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

We were at full stop with Auto Hold feature enabled. Car lurched / jumped forward with no depression of the gas pedal. This caused us to strike the car in front of us.

NHTSA ODI 11743508

I was driving down the road and came to a stop at a stop light. After accelerating again my car lost the ability to increase speed above 20 miles/hour and would not shift gears. I was heading to the turn lane to get on the interstate and quickly had to change lanes to find an area to pull over as I could not reach highway speeds. I turned the car off. I turned the car back on and the problem resolved. This is the second time this has happened. I have seen this problem mentioned dozens of time on Reddit message boards including Hyundai buybacks on some of these vehicles. It doesn't sound like Hyundai has any idea what is causing this issue. This issue should be looked into further.

NHTSA ODI 11741734

During on driving, engine stopped 3 or 4times since Jan/2025 Last time engine stopped yesterday around 6:30pm on 3/30/2026 at [XXX] between [XXX] and [XXX] in Los Angeles INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11728083

Oil pan leak.

NHTSA ODI 11727778

I am submitting this complaint regarding a safety-related incident involving my 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe on February 14, 2026. While driving, the vehicle suddenly began to overheat, creating an immediate safety hazard. I was close to my home and was able to return there safely, but once parked, I observed coolant leaking from the front of the vehicle. Due to the risk of further overheating or engine failure, the vehicle was not drivable and had to be towed to a local Hyundai dealership. At the time of the incident, the vehicle had fewer than 38,000 miles and was purchased brand new. Despite this, the dealership informed me that the repair would not be covered under warranty, claiming the radiator damage was caused by “road debris.” However, they did not provide any evidence of an impact, puncture, or external damage. The only documentation offered was a video showing coolant spewing from the radiator after a technician inserted an object into the grille. This video does not demonstrate any pre‑existing road damage or confirm that debris caused the failure. I requested proof of actual damage multiple times, including photographs or inspection notes showing an impact point, but none was provided. Without verifiable evidence of external damage, I am concerned that this may represent a premature component failure or a potential safety defect in the cooling system. The sudden overheating while driving, combined with the lack of substantiated cause, raises significant safety concerns for me and potentially for other owners of this model. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

NHTSA ODI 11722135

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.

NHTSA ODI 11703865

Was driving at 10 MPH on highway car began to cut out run rough and produce an extremely pungent smell of gasoline.. then stalled.. vehicle serviced and low pressure fuel injector had a leak causing fuel to spill onto the vehicles starter causing it to fail as well.. both were replaced under warranty by dealer. Highly concerned about fuel leaking from injector system onto a hot engine and electrical components and the aerosolized fuel. Police advised not to start vehicle due to fuel leaking and smell.

NHTSA ODI 11696368

My 2023 Santa Fe Limited has 3,000 mils on it. At least four times it had low speed hesitation (lags then revs up for a few seconds). It’s a problem with the DCT (Dual Clutch Tranny) Hesitation pulling onto a highway poses a significant risk of a faster car colliding into my car. I called my car dealer and the service manager said they know they are having problems with this. He said they tried everything to remedy the problem but, there is no solution. They said the only way not to have the problem is to get a different car!!! Hyundai should have a recall on this hesitation matter before someone gets injured or killed. It’s a safety issue. The last time it happened will be the date of my incident report.

NHTSA ODI 11690291

On [XXX] in Rehoboth, DE, my 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe experienced a sudden and complete power failure while reversing out of a parking spot. All electrical systems shut down—including propulsion, dashboard lights, and emergency brake—causing the vehicle to roll backward into oncoming traffic. No warning lights appeared beforehand. After about an hour, power returned on its own. A passing police officer witnessed the situation and a report was filed with the Rehoboth Beach Police Department. On September 6th, Hyundai service performed a diagnostic scan of the engine and transmission systems. No fault codes were found, and the issue could not be replicated. After sitting overnight, the vehicle restarted normally and passed a road test. The dealership documented the incident but returned the vehicle without repair, stating: “Cannot duplicate concern at this time.” I was advised to tow the vehicle in if the issue recurs and, if rolling occurs again, to use a wheel chock. I purchased this vehicle new in 2023. It has only 40,000 miles and is covered under a 10-year bumper-to-bumper warranty. A failure of this magnitude—especially during a basic maneuver like reversing—poses a serious safety risk. Despite the dealership’s inability to replicate the issue, I do not feel safe operating the vehicle until the root cause is identified and resolved. I am currently in the process of escalating to Hyundai corporate for further investigation, including a buyback review, replacement evaluation, or extended diagnostic protocol. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11686936

While driving the engine dropped to 10 mph and would not respond to the pedal inputs. It is available for inspection. Dropping to 10 mph in traffic on a roadway doing 70 mph or even 35 puts everyone on the roadway in danger. The problem was not reproduced but was comfirmed by the dealer who inspected and serviced it. There was no warning before it happened but the dash displayed many warnings and even sent out an email when the engine failed. This was the first of five times that it has happened.

