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.
CarWhere lists 12 documented Santa Fe issues, including 11 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source. Recall entries come from NHTSA's recall dataset on the DOT open-data portal, which may not list every campaign, so run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup.
DM/NC (2013–2019) Santa Fe problems
Engine bearing wear can seize the engine (recall 17V226) (2013–2014 (Santa Fe Sport))
Safety recall- Generation:
- DM/NC (2013–2019)
- Years:
- 2013–2014 (Santa Fe Sport)
Machining errors at the engine plant could leave the connecting rod bearings to wear early, which can lead to the engine seizing while driving. The recall covered 2013–2014 Santa Fe Sport and Sonata models: dealers inspect the engine and replace the short block if needed, free of charge. The 572,000-vehicle count is for the whole campaign, including the Sonata.
Symptoms
- A knocking noise from the engine that rises with engine speed
- Reduced power, hesitation or vibration
- Check-engine or oil-pressure warning light
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Look for Hyundai recall 162 as completed in the service history
- Ask a Hyundai dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 17V226 (2017-03-31) · 572,000 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [1][2][3]
Theta II engine: lifetime short-block warranty after KSDS update (2013–2019 (listed as Santa Fe Sport))
Major repair- Generation:
- DM/NC (2013–2019) and TM (2019–2023)
- Years:
- 2013–2019 (listed as Santa Fe Sport)
Under the Theta II class settlement (final approval June 10, 2021), 2013–2019 Santa Fe Sport models with the 2.0L or 2.4L Theta II GDI engine get a lifetime warranty on the short block (block, crankshaft and bearings, connecting rods and bearings, pistons), for original and later owners, once the free Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software update is done. KSDS watches for vibration from bearing wear, flashes the check-engine light and puts the car in a reduced-power protection mode. Hyundai also lists 2010–2012 and 2019 Santa Fe models for the KSDS update.
Symptoms
- Flashing check-engine light with reduced power (KSDS Engine Protection Mode)
- Engine knock that rises with rpm
- Top speed limited to roughly 60–65 mph in protection mode
Check before buying
- Check the VIN at autoservice.hyundaiusa.com/campaignhome and confirm Service Campaign 953 or 966 (KSDS) shows as completed
- Ask for records of any earlier engine replacement or bearing repair
- If the engine knocks, have a Hyundai dealer inspect it before purchase
Sources: [4][2][3]
ABS module can short and start an engine-bay fire; park outside (recall 22V056) (2016–2018 Santa Fe, 2017–2018 Santa Fe Sport, 2019 Santa Fe XL)
Safety recall- Generation:
- DM/NC (2013–2019)
- Years:
- 2016–2018 Santa Fe, 2017–2018 Santa Fe Sport, 2019 Santa Fe XL
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
The anti-lock brake (ABS) module can malfunction and short out, which can start a fire in the engine compartment whether the car is parked or moving. Owners were told to park outside and away from buildings until dealers replaced the ABS multi-fuse, free of charge. A follow-up recall, 22V810, added more 2018 Santa Fe Sport models. The 357,348-vehicle count covers the whole campaign, which also includes the 2014–2015 Tucson.
Symptoms
- Burning smell or smoke from the engine bay
- ABS warning light on the dash
- Often no warning at all before a fire
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- For a 2018 Santa Fe Sport, also check recall 22V810
- Until the repair is confirmed, follow the recall advice to park outside and away from buildings
- Ask a Hyundai dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 22V056 (2022-02-03) · 357,348 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [5][6]
Santa Fe Sport ABS module can leak and short; park outside (recall 21V303) (2013–2015 (Santa Fe Sport))
Safety recall- Generation:
- DM/NC (2013–2019)
- Years:
- 2013–2015 (Santa Fe Sport)
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
Brake fluid can leak inside the ABS module and cause an electrical short, raising the risk of an engine-compartment fire while parked or driving. This campaign replaced the earlier 20V520 recall: dealers replace the ABS multi-fuse and inspect and replace the ABS module if needed, free of charge. Owners were told to park outside until the repair was done.
Symptoms
- ABS or brake warning light
- Burning smell from the engine bay
- Smoke from under the hood, even with the car off
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Confirm the 21V303 remedy is recorded even if 20V520 work was done earlier
- Until the repair is confirmed, follow the recall advice to park outside and away from buildings
NHTSA recall: 21V303 (2021-04-28) · 151,205 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [7][8]
ABS module brake-fluid leak can cause fire; park outside (recall 23V651) (2013–2015 Santa Fe, 2013 Santa Fe Sport)
Safety recall- Generation:
- DM/NC (2013–2019)
- Years:
- 2013–2015 Santa Fe, 2013 Santa Fe Sport
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
The ABS module can leak brake fluid internally and short-circuit, which can start an engine-compartment fire while parked or driving. Dealers install a new ABS fuse, free of charge, and owners were told to park outside until then. The 1,649,478-vehicle count is for the whole campaign, which spans many Hyundai models including Elantra, Tucson and Veloster.
