Equipment Problems of Hyundai Santa Fe - part 2

Vehicle serviced on 5/7/2026 for Hyundai service campaign 9c2 immediately after noticed car was not driving as it had been prior to this update, sluggish acceleration on start, chugging and then rapid sudden acceleration. Returned to service dept may19. Diagnostics revealed no issues, problem persisted. Returned to service dept. May22. Informed Hyundai was looking into this issue related to the 9c2 update and awaiting a new update to fix the problem. As of todayjune15 there has been no action to remedy the problem. Do not feel safe driving a vehicle that hesitates when starting to drive and then accelerates roughly. This has happened consistently upon cold start up thus far but concerned it may happen while in traffic or at other times and result in an accident.

See all problems of the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

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 🔎.

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 🔎.

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 🔎.

The airbag sensor is on in the car. When I told the dealership they stated that the sensor is not covered under the warranty even though it was over by a fe hundred miles. None of the airbags will deploy if there is an accident. I don't see why a safety issue is not covered by the warranty. For the dealership to fix it, it is going to be over $800.

See all problems of the 2022 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.

See all problems of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe 🔎.

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).

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 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.

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.

On March 17, 2026, the sunroof of our Hyundai sante fe 2021 exploded. The driver and two passengers were not hurt because the sunroof was closed and the liner in place when the explosion took place. The incident occurred on an open country highway on a sunny afternoon with no other vehicles or flying objects sighted.

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.

This complaint concerns a serious, unresolved powertrain/propulsion safety defect in my 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. While traveling approximately 70 mph, the vehicle suddenly lost propulsion and would not accelerate normally while surrounded by highway traffic. Most importantly, there was no warning or advance indication. No warning lights, messages, or symptoms appeared before the loss of propulsion. I had no opportunity to anticipate the failure or prepare to safely exit traffic. This placed me and other motorists at immediate risk of a serious or potentially fatal collision. A Hyundai dealership inspected the vehicle and documented dtc p284001, shift fork d position fault. Despite this documented fault, the underlying safety issue remains unresolved. Hyundai has not identified a permanent correction or established that the vehicle is safe to operate. There has not been another incident because I will not risk another sudden loss of propulsion by driving the vehicle. The absence of another failure does not mean the problem is resolved. The vehicle remains available for inspection. I have repeatedly sought assistance from Hyundai and the dealership without a meaningful resolution. Newer information regarding a possible computer reset/relearn procedure has also been presented, but the dealership refuses to perform it. I reviewed NHTSA complaints for 2023 Santa Fe vehicles and found multiple reports describing similar safety symptoms, including sudden loss of propulsion, inability to accelerate, abnormal transmission shifting, and loss of speed. This raises serious concern that this may not be an isolated failure. A vehicle that can unexpectedly lose propulsion at highway speed without any warning creates an extreme crash risk. I respectfully request that NHTSA review the similar complaints, investigate whether a broader transmission/powertrain safety defect exists, and determine whether corrective action is necessary before this results in serious injury or death.

Following the completion of an official emissions recall software upgrade at fitzgerald auto mall countryside, clearwater florida, my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe sport (52,000 miles) now suffers from a severe loss of motive power and erratic transmission shifting/jerking during cold starts throughout day. The vehicle continues to hesitate during cold starts, making it impossible to safely accelerate from a stop into incoming traffic. I returned to dealership on 5/29/26 to address continued driving issues. The servicing dealership states they don't have a software fix and offer no mechanical fix. The dealership states they received an internal memo from Hyundai corporate which instructed the dealership to tell affected owners to idle the vehicle for 1-3 minutes before driving to allow system adjustments. Forcing a consumer to wait out a dangerous powertrain defect in a running vehicle to avoid a roadway acceleration/loss accident is an unacceptable safety hazard. The manufacturers recall update has actively compromised the safe operation and motive control of this vehicle.

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 🔎.

On February 24, 2026, I had the 9c2 software update. My vehicle was being checked for oil consumption. Since then I have had issues with it hard shifting when first starting to drive and sometimes after I've been driving a while. This has continued miles down the road, sometimes over thirty minutes after driving. It also just feels continuously like it is not driving smooth. This only started after the update. I contacted hma. The first person on my case (gurvinder) told me I needed to return my car, not to drive it. I had bronchitis, so I did not immediately do that. The next person "rainey" told me it is a known issue and they are telling people to warm their cars up for around 3 minutes, and it will be fine. I'd done that, and even driven longer than that. I told him that. I took my mother-in-law home from church miles from there after collecting her at the church door, etc. . . Getting to the hill at to her home, I didn't think it was going to get up it. Often I don't think I'm going to get out of my driveway, a dangerous driveway in a curve. He wanted krause Hyundai to contact hma engineer. When I was at krause, they didn't know how to get ahold of hma engineer. Dalton also said they can't back the update out. I'm on my third hma case manager. She keeps changing what I've told her is wrong in the emails, I don't think she knows anything about cars. She won't listen when I say I spoke to dalton at krause; she keeps speaking to john. John said they can do diagnostic, but it will cost me. I refuse to pay as rainey and gurvinder had months before wanted me to take it back to get fixed, and rainey wanted krause to contact the engineer. It is a known issue with a letter written by Hyundai. Getting a diagnostic code reading performed is not going to help. I'm afraid my vehicle will lose power on the road and I will be struck. I tried uploading both pdf and jpg, but it wouldn't let me.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? multiple systems have failed sequentially — engine (replaced at ~84,000 miles), catalytic converter (replaced post engine replacement), and transmission (currently stalling, pending replacement authorization from Hyundai corporate). The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? the vehicle stalls during the first few miles of every drive before stabilizing. This creates an immediate risk of accident on public roads, particularly at intersections, highway on-ramps, and in traffic. Despite this known safety hazard, the dealership returned the vehicle to me unrepaired on June 22, 2026, and deemed it safe to drive. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? yes. Fort mill Hyundai (805 gold hill road, fort mill, SC 29708) has confirmed they can physically feel the stalling issue but stated they do not have sufficient data to submit to Hyundai corporate for transmission replacement authorization. An independent mechanic also previously confirmed the engine issue that the dealership initially dismissed. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? yes. Fort mill Hyundai, an authorized Hyundai dealership, has inspected the vehicle multiple times over several years. The dealership is actively coordinating with Hyundai motor America corporate regarding the transmission replacement. Invoice reference: [xxx], dated June 22, 2026. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? yes. Check engine and brake warning lights first appeared at approximately 64,000 miles. These lights recurred repeatedly every ~1,000 miles despite multiple dealership visits. Subsequent symptoms included engine hesitation and loss of power, fol information redacted pursuant to the freedom of inf.

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 🔎.