it remains active for a few seconds or until it triggers a warning that the system will be turned off, at which point it deactivates. I have attempted various troubleshooting methods, such as keeping my eyes open, adjusting my seating position, wearing and removing my glasses, and tilting them to minimize glare. None of these methods have proven effective in preventing the warning from activating or in making it deactivate. This is a persistent problem. Hyundai dealerships initially informed me that the warning might be an annoyance and their response was to simply refrain from using it. However, if a basic feature like cruise control in a 2026 model is rendered unusable due to a design flaw (which this certainly is), it constitutes a clear violation of safety standards and should be addressed through a recall. The incessant alerts are highly disruptive and can be quite frustrating. For instance, driving with an arm in the 12 o’clock position triggers a warning, while wearing polarized sunglasses also results in an alert. The presence of a setting to disable the warning is a welcome feature but doesn't exist, and the system’s persistent alerts can be overwhelming. The alerts continue even after taking a break. It is distracting and a safety hazard. Drivers should be able to adjust the sensitivity of the feature turn off this feature. Currently, there is no way to disable or temporarily disable this feature.

Spontaneous windshield crack.

See all problems of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

The back windshield of my 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe just exploded outwards. The vehicle hasn't been moved or driven today. The glass exploded out the back and shot over 18 ft away. There has been no change in temperature it is 70°. It was terrifying and came out of nowhere there were no cracks or chips in the back windshield. I'm so glad we were off to the side when this happened or it would have caused serious injuries.

Driving down the interstate to work at around 70 mph at approximately 6:40 am and the front sunroof exploded upwards. Nothing of impact, just a loud explosion and glass blew upwards. The broken glass is positioned upward. The cover of the sunroof was closed and it was not currently in use. Otherwise, glass could have shattered all over me, causing a wreck. I am an [xxx] veteran, the explosion itself set off my anxiety, but thankfully, I was able to pull the car over without incident. I took pictures of the sunroof and I was able to drive slowly down a smaller highway to the dealership, mac grubbs Hyundai in hattiesburg, ms, where I dropped the car off for repairs. I contacted my insurance company and they picked me up in a rental care from the dealership. There was no warning light, not leaks, or cracks in the sunroof prior to the incident. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

Hyundai recently had a service campaign that was issued to address an emissions related issue in CA. The service campaign was 9c2 and the TSB was 25-01-087h. After this software update was applied to my vehicle the engine is now sluggish on a cold start and the transmission is shifting differently at low speeds and low gears. It appears that the performance of my vehicle has been compromised. There is a Hyundai forum where many Santa Fe owners are experiencing the same issues after the software update. I have notified the service advisor at my local Hyundai dealership.

See all problems of the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

On two occasions, five months apart, the windshield cracked for no apparent reason. No foreign object hit the windshield. The replacement was not a generic. If was a Hyundai oem. Two cracks, which spread over the windshield is not “normal”, in my opinion. Thank you.

On 4/17/26 mcdonalds Hyundai of [xxx] , dealership performed an ecu update for theta ii emissions logic improvement (Hyundai campaign number 9c2). Ever since that time the vehicle has been lurching during acceleration. This happens particularly when the vehicle has been sitting for several hours. I reported this to the dealership on 4/28/26 (scott, service manager) and to Hyundai on 4/29/26 (Hyundai case management #: 42610495). I noted to Hyundai that this same/similar problem has been reported by other owners ( see [xxx] ) information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

The fuel tank opener has become increasingly hard to operate. The fuel tank is supposed to unlock when the doors are unlocked. Sometimes it takes 10 or more times of unlocking the doors and checking the fuel door to successfully open the fuel door.

See all problems of the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

The glass in the sun roof imploded. It it available for inspection. The glass would have been propelled into the vehicle if the sun roof was open. The problem has been reported to the dealer and acknowledged. There was no warning prior to the implosion.

