Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
The most-reported problem — Engine (45.2% of complaints) — was examined in a now-closed NHTSA investigation that closed with a recall campaign (23V877).
Engine complaints here are 3.6× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
2 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 4 rest on owner reports alone.
| Complaint category | Reports | Official status | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 273 · 45.2% | Investigation closed | DP22003 · EA21003 → recall 23V877 · PE19003 → recall 20V061000 · PE19003 → recall 20V121000 · PE19003 → recall 20V393000 · PE19003 → recall 20V520000 · PE19003 → recall 20V543000 · PE19003 → recall 20V746000 · PE19003 → recall 21V303000 · PE19003 → recall 21V727000 · DP18003 → recall 18V907000 · DP18003 → recall 18V934000 · DP18003 → recall 19V120000 · DP18003 → recall 19V204000 · RQ17004 → recall 17V226000 · RQ17004 → recall 19V063000 |
| Steering | 95 · 15.7% | No official action | — |
| Power Train | 51 · 8.4% | Recalled | Recall 13V355000 |
| Electrical System | 50 · 8.3% | Investigation closed | PE19003 → recall 20V061000 · PE19003 → recall 20V121000 · PE19003 → recall 20V393000 · PE19003 → recall 20V520000 · PE19003 → recall 20V543000 · PE19003 → recall 20V746000 · PE19003 → recall 21V303000 · PE19003 → recall 21V727000 · DP18003 → recall 18V907000 · DP18003 → recall 18V934000 · DP18003 → recall 19V120000 · DP18003 → recall 19V204000 |
| Service Brakes | 45 · 7.5% | Recalled | Recall 23V651000 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 32 · 5.3% | Investigation closed | PE19003 → recall 20V061000 · PE19003 → recall 20V121000 · PE19003 → recall 20V393000 · PE19003 → recall 20V520000 · PE19003 → recall 20V543000 · PE19003 → recall 20V746000 · PE19003 → recall 21V303000 · PE19003 → recall 21V727000 |
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 604 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
NHTSA campaign 17V358000 · 2017 · reported 06/05/2017
If the hood is not securely closed or the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 13V355000 · 2013 · reported 08/12/2013
A fractured front axle may result in a loss of power to the wheels. Additionally, if the vehicle is parked without the parking brake applied, it may roll away. Either condition increases the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 23V651000 · 2023 · reported 09/22/2023
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · Park outside · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ENGINE SEIZED AND…”NHTSA complaint 10629066 — filed 08/28/2014 · ENGINE
“AT 7606 MILES I TOOK MY 2013 SANTA FE SPORT 2.0T IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED A KNOCKING…”NHTSA complaint 10627091 — filed 08/21/2014 · ENGINE
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ENGINE LOCKED. THE…”NHTSA complaint 10615816 — filed 07/23/2014 · ENGINE
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 273 of 604 NHTSA complaints (45.2%), followed by steering (95), unspecified/other issues (56), power train (51). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
604 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 14 involved a crash, 41 involved a fire, and 13 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Yes — 3 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 17V358000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
2 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
