2026 Hyundai Santa FE Problems
Compared with other Hyundai Santa FE years
Too new to compare
- Model years are compared once their first three years of complaints are in; the 2026 can be compared from 2029.
- Most reported part: Other or unknown (10 complaints).
- 4 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with a typical complaint level and no open NHTSA investigation: 2023
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 37filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 5,100miles, 3 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- Too newThis model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 24 mpgcombined, 2.5L 4-cyl FWD · 20 city / 29 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2026 Hyundai Santa FE (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 37 consumer complaints for the 2026 Hyundai Santa FE. The part named most often is other or unknown, with 10 complaints (27% of the total), followed by electrical system (5) and forward collision avoidance (5). 3 of the complaints include a mileage, and 100% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 5,100 miles. Of all complaints, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 13 technical service bulletins for this model year. Electrical system complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign and 3 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Other or unknown10 27%
- Electrical system5 14%
- Seats5 14%
- Tires4 11%
- Vehicle speed control3 8.1%
- Engine2 5.4%
- Lane departure2 5.4%
Also reported: Steering (2), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (1), Brakes (1), Equipment (1), Fuel system (1), Seat belts (1), Suspension (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Other or unknown: “Over the past month, on two occasions my vehicle has emitted gasoline fumes filling my garage, and today my interior cabin smelled like gasoline. Additionally, after warming up, my vehicle experiences acceleration drop/stuttering when accelerating after idling. This happens every day. I took the car to two dealerships (San Tan Hyundai and Chapman Hyundai Scottsdale) and they weren’t able to diagnose the issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11754586, filed 2026-08Electrical system: “What component malfunctioned...? - Electrical system (suspected) How was safety put at risk? - We were unaware if the dashboard instruments were reading correctly. We also couldn't lock/unlock the doors or open/close the windows. The tailgate would also not open. Has problem been reproduced? - Not yet - plan to have the service center inspect. Has vehicle been inspected by the manufacturer? - No Were there warning messages or symptoms? - Yes, when the issue occurred. The vehicle reported 13 warnings/alerts. …”
NHTSA complaint #11735486, filed 2026-05Forward collision avoidance: “I engaged the adaptive cruise control at 50 MPH. This enabled the driver attention system which I had turned off at the start of my drive. The driver attention system is unable to see my eyes through my prescription corrective lenses. This caused the Hyundai to throw multiple 'failure to control vehicle/failure to watch road' warnings over the course of a few seconds; culminating with the system trying to stop the car in heavy traffic.”
NHTSA complaint #11708117, filed 2025-12Seats: “vehicle unable to determine when a passenger is seated with seatbelt fastened in 2nd row captains chairs and the ‘one-touch’ tilt-and-slide button is pressed. The seat will keep folding and crushing the passenger. This is a known issue with the Hyundai Palisade at this time and is affecting my vehicle as well. Please have Hyundai issue a recall immediately. My teenage son was in the seat at the time this happened.”
NHTSA complaint #11726318, filed 2026-03Mileage when problems were reported
100% of the 3 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 174 and 12,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
This model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2026 Hyundai Santa FE. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa FE · SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 17.4% risk |
| Santa FE · SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 18.5% risk |
Neighbouring years: 2025: 4 stars overall. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2026 Hyundai Santa FE version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Santa Fe AWD XRT | 2.5L 4-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 19 | 25 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Santa Fe FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 20 | 29 | 24 | $2,800 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 26V218000Apr 6, 2026Seat belts › Front › AnchorageCovers: Hyundai Santa FE 2024–2026, Genesis G90 2023–2026, Hyundai Ioniq 6 2023–2025 +1 more
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.
- 26V047000Jan 26, 2026Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panelCovers: Hyundai Santa FE 2026, Tucson Hybrid 2025–2026, Tucson Plug-In Hybrid 2025–2026 +9 more
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Tucson Hybrid, Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), 2026 IONIQ 5, Santa Cruz, Kona, Palisade, Palisade Hybrid, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Hybrid, Sonata, Sonata Hybrid, and Tucson vehicles. Due to a…
- 25V809000Nov 20, 2025Air bags › Side/window › CurtainCovers: Hyundai Santa FE 2025–2026, Santa Cruz 2025–2026, Santa FE Hybrid 2025–2026 +2 more
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…
- 25V549000Aug 25, 2025Engine and engine cooling › Critical fastenersCovers: Hyundai Santa FE 2025–2026, Tucson 2025–2026
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.
