2025 Hyundai Santa FE
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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 | 236 |
| 2017 | 962 |
| 2018 | 108 |
| 2019 | 197 |
| 2020 | 209 |
| 2021 | 166 |
| 2022 | 197 |
| 2023 | 207 |
| 2024 | 145 |
| 2025 | 129 |
| 2026 | 35 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
21% of complaints: electrical system — 27 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing camera/sensor and instrument cluster/panel.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving on the on ramp to [XXX] the car completely stopped and all systems shut off. There were two dash lights that flashed quickly with one being the check engine light but I did not see the other long enough to identify it.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260710
Also filed under ENGINE
18% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 23 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing adaptive cruise control and warnings.
15% of complaints: power train — 19 distinct reports on file.
12% of complaints: tires — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing sidewall.
Show complaint excerpts
235/60R18 103H While driving the 1year old car, the tire pressure reading in the vehicle began to go down, upon exiting the vehicle it was determined that two holes blew through in the side wall of the tire.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260730
First tire blowout- 6/3/26- on Ohio turnpike tire just blew. No nails / no pothole/ no reason back passengers side Second tire blowout - 7/4/26 on laurel street Pittston ( paved road, hit small bump in road. Nothing unusual) tire just blew out.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260716
10% of complaints: engine — 13 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The vehicle suffers from an intermittent, total engine stalling and propulsion failure.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260805
SAFETY TIMELINE
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Santa Fe vehicles. The B+ positive terminal cover on the starter motor assembly may be improperly installed, which can cause an electrical short during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and reinstall the starter motor terminal cover, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning October 22, 2025. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.
Campaign 25V659000 — check if this car was fixed
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Tucson and Santa Fe vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 23, 2025. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 281.
Campaign 25V549000 — check if this car was fixed
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025 Tucson, 2025-2026 Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Hybrid, and 2026 Genesis GV70 vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will reinstall the side curtain air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning December 29, 2025. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's numbers for this recall are 289 and 029G.
Campaign 25V809000 — check if this car was fixed
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Hybrid vehicles. The rearview camera may not have been installed properly, which can damage the wiring harness and cause the rearview camera image not to display.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the camera wiring harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning January 15, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 288.
Campaign 25V808000 — check if this car was fixed
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6, 2023-2026 Genesis G90, 2024-2026 Hyundai Santa Fe, and Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid vehicles. The driver and passenger seat belt anchors may detach.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and reinforce or replace the seat belt anchors, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning May 29, 2026.
Campaign 26V218000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2025 Hyundai Santa FE — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (27 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for forward collision avoidance issues (23 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (19 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 25V659000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V549000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V809000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V808000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
- Verify recall 26V218000 (seat belts) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2025 Hyundai Santa FE reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2025 Hyundai Santa FE is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2025 Hyundai Santa FE?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2025 Hyundai Santa FE have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-15 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.