Santa Fe (TM)
Verdict Choose the 1.6L hybrid or, among gas engines, the 2.5L turbo; skip 2019-2020 cars with the 2.4L unless the seller documents engine warranty history. On any 2019-2023 car with a tow hitch, confirm the hitch fire recall is closed.
Data covers 6 NHTSA model names
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
T-GDI THETA III
2.5L 4-cyl Turbo / 281 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
GDI THETA II
2.4L 4-cyl / 185 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
GDI THETA III
2.5L 4-cyl / 191 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
T-GDI Gamma-II
1.6L 4-cyl Turbo / 177 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
T-GDI THETA II
2.0L 4-cyl Turbo / 235 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
T-GDI GAMMA-II
1.6L TurboView details
Complaint Breakdown
Hyundai Santa Fe Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
DOHC GDI LAMBDA
3.3LView details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
GDI LAMBDA ?
3.3L 6-cyl / 290 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Reliability Overview
The TM-generation Hyundai Santa Fe, the fourth-generation Santa Fe sold from 2019 through 2024 with a significant mid-cycle refresh for 2021, has accumulated 1,366 NHTSA complaints across six model years and 20 separate recall campaigns. That works out to roughly 228 complaints per year. NHTSA has logged 29 fire reports on this generation, 22 of them on 2019-2020 cars with the Theta II engines.
Engine choice on the TM Santa Fe varies sharply by model year and trim. The 2019-2020 cars carried older Theta II engines: the 2.4-liter GDI Theta II (185 horsepower) and the 2.0-liter turbo Theta II (235 horsepower). The 2021 mid-cycle refresh brought the new Theta III family: the 2.5-liter naturally aspirated GDI Theta III (191 horsepower) and the 2.5-liter T-GDI Theta III turbo (281 horsepower). The 1.6-liter T-GDI Gamma-II turbo hybrid system (177 horsepower) entered for the Santa Fe Hybrid and PHEV in 2021, and the hybrid scores 4.0 on 54 powertrain complaints from an estimated 50,000 vehicles. Engine choice is a meaningful reliability lever: per vehicle built, the 2.4-liter in the 2019-2020 cars has drawn about 66% fewer powertrain complaints than the generation's other engines, and the 2.5-liter that replaced it about 85% more.
The recall ledger on this generation includes two engine-bay and wiring failure modes. The first is a 2023 trailer hitch recall covering 2019-2023 Santa Fe (and Santa Fe Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid, and Santa Cruz) for water intrusion into the tow hitch harness that can cause fires while parked. The second is a 2022 recall on the 2022 Santa Fe and Santa Cruz for an oil supply pipe to the turbocharger that may crack and leak oil in the engine compartment. A 2022 seat belt pretensioner recall covered 2021-2022 Santa Fe Hybrid and 2022-2023 PHEV cars for pretensioners that may explode in a crash. Fuel system recalls covered 2021-2022 cars with the 2.5L turbo (high-pressure fuel pump connection leak) and 2022 Santa Fe PHEV (improperly molded fuel tank). 2024 cars added a transmission control unit software recall causing vehicle rollaway from PARK, an air bag wiring harness chafing recall causing unintended deployment, and a starter motor B+ terminal cover recall that can cause an electrical short during a crash. Multiple rearview camera and visibility recalls also appear on the generation.
The TM is the fourth-generation Santa Fe (2019-2023 in the US, with 2024 typically falling under the fifth-generation MX5 platform in the US market, though the data file aggregates through 2024). The 2021 refresh divides the generation into two distinct reliability profiles: 2019-2020 cars run the older Theta II engines, and 2021-2023 cars run the newer Theta III engines and the Gamma-II hybrid system.
The TM Santa Fe makes sense for buyers willing to confirm completion of the trailer hitch and turbocharger oil pipe recalls and accept the broader recall ledger. Within the generation, the 2.4L in the 2019-2020 cars has drawn the fewest powertrain complaints per vehicle built, and the hybrid the most. Buyers should avoid 2019-2020 cars with the GDI Theta II 2.4L unless the seller has documentation of completed engine warranty service.
