What 199 owners told NHTSA about the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid

Took vehicle to the dealership on Jan 3, 2025 for the 15k mile oil change. They informed me they completed the multi-point inspection, with no issues discovered. Jan 10, 2025 I attempted to us the horn and discovered it didn't work, so I immediately went back to the dealership and scheduled a service, to troubleshoot the horn. Jan 20, 2025 dealership discovered both horns were defective and replaced both. Very strange for both horns to die so early.

NHTSA ODI 11637536

The sunroof glass violently shattered/exploded while driving the vehicle. The manufacturer claims the window meets current standards and is not defective. The curtain or fabric cover was extended covering the glass panel otherwise the driver would have been covered with broken glass.

NHTSA ODI 11636486

In January, 2024, my vehicle (2023 Hyundai Santa Fe) started shuddering when brakes were applied at high speed, on quick or hard stops, in stop and go traffic, and especially going downhill. I had only been driving the vehicle for about 5 months. I took the vehicle to an independent mechanic, who explained that my front rotors had burn spots. He recommended that I have them resurfaced. I did not want to pay for the problem to be fixed when I believed it was a factory defect and should be covered by warranty. I asked the Mission Hills Hyundai dealership Service Department to investigate and correct the problem, because I felt that my family's safety was jeopardized by faulty brakes. They showed me the burn spots on the front rotors and recommended resurfacing. They said I could wait for the pads to wear down and do the resurfacing at the same time as the pad replacement. Their estimate for resurfacing was higher than the one from my mechanic. I found a Hyundai Technical Service Bulletin, Number 23-BR-004H, which described the exact defects of my vehicle. I returned to the dealership with the TSB in February, 2024. They replaced the two defective front rotors and front disc pads at no charge. The shuddering was no longer evident, and I thought the problem was resolved. However, 10 months later in December, 2024, I once again experienced the shuddering while braking on the freeway while going downhill and when slowing for stops from high speed. Since I had been told that the new rotors and pads were covered by warranty for 5 years or 60,000 miles, I returned to the dealership on 1/16/25 and asked them to evaluate the brakes again. They said that the front rotors again had burn spots. They once again recommended resurfacing at a cost of $249. I reminded them that there was a warranty on the new parts, they claimed that the only warranty was for the original parts that had been replaced. They agreed to resurface no charge. Please investigate and respond to my complaint.

NHTSA ODI 11636536

The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the horn was inoperative. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the horn needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 7,600.

NHTSA ODI 11634597

The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the message "Shifter System Malfunction - Service Immediately" was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into the park or reverse. The contact activated the parking brake and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 18,192.

NHTSA ODI 11634425

While travelling at highway speed, attempted to accelerate to pass slow traffic. Rather than accelerating, the car hunted for a gear, and wouldn't shift properly. The car downshifted but engine would not go beyond 4000 RPM and speed remained the same. This has happened multiple times. By unexpectedly not accelerating, this created a risky situation by not allowing car to pass slower traffic as expected creating a potentially dangerous situation. (Video of one of the instances exists). No warning lamps, messages or symptoms occurred up to that point. Car was brought to dealer but since no codes were contained in the computer, they said there was no trouble found.

NHTSA ODI 11632756

Automobile approached and stopped at stop sign. When accelerator pressed to continue, car remained in place, shuddering (as if transmission were slipping),and making significant noise. Car would not shift out of gear, nor move. Operator shut off car and then restarted car. Car started normally and was in park without shuddering. Expectations at busy intersection was that it was my turn to move and did not do so, creating doubt on what my car might do next. Traffic flow was briefly confused and some drivers honked and were unsure what they should do. This could have caused an accident with an impatient driver re-ending my car, or with others going through the intersection "out of turn" and unclear on my situation. No lights or other warnings were displayed before this incident. It has not re-ocurred. I brought into the dealer who had no other reports of this type of behavior.

NHTSA ODI 11632758

Horn Failed. Would not sound, making it impossible to warn people if car might hit them or their vehicles or about any other issue they would need timely reporting about. Car was brought into dealer and 2 horns assemblies were replaced as non-functional

NHTSA ODI 11632762

I purchased my 2023 Santa Fe brand new off the show room floor in Jan 2024. After about 6k miles when braking on the highway the entire vehicle would shudder and shake including the steering wheel. I took it into the dealership where I was informed this is a KNOWN ISSUE with this year/make/model with the rotors. They claimed they would turn the rotors but if the issue persists they would replace them. About 2k miles later (apx 2 months) the shuddering happened AGAIN. So I made an apt to get them replaced where the new service tech tried to tell me again this is a KNOWN ISSUE but now I would be responsible for a $250 replacement of the rotors. I refused to pay as they are within the 12k or 1 year warranty and they refused to replace them. That service tech also said the day prior he had to deliver that news to 4 OTHER patrons about the replacement of their rotors. I feel extremely unsafe in this vehicle and the issue is still not fixed as I have a claim in process with the manufacture directly. The claim was put in on 12/7/24 where I was told I would be contacted within 2-3 BUSINESS DAYS by a manager due to my claim being escalated. It is now 12/15/24 and still NO CONTACT from Hyundai. The vehicle shuddering is increasingly worse and worse and I feel very unsafe in this suv.

