2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE

What owners reported to NHTSA, ranked by how often and how seriously.

This is complaint data, not a random sample.

It only includes owners who chose to file a federal complaint, so it over-represents dramatic and safety-related problems and under-represents minor issues an owner just had fixed without reporting. Read this as what NHTSA complainants report most, not as this vehicle's true failure rate. Full methodology.

Component ranking

  1. #1

    engine internal

    30 stranded, 92 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    123
    incidents
    Typical range: 60,000–118,000 mi

    Median 89,000 mi, based on 63 reports (61% had no usable mileage)

    • "THE CAR MAKES A SCRAPING METAL NOISE ONLY WHEN ACCELERATING. SPEED IS NOT A FACTOR. HAPPENS EACH AND EVERYTIME YOU ACCELERATE. HYUNDAI REPLACED THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR WHEEL TWICE. HYUNDAI DOES NOT KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS AND HAVE HAD MY CAR FOR ALMOST 2 MO…"~17,000 mi, complaint #1214474
    • "WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AROUND TOWN, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY STARTED MAKING A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE. THE MILEAGE WAS AT 63K MILES. WE STOPPED DRIVING IT IMMEDIATELY AND TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHO SERVICES IT FOR US (MAPLE HILL KALAMAZOO) AND WERE INFORMED THE ENG…"~63,000 mi, complaint #1312709
    • "WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 75MPH, IN THE LEFT LANE, WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, MY 2014 HYUNDAI SANTE FE (3.5L V6, 94K MILES AND VERY WELL MAINTAINED) STARTED TO MAKE A QUIET TICKING NOISE. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY FOR ABOUT 40 MINUT…"~94,438 mi, complaint #1575758
    • "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHILE TRAVELING DOWN THE INTERSTATE, LOST POWER TO THE GAS PEDAL TAKING SPEED DOWN TO 30 MPH. MANAGED TO MAKE IT OFF OF AN EXIT AND TO THE CLOSEST MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC FOUND METAL FRAGMENTS IN THE OIL FILTER LEADING HIM TO BEL…"~117,930 mi, complaint #1682919
    • "OIL LEVEL WAS CHECKED AND FINE IT IS CHECKED PERIODICALLY IT CHECKED GOOD.I WAS DRIVING HOME SATURDAY NOTICED A SLIGHT TICKING STOPPED CHECKED THE OIL NOT TOUCHING THE STICK SO I PUT 2AND A HALF QUARTS IN IT HEADED TOWARDS HOME ABOUT [REDACTED ADDRESS] IT SEEM…"~176,000 mi, complaint #1730381
  2. #2

    engine stall or no start

    30 stranded, 51 unsafe

    81
    incidents
    Typical range: 47,500–114,000 mi

    Median 81,500 mi, based on 52 reports (54% had no usable mileage)

    • "EXITED I95 GOING 60MPH AND AS I SLOWED DOWN FOR THE RAMP THE STEERING WHEEL WENT LOOSE. AS I CLIMBED UP THE RAMP THE CAR WOULDN'T ACCELERATE AND FINALLY STOPPED 40 YARDS AFTER THE STEERING WHEEL WENT LOOSE. I HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE SPEED AFTER THE STEERING WH…"~7,775 mi, complaint #1181721
    • "WHILE ON THE INTERSTATE MY CAR LOST POWER!! IT CAUSED THE SPEED TO DECLINE SHARPLY FROM 70 MPH TO 15 MPH!! IT WAS TAKEN TO THE GARAGE THE NEXT DAY. A "RECALL" I NEVER RECEIVED ON MY 2014 HYUNDIA SANTA FE. SAID IT WAS FIXED. NEXT TIME, I AM IN A REMOTE AR…"~47,000 mi, complaint #1635894
    • "CAR COMPLETELY SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING ON ROAD. WAS MAKI G LOUD TICKI G NOISE. HAD IT DIAGNOSED. WAS TOLD THE ENGINE IS NO GOOD. DESTROYED ENGINE. IS THIS UNDER RECALL"~78,000 mi, complaint #1628989
    • "11/21/2020 AROUND 12 PM WE WERE PULLING OUT ON TO THE HIGHWAY IN HEAVY SATURDAY TRAFFIC IN BETWEEN ROSWELL AND NORCROSS. AS WE WERE ACCELERATING TO GET ONTO THE ROAD THE ENGINE SEIZED AND WE COULDN'T GET THE CAR TO RESPOND. THE PEDAL WAS BEING PUSHED TO THE…"~113,000 mi, complaint #1710880
    • "STOPPED AT RED LIGHT. EVERYTHING SHUT OFF, ENGINE WOULD NOT START OR ENGAGE.NO WARNING LIGHTS TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, WHERE THEY SAID IT WAS MAJOR ENGINE FAILURE AND THEY HAD TO CONTACT HYUNDAI ENGINEERING. THEY COULD NOT TELL WHAT WENT WRONG. HYUNDAI WANT T…"~1,222,532 mi, complaint #1644952
  3. #3

    engine oil consumption

    3 stranded, 17 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    21
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "DURING MY SCHEDULED OIL CHANGE ON JANUARY 16,2021 I'VE LEARNED THAT CAR ENGINE BURNS OIL. ACCORDING TO TECHNICIAN, INSTEAD OF 5 QUARTS ONLY 1.5 WAS DRAINED PLUS HE SHOWED ME SOOT DEPOSITS ON EXHAUST PIPE, WHICH IS INDICATIVE OF OIL BURNING. HE MENTIONED THAT T…"~48,370 mi, complaint #1720342
    • "MY 2014 SANTA FE WENT INTO "LIMP MODE" AND WOULDN'T TRAVEL MORE THAN 5 MILES AN HOUR. I WAS TOLD THAT MY ENGINE HAD NO OIL AND WAS PART OF A SAFETY RECALL. AFTER MONTHS OF JUMPING THROUGH THE HOOPS WITH A SERIES OF OIL CONSUMPTION TESTS, I WAS TOLD THAT IF I R…"~100,000 mi, complaint #1694390
    • "MY 2014 HYUANDI SANTA FE ENGINE MYSTERIOUSLY BLEW AFTER BURNING ALL MY OIL. NO WARNING SIGNS, LIGHTS, AND 3 MONTHS PRIOR JUST GOT SERVICED AT THE DEALERSHIP. OIL CHANGED. NO MENTION OF MY ENGINE BURNING MY OIL. HOWEVER, ONE MONTH AGO DRIVING DOWN A HIGHWAY. MY…"~111,000 mi, complaint #1747326
    • "ENGINE FAILURE (UPPER/LOWER) UNDER MODERATE ACCELERATION DUE TO UNCHARACTERISTIC RAPID OIL CONSUMPTION WITH NO WARNING OF LOW OIL LEVEL OR PRESSURE. 165,000 MILES ON VEHICLE. MAINTAINED WITH ENGINE OIL CHANGED ROUTINELY EVERY 5,000 MILES; NORMAL OPERATING COND…"~165,000 mi, complaint #1699160
  4. #4