Battery & Propulsion Reliability
Hybrid (HEV)
Battery & propulsion complaint analysis for the 2019-2024 Hyundai Santa Fe
That's about 1.8x the typical rate for hybrids in this dataset (median 7.1 per year). Above peer average — but high-volume models naturally produce more raw complaints, so check the issue mix below before drawing conclusions.
What kind of battery complaint?
Among the 52 battery-related complaints, here's the type mix. These percentages describe what the complaints are about — not how reliable the vehicle is overall.
Hybrid system warnings, eCVT, motor-generator, hybrid transaxle.
Loss of power, drive unit, inverter, traction motor, DC-DC converter.
Propulsion battery defects, capacity loss, BMS faults, replacement claims.
Low-voltage battery deaths, common on EVs and hybrids that use a 12V for accessories.
Battery fires, smoke, thermal runaway. Includes any complaint with fire reported.
Sample complaint excerpts
Hybrid Drivetrain
- [2024] I was riding on a suburban street and ran over a branch I did not see due to rain and darkness. I went back and looked at the incident and the branch did not seem like it was that big but I quickly lost power and my car stalled and I could not get it restarted. I later found out that that branch took out my hybrid battery connection under the car which rendered the car useless. It is a 5000 fix.
- [2023] I am submitting this formal safety complaint regarding a structural defect in my 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid that I believe poses a safety concern and warrants federal investigation under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (49 U.S.C. § 30101 et seq.). The vehicle exhibits a persistent and recurring structural creak originating from the pinch weld area adjacent to the hybrid battery
- [2023] Own a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid and have experienced the following issues over the past year and a half. Beginning after maybe 40,000 miles we pulled out onto a roadway and the engine immediately lost power and started flashing a glaring red warning that the hybrid system was failing and to pull over. We luckily were able to and turned the car off and waited. I tried to turn it on and
Electric Propulsion
- [2023] Component/System Failure: The electronic throttle control system malfunctioned. The vehicle is reporting powertrain diagnostic trouble codes P2118 and P2101 through the Hyundai manufacturer mobile application (Bluelink), indicating an electronic throttle actuator / throttle control motor issue. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: This malfunction poses a safety risk
- [2023] On September 4, 2025 as I pulled on to Interstate I-70 my car suddenly lost power. Gas engine died. Loud attention sound started. Instrument cluster started flashing red with message "EV system failure, stop immediately" EV battery showed full depletion although a moment before it showed about 75% power. There was only enough propulsion to keep moving slowly. Since this was a construction zone th
- [2023] I am reporting a serious and recurring safety defect with my 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, purchased new in January 2024. The vehicle has suffered from over 30–40 sudden hybrid system failures, including loss of acceleration, “Stop Vehicle” warnings, and check engine lights. These incidents happen without warning, including while driving at legal speeds (40–70 mph), on residential streets and high
High-Voltage Battery
- [2023] I am submitting this formal safety complaint regarding a structural defect in my 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid that I believe poses a safety concern and warrants federal investigation under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (49 U.S.C. § 30101 et seq.). The vehicle exhibits a persistent and recurring structural creak originating from the pinch weld area adjacent to the hybrid battery
- [2023] On September 4, 2025 as I pulled on to Interstate I-70 my car suddenly lost power. Gas engine died. Loud attention sound started. Instrument cluster started flashing red with message "EV system failure, stop immediately" EV battery showed full depletion although a moment before it showed about 75% power. There was only enough propulsion to keep moving slowly. Since this was a construction zone th
- [2023] Bought the car in July 2023. Nov 23: I had a check hybrid system followed by check engine + red battery warning while driving in the interstate. The car lost power abruptly. Coasted out of the interstate, took the exit, and turned it off. Restarted after 15 mins. Only the check engine light came back on. We drove it back home. Just as we were entering the garage, the sequence happened again: Che
12V Auxiliary Battery