NHTSA ODI 11630804

Just purchased the vehicle one week ago. I bought it used from a Hyundai dealer. Just discovered that the horns don't work, either the high tone or the low tone. I discovered it when I went to use the horn to alert a driver who was coming into my lane, pushed the horn on the steering wheel and nothing! I've checked the fuse and it is fine. Internet research shows this to be a prolific problem with Hyundai's. Because the horns don't work, neither does the alarm system. I tested by pushing the panic button on the key fob. The lights flash, like the alarm is trying to fully work, except the horns don't sound. I will be bringing it to the dealer as it is still under warranty.

NHTSA ODI 11629532

Shuddering Issue with Current Vehicle: - Problem: Progressive shuddering during take-off, accelerating, slowing down, and braking uphill.

NHTSA ODI 11629441

First- it has been reported to dealer at least twice when car was in for other service. They said they could not reproduce. When speeding back up from a stop on near stop, especially in a right turn, the engine will not accelerate. After a second or two it finally takes off. During this time, I fear getting hit by another vehicle, either from behind or to the side. It is very scary and puts me and my passengers at great risk! There was no warning indication at all. The date mentioned was the most recent time, but the issue has been happening since the car was brand new. Again, NO help from the dealer.

NHTSA ODI 11628751

Emergency brakes engage while driving for no apparent reason. This has happened on several occasions over the last 6 months.

NHTSA ODI 11628701

The seat belt in the middle seat of the second row did not work. And it was not fastened. So when braking, my child was thrown toward the center console. I think it's a big safety issue if the seat belt doesn't work.

NHTSA ODI 11623717

The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 65 MPH and depressing the brake pedal to slow for a vehicle that had passed and switched into the lane she was driving, the vehicle was shuddering. The contact stated that as soon as she had stopped depressing the brake pedal the shuddering ceased. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the shuddering when the brake pedal was depressed was intermittent but was recurring at various speeds while slowing down. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 18,756.

NHTSA ODI 11621783

Brake rotors warped. Beginning at approximately 5k miles, the steering began exhibiting a juddering upon applying braking. Over time, the juddering became more pronounced. At approximately 15k miles, I took the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer confirmed that the brake rotors were warped. The defective brake components put my safety at risk, as well as the safety of my passengers and others traveling on the road by impairing my ability to safely stop the vehicle and impairing my ability to safely operate the vehicle while braking. There were no safety lights or warnings. I am aware that there has been a technical service bulletin for this exact issue for this model/year vehicle. Neither Hyundai nor the dealer ever altered me to the possibility that the brake rotors might warp due to defective components. Hyundai has thus far refused to cover the full cost of repairs, totaling over $1,400.00.

NHTSA ODI 11621614

Currently have 518 Diagnostic History Codes (DTC)in memory. Additionally, I have 3 Active DTC’s. The codes are: DTC C160C87 DTC System CHASSIS DTC Sub System LKAS, and DTC C160C87 DTC System CHASSIS DTC Sub System SCC, and DTC C163881 DTC system CHASSIS DTC Sub System SCC FIRST OCCURRENCE: during actual assembly in Montgomery, AL plant. I have asked three Hyundai Service dealers for help. All have tried. Noting noted that contributes to the issues above. At first, my dealer replaced the front camera. Was told it was a heating issue. I have contacted Hyundai BLUELINK service for help. An information report was filed, TWICE. The first report I received feedback that Hyundai’s engineers had corrected the issue. On the following day, the codes returned. A second concern was filed with Hyundai BLUELINK. Hyundai Motor America Case#: [XXX] to wit: “Thank you for contacting Hyundai Motor America. We are in receipt of your e-mail and one of our representatives will get back to you shortly. Sincerely, Hyundai Motor America” Is my vehicle going to fail and cause me injury while operating it on an Interstate highway? This is quite concerning as I drive my car. All I want from Hyundai is to get this issue repaired. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11621650

SAFETY ISSUE: EXPLODING SUNROOF While driving my 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited to work approximately at 6:15AM CST on 9/30/2024 on I-170 southbound in St. Louis, MO, the panoramic sunroof exploded. Car systems did not contain an indicator light or alert that the sunroof was stressed and about to explode. No debris (stone, rock, tree branch, item falling off a car or truck) or falling bird causing this sunroof damage. After the sunroof explosion, I continued driving. No other damage to my automobile or any other car on highway.