NHTSA ODI 11671522

While driving the engine dropped to 10 mph and would not respond to the pedal inputs. It is available for inspection. Dropping to 10 mph in traffic on a roadway doing 70 mph or even 35 puts everyone on the roadway in danger. The problem was not reproduced but was comfirmed by the dealer who inspected and serviced it. There was no warning before it happened but the dash displayed many warnings and even sent out an email when the engine failed. This was the SECOND of five times that it has happened.

NHTSA ODI 11671527

While driving the engine dropped to 10 mph and would not respond to the pedal inputs. It is available for inspection. Dropping to 10 mph in traffic on a roadway doing 70 mph or even 35 puts everyone on the roadway in danger. The problem was not reproduced but was comfirmed by the dealer who inspected and serviced it. There was no warning before it happened but the dash displayed many warnings and even sent out an email when the engine failed. This was the THIRD of five times that it has happened so far.

NHTSA ODI 11671530

While driving the engine dropped to 10 mph and would not respond to the pedal inputs. It is available for inspection. Dropping to 10 mph in traffic on a roadway doing 70 mph or even 35 puts everyone on the roadway in danger. The problem was not reproduced but was comfirmed by the dealer who inspected and serviced it. There was no warning before it happened but the dash displayed many warnings and even sent out an email when the engine failed. This was the fourth of five times that it has happened so far.

NHTSA ODI 11671543

While driving the engine dropped to 10 mph and would not respond to the pedal inputs. It is available for inspection. Dropping to 10 mph in traffic on a roadway doing 70 mph or even 35 puts everyone on the roadway in danger. The problem was not reproduced but was comfirmed by the dealer who inspected and serviced it. There was no warning before it happened but the dash displayed many warnings and even sent out an email when the engine failed. This was the fifth of five times that it has happened so far.

NHTSA ODI 11671548

Engine died suddenly at various speeds and a beeping alarm was activated along with the Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine), Engine Oil Pressure, and Charging System warning lights on the instrument panel. The instrument panel also read, "Engine off! Shift to N, then start engine”. The car must then be coasted off the road to safety. When the car was brought to a stop, the Parking Brake and Brake Fluid warning light was illuminated alongside the other warning lights on the instrument panel. The instrument panel also showed that the car was in Neutral; none of the gear shift buttons were operable. Pressing the start/stop engine button restarted the car, removed all alarms and warning lights, and the car operated normally until the next occurrence. This scenario occurred five times: 4.05.25, 4.15.25 (twice), 4.22.25, and 5.28.25. The odometer readings were 12,250, 12421 and 12,425, 12,454, and 12,976, respectively. I have videos or photos of the instrument panel for all events but the first one, frightened as I was by that initial experience. The car was taken to Hyundai of North Charleston (HONC) for analysis 3 times: 4.16.25, 04.22.25, and 5.29.25. On 4.16.2025 the service advisor told me that they found 2 diagnostic codes, one of which related to the front radar, so it was replaced. I picked the car up on 4.22.25 and drove less than 3 miles when the problem recurred. I immediately returned to HONC. On this visit the front upper camera was replaced. My car was at HONC for 3 weeks waiting on the part and completing the installation. The problem reoccurred on 5.28.25 and the car was taken to HONC on 5.29.25 for inspection. On 5.30.25 the service advisor told me they didn't find any diagnostic codes and could not replicate the problem. The advisor said I could leave the car at HONC or they could "release" to me. I picked the car up on 5.31.25. Afraid to drive the car now, its use has been limited to necessary local trips on roads that have pullover access.

NHTSA ODI 11664508

On [XXX] I was on [XXX] in Houston, TX southbound in the Woodlands area when my vehicle warning light for overheating went on. I pulled over on [XXX] and contacted Vehicle Assistance and the vehicle was towed to my dealer, Northwest Houston Hyundai. There was damage to a tube in front of the radiator and a/c condenser. The damage to the tube was approximately 1/16 of an inch in diameter and supposedly was caused by debris entering through the front grille which is designed like a large egg carton. The dealer spokesperson informed me that they had seen many vehicles like mine (2023 Santa Fe) with the same type of damage. I have been trying to settle this with Hyundai but they feel it is normal road damage and that the wide open grille design that allows it is not their problem. I can't even get them to approve a third party screen to protect the engine radiator from further design. They will not answer the question as to whether or not installing this item will void the warranty or not. It's dangerous to break down on a manor highway in a manor city particularly for us senior citizens. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11662783

