What 67 owners told NHTSA about the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Hev

While driving at highway speeds (59–75 mph), the vehicle suddenly lost propulsion power and entered a reduced-speed “limp mode,” rapidly decelerating and creating a dangerous traffic situation. The dashboard displayed a “Hybrid Power Control Unit” warning along with audible alarms. During the second incident, the vehicle failed to shut off when the engine stop button was pressed. Multiple adult witnesses were in the vehicle on each dangerous traffic situation.

NHTSA ODI 11714689

Sitting at stoplight and attempted to go. Car wouldn’t go above 10mph even with pedal all the way down. Drove for a bit trying to figure out what was wrong. Then flashing red lights and beeping telling me to pull over safely. Pulled over and turned the car off. Restarted and car said charge battery. Apparently this is called “limp mode” and happens when there is something seriously wrong with the car in order to prevent further damage. Very dangerous to not be able to go about 10mph on the highway. Took to dealership. Vehicle isn’t throwing any codes and blue link shows nothing of the incident. Dealership supposedly checked battery and connections. Nothing done

NHTSA ODI 11709080

Supplemental Update – Ongoing Safety Concerns and Extended Loss of Use Since submitting my initial complaint, my leased Hyundai vehicle (VIN [XXX] ) has now been presented for service for the third time for the same unresolved safety-related issues. The vehicle has been held by the dealership for eight (8) consecutive days during this service visit with no resolution and no clear timeline for return. Safety concerns remain unresolved, including: Persistent toxic/chemical odor inside the cabin Random rear hatch opening while vehicle is parked and locked Repeated false “windows open” alerts Electrical/body control system irregularities To date, I have not been provided with documentation confirming that cabin air quality testing, exhaust intrusion testing, or comprehensive electrical diagnostics have been performed. These unresolved conditions present ongoing safety risks and loss of use. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11708797

Started car, reading paperwork and suddenly my car went into Neutral bycitself and rolled backwards in a parking lot. Thank goodness no one was walking behind my car. This is the 2nd time it has happened. Additionally, twice previously, my car screen blacked off. 1 other time while sitting at a traffic light, the car shut off. I have been patient but now I'm afraid ti drive this car with only 2,650 miles on it.

NHTSA ODI 11707089

I was stopped at a red light. When the light turned green, I proceeded to apply the gas and accelerate. I quickly noticed that the vehicle began accelerating at a faster rate than I was intending. The vehicle continued to accelerate without me applying my foot to the gas pedal. Nothing would stop the continued acceleration (application of brake). I crashed into the rear of a vehicle in my lane going approximately 50-60mph (estimate). I am unsure what the issue was that resulted in this crash. In doing some internet searching, it seems it could have something to do with the transition from electric to gas when I was stopped temporarily at the intersection. It could have been a faulty sensor (throttle position) or software glitch. These components have not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. The crash resulted in the airbags being deployed, I was taken to the hospital with a likely concussion and moderate injuries to my chest and hand. The vehicle that I rear ended was a [XXX] woman with a [XXX] old in the vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11707043

Description of the Problem: I own a 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Limited with approximately 3 months of use. While driving on highway, the vehicle suddenly stalled displaying “Hybrid System Failure-Stop by side”. I had to stop on shoulder and restart, drove it couple of days and it happened again. Engine would not start, leaving the vehicle stuck in EV mode only with no ability to accelerate properly, Vehicle wouldnt go beyond 35mph. The vehicle then stalled and became unsafe to operate on a public road. After restarting, the vehicle displayed a Check Engine Light. Tookk it to the dealer and the dealer reported DTC P1122000, but did not provide clear evidence of an internal system fault. The dealer claimed the event was caused by “20% ethanol in the fuel,” which is inconsistent with U.S. pump labeling laws. When I checked my credit card entries around the time for refuel, all of them are reputed gas stations with nothing lower than "87" gas which is in alignment with car manufacturer's recommendation. This sudden stall created a serious safety hazard, and I am concerned this may be a broader issue with the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid drivetrain, fuel system sensors, or hybrid control module. I am requesting NHTSA to look into whether similar complaints exist, as this failure mode can result in loss of propulsion at speed, putting occupants at risk.

