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

WHAT FAILED: The 12-volt battery / no-start system. Beginning XXX, my 2025 Santa Fe Hybrid (bought new XXX suffered seven (7) sudden 12V battery failures causing a complete no-start. Each time the vehicle became inoperable with no warning, stranding my family - including two minor children (ages [XXX] and [XXX]) - and requiring roadside assistance and towing. Events: XXX (tow), 1XXX; the vehicle has sat immobilized at the dealer since XXX (~113 days). 5 dealer repair orders are attached to this complaint. SAFETY RISK: A repeated no-start can strand occupants in unsafe locations and prevent the vehicle from starting in an emergency. Once it had to be extracted from inside our garage by AAA after a 3+ hour wait; on XXX the battery died ~2 minutes after a jump-start, before I drove away. CONFIRMED BY SERVICE CENTER: Yes. AAA certified 0% state of charge at each failure; an independent OBD scan showed 4% ('Not Getting Full Done'). Hyundai issued TSBs 26-01-016H (XXX) and 26-01-016H-1 (XXX) identifying the root cause as the Fingerprint Module (FPM) failing to enter SLEEP mode when the ignition is off, draining the 12V battery - the exact defect my vehicle showed, and it applies to my vehicle. An OTA remedy released the week of XXX was never applied. INSPECTED BY MANUFACTURER: Yes - the dealer and a Hyundai field engineer inspected it. The dealer repeatedly blamed my behavior (windows down, unlocked doors, short commutes ~20 mi/day); its own draw test showed no draw, yet the diagnosis was never corrected. A Final Repair Opportunity in Jan 2026 did not fix it; failures recurred XXX and XXX As of this writing (XXX) the vehicle remains at the dealership since XXX without any status on repairs done or pending. WARNING SYMPTOMS: Sudden no-start / no-crank with no prior warning lamp, beginning XXX and recurring repeatedly. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11749047

The contact owns a 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the Apple CarPlay system unexpectedly interrupted the operation of the vehicle and initiated a live software update. The navigation system, infotainment system, and other vehicle functions became inoperable. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated and continuously cycled on the instrument panel. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 2,774.

NHTSA ODI 11744397

"My 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid has experienced repeated parasitic battery drain. Dealer diagnostic reports dated 5/12/26 and 5/14/26 document 'Excessive dark current draw condition identified' with dark current spikes well above the normal threshold of 50mA. Vehicle was at Kelly Hyundai of Stroudsburg PA for approximately two weeks. Dealer replaced fingerprint sensor module as best guess repair but could not confirm it was the definitive cause. Battery replacement was denied as battery did not meet Hyundai's replacement threshold despite documented drain. Service technician verbally acknowledged this is a known issue across 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles. DTCs C173300 Undervoltage Detected were found on both front door handle sensor modules. Concerned about long term battery health and potential for repeated drain leaving vehicle inoperable."

NHTSA ODI 11740209

Driving home from church this morning, the vehicle experiences a sudden loss of power and the car went into “limp mode”. Even the pedal floored and the engine rpms high, the car would barely go about 25 or 30 mph. A message from the dash board told me to pull over and leave the engine running to charge the EV batteries. The batteries would charge enough for what I thought would get me home but quickly drained leaving repeat the action until I could limp the six miles home with flashers on and cars passing me to get around. No warning lights and no indication there was a problem until it happened leaving me baffled and frustrated. I was just thankful that I wasn’t going faster when it happened. If I had been going faster when this happened, it could have created a major accident. Dangerous! Since this happened on Sunday, the dealer wasn’t open. I hope to get it to the dealer tomorrow to find out what is going on and how to fix it. The car has only 14850 miles on it.

NHTSA ODI 11736908

The contact owns a 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly decelerated to 25 MPH with a “Vehicle Will Shut Down” warning message displayed. The contact stated that the engine then began to shut down, and although the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to accelerate and stalled. The failure occurred on multiple occasions, requiring the vehicle to be towed each time. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired and the contact was informed that the failure could not be duplicated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and multiple cases were opened, The failure mileage was approximately 3,300.

NHTSA ODI 11736009

Since February 2026 I have had daily incidents of the hybrid system error where the vehicle is only relying on the hybrid battery to move. I've had a few near miss accidents as my car crawls through an intersection. Was almost rear-end after leaving a stop sign and the hybrid system error popped up and the car doesn't accelerate. In order to temporarily fix the system, the car must be shut off and restarted. There is not always a safe place to be pulled over to perform this shut down. It is a driving hazard and not safe to drive. It has been to the shop now a 3rd time with no resolution. I have reached out direct to Hyundai Corporation with my concerns and they have documentation. The car is a 2025 model and has less than 5,000 miles. I fear a serious accident from this system error and Hyundai needs to resolve ASAP.