- [2023] Twice, the car refused to switch from EV mode back to gas mode. This resulted in the hybrid battery dying and the car losing power. The first time, I was merging onto the freeway and the gas pedal was all the way at the floor, but I was only maintaining speed (not accelerating). Both times, the car was driveable for approximately one mile on the hybrid battery alone. However, a warning came on t
- [2024] The rear power liftgate on my 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid (VIN [XXX]) repeatedly opened and closed on its own, without any command from the key fob, interior button, or any occupant. This occurred over a period of several months. It happened while the vehicle was parked and, more dangerously, while the vehicle was in motion at normal driving speeds. An un-commanded liftgate opening while driving
- [2022] The car was idling for about 30 mins as I waited for delivery of groceries at curbside pickup. I put the car in drive but the motor did not kick on. I was able to drive on electrical power until the hybrid battery died. I lost complete power in the middle of the Interstate but I was able to coast to the shoulder. I had a check engine light and other warning lights on the dashboard but they went aw
Thermal Events
- [2022] 2022 santa fe PHEV Pebble or road debris punctured inverter cooling radiator causing to leak out. Quality or design flaw ? If happens and driver is unaware until too late, entire inverter system could be ruined or possible battery fire. Took to dealer for repair. ~1600.00$ Non covered repair cost. Warning light went on, who's to say caught it in time to prevent worse damage to inverter / battery
Source: classified from NHTSA complaint and recall data. "Battery-related" includes high-voltage propulsion battery, charging system, hybrid drivetrain, electric propulsion, regenerative braking, 12V auxiliary battery, and thermal-event complaints. Other complaints (suspension, steering, brakes, infotainment) appear in the engine and vehicle-level sections. Rates are absolute counts, not normalized per-VIN — high-volume models naturally produce more raw complaints than low-volume ones. Self-reported death and injury counts are capped per complaint to limit form abuse.
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Hyundai Santa Fe, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
Buyer's Guide
The trailer hitch fire recall is the most serious open question on any 2019-2023 TM Santa Fe equipped with a tow hitch. The March 2023 NHTSA campaign covers water intrusion into the tow hitch harness that can cause fires while parked. Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm both this recall and the 2022 turbocharger oil supply pipe recall (on 2022 Santa Fe and Santa Cruz) are closed. On Santa Fe Hybrid candidates, confirm the 2022 seat belt pretensioner recall is closed (2021-2022 Hybrid, 2022-2023 PHEV).
At inspection, focus on engine condition on the post-2021 turbo cars. With the 2.5L T-GDI Theta III, listen for any ticking, knocking, or oil-burning smell at idle; check the engine bay visually for any oil residue around the turbocharger oil supply pipe and the high-pressure fuel pump. Verify the engine warning light is not active and pull any stored codes via OBD-II. On 2019-2020 cars with the Theta II engines, verify the engine has not had an unrepaired warranty event and inspect for oil consumption history. On 2024 cars, confirm the transmission control unit, floor wiring harness, and starter motor terminal cover recalls are closed.
The 1.6L T-GDI Gamma-II Hybrid system (in Santa Fe Hybrid and PHEV from 2021) has 174 complaints across three model years, the most per vehicle built of any powertrain in the generation. Buyers should be cautious about 2019-2020 cars with the GDI Theta II 2.4L unless the seller can document a clean engine warranty history.
What to check on a used 2019-2024 Hyundai Santa Fe
On a used 2019-2024 Hyundai Santa Fe, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the engine (373), the transmission and drivetrain (309) and the electrical system (232). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 373 owner complaints on the 2019-2024 Hyundai Santa Fe about the engine, all engines combined.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 309 owner complaints on the 2019-2024 Hyundai Santa Fe about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 232 owner complaints on the 2019-2024 Hyundai Santa Fe about the electrical system.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 211 owner complaints on the 2019-2024 Hyundai Santa Fe about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- Let the engine idle for five minutes, walk around the car and smell for fuel.Safety. NHTSA has 119 owner complaints on the 2019-2024 Hyundai Santa Fe about the fuel system, all engines combined.
