Summary
The Hyundai Santa Fe has 69 recalls spanning 2001 through 2026, with the most serious recent issue affecting 2024-2025 models where an improperly installed starter motor terminal cover can short-circuit in a crash and start a fire.
The 2024 and 2025 model years carry a dense cluster of safety recalls. On 2024 models, a wiring harness under the second-row seat can chafe and either trigger airbag deployment without a crash or prevent airbags from deploying when needed. A separate software error in the transmission control unit on 2024 models can allow the vehicle to roll away from a parked position. Rearview camera problems affect the 2024-2025 range through multiple issues: an improperly installed camera can damage its own wiring harness and go dark when reversing, and on some 2024 models a software glitch can block the camera image with a trailer parking assist message. The overhead console sunshade switch on 2024 models can close the sunshade unexpectedly, raising a pinch risk. Side curtain airbags on 2025-2026 models may not have been installed correctly and can fail to deploy in a crash.
Going back to the 2021-2022 generation, a loose fuel tank mounting bracket on 2021 hybrid models can deform in a side impact and cause a fuel leak with fire risk. On those same 2021 hybrid models, seatbelt pretensioners can rupture in a crash and send metal fragments into the cabin. A loose fuel pipe on 2021 turbo models can leak and also raises a fire risk. The 2022 plug-in hybrid has a fuel tank that can leak at the seam. Windshield bonding problems affect 2020-2021 models, where the glass can detach in a crash. The 2021 passenger seat sensor can fail to deactivate the front airbag when a child seat is installed, exposing a child to airbag deployment. Rearview cameras on 2021-2022 models can fail outright due to a damaged circuit board, and a 2025 camera wiring issue similarly leaves the backup image dark.
The 2019 model has side curtain airbag mounting bolts that can tear the airbags during deployment, leaving them unable to inflate properly. An accessory trailer wiring harness on 2019 models can short-circuit and cause a fire even while parked. The 2018 model has a steering wheel assembly that can fracture and separate from the steering column while driving, causing complete loss of steering. On 2017 models, crankshaft surface irregularities can cause engine bearing wear and lead to a stall. The 2016-2017 model years have a seat height adjuster that can cut the seatbelt buckle wiring, disabling the unbuckled-belt warning chime.
The 2013-2017 range shares a hood latch cable that can corrode and bind, leaving the secondary latch disengaged so the hood can fly open at speed. On 2013 front-wheel-drive models with the 2.4L engine, the right front axle shaft can fracture, cutting drive power and potentially allowing rollaway if the parking brake is not set. The 2010 model has an intermediate shaft misalignment that wears the transmission and can cause sudden loss of drive. Front coil springs on 2010 models can corrode and fracture, potentially puncturing a tire.
Reaching back to the mid-2000