    abs module

    19 unsafe

    19
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that after driving the vehicle at 55 mph, the vehicle was parked for a few hours. When the contact attempted to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start up. The contact lifted the hood of the…"~19,755 mi, complaint #1755723
    • "The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated driving 20 MPH, the ABS and the traction control warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the message "Blind Spot Detection Cancelled" was displayed. The contact stated that the failure persisted, a…"~110,000 mi, complaint #1945813
    • "Took my vehicle to get a abs module fixed and after that my truck had gave me problems, my vehicle was shaking and under hood smoking while me and my kids were in it. The engine light and battery light were flickering off and on. Almost got into an accident "~148,594 mi, complaint #1884578
  5. #5

    alignment and pull

    13 unsafe

    13
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=17, median 500 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "STEERING ISSUE ON HYUNDAI SANTA FE 2014. VEHICLE WANDERS BACK AND FORTH ACROSS DRIVING LANE AT SPEEDS OVER 45 MPH. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO HOLD THE VEHICLE ON A STRAIGHT LINE. *TR"~1,900 mi, complaint #1129971
    • "WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, STARTING AROUND 55MPH, THE CAR STARTS GETTING WOBBLY ON THE ROAD. IT IS A CONSTANT STRUGGLE WITH THE STEERING WHEEL TO KEEP THE CAR GOING STRAIGHT. IF THERE IS ANY WIND OR DRIVING BY TRUCKS, THE CAR BECOMES EVEN MORE DIFFICULT…"~5,800 mi, complaint #1115276
    • "I WAS DRIVING ON THE 405 FREEWAY AND I STARTED NOTICING THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT STAY IN ITS LANE EVEN THOUGH I WASN'T MOVING THE STEERING WHEEL, IT VEER TO THE RIGHT AND LEFT CONTINUOUSLY I HAD TO KEEP MY HANDS ON THE STEERING WHEEL IN ORDER TO TRY TO KEEP IT…"~28,602 mi, complaint #1176101
    • "I HAVE A 2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT AWD. THIS IS MY 3RD HYUNDAI. I HAVE REALLY BEEN IMPRESSED UNTIL NOW. MY CAR WANDERS ALL OVER THE ROAD WHEN DRIVING OVER 50MPH EITHER ON A ROAD OR INTERSTATE. I HAVE TO WORK HARD TO HOLD THE WHEEL TO KEEP THE VEHICLE STRAIGH…"~35,000 mi, complaint #1290077
  6. #6

    acceleration loss or hesitation

    11 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    12
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=20, median 27,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "FAILURE TO ACCELERATE FROM A FULL STOP WITH ACCELERATOR PETAL PARTIALLY OR FULLY DEPRESSED. MALFUNCTION OCCURRED THREE TIMES AND PERSISTED EACH TIME FOR BETWEEN ONE AND A HALF MILE ON TWO OCCASIONS AND FOR ONE HALF MILE ON ONE OCCASION. ON JULY 11, 2014 AUTO…"~800 mi, complaint #1095374
    • "PREVIOUSLY REPORTED TO DEALER THAT CAR OFTEN STALLED OR HESITATED WHEN ACCELERATING AFTER A STOP OR VERY SLOW FORWARD MOTION. THIS HAS ENDED UP IN NUMEROUS HESITATIONS AND NEAR ACCIDENTS WHEN ENTERING INTO TRAFFIC. ON FRIDAY, 1/29/16 WHILE EXITING FROM THE 9TH…"~17,500 mi, complaint #1258544
    • "WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH THE VEHICLE LOST RPMS AND THE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE. I PULLED OVER SAFELY TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND CALLED HYUNDAI ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE COULD NOT VALIDATE MY LOCATION. I ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE TO THE NEXT TOWN BUT RPMS…"~22,072 mi, complaint #1208444
    • "I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR HAVING TROUBLE WHEN TAKING OFF. IT HESITATES AS I'M TAKING OFF SOME OF THE TIME. I WOULD SAY ABOUT HALF THE TIME. I JUST GOT A TUNE UP BECAUSE I ONLY HAVE HAD THIS SUV ABOUT 3 MONTHS. BUT STILL ACTS UP. NO DASHBOARD LIGHTS ON EITH…"~90,000 mi, complaint #1581240
    • "STARTED CAR AND ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. STARTED DRIVING CAR AND IT HESITATED EVENTUALLY IT WOULD ACCELERATE. WHEN GETTING ONTO FREEWAY AND TRIED TO ACCELERATE IT WAS SLOW TO DO SO BUT EVENTUALLY WOULD. THIS KEPT REOCCURRING. NO NOISES OR OTHER ISSUES. BROU…"~102,000 mi, complaint #1602673
  7. #7

    steering column

    10 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    12
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "ON 6/20/2015, WHILE TRAVELLING ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY,, THE STEERING WHEEL MADE A "CLUNK" NOISE AND THE POWER ASSISTED STEERING WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. LIGHTS INDICATING A MALFUNCTION OF THE ESC AND DOWNHILL BRAKE ASSIST ALSO LIT UP. THERE WAS COMPLETE LOSS…"~6,600 mi, complaint #1194299
    • "THE STEERING ON OUR 2014 SANTA FE WENT OUT TODAY WHILE TRYING TO TAKE A LEFT TURN AT A GREEN LIGHT PRIOR TO GETTING ONTO A MAJOR HIGHWAY. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AT AND WE WERE TOLD WE NEED AN ENTIRE NEW STEERING COLUMN AND TO…"~11,500 mi, complaint #1190219
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL REQUIRED EXCESSIVE FORCE IN ORDER TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TOA DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERIN…"~21,000 mi, complaint #1210351
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN MADE A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE WHILE DRIVING. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED ABOUT LOSING POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT STATE…"~81,000 mi, complaint #1695260
    • "THE CONTROLS ON THE STEERING WHEEL HAVE COMPLETELY STOPPED WORKING. ACCORDING TO MY RESEARCH IT APPEARS THE CLOCK SPRING IN THE STEERING WHEEL HAS GONE BAD. HYUNDAI HAS EXTENDED THE WARRANTY FOR OTHER MODELS WITH CLOCK SPRING ISSUES (SEE ATTACHMENT) BUT NOT T…"~149,000 mi, complaint #1694155
  8. #8

