Hyundai Santa Fe common problems
Owners of 2015–2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles have filed 2,732 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported system is engine & cooling (92% of categorised reports). Below is every reported problem area, ranked by real complaint volume, with recall and crash context — useful if you're researching this model before buying used.
- 2,732
- Owner complaints
- 42
- Recall campaigns
- 102
- Crash-related reports
- 97
- Injury reports
Most reported problem areas
By share of categorised NHTSA complaints across all 11 model years. Each links to what that system covers and its recall history.
How to read this before buying
Complaint volume is not the same as failure rate. A model that sold in large numbers, or one that has been on sale for many years, accumulates more complaints without necessarily being less reliable. Use these figures to learn which systems to inspect, not to rank one model against another.
The single most useful next step is to check the specific vehicle's recalls by VIN — a recall repair is free at any franchised dealer, but only if it has actually been done.
Recent safety events
Full timeline- Recall2024 santa-fe
A detached seat belt anchor will not adequately restrain the seat occupant, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
- Recall2025 santa-fe
A detached seat belt anchor will not adequately restrain the seat occupant, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
- Recall2024 santa-fe
A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Recall2025 santa-fe
A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Recall2025 santa-fe
Side curtain air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash.
- Recall2024 santa-fe
An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
Frequently asked
- What are the most common Hyundai Santa Fe problems?
- Across 2,732 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for 2015–2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles, the most reported systems are engine & cooling (92%), visibility (3%), steering (2%).
- Which Hyundai Santa Fe model year has the most complaints?
- In our index, the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe has the most owner complaints, with 943 filed.
- Are Hyundai Santa Fe problems dangerous?
- Of the 2,732 complaints on record, 102 mention a crash, 65 mention a fire and 97 mention an injury. Complaint counts are not a failure rate — check the specific vehicle's open recalls by VIN.
Problems by model year
The 2017 accounts for the most complaints (943). Open any year for its full complaint and recall report.
Where this comes from
Every figure is aggregated from consumer complaints filed directly with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — not forums, reviews or estimates. Component grouping uses our published taxonomy.