2023 Hyundai Santa FE

● Typical for this model
2023 Hyundai Santa FE
BUILT 2026-09-02

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Hyundai Santa FE Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2023 highlighted. 2001: 209 complaints 2001 2002: 165 complaints 2003: 308 complaints 2004: 303 complaints 2005: 216 complaints 2005 2006: 106 complaints 2007: 683 complaints 2008: 541 complaints 2009: 358 complaints 2009 2010: 258 complaints 2011: 181 complaints 2012: 353 complaints 2013: 605 complaints 2013 2014: 493 complaints 2015: 254 complaints 2016: 235 complaints 2017: 957 complaints 2017 2018: 108 complaints 2019: 194 complaints 2020: 204 complaints 2021: 165 complaints 2021 2022: 196 complaints 2023: 205 complaints 2023 2024: 140 complaints 2025: 127 complaints 2025 2026: 32 complaints 2026
2023: 205 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
2001209
2002165
2003308
2004303
2005216
2006106
2007683
2008541
2009358
2010258
2011181
2012353
2013605
2014493
2015254
2016235
2017957
2018108
2019194
2020204
2021165
2022196
2023205
2024140
2025127
202632

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

POWER TRAIN 21%

21% of complaints: power train — 44 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

While parking my 2023 Hyundai Sante Fe, I hard pressed the break and pushed the Park button. The engine revved up and the vehicle took off instead of going into park; smashing into a building. The parking block was 6ft from the building.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240206

The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at 75 MPH, the vehicle stalled and decelerated to 25 MPH as several warning lights flashed on the instrument panel.

NHTSA ODI report, 20230714

This complaint concerns a serious, unresolved powertrain/propulsion safety defect in my 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260810

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 20%

20% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 42 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic emergency braking and warnings.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Forward collision warning system engaged unexpectedly, braked hard to the point of smelling burnt tires. No collision imminent. Normal driving conditions.

NHTSA ODI report, 20220903

ENGINE 17%

17% of complaints: engine — 35 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

I was driving, and the SUV all of a sudden lost power. I was trying to press harder on the gas pedal to keep up with the traffic, but the SUV was stalling.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260805

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 17%

17% of complaints: electrical system — 35 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing horn and instrument cluster/panel.

CRASH FIRE
SERVICE BRAKES 12%

12% of complaints: service brakes — 24 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

While parking, the brakes failed. Although the brake pedal was correctly and completely depressed the car failed to stop until it hit the building causing damage to structure and injuries occurred to passengers.

NHTSA ODI report, 20231216

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20230516 — trailer hitches

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Santa Fe, 2021-2023 Santa Fe HEV, 2022-2023 Santa Fe Plug-in HEV and Santa Cruz vehicles potentially equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an...

Remedy: Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is completed. Dealers will install a new fuse and wire extension kit as necessary, free of charge.

Campaign 23V181000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2023 Hyundai Santa FE — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for power train issues (44 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for forward collision avoidance issues (42 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine issues (35 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 23V181000 (trailer hitches) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2026 ▲ 2006 ▲ 2018

WORST YEARS

■ 2017 ■ 2007 ■ 2013

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2023 Hyundai Santa FE reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2023 Hyundai Santa FE is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2023 Hyundai Santa FE?

The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2023 Hyundai Santa FE have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.