NHTSA ODI 11703527

On August 8, I was traveling to work on the interstate. The car started losing speed even though my foot was on the accelerator. I was unable to get the car above 30 mph despite having my foot on the accelerator. I exited the interstate to try and find a safe place to pull over. I parked the car, turned it off, restarted it and attempted to drive it. The problem continued. There were no icons or alerts showing up on the dashboard of the car to alert me that there was an issue. The vehicle has been at the dealership for repair for over 100 days. They will not communicate with me about the issue or provide updates.

NHTSA ODI 11700098

SantaFe Hybrid Calligraphy 2025 with about 9000 miles purchased new from Hyundai dealer. Several times and unpredictably, the vehicle loses power while driving mostly on highway 60-70 mph. operator can push the gas pedal to the floor and the car does not accelerate more than about 25 mph. My wife was on an off ramp with no shoulder to pull off. Very dangerous situation. A message on the dash states to "park and let battery charge". The battery is suppose to charge itself while the gasoline engine is operating.A search engine query reveals many folks are experiencing this same situation.

NHTSA ODI 11697767

My 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid has experienced repeated, dangerously abrupt power loss while driving at highway speeds, causing the vehicle to go into "limp mode" without any warning or prior indication. This safety hazard occurred on three separate occasions: First Incident: 7/29/25; Mileage: 9,205. Situation: While traveling at 70 MPH on the interstate, the vehicle suddenly decelerated to 35 MPH and entered "limp mode" without any warning lights or notifications. Dealer Repair: Replaced ignition coil assembly (Parts: 27301R1H, 27301-2M417). Second Incident: 8/27/25; Mileage: 12,898 Situation: While accelerating to 65 MPH on the interstate, the same loss of power and abrupt forced deceleration occurred, again with no warning. This sudden loss of speed created a serious safety hazard for me and other drivers. Dealer Repair: Replaced fuel pump & O Ring Assy-High Pressure (Parts: 35326-2M500, 35305-2m414 LH). Third Incident: 9/25/25; Mileage: 14,830. Situation: Traveling at 70 MPH on the interstate, the car abruptly decelerated, again entering limp mode. This caused surrounding vehicles to swerve to avoid rear-ending me, putting myself and others at risk. Dealer Repair: Replaced High Pressure Sensor (3534202M400), Packing Fuel Pump (31115-0W000), and Fuel Pump and Tube Assy (31119-L1400). In all three cases, there was never any warning light, check engine notification, or app alert before the incident. Hyundai and my dealership confirmed and replicated the issue during each repair. I have reported the vehicle to the Texas DMV, Hyundai and the dealer.These recurring “limp mode” incidents have repeatedly jeopardized my safety, my family’s safety, and the safety of the public due to the sudden, unanticipated loss of power at high speeds. Since the underlying issue persists and has required three separate major repairs, I am fearful for my safety while operating this vehicle and believe it constitutes a serious safety defect needing federal investigation.

NHTSA ODI 11692982

The driver assistance warning system continuosly goes into shutdown mode. Eye monitoring system always states that you are not keeping your eyes on the road. I have tried using different glasses or no glasses. Changing the steering wheel settings also seem to have no effect. This is very dangerous as it will start decelerating and stopping in the middle of a freeway in heavy traffic when this warning is activated. This only happens with the lane keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control are on. Hyundai issued Technical service bulletin 25-GI-001H, but they did not solve the problem

NHTSA ODI 11691077

Vehicle was in driveway for 3 days. When I got into vehicle to drive I saw the windshield had a large crack on driver’s side approximately 16” long. No vandalism or rock damage caused this problem. Has to be a stress fracture.

NHTSA ODI 11689156

Driver attention warning system constantly gives aggravating notices of "suggest take a break" with chiming sound when driving with or without sunglasses or other glasses. I cannot use cruise control. I have tried several different sunglass types with no success. After first warning, goes off every 4 minutes, either cancelling cruise control when I am using it or just causing annoying aggravation which takes my attention off the road. I cannot turn this feature off. It is so aggravating that it draws my attention from the road ahead and impacts my patience while driving. Due to eye condition, I must use sunglasses while driving in sun. Hyundai did not make this limitation clear when I was buying the vehicle, and they refuse to do anything about it now.

