Legally reviewed by: Jessica Anvar Stotz, JD, MBA
Common problems: The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe has faced several issues, including electrical system, service brake, body/paint and engine problems.
Notably, some of these issues have led to a significant recall due to a fire risk involving the tow hitch harness.
This recall is identified under NHTSA Campaign Number 23V-181. Hyundai has urged affected owners to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the necessary repairs are completed.
If you’re experiencing issues with your 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe or considering purchasing one, keep reading for detailed information on common problems and the recall.
Staying informed about these issues can help ensure your vehicle’s safety and reliability.
Common 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Problems
- Service Brakes: Strange Brake Noises; Reduced Brake Performance; Unexpected Auto Braking; Defective Brake Sensors; Diagnostic Codes
- Body/Paint: Poor Quality of Paint & Bodywork; Chipping; Peeling; Creaking Noises from Rear of Vehicle
- Electrical System: Defective Sensors; Warning Lights; Limp Mode Activation; Car Refusing to Switch from EV Mode to Gas Mode;
- Engine: RPM Dropping; Hesitation/Delay when Accelerating; Unexpected Engine Shutdown; Extended Crank Times; Vehicle Going into Limp Mode
Having Vehicle Problems?
Submit the form below to see if your vehicle qualifies for a lemon law claim.
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Service Brakes Problems
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe has been the subject of numerous complaints regarding its braking system, with drivers reporting issues that could compromise safety.
One of the most alarming problems involves the automatic braking system, which some owners claim activates without any clear reason.
This issue has occurred even when no obstacles were present, posing a significant danger, especially at highway speeds.
Another issue involves the emergency brake light suddenly illuminating while driving. In some cases, this has caused the vehicle to come to an abrupt stop, creating hazardous situations for the driver and other vehicles on the road.
Drivers have also reported dashboard warning lights related to the braking system. These warnings often indicate underlying mechanical or electronic problems that require immediate attention.
If you are experiencing any of these problems with your 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, it’s crucial to have your vehicle inspected by a certified technician or contact your dealer for assistance.
Prompt action can help address these safety concerns and potentially prevent accidents.
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Body/Paint Problems
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe has also drawn complaints regarding the quality of its body and paint, with some issues affecting the vehicle’s appearance and durability.
One frequent complaint involves paint peeling, particularly on models with white finishes. Owners have noted that the paint tends to peel off in patches, which may be due to improper application during the manufacturing process.
This not only detracts from the vehicle’s aesthetics but can also reduce its resale value.
Another commonly reported issue is creaking noises coming from the rear of the vehicle. These noises are often noticed at speeds ranging from 60 to 70 mph, leading some to suspect structural or assembly defects.
If you are dealing with any of these issues, it is advisable to contact your dealer or a trusted repair professional.
Hyundai has addressed similar concerns through recalls and warranty programs in the past, so it’s worth verifying if your vehicle qualifies for any such assistance.
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Electrical System Problems
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe has encountered several electrical system issues that could impact safety and performance.
One of the most reported problems involves limp mode activation, where the vehicle’s power is significantly reduced, limiting its speed to around 30 mph. This issue can create challenging situations, especially during highway driving.
Hybrid models have also faced system issues, with some vehicles refusing to switch from EV mode back to gas mode.
This malfunction can lead to the hybrid battery depleting entirely, leaving the vehicle without power.
Another safety concern is unexpected braking, where the vehicle brakes suddenly without any clear reason, increasing the risk of accidents.
Additionally, some owners have observed diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) appearing on their dashboards. These codes, often related to the chassis or lane-keeping assist system, may indicate deeper electrical issues requiring attention.
In March 2023, Hyundai issued a recall under NHTSA Campaign Number 23V-181, addressing a fire risk associated with the tow hitch harness in certain Santa Fe models.
The issue involves water accumulating on the tow hitch harness module’s printed circuit board (PCB), potentially causing an electrical short that could result in a fire, whether the vehicle is parked or in motion.
Hyundai has advised owners to park these vehicles outside and away from structures until the necessary repairs are completed. The remedy includes installing a new fuse and wire extension kit at Hyundai dealerships free of charge.
For more information, owners can contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460 and reference recall number 244.
