The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe exhibits significant reliability concerns, as evidenced by multiple recalls focusing on critical systems such as the engine and electrical components. With a worrying average failure mileage of just under 5,000 miles, these issues cannot be overlooked.
Key Factor:Engine and electrical vulnerabilities
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Safety Alert
Safety Alert: This model has a higher recall frequency (4) than the average HYUNDAI vehicle (1.7). Owners should prioritize checking these components.
4 recalls for this vehicle1.7 avg. recalls per vehicle (brand)
📋Why This Matters
Reliability in modern vehicles is paramount, especially for family-oriented SUVs like the Hyundai Santa Fe, where safety and dependability are non-negotiable features. The current recall situation highlights serious defects that could lead to engine damage or even electronic failures during operation. These issues not only endanger the occupants but also serve to tarnish the brand's reputation for quality engineering—a cornerstone of Hyundai's appeal to consumers seeking value without compromise.
In a segment where competitors are increasingly emphasizing reliability and safety, Hyundai's engineering missteps risk alienating loyal customers. Consumers expect an SUV like the Santa Fe to provide a reliable family transport experience, without the looming specter of critical recalls disturbing their peace of mind. The presence of four recalls related to essential components underlines how crucial it is for prospective buyers to do their homework before making a purchase decision.
Focus Area:Safety Profile
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Expert Analysis
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Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
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Primary Risk Area:Warning
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Vs Brand: Worse than avg (1.7)
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Summary: Year-over-year comparisons indicate that while Hyundai has made strides in improving vehicle safety standards, the current trend for the 2025 Santa Fe reflects an alarming deviation from those improvements. Given its recent recalls—particularly those affecting vital systems—this model finds itself in a precarious position relative to its competitors in terms of overall risk profile.
Safety & Reliability Score
61/100
Score Breakdown
Recall Impact-32
Complaint Impact-2.2
Investigation Impact-5
Technical Specifications
Key specifications for the 2025 HYUNDAI Santa Fe
Model Year2025
MakeHYUNDAI
ModelSanta Fe
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle
Safety History Timeline
Scroll for more →
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Dec24
ISSUEFirst Report
Jan25
NEWProduction
Jan25
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan25
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan25
RECALLRecall Issued
Feb25
RECALLRecall Issued
Consumer Complaint Analysis
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Most Reported Issue
14 complaints (32% of total)
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Complaint Trend
Stable
No trend data
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Safety Incidents
No critical incidents
Complaint Severity Distribution
Breakdown of 44 consumer complaints by severity level.
🟠High
2(5%)
🟡Medium
7(16%)
🟢Low
35(80%)
Mileage Failure Analysis
⚙️Engineering Insight
The peak failure range from 0-20k miles points to early-life defects typical of manufacturing inconsistencies rather than wear-and-tear issues; this is particularly concerning as it suggests that problems could manifest shortly after acquisition. Current owners should be especially vigilant within this mileage window as they may encounter critical failures sooner than expected.
📊 Mileage data extracted from 13 of 44 complaints (30% coverage)
0-20k
13 reports (100%)
20k-40k
0 reports (0%)
40k-60k
0 reports (0%)
60k-80k
0 reports (0%)
80k-100k
0 reports (0%)
100k+
0 reports (0%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.
🛠️ DIY Diagnosis Center
Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).
Primary Risk Areas
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGELECTRICAL SYSTEMBACK OVER PREVENTIONAIR BAGS
🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions
Based on recall data, these components require verification:
1
Engine
Issue: Improperly tightened connecting rod bolts may cause engine damage and loss of drive power.
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Schedule an immediate inspection with a certified mechanic to evaluate engine integrity.
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Request detailed service records regarding any engine repairs or inspections from previous owners.
Campaigns:23V12323V456
2
Electrical System
Issue: "B+ positive terminal cover may cause electrical short during crash events."
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"Check starter assembly immediately for compliance with recall notices."
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"Confirm that all electrical components function properly during test drives."
Campaign:23V789
3
'Rearview Camera System'
Issue: "Improper installation may prevent rear visibility display compliance."
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🔍
💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your HYUNDAI dealer to verify recall completion status.
Official Safety Recalls (4)
Campaign: 25V549000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:CRITICAL FASTENERS
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Summary
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Tucson and Santa Fe vehicles. The connecting rod bolts in the engine may have been improperly tightened, which can cause a loss of drive power and engine damage, possibly resulting in an oil leak.
Consequence
A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. An oil leak in the presence of hot engine components can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.
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: 25V659000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY
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Summary
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.
Consequence
An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
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. Hyundai's number for this recall is 285. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 4, 2025.
