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

Vehicle stalled while driving — unsafe loss of power. While driving at normal speed, the vehicle suddenly shut off without warning and the electrical system malfunctioned. I had to pull over and restart car. This created a dangerous situation and could have caused a collision. Prior to this incidenct, the vehicle had intermittent electrical issues during startup (flickering electronics). This is the first time the car has experienced during driving, and is now at the Hyundai dealership. The car has been reported as unsafe to drive. This appears similar to other Hyundai stalling/power loss issues and may indicate a developing safety defect. Requesting investigation.

NHTSA ODI 11746699

Hyundai Corporate is refusing to ground or provide alternative transportation for a documented, warranty-covered engine cooling fault (Code P2181), creating a highway stalling risk. Hyundai's legal compliance team reviews these logs daily.

NHTSA ODI 11740547

While running errands around town, I noticed my 2023 Sante Fe 2.5T was sluggish shifting out of first gear into second. The RPMS revved to about 3K before the transmission shifted into 2nd. I didn't notice any problem shifting into 3rd and above. I drove to a gas station for fuel and shut off my car. When I started it and began to drive, I received an immediate warning to take the car to a dealer and the check engine light came on. The car had the same problem getting out of 1st gear at each of the traffic signals I got caught at on my way to the dealership about 2 miles away. The following day, the service department contacted me and determined I needed a new transmission due to the failure of the Dual Clutch electric high pressure oil pump in the transmission. They submitted a parts request and Hyundai approved a refurbished DCT warranty replacement. The transmission only has 50200 miles on it I am second owner but the car was a CPO so I have full warranty coverage. I was given a loaner under Hyundai' warranty provisions. My main concern is that although this vehicle is a 2023 Sante Fe, it was put in service around August of 2022 and would therefore have the same transmission as the 2021 and 2022s covered under Hyundai recall 236, but this has yet to be acknowledged as far as I know. Please investigate my situation and consider further requirements of Hyundai! Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11740635

Shifter malfunction has appeared since I bought the vehicle new. Once I took it in, they said it was the software. The vehicle now skipped and hesitate in the lower gears. When in high gears ride fine. But once it stops and start driving again, lower gears won’t drive properly. Drives with hesitation and skips.

NHTSA ODI 11740013

On March 4, 2026, at approximately 7:30 AM EST, while driving my 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited on [XXX] , the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of propulsion while traveling at approximately 70 mph (posted speed limit). The vehicle would not accelerate or maintain speed and would not move forward when placed in drive, indicating a failure within the powertrain/transmission system. The vehicle is currently located at a Hyundai dealership and is available for inspection upon request. This incident created a significant safety risk, as I was traveling at highway speed in active traffic when the vehicle unexpectedly lost the ability to move under its own power. This placed me at risk of being rear-ended and made it difficult to safely maneuver out of traffic. The vehicle was inspected by a Hyundai dealership. Diagnostic trouble code P284001 (Shift Fork “D” Position) was identified, and I was informed the failure is transmission-related. The condition was reproduced by placing the vehicle in drive, at which point the vehicle would not move. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership. The manufacturer has been notified but has not physically inspected the vehicle. No police or insurance inspection was involved. There were no warning lights, messages, or prior symptoms before the failure. The issue occurred suddenly without any indication of a problem. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11728065

On 6/7/2023 with the original owner, the vehicle displayed code P1c2D03, according to carfax history the transmission was replaced 7/12/2023. I purchased the vehicle in May, 2025. In December, 2025, while driving to work I experienced intermittent loss of ability to accelerate, followed by the vehicle again displaying code P1C2D03 in the Bluelink app. The dealership performed a software update and told me to come get my car. On Monday, February 16, 2026, I started the vehicle and the dash displayed "Transmission error. Check transmission fluid immediately!", I again had it towed to the dealership where it has remained for the past three weeks. Now I have been called again to pick up the vehicle as the dealership cannot duplicate the error. At this time I am unsure if the service center actually checked the transmission fluid as the warning indicated should be done.

NHTSA ODI 11722808

Component/System Failure: The electronic throttle control system malfunctioned. The vehicle is reporting powertrain diagnostic trouble codes P2118 and P2101 through the Hyundai manufacturer mobile application (Bluelink), indicating an electronic throttle actuator / throttle control motor issue. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: This malfunction poses a safety risk because it can cause sudden loss of throttle response, reduced engine power (limp mode), or stalling while driving. Loss of throttle control increases the risk of a crash, especially in traffic or at intersections. Reproduction / Confirmation: The issue is ongoing. The check engine light remains illuminated and the fault codes continue to be displayed in the Hyundai mobile application. The problem has not yet been diagnosed by a dealership due to lack of immediate service availability. Inspections Performed: The vehicle has not yet been inspected by a Hyundai dealership or the manufacturer due to delayed service appointments. No inspections have been performed by police or insurance representatives. Warning Indicators / Symptoms: The check engine light illuminated and remains on. Diagnostic trouble codes P2118 and P2101 are displayed in the Hyundai mobile application. The warning light first appeared in late January 2026. Current Vehicle Condition: The vehicle is considered unsafe to drive due to the active electronic throttle control fault and risk of sudden loss of power.