- Drive slowly in a parking lot and note each time the engine starts and stops.Costly repair. NHTSA has 33 owner complaints on the 2019-2024 Hyundai Santa Fe (hybrid and electric versions only) about the hybrid system.
Recalls (20)
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6, 2023-2026 Genesis G90, 2024-2026 Hyundai Santa Fe, and Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid vehicles. The driver and passenger seat belt anchors may detach.
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."
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.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe, Santa Fe HEV, Elantra, Elantra HEV and 2022 Elantra N and Santa Fe PHEV vehicles. Due to a damaged printed circuit board, the rearview camera image may fail to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Hybrid vehicles. The overhead console rear sunshade switch knob may not be fully recessed, which can result in unintentional closing of the sunshade. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window, Partition and Roof Panel Systems."
Show 15 older recalls
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024 Santa Fe and Santa Fe HEV vehicles. The main floor wiring harness may chafe against the passenger-side second-row bench seat assembly and become damaged, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally or prevent the air bags from deploying in a crash.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024 Santa Fe vehicles. A software error in the transmission control unit may result in a vehicle roll away when the vehicle is in PARK.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024 Santa Fe vehicles. The rearview camera image may be obstructed by a trailer parking assist message. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Santa Fe, 2021-2023 Santa Fe HEV, 2022-2023 Santa Fe Plug-in HEV and Santa Cruz vehicles potentially equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Hyundai dealership. Water accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2022 Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The fuel tank may have been improperly molded, which can result in a fuel leak.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2023 Genesis G80 Electric, 2021-2022 Santa Fe Hybrid, and 2022-2023 Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioners may explode upon deployment.
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe, Sonata, Veloster N, 2022 Santa Cruz, Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles. The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which can result in a complete loss of drive power.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2022 Santa Fe and Santa Cruz vehicles. The oil supply pipe to the turbocharger may crack, which could result in an oil leak in the engine compartment.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Santa Fe, 2017-2018 Santa Fe Sport, 2019 Santa Fe XL, and 2014-2015 Tucson vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Santa Fe, 2021 Sonata, and Elantra vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2022 Santa Fe HEV and Santa Fe PHEV vehicles. The instrument cluster liquid-crystal display (LCD) may invert the image on the screen upon vehicle startup, making the display illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Controls and Displays."
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe and Sonata vehicles equipped with 2.5L turbocharged engines. Fuel may leak at the pipe connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel rail.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021 Santa Fe vehicles equipped with 2.5-litre Turbo engines. The fuel pipe connecting the high pressure fuel pump to the fuel rail may not have been tightened properly.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021 Santa Fe vehicles. The Occupant Detection System (ODS) module may not deactivate the air bag upon detection of a child restraint system in the front passenger seat. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles. The Side Curtain Air Bag (SCAB) mounting bolts may interfere with and damage the air bags during deployment.
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2019-2024 Hyundai Santa Fe complaints?
Owners have filed 1,366 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019-2024 Hyundai Santa Fe. The systems they name most often are the engine, the transmission and the electrical system.
Is the 2019-2024 Hyundai Santa Fe a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 1,366 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019-2024 Hyundai Santa Fe. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2019-2024 Hyundai Santa Fe have?
NHTSA has 1,366 owner complaints on file for the 2019-2024 Hyundai Santa Fe as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2019-2024 Hyundai Santa Fe?
NHTSA lists 20 recalls covering some 2019-2024 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Hyundai Santa Fe?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the engine, the transmission and the electrical system, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Santa Fe?
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe received an overall 4-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (17.4% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard & Optional. Lane Departure Warning: Standard. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 1,366 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.