NHTSA ODI 11688197

My wife was parking our vehicle near the front of our home, simply rolling forward toward the car in front of her to complete parking on the left side of the street when the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated on its own. The vehicle turned hard to the right, struck the bumper of the parked car she was pulling up behind, continued right across the traffic lane where it hit two parked cars on the other side of the street with significant impact, lifting and turning one onto the sidewalk, at which point our vehicle went across the sidewalk and stopped after hitting a fence. The forward collision avoidance that we have experienced engaging previously, never engaged, despite hitting multiple vehicles on the lefft side and then right side of the street. The collision avaoidance alarms that we have experienced sounding previously, also never went off. The airbags never deployed, despite hitting 3 cars at two different sides of the street, as well as an iron fence that never moved. The vehicle went from traveling less than 5 mph while completing the last few feet of parking to a high rate of acceleration within a path of less than 40 feet, as evidenced by the significant damage it left. Had my wife not come to a stop as quickly as she did, she could have been seriously injured. If anyone had been on the sidewalk - there are 3 shcools on this block that children are often present - someone could have been killed. The vehicle is currently at a body shop being evaluated by insurance adjuster and likely a total loss. We reported tot the manufacturer and they intend to repsond to us by 9/16 and inspect the vehicle in its current state.

NHTSA ODI 11686958

The contact owns a 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the Forward Attention Warning (FAW) system activated. Shortly afterward, the message "System Shutting Off" was displayed, and the Automatic Emergency Braking System briefly engaged, jerking the vehicle and dramatically reducing its speed of the vehicle but not to a complete stop. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the vehicle was functioning as designed but informed the contact that his wife's glasses may be interfering with the Forward Attention Warning (FAW) system's eye detection ability to monitor her eyes. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 13,000.

NHTSA ODI 11686049

The “consider taking a break” warning comes on far too much and has almost made me wreck twice due to being startled.

NHTSA ODI 11681474

Vehicle unable to recognize face when wearing sunglasses and disables all driver assist aids, including turning off the cruise control

NHTSA ODI 11681094

I purchased a new 2025MY Hyundai Santafe Hybrid. Since the day of my purchase there has been a constant error message that is displayed on dash saying "Driver attention warning system failure". this light stays on constantly and disables cruise control and adapative cruise system. This affects the usability of the vehicles. WHen asked Hyundai they say, drivers arent expected to wear sunglass if this system has to work properly, they even say constant blinking will cause system to fail and disable cruise control. This is a serious concern. How can people drive a car without blinking and how can a new car have disabled cruise control all the time.

NHTSA ODI 11680700

Hyundai disabling critical vehicle safety systems if people wear sunglasses. I brought MY2025 hyundai santafe hybrid, this has driver attention monitoring system. Since the day i brought this vehicle i have been getting issues related to driver attention warning system. This error is being caused for no reason, this comes on when vehicle comes on and stays on (sometimes for days sometimes for weeks and sometimes for hours). HYundai says this issue is because i have a dash cam in car, error wont go away even when dash cam is removed. Recently hyundai engineers said its because you may be wearing sunglasses. What? Wearing sunglasses will disable AEB and cruise control !!!OMG. I removed sunglasses and tried still wont work. Hyundai sent me list of things not to do, including not to laugh, not to shorten your eyes and not to wink. this is a major safety concern, not allowing drivers to wear sunglass which will disable safety critical systems.

NHTSA ODI 11680774

Purchased new 2025 Hybrid AWD Santa Fe with 47 miles on 8/3/25 at 6pm. By 6:30am on 8/4/25 I noticed an occasional knocking when coming to a stop, reversing, turning and at times driving forward. The knocking became more frequent and noticeable as the day went on with more driving and not once did a service message or warning light display. At 1pm on 8/4/25 with an added 100 miles, I drove it to Hyundai Service Department to have them diagnose the issue which they immediately heard. After 8 days, I was told it was a control arm issue which them lead to a complete suspension rebuild on the driver side. I could have lost total control of the vehicle due to the bad control arm. They claimed the passenger side was fine and I picked up my car on 8/12/25 4pm. By 6:30am on 8/13/25 the knocking was back and car is pulling to the right. Car is back in the service shop to further investigate the knocking. I believe Hyundai is trying to cover up this issue as the service report they initially gave me had no mention of the control arm or suspension rebuild. I refused to sign and asked for another service report stating what the issue was and how it was repaired.