See all problems of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

Safety concern – lack of air conditioning ventilation in third row seating I am writing to formally report a safety concern regarding a vehicle that lacks adequate air conditioning and ventilation in the third-row seating area. The third row of this vehicle does not receive sufficient airflow, resulting in significantly elevated temperatures compared to the front and middle seating areas. This creates an uncomfortable and potentially unsafe environment for passengers seated in the rear. This issue raises several safety concerns, including: - increased risk of heat-related illness, especially during warm weather conditions - lack of proper air circulation, which may affect breathing comfort - potential danger to vulnerable individuals such as children, elderly passengers, or those with medical conditions in addition, the absence of adequate ventilation in the third row appears inconsistent with standard safety expectations for passenger vehicles, where all seating positions should have reasonable access to airflow and temperature control. I am requesting the following: - a formal evaluation of the vehicle’s ventilation system - clarification as to whether this is a design issue or mechanical defect - appropriate corrective action to ensure safe and adequate airflow to all seating areas I would appreciate a timely response regarding how this concern will be addressed. Please note that I am documenting this issue due to its potential impact on passenger safety. Sincerely, [xxx] [xxx] [xxx] 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe se information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Vulnerable exposed radiator to road debris from the front and underneath my 2022 Santa Fe. It seems that this is an issue that is not covered by warranty and owners are held responsible with filing an insurance claim or pay out of pocket. Manufacturer needs to provide some type of protection for radiator or lose repeat customers.

Today, I received an extended warranty for my horn. There is a known issue with water getting into the horn and causing them to fail. Upon researching this, people have reported having their horns changed several times. This is a safety matter that an extended warranty is not fixing. Please enforce a recall so that this matter may be properly resolved. Canada has already issued a recall, I hope we can do the same. Thank you.

See all problems of the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

Passengers are stuck in vehicle due to failure of doors opening from either inside, outside or both.

See all problems of the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

I am writing because my local Hyundai dealer is failing to make the repair in a timely manner consistent with what my recall notice stated, and is requiring that I make two trips to Hyundai in order to get this necessary recall work completed. Meanwhile, if the camera fails, it could put me and others at risk. My service representative, [xxx] , and his service manager showed zero concern about my time or possible dangers if the rear camera fails, stating that it's Hyundai corporate that made the policy that customers must have their car inspected and photos taken of the rear camera harness assembly during this first visit, before ordering the parts under my vehicle's specific VIN number. Once they do this and submit it to Hyundai corporate, they say, the parts will be ordered and I will be contacted again to make yet another appointment to have the parts installed. My letter from Hyundai says nothing about having to make two visits. It says to schedule an appointment, and the recall work will be done. I actually tried to call the 855 Hyundai number to schedule the work, and that operator said nothing about two visits; she was unable to book the appointment she'd given me, so directed me to the local Hyundai dealer, who also said nothing about two appointments being needed to have this recall work done. I am concerned, because I am scheduled to drive out of town in a high pedestrian and vehicle traffic area in two weeks and was doing my due diligence to get the recall work done before the trip. I feel that the two appointments are unnecessary when every 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe with this feature is equipped with the same rear camera and rear camera harness assembly, such that there's no reason to have to further register it with my VIN, that this could all be done in one appointment. Requiring customers to come for 2 appointments--especially without telling them anywhere in the letter or during 2 phone calls--simply increases risk of injuries if the camera fails. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of inform.

While driving west across [xxx] , towing a 5x8 enclosed trailer, there was a smell of burnt rubber and I pulled over to inspect for a busted tire. At no time were there indicator lights on the dash. Upon bringing the vehicle to a stop on the side of the road the cabin began to fill with smoke. I popped the hood of the car with the intention of looking to see what was occurring. Exiting the vehicle and coming around to the front there were already flames coming out from under the hood. Within 10 minutes the car and trailer were engulfed in flames and have been deemed total losses by insurance. I had the vehicle serviced two days prior in columbus ohio and was cleared for the 4 day journey. I had the brakes done in 4 months prior in [xxx] . Had no issues getting to columbus, no problems driving to kansas city. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

Rear bucket seat crushes occupant of seat belt is not buckled. Rear facing car seat is crushed posing huge risk to baby.

Driving to work and a loud noise (pop) was heard and then I realized the sunroof had basically exploded. Glass was all over the car and all over myself. I immediately got off the road and turned on my hazard lights to assess the situation. This could have caused an accident had I not remained calm. Contacted dealership this morning. Waiting to hear back. No prior warning to this happening.