    steering electric assist

    12 unsafe

    12
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=14, median 28,500 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "VEHICLE WANDERS RIGHT AND LEFT AT 55 MPH AND ABOVE. WILL NOT MAINTAIN A STRAIGHT LINE. HAVE BEEN TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES AND THE REGIONAL SERVICE MANAGER HAS BEEN CALLED IN AND HAS DRIVEN IT. ALSO HAVE TAKEN OUT A CASE #. EVERYTHING CHECKS OUT FINE BUT T…"~2,000 mi, complaint #1191506
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE SWERVED TO THE RIGHT INDEPENDENTLY AND NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PERFORMING AS DE…"~15,000 mi, complaint #1138651
    • "SOMETHING INSIDE THE STEERING IS BROKEN , MAKES CLICKING SOUND WHEN TURNING THE WHEELS."~28,000 mi, complaint #1737954
    • "CAR STEERING COMPLETELY GAVE OUT WITHOUT WARNING, WHILE THE CAR WAS RUNNING. LUCKILY I WAS PARKED, BUT THERE WAS NO WARNING, IT JUST STOPPED WORKING."~65,000 mi, complaint #1593981
    • "STEERING WHEEL IS CLICKING WHEN TURNING TO EITHER SIDE. FEELS AND SOUNDS LOOSE. IT IS NOTICEABLE WHEN CAR IN MOVING OR SITTING STILL. HAS BEEN DOING IT FOR QUITE SOME TIME BUT WAS NEVER DIAGNOSED BY HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP."~95,000 mi, complaint #1730752
  9. #9

    airbag system

    10 unsafe

    10
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=11, median 70,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING 72 MPH, THE CONTACT STRUCK A DEER. ALL OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT CAME OUT OF THE FLOOR. THE POLICE WERE CALLED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER AND THE PASSEN…"~49,800 mi, complaint #1471074
    • "EXACTLY 2,000 MILES AFTER MY 60,000 MILE WARRANTY EXPIRED, MY CAR EXPERIENCED A FAILURE OF THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE WHICH ALSO IMPACTED STEERING, YAW/STABILITY AND OTHER VEHICLE SAFETY FEATURES. THE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON WHILE I WAS STARTING THE VEHICLE BU…"~62,285 mi, complaint #1369993
    • "The contact owned a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving approximately at 75-80 mph when another vehicle driving at high speeds crashed into the rear of the vehicle causing the vehicle to sway. The contact attempted to avoid crashing in…"~70,100 mi, complaint #1813326
    • "DRIVING IN THE FAR LEFT LANE ON THE INTERSTATE AT ROUGHLY 55 MPH I ATTEMPTED TO AVOID A DRIFTING CAR AS I CORRECTED THE STEERING WHEEL AND ACCELERATOR FAILED TO RESPOND. AS A RESULT I STRUCK A VEHICLE STOPPED ON THE SHOULDER OF THE INTERSTATE. THE AIRBAGS IN T…"~78,000 mi, complaint #1370244
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING [REDACTED ADDRESS] LANE GOING NORTH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE IMPACT CAUSED THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE TO CROSS INTO THE SOUTH BOUND LANE WHERE IT CR…"~112,000 mi, complaint #1399048
  10. #10

    brake hydraulics

    10 unsafe

    10
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=11, median 92,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "JUNE15,2015 EXPERIENCED COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING NEAR HOME.SOMEHOW MADE IT INTO MY DRIVEWAY W/O INCIDENT. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP THAT AFTERNOON. DEALER CONFIRMED BRAKE FAILURE DUE TO TOTAL LOSS OF ALL BRAKE FLUID, "VERIFIED NO BRAKES & MA…"~11,166 mi, complaint #1194505
    • "TOOK THE CAR IN FOR A RECALL AND SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT ON FEBRUARY 4TH. WHEN I GOT ALMOST HOME THERE WERE 4 MORE LIGHTS ON. REAR WHEEL SENSORS, SKID CONTROL, DOWNHILL AND CAR APPROACHING LIGHT. MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO GET THESE FIXED AND I EXPLAINED I HAD…"~28,091 mi, complaint #1745520
    • "The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a rea…"~92,000 mi, complaint #1989373
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING AND APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT AND WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO COME TO A STOP, THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED FOUR TIMES WHEN COMING TO A STOP. AFT…"~95,000 mi, complaint #1494605
    • "The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving 30 mph during rainy weather, the contact was attempting to get into the right-hand lane out of the way of a speeding vehicle approaching from the rear. The brake warning light illuminat…"~110,000 mi, complaint #1796991
  11. #11