NHTSA ODI 11733192

Sudden loss of power (multiple incidences in the first 3000 miles, multiple service visits). While driving normally there was a sudden loss of power. Once at an interstate on ramp while attempting to merge, and three times while driving on city streets. The first dealer visit resulted in no action due to no codes and the problem not replicating. When I pulled into the dealer and shut off the car; I received an alert that the vehicle was officially transferred to me. When I restarted the vehicle, it operated normally. The consensus was that the vehicle was left in “dealer mode” and it was several days after I purchased the vehicle before the system was updated. The second insident was deemed to be a bad catalytic converter which was replaced by the dealer. The third incident was said to be due to a bad fuel rail sensor which also caused the catalytic converter from the second incident. The fourth incident occurred the day after the vehicle was repaired from the third instance. The vehicle was not safe to drive and was towed to the dealer, where it is today.

NHTSA ODI 11730277

Vehicle went in to limp mode in the middle of driving. Would not accelerate past 30mph. Was able to turn around and pull in to a neighborhood when the vehicle stopped responding altogether and had an additional warning about letting the engine recharge the hybrid system. Restarting the car got it home. This would have been extremely dangerous had it happened on the highway, at highway speeds. Dealership replaced the high pressure fuel pump. Got it back yesterday, we will see if that fixes it.

NHTSA ODI 11720923

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

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

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

I've been having a few issues with my 2025 Calligraphy Hybrid I bought in November related to the main screen, sometimes when I start the vehicle it doesn't properly initialize and it will show me some of the icons and nothing else. No HUD, no speedometer, no remaining fuel, no hybrid information. It's a huge safety issue, it seems to happen every couple of weeks. I thought it was the digital key not working properly so I disabled that but still having issues. I have to let the car sit for a few hours or overnight and then when i turn it on then it's back to normal. I realized that when the main screen is off, it doesn't capture the mileage so the mileage is off by close to 300 miles right now. Huge issue, I've had it happen on my way home from work (25 miles) at least 4 times, and once on a road trip (150 miles). Also when this happens because I can't see the speedometer, I have to use Waze on the infotainment screen (which works without issue) to see my actual speed because the built-in navigation only shows me increments of 10 mph on the screen (this is just stupid).

NHTSA ODI 11672592

Car was unused for less than a week and upon going to use it the vehicle was dead. Jumped vehicle and next day was dead again. In researching the problem, many other Santa Fe Hybrid owners have run into this same issue. Dealership admitted many hybrids from Hyundai face this issue and recommended installing a trickle charger for when not using the vehicle for a couple days which seems ridiculous for a brand new vehicle. Likely something draining battery slowly in car

NHTSA ODI 11665210

I was on a semi residential-commercial street that turns on to a freeway entrance. I was turning right and unavoidably entered the freeway when the sudden loss of power occurred. The car slowed down to about 20 mph and pressing on the gas medal didn't yield any more power. I immediately pulled over to the emergency lane upon entering freeway to let fast moving vehicles pass me on the left side. I turned off the vehicle and turned it back on. It seemed to turn on as normal so I proceeded to drive home slowly, staying on the slow right lane of the freeway driving under the speed limit until I took my exit to get to my home. All seemed ok until I turned onto residential street near my home. Again the car slowed down suddenly to 20mph and giving it more gas did not make a difference. The time difference between the first and second (recorded) incident was 25 minutes apart, having driven the vehicle only 140 total miles. The dashboard flashed a 20mph speed limit even though I never set those parameters, didn't set cruise control, and I didn't have auto stop or hold buttons engaged. The car simply slowed down to a 20mph speed limit without my input to the vehicle settings.

NHTSA ODI 11664480

Car did dashboard update on 4/10/25. Had less than 4300 miles. Unable to unlock car due to dead battery. Car unlock service opened door for tow company to jump battery and advise that the new 2025 Santa Fe Hybrid battery needs to be replaced. May need other service (alternator or Hybrid battery too) but the 12v battery had been drained. Interior lights would not turn on prior to this happening.

NHTSA ODI 11654636

12V battery discharges and SUV has to be junp started. Hyundai removed the battery reset button that existed until 2023 model year. Manufacturer should do recall to change the 12V battery charging characteristics for 2024/2025 model years.

NHTSA ODI 11644956

The Forward Attention Warning at times alarms constantly, even though I am looking forward. It is highly distracting as it alarms many times per minute. A menu option exists in the settings to disable it, but that doesn't work. I have read online that this is a common problem with 2024 and 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe models.

NHTSA ODI 11640616

When you stop the car , you cannot lock- unlock the car with keyfob. Nothing happens when you press these buttons on keyfob. And Media screen inside the car is still ON. But the car is OFF for sure. After few minutes only, keyfob works fine and you can lock-unlock, remote start etc. So for 5 minutes, you cannot do anything like locking the car, which is a safety hazard.

NHTSA ODI 11638786

Hi Hyundai- my 2025 Santa Fe calligraphy HEV, with around 900 miles wasn’t turning on and only able to start with a jump. After parking, it was unable to maintain a charge to start up again even after driving 1-2 hours. The dealer wasn’t sure why, replaced the 12v battery first and recharged it overnight. Unfortunately it also drained. Finally diagnosed that the hybrid starter generator needed replacing. More bad news, after replacing they discovered what the service manager said was a defective relay pack of some sort had fused. And the kicker is the part is unavailable until January. I am not sure how widespread or rampant this issue is, but I am concerned there might be more or further issues identified.

NHTSA ODI 11626427