NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 59 owner complaints for the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid. Most complaints involve engine (25) and electrical system (15). The EPA rates it 32–34 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“I am filing this complaint regarding an EGR valve failure in my 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, VIN [XXX]. My vehicle experienced an EGR valve malfunction at approximately 93,500 miles. The Hyundai dealership diagnosed the EGR valve with an internal fault and replaced it. I had to pay approximately $1,700 out of pocket because Hyundai declined warranty assistance based on the vehicle's mileage. My vehicle is also associated with Hyundai Service Campaign 9C7, which addresses improvements to the Engine Control Module (ECM) software related to EGR system operation. I understand that Campaign 9C7 involves a software update rather than automatic EGR valve replacement. However, Hyundai's Technical Service Bulletin 26-01-081H identifies excessive condensation accumulation within the EGR system and potential EGR valve corrosion as known concerns. I am concerned that my EGR valve failure may be related to the same underlying condition identified by Hyundai. Although the ECM software update had previously been completed, the mechanical EGR valve subsequently failed. I contacted Hyundai Motor America requesting reimbursement for the repair expenses. Hyundai denied my…”
“The vehicle came to a complete stop filling cabin with smoke and wouldnt start in a bend on road blocking entrance ramp. Its available for inspection but at dealership. My safety was put at risk for collision as well as health with cabin filling with smoke. The dealer still has vehicle going on 3rd day without answers. The vehicle had warning come on for hybrid system failure appearing shortly before dying completely with smoke filling cabin.”
“I am reporting an URGENT REQUEST IMMEDIATE ACTION REGARDING A SERIOUS UNRESOLVED, RECURRING PUBLIC SAFETY ISSUE WITH MY VEHICLE. IT IS POTENTIALLY THE FAULT OF ALEXANDRIA HYUNDAI'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT (in Alexandria, VA) WHO HAD JUST SERVICED MY VEHICLE FOR WHAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN A ROUTINE SERVICING (on May 7). My car had a catastrophic and complete failure on a high speed highway (the car quickly decelerated) which represented an incredibly danger situation for myself and other drivers on the road. My car was purchased in 2023 and has 15,241 miles. It has been perfectly maintained. On [XXX], I was returning to my home in Virginia from Maryland on an 8 lane highway with a 55mph speed limit when I had a very dangerous complete failure of my car. Simultaneously, the car started bucking back, the speed was decelerating regardless of my pressing the accelerator to keep my speed the same as traffic, and I received a flashing large red message that said "CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM - STOP SAFELY." Fortunately I was in the far right lane and was able to veer it over to a narrow shoulder. It was 8pm and getting dark. After a short while, the car lost all power so I was on a…”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe Hybrid Blue Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 36 | 31 | 34 | $1,750 | 264 |
| Santa Fe Hybrid Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 33 | 30 | 32 | $1,900 | 283 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
1 safety recall as of Nov 14, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 59 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (25), electrical system (15), power train (15). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid at 32–34 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid 5 out of 5 stars overall.