NHTSA ODI 11617486

The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle failed to respond or accelerate as intended. The vehicle started to decelerate and lost motive power. The contact steered the vehicle to the shoulder and parked the vehicle. After restarting the vehicle, the failure was self-corrected, and the vehicle operated normally. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred several months later. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 9,500.

NHTSA ODI 11617311

The vehicle's software update initiates upon start-up without the option to delay to a different time. The three updates I've received this year have taken 20-30 minutes each to complete, while I'm traveling. These updates disable hands-free calling, all media and GPS. I can't confirm if any other vehicle safety components are disabled. I don't use them. I contacted my dealer and they stated that's how it works, and there is no option to delay the update. When the update initiates it states the update can continue without the vehicle "ON". Wouldn't it be safer to have the ability to schedule it to a later time when the vehicle isn't being used? Similar to a cellphone update?

NHTSA ODI 11616351

I purchased a 2023 SantaFe brand new mid-January, In June I noticed an issue with the car. I called Steele Hyundai in June to get an appointment and was told by Margarita that they didn’t have availability until September. REALLY. So, I went online and filled out an appointment and got an earlier appointment for August. Crazy Right? I then contacted Hyundai corporate to file a complaint, and was given a case number and Tina is the case worker. I brought the car in on [XXX] and left it there till [XXX]. Problem ended up a transmission needed replacement. WOW, quality!! I picked the car up on that Friday and it sat in the garage during labor day weekend. I first got back in the vehicle on Tuesday, [XXX] and knew immediately it wasn’t fixed. I decided to go to a different dealership for service World Car Hyundai in San Antonio and made an appointment for [XXX]. I called [XXX], spoke with Todd and explained needing a loaner. He asked me what I was bringing it in for, told him I had the transmission replaced. He said to give it a week to get the computer to adjust to my driving. SAY WHAT? So, I did and no bueno. I called again on Thursday, [XXX] to bring it in to World Car and spoke with Justin and made an appointment for Tuesday [XXX]. On Saturday, [XXX], we took the car to Austin for my husband to determine what he thought, he said, “this car isn’t drivable”. On Monday, [XXX], I cancelled my appointment for World Car because Todd said Steele knows the history of what work they did, and it would be best. My husband dropped the car off at Steele on Monday without an appointment. The service director Rene is familiar with my vehicle and today when I called him about the car, he said it’s the TRANSMISSION AGAIN. My question is what is wrong with the quality of the engineering or the quality of the service technology. I DON’T trust this car, I need a SOLUTION. I need an answer. I need you to fix this problem with this C INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11615631

The forward collision warning system engages and slows the car, often very abruptly, when on the highway and only when cruise control is on. It happens after we have been on the highway for a few hours, thus the dealer cannot reproduce the incident. It happens a few times on every road trip and is very disturbing when there are no other vehicles or obstacles in the road or nearby. We have reported this to the dealer several times and they can find nothing wrong. I provided a photo to the dealer of the dashboard showing the cruise control on, the forward collision system DISENGAGED, and the forward collision warning activated. Dealer states they have recalibrated the system but can replace no parts unless a part is found to be faulty. The latest suggestion yesterday from the dealer was to "get out" of the car before the issue gets worse.

NHTSA ODI 11615547

Vehicle sun/moon roof exploded/shattered while driving on the highway with no apparent external cause. Sunroof was closed, driving middle lane, slightly below speed limit. Fortunately the material blind was closed otherwise the glass could have struck the occupants. Drove to manufacturer dealership who insisted it was a stone and not a manufacturer defect and to claim through insurance, which means a $1000 excess. I know this happens on various vehicles, noted on many forums.

NHTSA ODI 11615245

I was driving the car moving in reverse to exit my driveway. I placed the car in Park and while the engine was running I exited the car. Upon exiting the car, the car immediately started to roll forward and crashed through my garage door leveling it to the ground. The car continued moving forward into the garage and came to a stop blocked by built in shelving at the back end of the garage. I could have been injured had the car started to roll while I was exiting the car or had some been in front of the car. No warning lamps or messages prior to the incident. The car has a safety feature if moving in Drive or Reverse and the driver door is opened the car shifts into Park. That feature failed. The car was inspected by a Hyundai dealer and claim no error codes found and dismissed any other information as provided in this report

NHTSA ODI 11615246

The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the horn was inoperable. The lower horn sound had dissipated. Then shortly after the higher horn stopped working. There was no sound when the horn pad was depressed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who informed the contact about the cost for the repair, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, opened a case, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

NHTSA ODI 11612991