They can also reach out to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or visit www.nhtsa.gov.
If you own a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe and experience any of these electrical system issues, it is crucial to have your vehicle inspected by a certified professional. Some problems may be resolved through recalls or service bulletins, ensuring your vehicle operates safely
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Engine Problems
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe has been linked to several engine-related issues that have raised concerns among owners.
These problems can affect the vehicle’s performance and safety, making prompt attention necessary for affected drivers.
One of the most commonly reported issues involves hesitation or delay when accelerating, where drivers experience a noticeable lag in response.
This delay can be particularly unsettling in situations requiring quick acceleration, such as merging onto highways or overtaking.
Another critical issue is the unexpected engine shutdown while driving. Instances of the engine stalling unexpectedly pose a serious safety risk, especially on busy roads or during high-speed travel.
Some owners have also reported extended crank times, where the engine takes longer than usual to start. This issue can indicate underlying mechanical or electronic malfunctions.
Additionally, the vehicle may enter limp mode, a safety feature that reduces engine power and speed to prevent potential damage.
While limp mode can protect the engine, it often leaves drivers with limited control and performance, which can be inconvenient or dangerous in certain conditions.
If you own or are considering purchasing a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, it is essential to stay informed about these potential engine problems.
Contacting your dealer for diagnosis, available fixes, or recall information is recommended to address these concerns effectively.
Complaints for the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe
“While travelling at highway speed, attempted to accelerate to pass slow traffic. Rather than accelerating, the car hunted for a gear, and wouldn’t shift properly. The car downshifted but engine would not go beyond 4000 RPM and speed remained the same. This has happened multiple times. By unexpectedly not accelerating, this created a risky situation by not allowing car to pass slower traffic as expected creating a potentially dangerous situation. (Video of one of the instances exists). No warning lamps, messages or symptoms occurred up to that point.”
“Windshield wiper in auto mode. Sometimes wipers turn on automatically in bright sunny days with nothing on windshield. When it rains, sometimes automatic wipers will not activate until windshield is completely covered with rain, and visibility is greatly reduced. Sensitivity adjustment has zero effect.”
“The only reason I gave this review a one star is that I am totally disappointed with the horrible vibration issues….I’m the 1 month owner of this 2023 vehicle and I have been back to the dealer 4 times….they have replaced tires..another front end alignment…another balancing of tires. .and test drove another brand new one…and still had the same vibration Issues….it is even worse for anyone sitting in the rear of the vehicle.”
Advocating Your Rights When Repairs Fail
If your 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe experiences recurring problems that affect its performance, reliability, or safety while under warranty, you may be entitled to protections under the Lemon Law.
This law is designed to assist consumers dealing with vehicles that fail to meet quality and performance standards despite multiple repair attempts.
To qualify under the Lemon Law, your Santa Fe must have undergone several repair attempts for the same issue or had a significant defect that compromises its use, value, or safety.
While the exact definition of “reasonable” repair attempts can vary, it typically means at least three to four attempts for the same problem or an extended period during which the vehicle remains out of service.
If your Santa Fe meets these requirements, you might be eligible for a refund, replacement vehicle, or financial compensation.
However, manufacturers may deduct a usage fee for the time your vehicle was operational and issue-free.
Should you receive a replacement vehicle, you may need to cover any price difference between your original Santa Fe and the replacement model.
For owners dealing with persistent issues, make sure to keep detailed records of all repair attempts and communication with your dealer or Hyundai.
These documents will help demonstrate that your Santa Fe qualifies as a lemon and support your case for a fair resolution.
Let the Lemon Law Experts Guide You to Success!
If your 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe is facing ongoing issues, seeking the guidance of experienced legal professionals could be the solution you need.
With over 15 years of experience, the Lemon Law Experts have successfully assisted thousands of clients in obtaining favorable outcomes for defective vehicles since 2009.
We specialize in lemon law and warranty violations, offering personalized legal support tailored to the specifics of your case.
For a free, no-obligation consultation, contact the Lemon Law Experts at (877) 885-5366 or fill out our online form.
Let us help you resolve your vehicle issues and secure the compensation or lemon law resolution you deserve.