    fuel tank and lines

    10 unsafe

    10
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=12, median 57,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "OCCASIONALLY RIGHT AFTER I FILL THE CAR WITH GAS THERE IS AN OVERPOWERING ODOR OF GAS INSIDE THE CAR FOR A DAY OR SO. I LIVE IN NEW JERSEY, WHERE SELF-SERVICE IS NOT ALLOWED, AND SOMETIMES THEY FILL IT TO THE ABSOLUTE LIMIT, WHICH MAY BE THE CAUSE. REGARDL…"~15,000 mi, complaint #1252956
    • "I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE THE END OF JUNE 2014, WHICH I THINK I GOT A LEMON. MY GAS RELEASE CAP WOULD NOT OPEN AND WAS TOLD THAT A PART NEEDED TO BE ORDER. I TOOK MY CAR IN TO SOUTH BOULEVARD HYUNDAI YESTERDAY MORNING, SO THEY (SERVICE TECH) CAN OPEN THE GAS…"~19,000 mi, complaint #1284147
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V226000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AT ATLANTIC HYUNDAI LOCATED AT [REDACTED ADDRESS], WEST ISLIP, NY 11795, [REDACTED PHONE]. THE CONTACT…"~39,000 mi, complaint #1676892
    • "I WENT TO GET GAS THIS MORNING AND COULD NOT OPEN THE FUEL DOOR TO GET TO MY GAS TANK. I EVEN USED THE EMERGENCY HATCH IN THE BACK OF MY VEHICLE BUT IT WOULD NOT RELEASE. APPARENTLY, THE PLUNGER BROKE ON THE FUEL DOOR AND GOT STUCK SHUT. I HAD TO GET A…"~49,000 mi, complaint #1649041
    • "ENGINE ''2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE LIMITED. 3.3L 6 CYL FWD. I OWN THIS VEHICLE. I RECENTLY READ ABOUT THE CLASS ACTION SUITS AGAINST KIA AND HYUNDAI REGARDING ENGINE FAILURES AND FIRES. HTTPS://WWW.NCCONSUMER.ORG/NEWS-ARTICLES/SETTLEMENT-REACHED-WITH-HYUNDAI-KIA-I…"~65,000 mi, complaint #1646446
  12. #12

    lighting exterior

    8 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    9
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ARE SO POOR I FEEL I CANNOT SAFELY SEE TO DRIVE. HAVE CHECKED ALIGNMENT AND THEY ARE JUST VERY POORLY DESIGNED ACCORDING TO DEALER. CANNOT SEE ADEQUATE DISTANCE TO STOP SAFELY ON LOW BEAMS AT REASONABLE SPEEDS. SO BAD I SELDOM EVER DRIVE…"~25,000 mi, complaint #1392652
    • "HEADLIGHTS ARE INEFFECTIVE . LIGHTS NOW ONLY LIGHT APPROX 15 FEET IN FRONT OF CAR DOES NOT LIGHT SIDE OF ROAD. I HAVE HAD THE DEALER REALIGN HEAD LIGHTS AT LEAST FOUR TIMES NO EFFECT. I HAVE REPLACE TOE BULBS WITH JUST ABOUT EVERY BULB AVAILABLE LED AND HALOG…"~50,000 mi, complaint #1645896
    • "MY HEAD LIGHTS FLICKERS OFF DRIVING. WHEN I BARELY MOVE THE HEAD LIGHT CONTROLLER, IT USUALLY TURNS BACK ON."~66,000 mi, complaint #1640935
  13. #13

    other

    6 unsafe, 3 annoyance

    9
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V520000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REA…"~130,000 mi, complaint #1720913
  14. #14

    door latch and hinge

    7 unsafe, 1 broken

    8
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "WHILE THE CAR WAS PARKED, MY HUSBAND WANTED TO GET INTO THE PASSENGER SEAT AND THE WHOLE DOOR HANDLE RIPPED OFF WHEN OPENING THE DOOR."~68,000 mi, complaint #1484870
    • "RECALL 17V358000 (ISSUED 6/30/2017) FOR SECONDARY HOOD LATCH NOT SECURING HOOD AND CAUSING HOODS TO FLY OPEN IF THE PRIMARY IS NOT PROPERLY SECURED. VEHICLE SERVICED 8/21/2017 (53,633 MILES). RECENTLY WENT FOR AN EMISSIONS TEST. TECHNICIAN PULLED THE PRIMARY H…"~100,400 mi, complaint #1649730
    • "I DROVE MY CAR TO THE RESTAURANT TO MEET FAMILY FOR DINNER, WHEN I ARRIVED THE DRIVER DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. I HAD TO CRAWL OUT. I HAD NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT. IN TROUBLESHOOTING THIS, I FOUND SEVERAL INSTANCES…"~144,000 mi, complaint #1697028
  15. #15

    transmission automatic

    7 unsafe

    7
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=12, median 70,500 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "CAR LOSES PRESSURE CAR DOWN SHIFTS VERY HARD AND JERKS NON STOP WHILE DRIVING"~56,000 mi, complaint #1707320
    • "THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT LEAP OR JERK WHEN IT SHIFTS FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR. SEEMS TO HAPPEN WHEN THE CAR IS COLD. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP THAT CLAIMED IT DIDN'T DO IT WHEN THEY DROVE IT. AFTER PICKING IT UP FROM THEM, THE CAR RAN BEAUTIFUL…"~85,000 mi, complaint #1714489
    • "AUTOMATIC GEAR NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY WHEN ACCELERATING AFTER COMING TO A COMPLETE LOSS STOP. I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM LAST YEAR 2019 IN THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY. I TOOK IT TO THE HYUNDAI ON JEFFERSON AVE ( NEWPORT NEWS / VIRGINIA). THEY FOUND THAT IT WAS AN ENGINE…"~86,400 mi, complaint #1637059
    • "WHEN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS CAR WILL SUDDENLY LOSE GEARS [GO FROM 6TH TO 4TH] AND NOT BE ABLE TO REACH SPEEDS ABOVE 60MPH OR GET OUT OF 4TH GEAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED NOW 3 TIMES IN THE LAST 3 WEEKS"~99,000 mi, complaint #1674805
  16. #16

    adas blind spot

    6 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=8)

    • "BLIND SPOT DETECTION STOP WORKING WHILE DRIVING AND THE DRIVER SCREEN SAID BSD CANCELED. I PARKED THE CAR STOP THE ENGINE AND AFTER RESTARTING THE BSD STARTED TO WORKING AGAIN. *TR"~2,015 mi, complaint #1136889
    • "HI, I BOUGHT A HYUNDAI SANTA FE 2014 ON DECEMBER LAST YEAR AND A FEW MONTHS AGO IT'S STARTED TO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE BSD (BLIND SPOT DETECTOR). FOR SOME REASON IT'S JUST STOP WORKING FROM A FEW HOURS AND IT'S TURN ON AGAIN BY ITSELF. I CAN READ IN THE DASH…"~15,000 mi, complaint #1243424
    • "ON THREE OCCASIONS NOW, I HAVE NEARLY HIT A PEDESTRIAN IN A CROSSWALK, BECAUSE I DID NOT SEE THAT PEDESTRIAN. ALL THREE WERE HIDDEN FROM MY VIEW BY A COMBINATION OF THE DRIVER SIDE MIRROR AND THE FRAME OF THE CAR ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD. TOGETHER, T…"~60,000 mi, complaint #1338140
    • "ERROR MESSAGE FLASHED ON DASH DISPLAY "BSD CANCELLED". THEN THE DISPLAY RETURNED TO NORMAL FOR ABOUT 2 SECONDS, THEN THE ENTIRE DISPLAY RETURNED TO "BSD CANCELLED". THIS REPEATED UNTIL THE IGNITION WAS SHUT OFF. AT THE SAME TIME THE ABS LIGHT AND STABILITY…"~77,800 mi, complaint #1478070
  17. #17

