Hyundai Santa Fe reliability and problems by year
Owners have filed 4,773 complaints about the Hyundai Santa Fe with NHTSA since 2010, most often about engine and transmission and drivetrain. Hyundai has filed 11 warranty extensions and 55 service campaigns for it, and there are 33 safety recalls on file.
From NHTSA's public data files, downloaded 2026-10-10.
How reliable is the Hyundai Santa Fe? What NHTSA's records show
We don't give the Santa Fe a reliability score. NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. Here is what's on file for model years 2010 on.
- Owner complaints
- 4,773
- Filed with NHTSA, all model years
- Warranty extensions
- 11
- Filed by Hyundai
- Service campaigns
- 55
- Filed by Hyundai
- Safety recalls
- 33
- Each covers part of the model
Every model year compared
Complaints rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so a newer or rarer year will show fewer. Compare years of the Santa Fe with each other.
| Year | Complaints | Most named | Recalls | Warranty / campaigns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 36 | Other or unspecified (25%) | 4 | 3 |
| 2025 | 133 | Other or unspecified (21%) | 5 | 12 |
| 2024 | 153 | Transmission and drivetrain (29%) | 7 | 11 |
| 2023 | 211 | Other or unspecified (29%) | 1 | 5 |
| 2022 | 200 | Transmission and drivetrain (28%) | 5 | 8 |
| 2021 | 166 | Transmission and drivetrain (30%) | 7 | 6 |
| 2020 | 214 | Engine (37%) | 2 | 5 |
| 2019 | 202 | Engine (36%) | 2 | 14 |
| 2018 | 109 | Engine (50%) | 2 | 13 |
| 2017 | 968 | Engine (67%) | 6 | 21 |
| 2016 | 236 | Engine (64%) | 3 | 13 |
| 2015 | 254 | Engine (63%) | 2 | 11 |
| 2014 | 493 | Engine (56%) | 3 | 12 |
| 2013 | 605 | Engine (45%) | 3 | 10 |
| 2012 | 353 | Engine (65%) | 1 | 11 |
| 2011 | 181 | Engine (35%) | 2 | 11 |
| 2010 | 259 | Transmission and drivetrain (42%) | 2 | 7 |
Look up one model year, or a VIN
See the complaints, recalls and warranty extensions for a single Santa Fe model year, with the typical mileage when owners reported each problem.
Acknowledged by Hyundai
Warranty extensions and service campaigns Hyundai filed with NHTSA for the Santa Fe, in its own words. A warranty extension means Hyundai pays for the repair beyond the normal warranty.
- Warranty extensionMay 2026· Airbags· model years 2013–2019
Certain 2012 – 2017 model year Accent, 2012 – 2017 model year Azera, 2013 – 2018 model year Santa Fe Sport, 2013 – 2019 model year Santa Fe, and 2012 – 2017 model year Veloster vehicles may exhibit an intermittent airbag warning light and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) may be…
- Warranty extensionMar 2026· Other or unspecified· model years 2021–2023
Certain 2021 – 2023 model year Santa Fe, 2021 – 2023 model year Santa Fe Hybrid, and 2022 – 2023 model year Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid vehicles may experience an inoperable horn that may be caused by foreign substances causing internal parts to oxidize.
- Warranty extensionMar 2026· Engine· model years 2010–2012
This TSB references the Op codes to use for claim submission and the Parts required based on the vehicle’s inspection results from TSB 22-01-023H (DTC P1326 – Engine Bearing Inspection/Engine Replacement) or the latest version.
- Warranty extensionMar 2026· Engine· model years 2010–2012
This TSB references the Op codes to use for claim submission and the Parts required based on the vehicle’s inspection results from TSB 22-01-023H-2 (DTC P1326 – Engine Bearing Inspection/Engine Replacement) or the latest version.
- Warranty extensionFeb 2026· Electrical system· model years 2024–2025
Certain Santa Fe (MX5A) vehicles may experience a discharged battery condition due to the Fingerprint Module (FPM) not entering 'SLEEP' mode when the ignition is turned off. This bulletin provides instructions to perform a software update with revised logic for the FPM.
- Warranty extensionAug 2025· Engine· model years 2013–2018
The warranty coverage of certain engines for repairs and replacement has been extended to 15 years or 150,000 miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use, whichever occurs first, and is valid for original and subsequent owners in…
- Warranty extensionJun 2025· Other or unspecified· model years 2019
Certain 2015 – 2018 model year Elantra, 2015 – 2019 model year Sonata, 2017 – 2021 model year Tucson, 2017 – 2018 model year Santa Fe Sport, 2019 model year Santa Fe, 2021 – 2023 model year Santa Fe Hybrid, and 2020 – 2023 model year Palisade vehicles may exhibit excessive paint…
- Warranty extensionDec 2024· Engine· model years 2013–2019
Certain 2013 – 2019 model year Santa Fe/Santa Fe XL vehicles equipped with 3.3L Lambda II GDI engines may experience abnormal engine noise or engine damage.