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.

Service campaign update 9c2 was installed. Since then erratic shifting occurs including up and down shifting without change in acceleration and deceleration or lag. This lasts between 1-5 minutes after initial vehicle start-up. This is dangerous when vehicle attempts to pull out into traffic. Hyundai has been aware of the issue as early as December 2025 but no notice of corrective action has been received.

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.

The passenger-side doors do not latch properly and may open after closing. This creates a safety risk while driving. The issue occurs continually and has worsened over time. Vehicle has approximately 106,265 miles. This causes the auto door locks no to work.

I have attached a photo since I couldn’t save it.

I put my vehicle in park but it kept going anyway and hit a car in front of me.

The engine rod broke creating a big whole in the engine which caused the engine and underneath of car to start on fire. There was a massive recall for this same issue in 2021-2023 for the year car! it is available for inspection! yes safety was at risk, the car was on fire on the highway in the middle of rush hour. The problem was confirmed by progressive and I contact Hyundai. The car was inspected by the police and insurance company. No lights, messages and the car was running fine before the fire!.

See all problems of the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

While parked the panoramic sunroof spontaneously shattered.

See all problems of the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

I'm reporting a rearview camera issue in my Hyundai Santa Fe 2020. The camera image was previously static/distorted and has now completely stopped working. When the vehicle is placed in reverse, no image is displayed. This creates a safety risk, as the rearview camera is essential for visibility and preventing accidents while backing up. I am aware there has been a recall for similar rearview camera issues; however, my vehicle is not included because the recall is VIN-specific, despite experiencing the same problem.

See all problems of the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

My horn stopped working. Not under warranty but I believe it is a safety issue. A replacement horn is not available and not under warranty. Online search revealed this is a common issue.

The motor began to making a knocking noise and started smoking like a fire was starting. We immediately turned off the vehicle preventing from a full fledge fire. We had children in the car as well which posed a safety concern for them. We had no prior warning lights or issues. It has yet to be inspected by anyone.

See all problems of the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

I was driving on a 5 lane highway when suddenly what sounded like a gunshot or grenade going off in my right ear turned out to be my sunroof shattering. I thought someone shot at me since there were traffic on my right, but when I looked to my right I saw no evidence until I looked up, then immediately felt glass particles falling in all around.

Replaced horns a couple times, after doing research, this seems to be a deeper and ongoing issues with this car ok a larger scale. Horns die out or stop completely, causing multiple replacements.

The dealership I bought it from (vineland Hyundai) I have had trouble with before where they say they fix things and they don’t. Last year there was a recall for the back camera not working. I took it in and supposedly they fixed it. Well, a few months later, the camera does not work at all and the problem issues with it is exactly what the recall says. I contacted the better business bureau and the dealership and even though they have it in the system as completed clearly it was not done or it would not done correctly and right now I have no back camera. They refuse to help. I seriously doubt this was done at all being I’ve had issues with service said they did things before and did not. I even asked Hyundai if I could get this done at a different dealership that is more trustworthy and they refuse to help. I’m hoping you may be able to intervene and have them actually do this recall correctly.

The driver attention warning incorrectly emits loud alarms, a coffee cup icon, and suggests the driver take a break. These warning alarms are not based on any discernable lack of attention, erratic driving, etc. They are random and ongoing, and when they begin, they repeat every few minutes. On this 2025 model - unlike prior years and models - this cannot/cannot be adjusted or turned off according to every level of Hyundai dealer staff. This has become an intolerable, frustrating, aggravating safety hazard that makes a driver irate, impatient and angry. This type of "warning" should be reserved for an imminent crash warning, or sudden lack of oil pressure. Please ensure that this safety hazard is eliminated. Thank you.

On my vehicle I’ve had to have the horn replaced at least three times. Paying about $500 for the last two instances. While there is no formal federal recall for the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe horn specifically, it is affected by a widespread, known issue where water intrusion corrodes the horn's electrical contacts, leading to failure. Hyundai has addressed this with an extended warranty or service campaign in some regions to replace the horn. Saying this my VIN # is not included in this but I can’t understand why.

The sunroof glass suddenly shattered while driving slowly into a parking lot.