    engine head gasket

    6 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE LOST ACCELERATION. A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF SMOKE STARTED EMERGING FROM THE EXHAUST PIPE. THE CONTACT C…"~19,000 mi, complaint #1376792
    • "THE HEAD GASKET BLEW AT ~91,000 MILES. IT HAD A DRAGGING/SPUTTERING SENSATION IN IDLE AND THEN BEGAN MAKING A LOUD NOISE AS I WAS DRIVING. DEALER REPLACED THE SHORT BLOCK AND SAID THEY REBUILT THE REST OF THE ENGINE BECAUSE THE LONG BLOCK (THEY ADMITTED THAT T…"~91,000 mi, complaint #1514375
    • "VEHICLE BLEW A HEAD GASKET. MECHANIC SAID REAR BANK HEAD BOLTS WERE NOT TORQUED TO SPEC. WAS OF THE OPINION IT CAME OFF THE ASSEMBLY LINE THAT WAY. I NEVER HAD IT MAX TO RED LEVEL ON OVERHEATING AND WAS SHOCKED THAT THE ENGINE WAS DAMAGED. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO…"~110,000 mi, complaint #1690050
    • "OIL LEAK FROM VALVE COVER GASKET ONTO ALTERNATOR CAUSING COMPLETE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE. VEHICLE VERY QUICKLY LOST ALL POWER INCLUDING POWER STEERING AND BRAKES, BRAKE/HAZARD/INDICATOR LIGHTS, AND IGNITION WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED IN HEAVY TRAFFIC.…"~157,000 mi, complaint #1648458
  18. #18

    glass and windshield

    6 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=10, median 12,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "PANORAMIC SUNROOF, THE SECTION OF GLASS THAT OPENS, EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH DOWN THE INTERSTATE. THERE WERE NO CARS WITHIN 1/4 MILE OF ME, AND NO OVERHEAD BRIDGES, SO NOTHING HIT THE ROOF, IT JUST EXPLODED. IN FACT, LOOKING FROM THE EXTERIOR, IT IS CLE…"~3,600 mi, complaint #1100688
    • "I WAS DRIVING ABOUT [REDACTED ADDRESS], LITTLE TO NO TRAFFIC. THE SUNROOF IN MY SANTA FE SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED. WE HEARD A VERY LOUD BANG. A LARGE PIECE OF GLASS FLEW UP AND OUT OF MY CAR. SEVERAL SMALL PIECES OF GLASS FELL INTO THE CAR, ON ME AND MY 9 YEAR O…"~8,000 mi, complaint #1164758
    • "DRIVING ON HWY 71 APPROXIMATELY 25 MILES SOUTH OF ALEXANDRIA, LA WITH THE SUNROOF CLOSED AND THE INTERIOR SUNROOF LINER CLOSED WHEN I HEARD A LOUD "EXPLOSION" SIMILAR TO THE SOUND OF A SHOTGUN BEING FIRED. THERE WAS ONLY ONE VEHICLE NEAR ME, APPROXIMATELY 500…"~9,880 mi, complaint #1161689
    • "ABOUT 4 PM ON OCT 6, 2014, I WAS DRIVING SOUTH ON ROUTE 101S TOWARD YARMOUTH, NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA AT MILE MARKER 16. IT IS A [REDACTED ADDRESS]. THERE WERE 2 PEOPLE IN THE FRONT SEATS, ONE PERSON IN THE MIDDLE ROW, PASSENGER SIDE. THE DAY WAS PARTLY SUNNY, MID…"~11,920 mi, complaint #1130996
    • "I WAS DRIVING DOWN A TWO LANE ROAD ABOUT NOON ON DEC. 22. THE TEMPERATURE WAS ABOUT 70. I WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH. I WAS NOT TURNING, JUST GOING STRAIGHT DOWN THE ROAD. IT SOUNDED LIKE THERE WAS AN EXPLOSION. I PULLED OFF THE ROAD AS THE GLASS SUNROOF…"~33,000 mi, complaint #1253030
  19. #19

    steering rack mechanical

    6 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK AND RATTLED VIOLENTLY. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT HAD TO DRIVE BELOW THE SPEED LIMIT. MURFREESBORO HYUNDAI ([REDACTED ADDRESS], MURFREESBORO, TN 37129, [REDACTED PHONE])…"~66,000 mi, complaint #1575675
    • "WHILE DRIVING UP A STEEP WINDING ROAD MY CAR BEGAN MAKING A FLUTTERING NOISE LIKE A PADDLEBOAT. THERE WAS A LOT OF PLAY IN THE STEERING WHEEL WITH A SMALL SQUEAK TO ONLY THE LEFT, IN THE PLAY OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THE DEALERSHIP HAS LET ME KNOW I NEED TO REPL…"~98,000 mi, complaint #1738949
    • "WHEN TURNING, THE VEHICLE MAKES A CLUNK SOUND. HAD IT INSPECTED AT HYUNDAI OF WESLEY CHAPEL AND IT WAS FOUND TO HAVE AN INTERNAL FAILURE OF STEERING RACK GEAR ASSEMBLY AND NOW REQUIRES A REPLACEMENT OF THE STEERING RACK ASSEMBLY. THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH…"~105,000 mi, complaint #1592235
    • "WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL, IT MAKES A LOUD CLICKING NOISE AND MOVES TOO MUCH. THE STEERING WHEEL IS VERY LOOSE.*DT"~127,700 mi, complaint #1740920
  20. #20