NHTSA ODI 11680412

Hyundai's Forward Attention Warning is so aggressively annoying it makes me want to drive off a cliff to shut it up. Driving with an arm in the 12 o'clock position? "BEEP! Keep your eyes on the road!" Polarized sunglasses? "BEEP! I can't see your eyes!" Oh, there's a setting! Let's turn it off..."BEEEEEP! WHERE ARE YOUR EYES!". I just purchased and cannot use Cruise control I need to wear glasses It has a hard time seeing my eyes I cannot turn off I have tried many positions on steering wheel to no avail.

NHTSA ODI 11680479

Check emergency, stopping function alert. Check hybrid system stop safely. Both alerts came on the dash the steering wheel vibrated 11 other alerts popped up in the car steered me to the side of the road. It would not start again and This has happened four times in the 7 months I’ve had the car Hyundai cannot figure out what the issue is. In fact they tell me there is no issue because it’s not happening to them while it’s been there for almost a month.

NHTSA ODI 11679969

Occasionally, the vehicle acts like I am not looking at the road and I’m not sure if it is because of my hair, glasses, hat, or my lazy eye. On three different occasions in nearly 8000 miles it will randomly hard break on the interstate. Initially, I had thought this was something I was doing. When I was finally able to speak with the service staff, they confirmed that this is a common issue with people wearing glasses or any other items the vehicle does not register as normal. At this point, I am afraid to drive a vehicle once I learned that this is a safety setting I cannot control. I have been told by Hyundai that the vehicle is operating as it should however it is extremely concerning that this could cause an accident on the interstate and someone could get killed.

NHTSA ODI 11679262

I’m reporting a recurring safety issue with the Pirelli Scorpion All Season MS tires (255/45 R20) factory-installed on my 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy. At just over 7,500 miles, I began experiencing significant vibration at highway speeds. The dealership diagnosed the issue as defective tires — two were replaced, but the issue returned within 24 hours. I stopped driving the vehicle due to safety concerns. This problem appears to be common: I’ve found numerous reports of Scorpion MS tires showing early failure, poor balance, bulging, uneven and premature wear — all within low mileage. These issues compromise the vehicle’s stability and may present a serious hazard in wet or winter conditions. I’m concerned these tires are not structurally reliable and should not be standard on family SUVs like the Santa Fe. Hyundai and Pirelli should investigate this tire line for potential safety defects or recall. It also appears that the it's the MS, verde and AS Plus 3 from pirelli that have these issues. You can find additional complaints regarding these with a google search. They will be on reddit and facebook.

NHTSA ODI 11676155

I’m reporting a recurring safety issue with the Pirelli Scorpion All Season MS tires (255/45 R20) factory-installed on my 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy. At just over 7,500 miles, I began experiencing significant vibration at highway speeds. The dealership diagnosed the issue as defective tires — two were replaced, but the issue returned within 24 hours. I stopped driving the vehicle due to safety concerns. This problem appears to be common: I’ve found numerous reports of Scorpion MS tires showing early failure, poor balance, bulging, and premature/uneven wear — all within low mileage. They stated that it was still an inherent issue with the tires and I would need new ones. Thus I requested to have a different set tires given the issues with these. These issues compromise the vehicle’s stability and may present a serious hazard in wet or winter conditions. I’m concerned these tires are not structurally reliable and should not be standard on family SUVs like the Santa Fe. Hyundai and Pirelli should investigate this tire line for potential safety defects or recall. I understand that it is the Scorpion MS, AS Plus 3 and the Verde with these similar issues. Unfortuneately for some reason your site won't let me post my photo, but I was able to file it under the same VIN under my report for the Santa Fe.

NHTSA ODI 11676160

Stopped for gas, vehicle started but would not go into gear, engine lights indicated 'Check hybrid system', warning lights shown. 1/2 hr on the phone with dealership to assist. No problem detected when returning to home dealer. Second episode occurred, vehicle at dealer for the past 4 weeks. Episode repeated at dealership yet "no abnormalities are detected with diagnostics ".

NHTSA ODI 11674691