5 Hyundai Santa Fe Towing Problems & How to Fix Them

Short answer: The most common towing-related problems with the Hyundai Santa Fe are transmission overheating, electrical issues, suspension wear, and brake problems. These occur due to the strain towing places on the vehicle’s components, often exceeding their design limits.

The Hyundai Santa Fe is a popular midsize SUV known for its comfort, reliability, and versatility. However, like any vehicle, it can encounter problems, especially when used for towing.

Understanding these issues and knowing how to address them can help you maintain your Santa Fe in top condition.

Problem #1 Transmission Overheating

• What it is: Transmission overheating happens when the transmission fluid gets too hot, which can damage the system and reduce performance.
• Potential causes: Transmission overheating is typically caused by towing heavy loads that put extra strain on the system. Insufficient or poor-quality transmission fluid can worsen the problem by not adequately cooling the transmission. Additionally, a faulty transmission cooler might also not effectively dissipate heat, leading to overheating.
• Symptoms: Warning light on the dashboard, burning smell, slipping gears, delayed or rough shifting
• Potential fix: To address this issue, installing an auxiliary transmission cooler can help manage the extra heat generated during towing. Regular maintenance of transmission fluid levels and ensuring its quality is essential to prevent overheating. Using high-quality transmission fluid is also recommended. Be sure to avoid towing loads that exceed your vehicle’s towing capacity, as this can put undue strain on the transmission. According to Hyundai, Santa Fe vehicles have a towing capacity of a maximum of 3,500 pounds.

Problem #2 Electrical Issues

• What it is: Electrical issues arise when towing places extra demand on the vehicle’s electrical system, leading to problems like blown fuses or malfunctioning trailer lights.
• Potential causes: The additional electrical load from towing can overload the vehicle’s system, especially if the wiring is faulty or connections are worn. An inadequate trailer wiring harness may also fail to manage the increased electrical demand, causing frequent issues.
• Symptoms: Blown fuses, non-functioning trailer lights, intermittent electrical failures
• Potential fix: To prevent electrical issues, make sure the vehicle’s wiring is correctly installed and consider using a high-quality trailer wiring harness. Regular inspections of electrical connections for signs of wear and tear are also important to maintain the system’s integrity. If towing frequently causes electrical problems, upgrading the vehicle’s electrical system might be necessary to better handle the load.

Problem #3 Suspension Wear

• What it is: Suspension wear refers to the faster deterioration of suspension components due to the increased stress from towing heavy loads.
• Potential causes: The suspension system experiences extra strain when towing, especially if the vehicle is regularly hauling heavy loads or traveling on poor road conditions. If the suspension components are not designed for towing, they may wear out more quickly and fail to provide adequate support.
• Symptoms: Uneven tire wear, sagging rear end, poor handling and stability, noises from the suspension
• Potential fix: Upgrading to heavy-duty suspension components designed to handle towing can reduce the wear and tear on your suspension system. Regularly inspecting and maintaining the suspension is crucial for identifying early signs of wear. Additionally, using weight distribution hitches helps balance the load, reducing strain on the suspension.

Problem #4 Brake Issues

• What it is: Brake issues occur when the braking system is unable to manage the increased load from towing, leading to brake fade or failure.
• Potential causes: The added weight of a trailer puts more pressure on the braking system, causing it to overheat and wear out faster. Worn brake pads and rotors may not be sufficient to stop the vehicle safely, especially when towing. This increases the risk of brake failure, particularly when traveling downhill or in stop-and-go traffic.
• Symptoms: Reduced braking efficiency, longer stopping distances, squealing or grinding noises, brake warning light on the dashboard
• Potential fix: To avoid brake issues while towing, use trailer brakes to help share the braking load. Upgrading to high-performance brake pads and rotors can increase the braking power needed for towing. Regular maintenance, including checking for wear on the brake pads and rotors, is essential to ensure your brakes remain effective under heavier loads. Overall, Hyundai advises drivers against using a towing trailer with their Hyundai Santa Fe.

Problem #5 Cooling System Strain

• What it is: Cooling system strain happens when the engine’s cooling system cannot keep the engine at the optimal temperature while towing, leading to overheating.
• Potential causes: When towing, the engine generates more heat due to the added load. If the vehicle’s cooling capacity is insufficient or the radiator or cooling fan is faulty, the engine can overheat. Low coolant levels can also cause the cooling system to struggle to regulate the engine’s temperature effectively.
• Symptoms: Engine overheating, coolant temperature warning light, loss of engine power, coolant leaks
• Potential fix: To prevent cooling system strain, ensure that the cooling system is in good working condition, and consider upgrading to a larger radiator or adding an auxiliary cooling fan to help with heat dissipation. Regularly checking coolant levels and maintaining their quality can also help prevent the engine from overheating while towing.

Is There a Towing Recall for the Hyundai Santa Fe?

Yes, certain 2019-2023 Hyundai Santa Fe models, including the Santa Fe Hybrid and Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid, are subject to a towing recall.

The issue centers around the trailer tow hitch harness, which can develop an electrical short circuit, creating a potential fire hazard.

Owners of the affected vehicles are advised to park their cars outdoors and away from any structures until the necessary repairs are completed.

If you own a Hyundai Santa Fe, you should contact your local Hyundai dealership to confirm if your vehicle is impacted and to arrange any necessary repairs.

Who Pays for My Hyundai Santa Fe Towing Issues?

The cost of addressing towing-related issues with your Hyundai Santa Fe depends on several factors:

• Warranty Coverage: If your vehicle is still under the manufacturer’s warranty, Hyundai may cover the cost of towing-related repairs. Be sure to review the specifics of your warranty to determine what is included.
• Recall Repairs: If your towing issue is related to a recall, such as the recent one involving the trailer tow hitch harness, Hyundai will cover the necessary repairs at no cost to you. Contact your local Hyundai dealership to confirm if your vehicle is affected and schedule the repair.
• Extended Warranty or Service Contracts: If you have an extended warranty or service contract, it may provide coverage for towing-related repairs. Check the terms of your contract to see if these issues are included.
• Insurance: In some cases, your auto insurance policy may cover towing-related damage, especially if it results from an accident. Reach out to your insurance provider to verify whether this type of coverage is part of your policy.
• Out-of-Pocket Costs: If your vehicle is no longer under warranty and the issue isn’t covered by a recall or insurance, you may need to pay for the repairs yourself. It’s a good idea to obtain quotes from multiple repair shops to ensure a fair price.

If you’re uncertain about your coverage, contact your Hyundai dealership or insurance provider to get a clear understanding of what costs you may be responsible for.

How a Lemon Law Attorney Can Assist

If you’ve been dealing with persistent towing-related problems with your Hyundai Santa Fe and haven’t been able to find a resolution through your dealership or the manufacturer, it may be time to explore your legal options.

A skilled lemon law attorney can assist you in pursuing compensation, a replacement vehicle, or even a refund if your vehicle qualifies as a lemon under the law.

For owners of vehicles facing recurring issues, our Lemon Law Experts are here to provide the guidance you need.

Since 2009, we’ve helped clients navigate their legal options, offering effective solutions to a wide range of vehicle-related problems.

We have successfully handled numerous lemon law cases, including those involving Hyundai vehicles.

Contact our Lemon Law Experts today to see how we can assist you with the towing issues affecting your Hyundai Santa Fe.