    sunroof

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "DRIVING ON HIGHWAY WHEN WITHOUT WARNING THE CLOSED SUNROOF BLEW OUT WITH A LARGE BANG. NO IMPACT WITH ANY OBJECT. DRIVER AND PASSENGER SHOWERED WITH BROKEN GLASS. CAR PURCHASED NEW ONLY TWO MONTHS AGO. *TR"~3,650 mi, complaint #1128997
    • "I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 75 MILES PER HOUR ON A SUNNY DAY, AND I SUDDENLY HEARD THIS HUGE "POP" LIKE SOMEONE HAD JUST SHOT MY WINDOW OUT WITH A GUN. AT FIRST I THOUGHT I BLEW OUT A TIRE BUT GOT OUT AND CHECKED AND THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TH…"~15,800 mi, complaint #1191538
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE PANORAMIC SUN ROOF FRACTURED OUT ON THE ROADWAY WITHOUT WARNING. THE FABRIC CLOSURE WAS SHUT, WHICH PREVENTED THE FRAGMENTS FROM ENTERING THE TOP PORTION OF THE SUN ROOF WHEN THE FAILURE O…"~52,000 mi, complaint #1336087
    • "VEHICLE HAS PANORAMIC SUNROOF. ON 5/22/17 MY WIFE WAS TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE AT APPROXIMATELY 6:30 AM AND THE SUNROOF GLASS SHATTERED AND BLEW OUT. THERE WERE NO FOREIGN OBJECTS INVOLVED. THIS IS ALREADY A KNOWN PROBLEM ON HYUNDAI VELOSTER. AND ALSO TO M…"~88,000 mi, complaint #1379764
  21. #21

    wiring harness

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "HYUNDAI AND OTHER MFG ARE USING EDIBLE COATING ON WIRING HARNESS AND CREATING A HAZARD FOR FIRE AND LOSS OF CONTROL BECAUSE RODENTS ARE EATING THE WIRE MY SANTA FE WIRING WAS EATEN AND I LOST MY WHOLE ELECTRICAL ENTERTAINMENT SYSREM.DEALLERS KNOW ABOUT PROBLEM…"~10,000 mi, complaint #1295151
    • "VEHICLE SPONTANEOUSLY BURNED IN A SKI AREA PARKING LOT IN MAINE. FIRE STARTED AT REAR LEFT (DRIVER'S SIDE) OF CAR. THE CAR WAS DRIVEN APPROXIMATELY 15 MINUTES IN THE MORNING AND PARKED FOR OVER 4 HOURS WHEN LOCAL POLICE AND FIRE WERE NOTIFIED OF A CAR BURNING…"~59,000 mi, complaint #1444235
    • "WHILE DRIVING AT 7:30PM ON A BACK ROAD ON A SATURDAY, BOTH OF MY HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT AT THE SAME TIME. I PULLED ONTO A DIRT DRIVEWAY AND TURNED MY CAR OFF AND NOTICED THEY CAME BACK ON. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED BACK HOME AND TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP ON MONDAY.…"~86,000 mi, complaint #1540863
    • "The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the brake warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuse needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repai…"~148,000 mi, complaint #1992888
  22. #22

    engine cooling

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT. CAN START/STOP ENGINE IN VARIOUS GEAR INCLUDING REVERSE. PURCHASED APRIL 10, 2014. AFTER DRIVING MY NEW HYUNDAI FOR A WEEK OR SO, DECIDED TO WASH IT. MY HABIT IS TO WIPE OUT THE HATCH AND UNDER THE HOOD. UPON OPENING THE HOOD DISCOVERE…"~11,922 mi, complaint #1136827
    • "2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT, LESS THEN 12,000 MILES PURCHASED NEW 5/10/14. AT LESS THEN 2000 MILES DISCOVERED NO COOLANT IN RESERVOIR. 6 WEEKS AFTER DELIVERY BACK UP CAMERA REPLACED. ON 10/18/2014 WHILE SHIFTING INTO REVERSE EXTREME LOUD NOISE IN FRONT OF HOO…"~11,922 mi, complaint #1284374
    • "THE COOLING PART ISN'T WORKING IT'S JUST WARM"~60,000 mi, complaint #1707556
  23. #23

    seatbelt and pretensioner

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ENGAGE DRIVER'S SEATBELT, THE SEATBELT ANCHOR BOLT UNTHREADED/PULLED OUT OF ITS MOUNTING LOCATION ON THE B-PILLAR. IT SEEMS THAT IT WAS NEVER INSTALLED/THREADED COMPLETELY AT THE FACTORY. VEHICLE IS APPROXIMATELY 2-3 WEEKS OLD. *JS"~835 mi, complaint #1056572
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT WAS PEELING AND FAILED TO PROPERLY RESTRAIN THE DRIVER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE F…"~13,000 mi, complaint #1145181
    • "THE RIGHT, REAR SEATBELT IS LOCKED AND UNUSABLE . CAR WAS STATIONARY AND NOT INVOLVED IN ANY ACCIDENTS"~53,000 mi, complaint #1645581
  24. #24

    tire failure

    1 stranded, 3 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE EQUIPPED WITH KUMHO CRUGEN PREMIUM (NA) TIRES, SIZE: P235/55/R19 (NA). THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THERE WERE CR…"~900 mi, complaint #1161119
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL CROSSCONTACT LX TIRES, SIZE: 235/65R17. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD EXPLOSIVE NOISE AND THE VEHICLE JERKED. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED TH…"~31,000 mi, complaint #1299745
    • "I TOOK MY CAR IN TO THE DEALER FOR ROUTINE OIL CHANGE AND TIRE ROTATION. THE SERVICE ADVISOR CAME OUT AND ASKED ME IF I HAD A RECENT BLOWOUT. I SAID NO. SHE SAID WHEN THE TECH ROTATED THE TIRE HE NOTICED A BULGE IN THE SIDEWALL OF THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE.…"~42,000 mi, complaint #1274462
    • "BEFORE 50,000 MILES HAD TO PURCHASE 4 NEW TIRES 1 BLOWOUT A&UNUSUAL VIBRATING FROM TIRES 4 NEW TIRES BEFORE 50,000 MILES!I'M A WIDOW OF A VETERAN&LOST MY ONLY SON!A/C WENT OUT 2 YEARS AGO! I'M A DISABLED NURSE&PURCHASED 4 SANTA FE'S,TUCSON&SONTA NEVER EVER WIL…"~50,000 mi, complaint #1588017
  25. #25