Recall details for the 2026 Hyundai Santa FE → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 13 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11038798Oct 27, 2026Electrical system. This bulletin provides information related to the navigation and head unit software changes introduced in the 2026 2nd Navigation Map and Software Update. The changes may vary depending on vehicle…
- 11038722Oct 15, 2026Back-over prevention (rear camera). Some Hyundai vehicles may be equipped with a parking distance warning (PDW) sensor(s) that may trigger various DTCs and display warning messages on the instrument cluster, resulting in the PDW…
- 11038458Oct 8, 2026Engine. Some vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin outlines the combustion chamber cleaning procedure for vehicles…
- 11038456Oct 7, 2026Engine. Certain vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin provides the inspection and repair procedures for vehicles…
- 11036624Aug 22, 2026Electrical system. Some Santa Fe (MX5A) and Santa Fe Hybrid (MX5A HEV) vehicles may exhibit a 12-volt battery drain due to the passive entry feature of the Digital Key 2 premium causing repeated wakeup of the vehicle…
- 11033837Jun 2, 2026Seats. Some Santa Fe (MX5A) and Santa Fe Hybrid (MX5A HEV) vehicles equipped with power seats with or without Integrated Memory System (IMS) may produce buzz, squeak, rattle noises when the driver’s front…
- 11033698May 19, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. Some Santa Fe (MX5A) and Santa Cruz (NXT) vehicles may exhibit a low idle or excessive vibration while in Drive or Reverse, or DTC P050600 (Idle Air Control System – RPM Lower than Expected) caused…
- 11032523Apr 10, 2026Air bags. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified the presence of substandard and dangerous driver’s-side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile…
- 11032522Apr 10, 2026Air bags. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent safety advisory regarding dangerous, counterfeit driver‑side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo…
- 11031315Apr 8, 2026Electrical system. Some vehicles may exhibit a loss of connectivity or interruptions in the middle of using Bluelink functions. This may be due to an occasional disconnection on Verizon’s communication network. Follow…
Other model years of the Hyundai Santa FE
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 37 | 5,100 | 4 | 5 | 24 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2025 | 137 | 10,024 | 5 | 4 | 24 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 156 | 13,500 | 7 | 4 | 24 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 214 | 9,300 | 1 | 5 | 26 | 59 · Typical | Too new |
| 2022 | 202 | 17,500 | 5 | 5 | 26 | 77 · More | Rising |
| 2021 | 168 | 20,500 | 7 | 5 | 26 | 76 · More | Stable |
| 2020 | 218 | 15,000 | 2 | 5 | 25 | 54 · Typical | Rising |
| 2019 | 203 | 10,000 | 2 | 5 | 25 | 47 · Typical | Rising |
| 2018 | 110 | 21,900 | 2 | 5 | 21 | 7 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2017 | 972 | 19,554 | 6 | — | 21 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2016 | 236 | 61,150 | 3 | — | 21 | 17 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2015 | 255 | 63,090 | 2 | — | 21 | 14 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2014 | 493 | 60,000 | 3 | — | 21 | 53 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 605 | 55,135 | 3 | — | 21 | 72 · More | Falling |
| 2012 | 355 | 71,348 | 1 | 3 | 22 | 45 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 181 | 44,100 | 2 | — | 22 | 28 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2010 | 260 | 41,500 | 2 | — | 23 | 44 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 359 | 77,000 | 2 | — | 20 | 40 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 541 | 73,668 | 4 | — | 20 | 56 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 684 | 74,015 | 7 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 106 | 62,141 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 216 | 79,500 | 3 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 303 | 72,500 | 3 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 308 | 80,000 | 4 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 165 | 104,500 | 4 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 209 | 102,954 | 4 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Hyundai Santa FE model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2026 Hyundai Santa FE have?
NHTSA recorded 37 consumer complaints for the 2026 Hyundai Santa FE as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2026 Hyundai Santa FE is reported most often?
Other or unknown is named most often, in 10 complaints (27% of the total), followed by electrical system with 5.
Has the 2026 Hyundai Santa FE been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2026 Hyundai Santa FE do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2026 Hyundai Santa FE 5 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2026 Hyundai Santa FE get?
The EPA rates the 2026 Hyundai Santa FE (Santa Fe FWD, 2.5L 4-cyl) at 24 mpg combined, 20 city and 29 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,800 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2026 Hyundai Santa FE reported?
Among the 3 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 5,100 miles and the middle half falls between 174 and 12,000 miles; 100% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.