NHTSA ODI 11713618

The vehicle cannot pick up speed, and it is displaying the DTC- P1C2D03. This is similar to the issues that led to "Safety Recall 236 to repair a condition involving the 8-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) system" in earlier model years (till 2022) for certain Hyundai and Kia vehicles. NHTSA should issue a recall for 2023 model years also as Hyundai has not addressed this issue to the fullest extent in 2023 model years.

NHTSA ODI 11704184

From a complete stop when pressing the accelerator, the vehicle does nothing. This can last 1 second or in longer episodes it can last 4-5 seconds. No lights on the dash. It’s random and happens sporadically. But when it’s bad, you have enough lag to count to 5 and turn on the hazards

NHTSA ODI 11678655

There was a recall on the 21-22 santa fe for a issue with the transmission oil pump failure. I have a 23 which is not part of the recall but this is exactly what happened to me and now the transmission has failed completely with 68,000 miles

NHTSA ODI 11667049

Front brake failure at 3k miles. Rotors warped so badly they failed to properly stop the vehicle. Vehicle shaking immensely Transmission failure at 11k miles. While vehicle is in Drive mode the transmission is stuck in first gear and will not shift. The tachometer was redlining at 6k I had to use the paddle shifters to get the transmission to shift. I was driving the vehicle as a manual transmission when I own an automatic.

NHTSA ODI 11661759

Early March 2025 the vehicle was put car in park, got out of car to close yard gate, turned around to walk back to car but car was rolling forward and hit the flat bed trailer causing approximately $5000 in damage. It was put in park before getting out but jumped gear before getting back in. Another common problem is slamming the emergency brake on when attempting to drive. Was at a red lite left turn stop sign with foot on the brake. When the light turned green took foot off brake & put foot on accelerator to go forward, the car slammed the emergency brake on. This has happened approx 6 times in the 1-1/2 years of ownership.

NHTSA ODI 11661942

Transmission caused vehicle to loose speed on grade posted speed 70mph I could not get over 35 Transmission stuck in 3 gear or would stay in 8th gear unable to gain speed almost got rear-ended vehicle has a 8 speed automatic transmission it will not shift properly loss of power account improper gear for speed

NHTSA ODI 11659118

When accelerating from a stop, my car will not go over 20 mph. It just revs up like it’s not changing gears . I have to pull over and park it. It runs fine afterwards. This does not happen all the time. Usually it happens once a month. It’s been to the dealership 3 times. They drive it around the block and tell us that they can’t replicate the problem. Therefore, they don’t troubleshoot anything and return the car to me. I’m truly scared to drive it. I wrecked twice at a red light intersection.

NHTSA ODI 11656285

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

The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 55,917.

NHTSA ODI 11647907

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

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

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

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

There is an extreme amount of hesitation/delay from when you depress the accelerator and when the vehicle accelerates. I have had multiple incidences (both from a complete stop and while already moving) where I depress the accelerator and there is a concerning amount of lag time before the vehicle initiates movement. This has almost led to multiple accidents. This defect happens in all drive modes. This issue appears to have gotten worse over the time we have owned the vehicle. We did not notice this issue earlier on. We bought the vehicle brand new in Dec. 23.

NHTSA ODI 11599523

Several times lately of extended crank. Saturday evening, car had been parked for 4 hours, did remote start and had extended crank of about 2 seconds. Car ran for about 3 minutes before we left. We left home and hit main road, tried to accelerate and vehicle seemed to go into limp mode. Would keep cutting the fuel out if tried to accelerate even above 40 mph. No check engine light came on. Put in neutral, could not get above about 3500 rpm. Vehicle was in smart mode where decides which mode to be in (normal, fuel economy or sport), when would try to accelerate it would try to change to sport as it knew power was not there. Was on a 6 lane highway and could not get up to speed. Finally was able to pull to side of road, shut engine off, waited a few seconds, restarted and issue went away, still no check engine light. I have contacted my local dealer, they said they have seen on another vehicle, was not sure of outcome, having service manager call me. Lots of complaints online forums of similar issues.

NHTSA ODI 11596090