    backup camera

    1 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BACK OVER PREVENTION CAMERA MALFUNCTIONED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CIRCLE HYUNDAI ([REDACTED ADDRESS]., SHREWSBURY, NJ 07702, [REDACTED PHONE]) TO BE DI…"~50,000 mi, complaint #1707740
    • "RECENTLY BROUGHT UP A HYUNDAI SANTE FE 2.0T AND NOW SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING THE REAR VIEW/BACK CAMERA NO LONGER WORKS. JUST A BLACK SCREEN WHEN PUT INTO REVERSE. I SEE IT'S A EXTREMELY COMMON PROBLEM POST ON FORUMS ALL OVER THE WEB. IT'S NOT A NECESSITY BUT C…"~62,000 mi, complaint #1720651
    • "THE BACKUP CAMERA ISN'T WORKING HALF THE TIME. SOMETIMES I GET A BLUE SCREEN, SOMETIMES I GET THE PICTURE WITH A LOT OF LINES IN IT, MAKING IT NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE ANYTHING. IT STARTED ON 7/18/18 AND CONTINUES TO BE A PROBLEM."~69,000 mi, complaint #1484875
  26. #26

    battery and charging

    1 stranded, 2 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "BATTERY ONLY FIVE MONTHS OLD AND SOMETHING IS BRINGING THE BATTERY DOWN. ALTERNATOR HAS BEEN CHECKED AS WELL AS SEVERAL OTHER THINGS INCLUDING THE BATTERY. NOTHING CAN BE FOUND THAT COULD BRINGING THE BATTERY DOWN. VEHICLE HADN'T BEEN STARTED IN 24 HOURS WH…"~16,635 mi, complaint #1713309
    • "CAR WILL NOT START IN THE MORNING,DEAD BATTERY,HAVE TO USE BATTERY CHARGER EVERY NIGHT. CAR EMITS WHITE SMOKE. WHEN ON FREEWAY CAR WILL NOT GO ABOVE 60MPH, SEEMS LIKE IT IS IN LIMP MODE."~85,000 mi, complaint #1382825
  27. #27

    engine turbo supercharger

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "08/31/2019 TRAVELED [REDACTED ADDRESS] AND STOPPED TO GO THROUGH A FAST FOOD DRIVE-THROUGH, IDLING MY VEHICLE FOR ABOUT 10-15 MINS. MY 2014 SANTA FE SPORT 2.0L TURBO BEGAN TO EMIT SMOKE FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE ENGINE. I OPENED THE HOOD AND LOOKING FROM THE TOP…"~92,900 mi, complaint #1600094
  28. #28

    stability and traction control

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving 10 mph, the vehicle loss motive power. The contact stated that the ABS and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed bu…"~40,000 mi, complaint #1751413
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND WOULD NOT PROPERLY ACCELERATE WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE VE…"~58,000 mi, complaint #1696602
  29. #29

    timing belt or chain

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT DETECTED A BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. ALSO, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONERY, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE…"~83,000 mi, complaint #1561143
    • "The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the mechanic stated that the sway bar needed to be replaced. While the sway bar was being replaced, the me…"~142,800 mi, complaint #1851962
  30. #30

    trunk or liftgate

    2 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "I JUST BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE TWO WEEKS AGO AND I PURCHASED THE CARFAX TO FIND OUT THAT THE LIFTGATE HAS ELECTRICAL PROMBLEMS. THE DISPLAY BEHIND THE STEERING WHEEL KEEPS INDICATING THAT THE LIFTGATE IS OPEN, BUT I CAN SEE THAT IT'S CLOSED."~53,000 mi, complaint #1628464
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THE WHILE LOADING OR UNLOADING THE VEHICLE, THE REAR HATCH CLOSED INDEPENDENTLY. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHTS OR AUDIBLE CHIME THAT INDICATED THAT THE REAR HATCH WAS CLOSING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT T…"~66,000 mi, complaint #1640107
    • "THE POWER STRUT FOR THE REAR LIFT GATE RUSTED AND BROKE WHILE UNLOADING GROCERIES. THIS CAUSED THE LIFT GATE TO FALL ALMOST STRIKING ME IN THE HEAD"~85,004 mi, complaint #1608312
  31. #31

    evap system

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "PURCHASED NEW 2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE IN AUGUST, 2014 WITH 8 MILES ON ODOMETER. ON DECEMBER, 2014 THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK IT TO DEALER SERVICE CENTER IMMEDIATELY. ALL TESTS CAME BACK-NO CAUSE FOUND. POSSIBLE PURGE VALVE STICKING. MECHANIC SPRAYED…"~2,200 mi, complaint #1261556
    • "AT 8,000 MILES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK IT INTO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THE GAS CANISTER OVERFLOW WAS FULL CAUSING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON. THEY REPLACED THE GAS CANISTER AND FILTER UNDER WARRANTY. AT 14,000 THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME…"~14,000 mi, complaint #1221129
  32. #32

    fuel pump

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "I PURCHASED A NEW CAR, ON FEB.1, 2014. THE MALFUNCTION LAMP ON THE DASHBOARD WAS LIGHTED UP IN 1 MONTH. MY CAR WAS REPAIRED FROM MY DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES BUT THE PROBLEMS ARE NOT CLEARED YET. AT LAST, THE VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM WAS HAPPENED ON APR. 19. I ST…"~1,000 mi, complaint #1059589
    • "The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, she smelled a strong gasoline odor. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact's daughter veered to the side of the road and noti…"~110,000 mi, complaint #1915038
  33. #33

    paint and clearcoat

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "STARTING APPROXIMATELY TWO MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING MY VEHICLE, JUNE 2017, MY PAINT HAS BEEN STEADILY CHIPPING OFF OF MY CAR, MOSTLY IN THE FRONT AREA (HOOD, ROOF, SIDES OF HOOD). AS YOU WILL SEE IN THE VIDEO, TOUCHING THE PAINT MAKES IT CHIP OFF. IT STARTED…"~60,160 mi, complaint #1671012
  34. #34