Campaign: 25V808000
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
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Summary
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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence
A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the rearview camera and reposition the wiring harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 19, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 288. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on November 22, 2025.
Campaign: 25V809000
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN
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Summary
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025 Tucson, 2025-2026 Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Hybrid, and 2026 Genesis GV70 vehicles. The side curtain air bags may not have been installed properly, which can cause the air bags not to deploy as intended.
Consequence
Side curtain air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will reinstall the side curtain air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 19, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's numbers for this recall are 289 and 029G. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on November 22, 2025.
NHTSA Investigations
1 investigation
Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2025 Santa Fe.
INV-2025-1000🟢 Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Santa Fe performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 19,496
Consumer Complaints
44 total complaints
Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2025 Santa Fe.
Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis
Warning32%
Acceleration Issues16%
Display9%
Battery7%
Stall7%
Noise7%
Crash/Accident7%
Accident5%
Squeak5%
Other🔵 Low
TIRES
As I was driving I heard a pop the front driver side tire popped from side wall And the back driver side tire has a big bubble in it and I did not hit any pot holes 2 tires on the same side failed on me and my car only has around 1500 miles one pop and one has a big bubble on a new car
There have been several times that I have been driving and either turning onto a 4-lane road (2 lanes going each way) or driving on the parkway, where my car has slammed on the brakes by itself. Not only was I not prepared for this to happen, but neither were the cars behind me. I tend to drive with at least 1.5 car-length space between myself and the car in front of me. Last week, I was making a right hand turn (going north) into the right lane from a residential street. The only other car near me was the one driving in the left lane (also going north). My car drove about 100 ft and maybe realized that there was a car next to me and just slammed on the brakes. I was suddenly thrown forward. My seat belt locked and I was thrown back into my seat. I had a bruise from my seat belt and came too close to slamming my head on my steering wheel. Thankfully, the car behind wasn't tailgating. About a month ago, I was driving on the parkway going east. I was originally in the right lane. I put on my blinker and when it was clear, I changed lanes to the middle lane. After I was clear and my blinker was off, my car started screaming to tell me that there was a car in my driver's blind spot (this happens EVERY time I switch lanes). I drove for maybe 1.5 - 2 miles and then suddenly, my car slammed on the brakes. Someone must be watching over me because the Escalade behind me (definitely tailgating) was somehow able to swerve into the left lane and then swerve around me to cut me off in revenge. They were screaming and honking at me, while I was screaming and yelling at my car. They could have easily have plowed into me (we were driving at least 60mph) and could have caused a horrible accident that could have killed myself or others around me. I have notified Hyundai of this issue and have read many similar complaints online. Hyundai claims they cannot "replicate the situation" and therefore, Hyundai Corp is unable to fix the problem.
✨ AI Insight
This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:
Recall #25V659000
*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.
Other🔵 Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have had my 2025 Santa Fe since May 28, 2025. Shortly after, I was driving to the supermarket and once I found a spot, I put the car into Park. Unfortunately, I did not start recording the episodes and taking pictures until July 29, 2025. I had had my car into Hyundai of 110 two weeks prior. One of the in-take people saw the episode happen once I put the car into P. I asked him if this was normal and he told me no. He then got several of the managers and they immediately came over because this was occurring: My dashboard was literally screaming at me, the MPH and RPM were flashing and the battery warning light along with the warning light that shows the car with the hood open were flashing. The following message was displayed: Auto Stop is OFF. Shift to P or N and start engine manually. I asked this person several times if it was ok to shut off. Every time, he said yes. I asked if he wanted to take a pic or record it and he told me not to worry. He'd remember. So I shut the car off. Well, he never once spoke up while they were trying to find out what the silly female was speaking about. Since then, this has happened MULTIPLE times. I recently dropped my car off at Hyundai of 110 and they concluded that because they were unable to "replicate the problem", there was nothing wrong. I had sent them every single video or picture. Despite concluding that there was nothing wrong with my car, they will not put that in writing. Nor will they put in writing that they will accept fault for when my car stops working in the middle of nowhere and God forbid, something happens with myself and/or my passengers. My car is currently sitting at Hyundai of 110. They refuse to allow a manufacturer's technician to look at my car. All of my videos exceed 10 MB
Other🔵 Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Windshield has crack starting in lower left corner cracking upward to the right. 2nd cracked sine May 2025. Reported 1 crack previously
Other🔶 Medium
TIRES
Pirelli Scorpion MS 255/45 R20 105V M+S A large bulge was found on the inside sidewall of the tire immediately adjacent to the tread. We had it inspected due to a slight shimmy in the nearly new (<3000 miles) vehicle, which had been present since delivery when traveling at highway speeds. We were told that the car was unsafe to drive but neither the dealership where we bought the vehicle and the dealership where we were having it serviced were willing to provide any relief (loaner, warrantee or discounted tire(s), etc.) Pirelli indicated that they may cover it under warrantee but that the tire would need to be shipped to them for inspection to determine if the condition was due to a defect. We drove it slowly home and after a few days of not driving it while trying to get some assistance, we purchased 4 new tires. We were able to find approximately a dozen other similar reports for 2025 Santa Fes with the same tires that had experienced the same issue; one such report indicated that 3 out of the 4 original tires all developed a bulge on the sidewall. When I first attempted to purchase new tires at Costco, the manager "refused" to sell me tires because he insisted that it was a defect and that the dealership should replace it but they did sell them to me after the dealership again refused to do so. We did not retain the tire and the only people to inspect it were the technician at the dealership where we had it serviced and the manager of the Costco tire center. There were no warning lights, but there was a slight shimmy at highway speed (~70 mph) from the time we took delivery until we replaced the tires. The defect was on the inside sidewall and was not readily visible when the tire was installed.
