2015 Hyundai Santa FE
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 209 |
| 2002 | 165 |
| 2003 | 308 |
| 2004 | 303 |
| 2005 | 216 |
| 2006 | 106 |
| 2007 | 683 |
| 2008 | 541 |
| 2009 | 358 |
| 2010 | 258 |
| 2011 | 181 |
| 2012 | 353 |
| 2013 | 605 |
| 2014 | 493 |
| 2015 | 254 |
| 2016 | 235 |
| 2017 | 957 |
| 2018 | 108 |
| 2019 | 194 |
| 2020 | 204 |
| 2021 | 165 |
| 2022 | 196 |
| 2023 | 205 |
| 2024 | 140 |
| 2025 | 127 |
| 2026 | 32 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
63% of complaints: engine — 160 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
While I was driving on the highway in the left lane, smoke came from the engine, then it started coming from underneath the car. The car turned off.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240605
The engine caught fire and the vehicle is a total loss. Acceleration became inconsistent at time of the incident while driving on the freeway.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240104
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING 5-10 MPH, SMOKE AND FLAMES APPEARED FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND CONTACTED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20191223
12% of complaints: service brakes — 30 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASH FIRE9% of complaints: power train — 22 distinct reports on file.
8% of complaints: electrical system — 20 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing key/sender.
FIRE5% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 13 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport vehicles.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary latch cable, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owner's may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for the recall is 163.
Campaign 17V358000 — check if this car was fixed
Throttle control system vulnerabilities
Loss of Motive Power
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell,...
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024.
Campaign 23V651000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2015 Hyundai Santa FE — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (160 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (30 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (22 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 17V358000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V651000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2015 Hyundai Santa FE reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2015 Hyundai Santa FE is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Hyundai Santa FE?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 63% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2015 Hyundai Santa FE have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.