Hyundai known issues by model
By CarWhere Research · Updated
CarWhere documents 107 Hyundai problems and 95 NHTSA safety recalls across 10 models — Santa Fe, Tucson, Palisade, Kona, Elantra, Sonata, Santa Cruz, Ioniq 5, Veloster and Venue — organized by generation. Each entry lists affected model years, symptoms, what to check on a used vehicle before buying, and the sources behind it.
| Model | Generations covered | Documented issues | NHTSA recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Santa Fe problems | CM (2007–2012) (2007–2012), DM/NC (2013–2019) (2013–2019), TM (2019–2023) (2019–2023), MX5 (2024–present) (2024–present) | 12 | 11 |
| Hyundai Tucson problems | LM (2010–2015) (2010–2015), TL (2016–2021) (2016–2021), NX4 (2022–present) (2022–present) | 12 | 9 |
| Hyundai Palisade problems | LX2 (2020–2025) (2020–2025), LX3 (2026–present) (2026–present) | 12 | 12 |
| Hyundai Kona problems | OS (2018–2023) (2018–2023), SX2 (2024–present) (2024–present) | 12 | 11 |
| Hyundai Elantra problems | HD (2007–2010) (2007–2010), MD/UD (2011–2016) (2011–2016), AD (2017–2020) (2017–2020), CN7 (2021–present) (2021–present) | 12 | 10 |
| Hyundai Sonata problems | NF (2006–2010) (2006–2010), YF (2011–2014) (2011–2014), LF (2015–2019) (2015–2019), DN8 (2020–present) (2020–present) | 12 | 10 |
| Hyundai Santa Cruz problems | NX4a OB (2022–present) (2022–present) | 9 | 9 |
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 problems | NE (2022–present) (2022–present) | 10 | 10 |
| Hyundai Veloster problems | FS (2012–2017) (2012–2017), JS (2019–2022) (2019–2022) | 12 | 10 |
| Hyundai Venue problems | QX (2020–present) (2020–present) | 4 | 3 |
Hyundai Santa Fe problems
The Santa Fe's biggest documented problems are engine-bearing failures on the 2.0L and 2.4L Theta II engines in 2013–2014 Santa Fe Sport models (recall 17V226), plus several 'park outside' fire recalls for the ABS module (2013–2019) and the tow-hitch wiring (2019–2023). Hyundai covers affected Theta II short blocks under a lifetime warranty once the free KSDS update is installed.
Hyundai Tucson problems
The Tucson's most serious documented problems are ABS-module fire recalls covering 2010–2015 and 2016–2021 models, with owners told to park outside until repaired, and engine-bearing wear on the 2017 2.0L Tucson (recall 21V727). Settlements extend engine warranties on 2010–2021 Tucsons: lifetime for the Theta II GDI engine, 15 years/150,000 miles for the Nu and Theta MPI engines.
Hyundai Palisade problems
The Palisade's documented problems are safety recalls, led by two that cover about 568,000 2020–2025 models: seat belt buckles that may not latch (25V607) and third-row curtain air bags that may deploy improperly (26V034). Other recalls cover tow-hitch wiring and electric oil pump fires (park outside), winter wiper failures and broken valve springs on some 2024 models.
Hyundai Kona problems
The Kona's most serious documented problems are battery short-circuit fire recalls on the 2019–2020 Kona Electric (20V630 and 21V127) and a piston-oil-ring engine recall on 2019–2021 models with the 2.0L Nu engine (21V301). The Kona N has fuel-pump and transmission recalls, and the 2024-and-later Kona has seat belt and steering-knuckle recalls.
Hyundai Elantra problems
The Elantra's most significant documented problems are ABS-module fire recalls on 2007–2015 models, engine coverage for the 2.0L Nu engine (a 15-year/150,000-mile warranty on 2014–2016 GDI cars and a piston-ring recall on 2019–2020 models), and exploding seat belt pretensioners on 2021–2022 cars. The Elantra N has fuel pump and transmission recalls.
Hyundai Sonata problems
The Sonata's best-known problem is engine failure from connecting rod bearing wear in 2011–2014 models with the 2.0L and 2.4L Theta II engine (recalls 15V568 and 17V226). Hyundai now gives 2011–2019 Theta II Sonatas a lifetime short-block warranty once the KSDS software is installed. Other major recalls cover air bag control units, seat belts and fuel leaks.
Hyundai Santa Cruz problems
The Santa Cruz's documented problems are safety recalls, not a known engine defect. The most important are a tow-hitch wiring fire risk with park-outside advice (23V181), unexpected automatic braking from front-camera software on 2025–2026 trucks (26V316) and a 2022 transmission fail-safe that may not work (22V746). All are repaired free by Hyundai dealers.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 problems
The Ioniq 5's best-known problem is the Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU), which can fail and stop charging the 12-volt battery, causing a loss of drive power. It was recalled on 2022–2024 models under 24V204 and then 24V868. Other recalls cover small batches of high-voltage batteries, 2022 shifter software and Ioniq 5 N braking software.
Hyundai Veloster problems
The Veloster's main documented problem is engine-bearing wear on the 1.6L Gamma GDI engine: 2015–2016 cars were recalled (20V746), and 2012–2017 cars carry a 15-year/150,000-mile engine warranty under the Engine II settlement. Later 2019–2021 cars with the 2.0L Nu engine had a piston-ring recall, and the 2019–2022 Veloster N has fuel pump and air bag software recalls.
Hyundai Venue problems
The Venue has few documented problems. The largest is a recall for front seat belt pretensioners that may explode in a crash on 2020–2022 models (22V458, 72,142 vehicles). Smaller recalls cover an EGR valve short that can cut power on 2024 models and loose wheel lug nuts on a handful of 2026 cars, all fixed free.
Confirm how a used Hyundai was built before you buy.
Engine, transmission and packages decide which issues apply. The CarWhere Hyundai build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common Hyundai problems?
They depend on the model and powertrain. Across the 10 Hyundai models covered here, the most documented items are engine bearing wear can seize the engine (recall 17V226) on the Santa Fe; ABS control unit can corrode and start a fire; park outside (recall 20V543) on the Tucson; front and second-row seat belt buckles may not latch (recall 25V607) on the Palisade. Each model page lists issues by generation with sources.
How do I check a Hyundai for open recalls?
Enter the 17-character VIN on NHTSA’s recall lookup or the brand’s owner site, or ask a Hyundai dealer to run it. Recall repairs are free. CarWhere’s known-issues pages list major recall campaign numbers by model and generation.
Are known issues the same as years to avoid?
No. Known-issues pages explain specific, documented mechanical problems and recalls. Years-to-avoid research ranks model years against each other, so the two answer different questions and are linked from each model page where both exist.
Sources
Each model page lists its own sources. Key references:
- NHTSA recalls database — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- Recalls Data (NHTSA recall campaigns, dataset 6axg-epim) — U.S. Department of Transportation open data
- Hyundai Motor America newsroom — pricing, specifications and model-year changes — Hyundai Motor America
More Hyundai tools
- Hyundai research hub
- Hyundai trim levels explained
- Hyundai history
- Hyundai and Kia engines
- Hyundai warranty
- Hyundai engine settlement
- Hyundai anti-theft software update
- Free Hyundai VIN decoder
- Hyundai specs by model
- Hyundai reliability
- How long do Hyundai models last?
- Hyundai invoice vs what buyers paid
- Hyundai build sheet by VIN
- Genesis (Hyundai’s luxury brand)
Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Hyundai Motor America, Hyundai Motor Company or Hyundai Motor Group. Hyundai and the model names are trademarks of their owners.