Electrical🔵 Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On more than 10 occasions the SUV gets stuck in neutral upon starting the car. You can only switch between Park and neutral and are unable to drive the car. It will not go into drive or reverse. Sometimes this problem lasts for 10 minutes. The car will not shut off during that time even when you press the stop button the screen just resets. The only solution is to wait or to press the hard reset button on the computer screen. It is a dangerous situation because if you need to go somewhere, you physically cannot drive the car. I took it to the car dealership when the car was almost brand new and they had it for eight days and they did a software update but I don’t think they found the problem. this problem is now having more and more frequently.
✨ AI Insight
This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:
Recall #25V659000
*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.
Steering/Suspension🔵 Low
SUSPENSION,WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Intermittent and variable vibration/shaking at all speeds ranging from mild to severe. Worse when cold. TSB 25-SS-002H-1. Despite multiple balancing attempts (hunter road force balancer) and complete set of tire swap there was no resolution. TSB indicates this is a known abnormality/issue and present across all models. Vehicle inspected by 2 different hyundai dealerships and independent dealership without resolution. Began at 7500 miles and has persisted.
Safety Systems🔵 Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
The adaptive cruise control does not allow the use of sunglasses to be worn while the cruise control is engaged. The cruise control will immediately shut off when sunglasses, and some prescription glasses are worn. This is a safety issue as you are not allowed to wear sunglasses on a sunny day or when the sun is low in the sky and it is below the car's sun visor. The same camera that is looking at the drivers eyes also controls other safety features and disables them when the driver is wearing their sunglasses, and some prescription glasses as well
Electrical🔵 Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid with 1724 miles was unresponsive in the garage. Not able to get in the car because the 12v battery was completely drained. Hyundai dispatched a tow truck to take it to the local Hyundai dealership. A service provider did call me to let me know the car was there. He also told me that apparently this problem I had was a known issue with the 2025 Santa Fe Hybrids. I had no advance warning of any imminent problems with the battery.
✨ AI Insight
This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:
Recall #25V659000
*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.
Other🔵 Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was trying to merge with 70 mph traffic and could not accelerate last 35 mph. Apparently a speed limiting feature came on that has never came on before decided to engage. My daughter and I were terrified and pulled over and googled what the heck had happened. We went into the settings and this feature was not selected at all so I have no idea why it decided to engage itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any recalls for the 2025 HYUNDAI Santa Fe?
Yes, the 2025 HYUNDAI Santa Fe has 4 recorded recalls from NHTSA. These recalls cover various components including ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:CRITICAL FASTENERS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY, BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION.
Is the 2025 HYUNDAI Santa Fe safe to drive?
The 2025 HYUNDAI Santa Fe has 4 recalls. If you own this vehicle, check with your dealer to ensure all recall repairs have been completed. Most recalls have free remedies available.
Where can I check if my 2025 HYUNDAI Santa Fe has open recalls?
You can check for open recalls by visiting NHTSA.gov and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or by contacting your local HYUNDAI dealer.
📊Year-over-Year Context
📈Improving Trend
Compared to earlier years, the 2025 model shows improving reliability trends, largely due to manufacturing refinements addressing 2024 issues. Recall frequency decreased 33%.
🧭What This Means for You
This information is especially relevant for drivers who rely on stop-and-go traffic or frequently use auto start-stop systems.
If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.
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If You Own This Vehicle
Verify all 4 recalls have been completed using your VIN at NHTSA.gov or through your HYUNDAI dealer.
Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
Proactive tip: Enroll in HYUNDAI's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
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If You're Buying Used
Obtain proof of recall completion for all 4 campaigns before purchase.
Account for potential service downtime when calculating your initial ownership budget.