- Warranty extensionAug 2024· Engine· model years 2013–2018
The warranty coverage for engine repair or replacement related to engine noise or damage has been extended to 15 years or 150,000 miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use, whichever occurs first.
- Warranty extensionNov 2022· Equipment and accessories· model years 2010–2012
The warranty coverage for engine repair or replacement regarding engine damage or malfunction from connecting rod bearing wear has been extended to 15 years or 150,000 miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use, whichever occurs first, and is valid for…
- Warranty extensionAug 2020· Electrical system· model years 2019
Certain 2019 - 2020 MY NEXO (FE) vehicles may experience a condition in which the radio presets may reset during AVN start up. This service campaign provides the procedure to install an Audio Video Navigation (AVN) software update, which corrects this condition.
- Service campaignFeb 2026· Electrical system· model years 2024–2025
Certain Santa Fe (MX5A) and Santa Fe Hybrid (MX5A HEV) vehicles may experience a discharged battery condition due to the Fingerprint Module (FPM) not entering 'SLEEP' mode when the ignition is turned off.
- Service campaignDec 2025· Electrical system· model years 2013–2022
Upon customer's request ONLY, the Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 25-01-089H provides the service procedure for installation of a key cylinder reinforcement protector assembly and two anti-theft decals on the front windows.
- Service campaignDec 2025· Engine· model years 2019–2020
Certain Santa Fe (TMA), Sonata (LFA) and Tucson (TL) vehicles equipped with Theta II engines may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions. Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 25-01-087H-1 provides instructions for updating the Engine Control Module (ECM) to address this condition.
- Service campaignNov 2025· Seats· model years 2024–2026
Certain Santa Fe (MX5A) and Santa Fe Hybrid (MX5A HEV) vehicles may experience battery drain and inoperative heated seat capacitive touch buttons due to incorrect ECU logic for the Seat Heater Unit – Front (SHU_FRT).
- Service campaignNov 2025· Seats· model years 2024–2026
Certain Santa Fe (MX5A) vehicles may experience battery drain and inoperative heated seat capacitive touch buttons due to incorrect ECU logic for the Seat Heater Unit – Front (SHU_FRT).
- Service campaignOct 2025· Engine· model years 2024–2025
This is a follow-up to a previous launch of Service Campaign TEJ. Updates include the following: - A new GDS Event #1328 for certain ECU part numbers ending in '820'/'830' - Related ROM ID & Manual Mode Password Information.
- Service campaignOct 2025· Engine· model years 2025
Certain 2025MY Santa Cruz (NXT) and Santa Fe (MX5A) vehicles equipped with the 2.5T-GDI Theta III engine may exhibit coolant residue on the back side (exhaust side) of the engine caused by a crack in the cylinder block.
- Service campaignOct 2025· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2024–2025
Certain Santa Fe (MX5A) and Santa Cruz (NXT) vehicles equipped with 8-speed dual clutch transmissions (8DCT) may set one of the high pressure electric oil pump (HP EOP) DTCs listed below.
- Service campaignOct 2025· Body and structure· model years 2025
Hyundai has become aware that some vehicles may exhibit a “pop,” “tick,” or “creak” noise from the right front subframe area while driving. The noise may be caused by a missing weld on the right front subframe mounting stud.
- Service campaignJul 2025· Electrical system· model years 2022–2023
A software update is available for multiple vehicles equipped with either Display Audio 2.0V or the AVN 5th Gen Wide system.
- Service campaignMar 2025· Seats· model years 2024–2025
Certain Santa Fe (MX5A) vehicles may experience battery drain due to incorrect ECU logic for the Seat Heater Unit – Front (SHU_FRT). This bulletin provides instructions to perform the software update for the Seat Heater Unit – Front to correct the logic.
- Service campaignMar 2025· Electrical system· model years 2013–2023
Some vehicles may exhibit a loss of connectivity or interruptions in the middle of using Bluelink Service functions.
- Service campaignFeb 2025· Electrical system· model years 2024–2026
Some vehicles may exhibit a loss of connectivity or interruptions in the middle of using Bluelink functions.
- Service campaignFeb 2025· Electrical system· model years 2024
Certain 2024MY Santa Fe (MX5A) vehicles may experience excessive alerts for In-Cabin Camera (ICC) blockage due to driving with hand(s) at the 12 o’clock position. Updating the ICC logic reduces the alerts.
- Service campaignDec 2024· Electrical system· model years 2025
Certain 2025MY Santa Fe (MX5A) and Santa Fe Hybrid (MX5A HEV) vehicles may have a Bluelink malfunction or not able to have Bluelink setup.
- Service campaignDec 2024· Engine· model years 2024
The subject vehicles may incorrectly illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp, caused by errors in the oil level calculation process.
- Service campaignDec 2024· Electrical system· model years 2025
Certain 2025MY Santa Fe (MX5A) and Santa Fe Hybrid (MX5A HEV) vehicles may have a Bluelink malfunction or not able to have Bluelink setup.