Symptoms
- ABS warning light
- Burning smell or smoke from the engine bay
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Until the repair is confirmed, follow the recall advice to park outside and away from buildings
- Ask a Hyundai dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 23V651 (2023-09-22) · 1,649,478 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [9]
Steering wheel assembly can break and separate (recall 18V118) (2018 (Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport))
Safety recall- Generation:
- DM/NC (2013–2019)
- Years:
- 2018 (Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport)
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
The steering wheel assembly may break, which could let the steering wheel come off the steering column while driving. Dealers check the steering wheel's production lot number and replace it as needed, free of charge.
Symptoms
- Looseness or play in the steering wheel
- Clicking or cracking from the wheel hub
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Hyundai dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 18V118 (2018-02-17) · 41,070 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [13]
Secondary hood latch can corrode and stay open (recall 17V358) (2013–2017 (Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport))
Safety recall- Generation:
- DM/NC (2013–2019)
- Years:
- 2013–2017 (Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport)
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
The cable that operates the secondary hood latch can corrode and bind, leaving the safety latch open after the hood is closed. If the main latch is then released, the hood could fly up while driving. Dealers replace the secondary latch cable, free of charge.
Symptoms
- Hood does not catch on the secondary latch when the primary is released
- Stiff hood-release action
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Hyundai dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 17V358 (2017-06-05) · 437,400 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [17]
TM (2019–2023) Santa Fe problems
Tow-hitch wiring module can short and catch fire; park outside (recall 23V181) (2019–2023 (including 2021–2023 Hybrid and 2022–2023 Plug-in Hybrid))
Safety recall- Generation:
- TM (2019–2023)
- Years:
- 2019–2023 (including 2021–2023 Hybrid and 2022–2023 Plug-in Hybrid)
- Powertrain:
- All, when fitted with a factory or dealer tow-hitch harness
Water can collect on the circuit board of the tow-hitch wiring module and cause a short circuit, which can start a fire while parked or driving. It applies to Santa Fe models with a tow-hitch harness fitted at the factory or bought as a dealer accessory. Dealers install a new fuse and wire extension kit, free of charge. The 584,784-vehicle count also includes the Santa Cruz.
Symptoms
- Trailer lights not working or working intermittently
- Burning smell near the rear of the vehicle
Check before buying
- Check whether the vehicle has a tow hitch or trailer wiring harness
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Until the repair is confirmed, follow the recall advice to park outside and away from buildings
NHTSA recall: 23V181 (2023-03-17) · 584,784 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [10]
2.5T fuel pipe connection can leak fuel (recall 21V524) (2021–2022)
Safety recall- Generation:
- TM (2019–2023)
- Years:
- 2021–2022
On models with the 2.5L turbocharged engine, fuel can leak where the pipe joins the high-pressure fuel pump and the fuel rail, which raises the fire risk. Dealers inspect and tighten or replace the fuel pipe, free of charge. The 15,752-vehicle count also includes the Sonata.
Symptoms
- Fuel smell from the engine bay
- Visible fuel wetness around the top of the engine
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Hyundai dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 21V524 (2021-07-09) · 15,752 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [14]
MX5 (2024–present) Santa Fe problems
Front seat belt anchors may detach (recall 26V218) (2024–2026 (including Santa Fe Hybrid))
Safety recall- Generation:
- MX5 (2024–present)
- Years:
- 2024–2026 (including Santa Fe Hybrid)
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
The driver and front-passenger seat belt anchors may come loose, so the belt would not hold the occupant properly in a crash. Dealers inspect the anchors and reinforce or replace them, free of charge. The 294,448-vehicle count covers the whole campaign, which also includes the Ioniq 6 and Genesis G90.
Symptoms
- Usually no warning before a crash
- Possible looseness at the lower belt anchor
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Hyundai dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 26V218 (2026-04-06) · 294,448 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [15]
Chafed floor wiring can disable or fire the air bags (recall 24V561) (2024 (including Santa Fe Hybrid))
Safety recall- Generation:
- MX5 (2024–present)
- Years:
- 2024 (including Santa Fe Hybrid)
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
The main floor wiring harness can rub against the passenger-side second-row bench seat and get damaged. That can make the air bags go off by themselves or stop them from deploying in a crash. Dealers inspect and repair or replace the harness, free of charge.
Symptoms
- Air bag warning light on the dash
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Hyundai dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 24V561 (2024-07-26) · 49,719 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [16]