On [XXX], a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL (VIN: [XXX] ) spontaneously caught fire ~8 hours after parking, per fire report (Walla Walla Fire Dept.). The fire destroyed the hyundai santa fe sel engine compartment and totaled 5 vehicles with a total value of over $400,000 not including personal property to the parties involved. I was not the Hyundai’s renter/operator; the vehicle was rented by a third party from Enterprise. Despite no active recall for this VIN, the vehicle contained: Mando ABS module, Mando EPS module similar to known defective parts of the same year, and Hyundai Mobis tow hitch harness, all of which have known defect/recall history in similar make/Model equivalent vehicles. This case may involve VIN exclusion errors or latent product defects similar to recent defects INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11659653

On two separate occasions, I was a stop light in high traffic. I was unable to drive my vehicle when the light turn green because of  no power. A message display prompting me to "shift to P or N to start engine." Unfortunately, that didn't work. I had to sit there for a few mins, signaling other motorists to go around me. Eventually, I had to restart my vehicle. I panicked because I felt unsafe as I was blocking traffic. I took my vehicle to the dealer and was told that there were no code  after the diagnostic test but yet the technician told me the door on the driver side is not aligned and I need to take it to a mechanic. I never got any alert that my door is open so that diagnosis didn't make sense. I took my vehicle le to the mechanic to check the alignment of the door who in return told me that there was no issue with my alignment. I am scared to drive my vehicle because I don't want to cause an accident.

NHTSA ODI 11657236

The purchase price was $35,800. As of today, I have paid a total of $24,590. The vehicle has a manufacturing defect that has significantly impacted its performance. The engine has been problematic, as it appears to be consuming oil, and it often fails to start on the first attempt, requiring me to press the button multiple times. The most concerning issue is that the car can unexpectedly shut off while I am driving. Additionally, there is an abnormal noise coming from the engine. I consider this situation serious, as it poses a significant risk to my safety. These symptoms appear on January 13/2025. I want to emphasize that I have completed all scheduled maintenance on time. I filled out reports regarding this issue, and I have attached two reports that confirm the vehicle is consuming 2 quarts of oil per 1,000 miles, vehicle is consuming oil due manufacturing defect. These reports were given to me by Safford Hyundai.

NHTSA ODI 11650089

The car has shut down unexpectedly for at least six times while driving at roads and highways. When this happens, engine stalls and nothing works and all alarms and check lights turn on and activated. Driver has to pull the car to the roadside which cannot be imagined when in a highway with all cars driving at 65-70mpH and the car suddenly slows down to stop. The other problem is that when the car is turned off and on again, all alarm and faults go away, and it can be driven again! It clears all safety and alarm checks and lights and behaves like nothing has happened. Car was bought on June2023. The first incident happened on Aug2023 and the next one on Sep2023. The next incidents on Feb2024, Sep2024, Nov2024 and the most recent on March 2025. The car has taken to the Sport Durst Hyundai dealership (Durham, NC) after incidents, however dealership did not perform any repairs in first four times claiming they could not duplicate the incident! (service reports attached for 3) After the third incident, we opened a case with Hyundai company trying to invoke the Lemon law, but our request did not go through despite all evidence we provided. Shamefully, their final suggestion to us was to sell the car! This was around March/Apr 2024. (Final decision letter attached) On fifth time, the driver did not shut down the car and towed it to the dealership while leaving electrical system on. They checked the car and claimed they found the cause and changed a part from car claiming it has been fixed. This was on Nov.2024. At the time we did not notice but, apparently that was a lie to make us quiet. The last time (sixth time) the same incident happened on [XXX]. The car was towed to dealership and is left there. We do have all screenshots from engine failures, although the dealership tried to wipe the history at some point. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11648250

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

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

Driving at a low speed and blind spot warning light comes on, then all warnings light up and car loses all power and goes into limp mode. Engine light stays on, but will start back up after it is shut off, open and shut car door and restart. Engine light stays on. Has happened to me three or four times. In the past, the engine light will eventually go off before I can get it to the dealership. Hyundai said they couldn’t duplicate the problem last time it was taken in, so nothing could be done. Gives error code P063512 each time and says EMS which I assume means emissions.

NHTSA ODI 11612685

Driving up steep hill to my mom’s house car would not drive up, as it hesitated I pressed gas pedal to no avail. I turned off car, got out & nothing was blocking me. Turned car back on & accelerated, this time it went forward.

NHTSA ODI 11603655