Problems · by component

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid engine problems

34 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid cite engine, 30% of all 112 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
34
30% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the engine

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“Vehicle intermittently fails to accelerate, usually happens after vehicle has been sitting 10 hours or longer. Had back to dealership 4 times, 3 times dealer was unable to reproduce concern. 4th visit dealer installed injectors, concern seemed to be gone for about 2 months but is back again.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 10, 2026Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11770365
“Driving vehicle on surface street, engine would not accelerate past 3000 RPM. No immediate codes or warnings, backed off gas pedal and went to accelerate again. This time many warnings illuminated. Second report from myself for same issue. Wife has had the vehicle in for same problem 4 times, last time was last week.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 8, 2026Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11769868
“The vehicle repeatedly loses motive power while being driven at highway speed. It slows even with the accelerator pressed to the floor, does not shift into higher gears, and drops to 40 to 50 mph. On [XXX], the vehicle lost power at highway speed while I was driving. I had to stop on the shoulder of the hwy. The vehicle could not be driven and was towed to the dealer. The dealer opened R.O. No. [XXX] on 9-3, recording mileage in of 23,595. It inspected the vehicle and confirmed the concern. It replaced the fuel rail pressure sensor (Part No. 35342-2M400) under warranty, confirmed a good idle with no codes, and performed a test drive of about three miles. The dealer reported the vehicle ready on 9-15-26; mileage out 23,596. On [XXX], within a few miles of picking up the vehicle after the first repair, the malfunction indicator lamp illuminated. We returned the vehicle to the dealer the same day; the dealer recorded the mileage in as 23,602. The MyHyundai app shows active Diagnostic Trouble Code P00BD00 (Mass or Volume Air Flow "A" Circuit Range/Performance — Air Flow Too High), powertrain system, recorded at 23,600 miles, with a listed date of [XXX]. The dealer…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 1, 2026Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11768315
“The primary component failure is within the hybrid powertrain control architecture, specifically involving the transmission control system or internal transmission clutches/modules (TCM/HEV control module). The vehicle utilizes a 6-speed automatic transmission integrated with an electric motor. During highway cruising, the transmission locks into a single gear ratio or a protective "limp mode," resulting in a total loss of normal acceleration despite high engine RPMs. The vehicle and its components are fully intact and available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of others were put at severe risk because the sudden, unexpected loss of acceleration occurred while traveling at highway speeds in active traffic. When the transmission locked and power cut out, the vehicle rapidly shed speed and dropped to a hazardous 20-35 mph on a high-speed roadway. This created an immediate, extreme risk of a high-speed rear-end collision from vehicles traveling behind me, forcing me to make defensive lane changes toward the shoulder without normal engine power to navigate safely. This happens without warning no notices or errors pop up when it happens. The…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 23, 2026Power train, Vehicle speed control, EngineODI 11766539
“While driving on a highway at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle abruptly suffered a catastrophic loss of power and entered "Limp Mode," creating a severe safety hazard on the roadway. The vehicle was safely maneuvered and pulled over to the side of the road. Upon shutting the vehicle down and attempting to restart it after a few minutes, the powertrain completely failed to engage, refusing to shift into either Drive or Reverse. The vehicle became entirely disabled and required a flatbed tow to the dealership. Dashboard Warning Messages: - "Transmission Control System" - "Check Hybrid System" Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): - P177700 (Transmission / Hybrid Powertrain Control Malfunction) - P178400 (Transmission Control System / Electric Oil Pump or Actuator Circuit Fault)”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 19, 2026Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11765583
“**What component or system failed, and is it available for inspection?** The vehicle's electrical/power system failed, causing a complete loss of power while driving. This is the fourth occurrence of this failure. The vehicle is currently at the Hyundai dealership and available for inspection. **How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?** The power failure occurred while driving on a busy road. The driver struggled to safely maneuver the vehicle (executing a U-turn) to get out of traffic and reach a safe location. The vehicle had to be towed as a result. **Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center?** The vehicle has been brought to the Hyundai dealership for this same issue four times. As of the most recent update, the dealership has not been able to identify the root cause or confirm a fix. **Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others?** The vehicle is currently with the Hyundai dealership (manufacturer-affiliated) for the fourth time for inspection related to this issue. No inspection by police or insurance has been reported. **Were…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 14, 2026Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11764110

Showing 6 of 34 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 12, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.