2023 HYUNDAI SANTA FE HYBRID Complaints

It started in April 2024. After the dealership performed an oil change we heard a strange noise whenever we accelerated. The dealership said it was either the transmission or the hybrid motor and both were on back order (usually an indicator that these parts are in great demand). After several weeks both parts arrived but they only replaced the transmission because that took care of the noise. A few days after we got the car back, we heard a clunking sound whenever we shifted. I tried to take the car to a different dealership but they said we had to return to the place that installed the transmission because bolts were missing. We went back to that dealership and they said no bolts were missing but they did need to be tightened. After that the clunking stopped, however, the next day we started experiencing other problems. The check engine and master system lights came on and the car would hesitate when accelerating. This was extremely dangerous when we were on the freeway and/or trying to accelerate from a traffic signal. Also, it had trouble shifting into reverse. The dealership said the codes were indicating the hybrid system battery needed to be replaced. The car has less than 20k miles.

One of the 2 horns has stopped working. After checking the Hyundai Forum website, I've found that one or both horns has suddenly went dead on not just Santa Fe's, but virtually all Hyundai models across the board. This seems to be a widespread defect. This is very dangerous because the cessation of operation is sudden and without warning (ie, no dashboard warning light). If there is a need for the driver to sound a horn in a time of danger there may be absolutely no way to give a warning.

I was driving 70 MPH on highway and the AEB activated despite no other vehicles in front of me. Thankfully the car behind me was far enough behind that they could swerve out of the way, or it could have been a massive collision. Additionally the person behind me could have swerved into traffic Causing a massive accident. This is happened twice the other time I was going 50 miles an hour. I am afraid to drive this car on the highway now.

When I start driving the car if I come up to a hill when I try to accelerate to move forward the cars engine cuts out almost like it stalls. I have to floor or pump the gas which makes a revving sound and the car will go.

The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving at approximately 30-35 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact restarted the vehicle and the vehicle worked as designed for several miles before the failure recurred. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the failure was due to the accelerator switch. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH in the driveway, the vehicle lost motive power. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 6,800.

While driving the blind spot safety system, driver attention warning system, and lane following system malfunction at the same time, and the vehicle loses power steering. The first time this occured was in the parking lot of an elementary school in April 2024. I was driving less than 2mph and the vehicle had less than 8,000 miles on it. The dealer said they would be unable to diagnose unless they witnessed the errors. The second time it occured was in May 2024 while driving on the interstate at around 75mph. The vehicle was driven directly to the dealership who kept it for four weeks. They said the connections to the ECU were severely corroded, sanded them down, and added a water protectant. The third time it occured was a month later. The dealership has had the vehicle for two weeks with no diagnosis. Losing power steering suddenly while driving is incredibly dangerous, especially in a vehicle of this size and weight. It is difficult to control the vehicle without power steering, and in all cases there have been other vehicles/people in the area who could have been injured.

I was driving approximately 55 mph on an interstate with no hazards nearby. The car's Emergency Braking System engaged causing the vehicle to slow down suddenly to about 35 mph. I continued pushing on the accelerator to try to get the vehicle back to the appropriate speed and was able to do so.

On highway, emergency braking enacted. I pulled to side the of the road to turn engine off and restart car. When I did, I could not put the car in gear. I have had other similar incidents happen with this vehicle. After about an hour of waiting for roadside assistance and having NYS troopers come help, the car dash lit up and I was then able to put car in Drive. When I talked to dealership and said that I got a diagnostic message on my screen to have transmission component checked TODAY ('today' was in all CAPS on the screen), they said they could not get me in. Then when I said, "I'm supposed to just drive around hoping my car doesn't break down again?" She said, "I'll cross my fingers for you." Are you kidding me!? My safety is at risk is this what a major dealership's answer is to the car's issue?

I was driving on the freeway and there were not any cars in front of me or next to me, and my emergency break went on. My car jerked hard and could have caused a very serious accident if there was a car behind me. This happened two times during the same drive. I took it to the dealer and they told me there was nothing they could do since there was no codes shown. I am very nervous to drive this car now.

As I was driving today my Santa Fe Hybrid lost all power while on the road. The hybrid battery gauge went from 3/4th full to empty in 20 second and I could not get the vehicle to move. Thankfully there was no one behind me and I could safely pull off. When I stopped and restarted the car, the system said ready to drive but the car wouldn't move