- Service campaignNov 2024· Wheels· model years 2024
Certain Santa Fe (MX5A) vehicles’ Body Domain Controller (BDC) software logic may disable the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) system that leads to a low-voltage logic error with active DTC C112600.
- Service campaignSep 2024· Electrical system· model years 2017–2019
This bulletin provides instructions to update the 4th generation AVN head unit software to ensure the SIM Over The Air function for the Bluelink service is operating properly.
What owners report most
The parts of the car owners named in their complaints, across every Santa Fe model year. Unverified, and not a failure rate.
- Engine2,194 (46%)
- Transmission and drivetrain741 (16%)
- Other or unspecified591 (12%)
- Electrical system516 (11%)
- Brakes235 (5%)
- Steering230 (5%)
- Cruise control and speed control214 (4%)
- Fuel and propulsion212 (4%)
Safety recalls
33 recalls cover at least one Santa Fe model year. Each covers a range of VINs, not every car. Check one car at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
The driver and passenger seat belt anchors may detach.
Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Controls and Displays.
The rearview camera may not have been installed properly, which can damage the wiring harness and cause the rearview camera image not to display.
The side curtain air bags may not have been installed properly, which can cause the air bags not to deploy as intended.
The B+ positive terminal cover on the starter motor assembly may be improperly installed, which can cause an electrical short during a crash.
The connecting rod bolts in the engine may have been improperly tightened, which can cause a loss of drive power and engine damage, possibly resulting in an oil leak.
Due to a damaged printed circuit board, the rearview camera image may fail to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility.
The overhead console rear sunshade switch knob may not be fully recessed, which can result in unintentional closing of the sunshade.
The main floor wiring harness may chafe against the passenger-side second-row bench seat assembly and become damaged, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally or prevent the air bags from deploying in a…
A software error in the transmission control unit may result in a vehicle roll away when the vehicle is in PARK.
The rearview camera image may be obstructed by a trailer parking assist message. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility.
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Water accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which can result in a complete loss of drive power.
The oil supply pipe to the turbocharger may crack, which could result in an oil leak in the engine compartment.
And 18 more recalls on NHTSA.
NHTSA investigations
Defect investigations NHTSA opened. Many close without a recall.
- DP24001Defect petition· opened Feb 2024, closed May 2024· Engine· model years 2017
3.3L Engine Loss of Motive Power (LOMP)
- AQ23002Audit query· opened Nov 2023, still open· Brakes· model years 2013–2018
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
- DP22003Defect petition· opened Sep 2022, closed Dec 2023· Engine· model years 2010–2021
Loss of Motive Power
- EA21003Engineering analysis· opened Dec 2021, closed Feb 2024· Engine· model years 2012–2014
Engine Fires
Led to recall 23V877.
- DP21003Defect petition· opened Nov 2021, closed Jun 2023· Cruise control and speed control· model years 2010–2016
Throttle control system vulnerabilities
- PE19003Preliminary evaluation· opened Mar 2019, closed Dec 2021· Electrical system· model years 2011–2014
Non-crash Vehicle Fires
Led to recall 20V061000.
- DP18003Defect petition· opened Aug 2018, closed May 2019· Electrical system· model years 2011–2014
Non-crash Vehicle Fires
Led to recall 18V907000.
- RQ17004Recall query· opened May 2017, closed Dec 2021· Engine· model years 2012–2014
Scope and Timeliness
Led to recall 17V226000.
- PE13025Preliminary evaluation· opened Jul 2013, closed Sep 2013· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2013
Front Axle Shaft Failure
Led to recall 13V355000.
- PE12029Preliminary evaluation· opened Oct 2012, closed Jun 2013· Steering· model years 2011
Steering Shaft Universal Joint Failure
- PE11010Preliminary evaluation· opened Apr 2011, closed May 2011· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2010
Transmission Intermediate Driveshaft
Led to recall 11V258000.
NHTSA's own page for the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe has the complaint text and every document.
Common questions
Is the Hyundai Santa Fe reliable?
We don't score reliability: NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. What's on file for model years 2010 on: 4,773 owner complaints, 11 warranty extensions and 55 service campaigns Hyundai filed, and 33 safety recalls. The model years with the most complaints are 2017 (968), 2013 (605), 2014 (493). Whether a known problem was fixed on one car is what its service records show.
What are the most common problems with the Hyundai Santa Fe?
Across every model year since 2010, owners' complaints to NHTSA most often name engine (46%), transmission and drivetrain (16%), other or unspecified (12%). Hyundai has filed 11 warranty extensions covering the Santa Fe, listed on this page.
Which Santa Fe model years have the most complaints?
2017 (968), 2013 (605), 2014 (493). Complaint counts rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so compare years of the Santa Fe with each other rather than with other models.
Has Hyundai extended the warranty on the Santa Fe?
Yes: airbags (model years 2013–2019); other or unspecified (model years 2021–2023); engine (model years 2010–2012), and 8 more. A dealer does a covered repair for free within the extended time or mileage.
How do I check recalls on a Santa Fe?
Enter the car's 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. That answers for one vehicle; the 33 recalls listed here are for the model, and each covers only part of it.