This page covers 4 recalls, 20 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe.
23–36 mpg combined
6.5–10.2 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Seat complaints dominate what owners report for the 2026 Santa Fe. The most consistent pattern involves the second-row power captain's seats folding down on their own without the button being pressed, and multiple owners describe this happening while children were seated and belted in the row. A smaller cluster of owners reports lane departure and driver monitoring alerts firing repeatedly even when they believe they're looking at the road correctly, with some noting the warnings persist regardless of eyewear. Two owners describe rear windshield glass shattering spontaneously while the vehicle was parked and undisturbed. One isolated report mentions a broad electrical failure affecting the instrument cluster, door locks, windows, and tailgate simultaneously.
20
Total Complaints
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe has 4 recalls, the most serious involving engine connecting rod bolts that can loosen and cause a sudden loss of drive power, an oil leak, or an engine compartment fire.
Two recalls affect occupant protection in a crash. The side curtain airbags on certain vehicles may not have been installed correctly and can fail to deploy, reducing protection in a side impact. Separately, the front seatbelt anchors for both driver and passenger can detach, leaving occupants without adequate restraint. There is also an electrical concern: a software error can cause the instrument panel display to go blank, taking the speedometer and warning lights with it.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver and passenger seat belt anchors may detach from the vehicle structure.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the seat belt anchors and reinforce or replace them as needed at no cost.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error in the instrument panel display may cause it to fail, preventing the display from functioning properly.
What the fix does
The instrument panel display software will be updated for free either over-the-air or at a Hyundai dealer.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Side curtain air bags may not have been installed correctly, preventing them from deploying in a crash as designed.
What the fix does
Dealers will reinstall the side curtain air bags at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Engine connecting rod bolts may not be tight enough, causing loss of power, engine damage, and possible oil leaks.
What the fix does
The engine will be replaced at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