    power steering hydraulic

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "POWER STEERING FAILED AT APPROXIMATELY 3,250 MILES. THIS DID NOT OCCUR WHILE DRIVING (FORTUNATELY), BUT ON STARTUP. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP WHICH TOLD US THIS WAS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM, THEREFORE THE REPLACEMENT PART WAS ON BACKORDER AND WOULDN'T BE AVA…"~3,250 mi, complaint #1190559
    • "DRIVING AND POWER STEERING WENT OUT, DASH PANEL LIGHTS WENT HAYWIRE. I COULD BARELY TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO GET THE CAR OFF OF THE ROAD. I AM NOT AT ALL SURE MY WIFE COULD HAVE TURNED THE WHEEL. ATTEMPTED TO JUMP-START THE CAR - NOT WORK. FIRST TIME DRIV…"~38,000 mi, complaint #1368937
  35. #35

    power windows and locks

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Drivers side rear passenger door lock became inoperable. Door will not lock or unlock with key fob or from the drivers door arm rest door lock/unlock switch. Door lock on the door panel does not move positions when fob or door lock switch is operated. Door…"complaint #1823585
    • "I took my vehicle in for recall and they replaced the fuse box. Starting that day, the auxiliary power outlet in the rear (trunk) started to short out my pump that I have used many times while blowing up lake tubing equipment. Also since then my trunk has been…"complaint #2009034
  36. #36

    seat mechanism

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "I PULLED UP ON THE HANDLE TO ADJUST THE DRIVER'S SEAT BACK. WHEN I RAISED THE LEVER, IT BROKE OFF IN MY HAND AND THE SEAT BACK WENT FLYING BACKWARD. HAD THIS HAPPENED IN TRAFFIC, I PROBABLY WOULD HAVE BEEN INJURED/KILLED IN A COLLISION, AS I WAS NO LONGER SECU…"~1,252 mi, complaint #1140713
  37. #37

    starter

    1 stranded, 1 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "RANDOMLY, AND LATELY MORE FREQUENTLY, THE CAR WILL NOT START THUS STRANDING MY WIFE AND 18-MONTH OLD SON IN 96 DEGREE GEORGIA SUMMER HEAT. I HAVE SEARCHED THE FORUMS AND THIS ISSUE IS QUITE COMMON FROM THIS BRAND CAR. SOMETHING BETWEEN THE PUSH BUTTON START…"~35,645 mi, complaint #1596604
  38. #38

    ac compressor and refrigerant

    1 broken

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "A/c works but will not cool checked for leak none can be located- Frion added will not work"complaint #2009104
  39. #39

    control module

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "THE ELECTRICAL PROMPTS ON THE FACE OF THE STEERING WHEEL BEGIN TO MALFUNCTION. FIRST THE VOLUME CONTROL STOPPED, NEXT THE HANDS MOBILE PHONE CONTROLS. THEN THE CRUISE CONTROL FUNCTIONS AND THE MENU FOR USER SETTINGS STOPPED AS WELL AS AIRBAGS. WHEN TURNING C…"~60,000 mi, complaint #1641033
  40. #40

    heater core and blower

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "AIR STAYS AT WARM WHEN DRIVING IN HEAT AND WON'T COOL"~6,700 mi, complaint #1690529
  41. #41

    key fob and immobilizer

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "THIS IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE BUT RATHER A DESIGN ISSUE THAT COULD LEAD TO PROBLEMS STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE KEY FOB IS DESIGNED SUCH THAT A VERY SLIGHT AMOUNT OF PRESSURE ON A BUTTON CAN REMOVE THE ENTIRE ELECTRONIC PORTION OF THE KEY INADVERTENTLY. IF THIS IS…"~3,900 mi, complaint #1145691
  42. #42

    mirror

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AND INSPECTED AND WITH NO VISIBLE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STARTED DRIVING AGAIN AND BECAME AWARE THAT THE PASSENGER…"~36,520 mi, complaint #1640017
  43. #43

    parking brake

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT ROLLED OUT OF PARK POSITION AND ROLLED OVER THE DRIVER. THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP WHEN IT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SUFFERED BROKEN RIBS AND RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENT…"~2,500 mi, complaint #1135461
  44. #44

    transfer case awd

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "ALL WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM DOES NOT ENGAGE. WAS TOLD BY HYUNDAI SERVICE TEAM THAT THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM IN THE SANTA FE AND A VERY EXPENSIVE FIX. I MYSELF HAVE SEEN HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE WITH THIS ISSUE ON VARIOUS FORUMS. CAR ONLY HAS 123,000 MILES AS OF 12/21…"~118,000 mi, complaint #1714951
  45. #45

    unintended acceleration

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "1) What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? I tried to park in the parking space next to it by making a slight right turn. As soon as I stepped on the brake to park, the car began to rush forward. I not…"complaint #1984747
  46. #46

    wheel bearing

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "ABS, DOWNHILL, AND TRACTION CONTROL INDICATOR LIGHTS ILLUMINATE ON THE DASH. HYUNDAI DEALER SAYS A REAR WHEEL BEARING/WHEEL SPEED SENSOR IS FAILING AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THEY SAID THEY'VE SEEN THIS MANY TIMES AND WHEN LOOKING ONLINE THESE SEEM DESTINED TO…"~65,000 mi, complaint #1730448
  47. #47

    wheel or rim

    1 stranded

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "RETURNING HOME ON A HIGHWAY, WHEN I VEER TOWARDS THE LEFT, THE FRONT-RIGHT TIRE AND RIM STARTED SEPARATING SO I STOPPED THEN LOOKED AT THE CAR AND SAW THE TIRES WERE RIPPED APART! IT OCCURRED TO ME I SMELLED AROUND A HALF HOUR BEFORE THIS INCIDENT. THE DEALE…"~4,769 mi, complaint #1178902
  48. #48

    wiper and washer

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "I BOUGHT A NEW CAR JUNE 2014 AND WHEN IT WAS RAIN MY WINDSHIELD WIPER HAS NO WATER COME OUT. SO I WENT TO DEALER TO CHECK OUT AND I FOUND OUT THAT THE MOTOR & PUMP ASSY. WAS BAD. BUT THE PROBLEM IS WASHER PUMP HAD TAPE AROUND BODY AND IT LOOKS USED ONE. IT…"~16,070 mi, complaint #1194920

NHTSA investigations

Search NHTSA's own recall and complaint database for HYUNDAI SANTA FE directly.