2026 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 | 131 |
| 2026 | 35 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
23% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing adaptive cruise control and warnings.
Show complaint excerpts
I left work and my car pulled back I looked at my dash I just saw all the lights on indicators telling me I may stop or not I was so scared I live 45 mins from my job and this isnât the first incident after the second day I bought this brand new...
NHTSA ODI report, 20260710
Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES and SUSPENSION
14% of complaints: seats — 5 distinct reports on file.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The right side power captain seat in the second row began to fold down without the button being pressed. It happened with and without the seatbelt plugged in.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260505
Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
11% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file.
INJURY11% of complaints: tires — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing sidewall.
9% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 3 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 2025-2026 Tucson Hybrid, Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), 2026 IONIQ 5, Santa Cruz, Kona, Palisade, Palisade Hybrid, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Hybrid, Sonata, Sonata Hybrid, and Tucson vehicles.
Remedy: The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 24, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai's customer service at 855-371-9460.
Campaign 26V047000 — 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
2026 Hyundai Santa FE — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for forward collision avoidance issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seats issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 25V549000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V809000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 26V047000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 26V218000 (seat belts) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2026 Hyundai Santa FE reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2026 Hyundai Santa FE is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2026 Hyundai Santa FE?
The most-reported component is forward collision avoidance, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2026 Hyundai Santa FE have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.